AKAP4, SPAG9 and NY-ESO-1 in Iranian colorectal cancer patients as probable diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers

Background and objectives: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common gastrointestinal cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in women in the world. Cancer-Testis Antigens (CTAs) are a group of tumor-associated proteins which typically are expressed in normal reproductive cells of men, but their expression in normal somatic cells is silenced. CTAs, due to their limited expression pattern, are considered as promising targets for cancer diagnosis and immuno-therapy. Methods: Expression of AKAP4, SPAG9 and CTAG1B genes from the CTAs family was studied in both tumor and normal tissues of 62 Iranian CRC patients by RT-PCR with the aim of finding biomarkers for early detection and anticipated progression. Statistical analysis was performed SPSS software V22.0 to assess the significance of any associations. Results: Elevated expression of SPAG9 and AKAP4 genes was observed in approximately 66 and 44 of tumours, respectively, as compared to adjacent non-cancerous tissues. While a significant association was found between AKAP4 gene expression and metastasis (P-value: 0.045), expression of the CTAG1B (NY-ESO-1) gene was not observed in our cases. Conclusion: AKAP4 and SPAG9 genes may find use as diagnostic biomarkers for CRC and AKAP4 may play an important role in progression to metastasis. © 2018, Asian Pacific Organization for Cancer Prevention

AKAP4, SPAG9 and NY-ESO-1 in Iranian colorectal cancer patients as probable diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers

Background and objectives: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common gastrointestinal cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in women in the world. Cancer-Testis Antigens (CTAs) are a group of tumor-associated proteins which typically are expressed in normal reproductive cells of men, but their expression in normal somatic cells is silenced. CTAs, due to their limited expression pattern, are considered as promising targets for cancer diagnosis and immuno-therapy. Methods: Expression of AKAP4, SPAG9 and CTAG1B genes from the CTAs family was studied in both tumor and normal tissues of 62 Iranian CRC patients by RT-PCR with the aim of finding biomarkers for early detection and anticipated progression. Statistical analysis was performed SPSS software V22.0 to assess the significance of any associations. Results: Elevated expression of SPAG9 and AKAP4 genes was observed in approximately 66 and 44 of tumours, respectively, as compared to adjacent non-cancerous tissues. While a significant association was found between AKAP4 gene expression and metastasis (P-value: 0.045), expression of the CTAG1B (NY-ESO-1) gene was not observed in our cases. Conclusion: AKAP4 and SPAG9 genes may find use as diagnostic biomarkers for CRC and AKAP4 may play an important role in progression to metastasis. © 2018, Asian Pacific Organization for Cancer Prevention

Study of critical properties in B-spinel ZnxCd1-xCr2Se4 (0.35 ≤ x ≤ 0.58)

The critical behaviour of the B-spinel ZnxCd1-xCr2Se4 systems is studied in the concentration range 0.35≤x≤0.58. The mean field theory and the ferromagnetic spin-wave theory at low temperatures are combined to calculate the exchange integrals up to the third nearest neighbours. The ferromagnetic critical region is studied by the high-temperature series expansion (H.T.S.) extrapolated with the Padé (P.A) approximants method. The critical temperatures T c and the critical exponents associated with the magnetic susceptibility (γ) and the correlation length (ν) are estimated. The obtained values of T c are in good agreement with those obtained by magnetic measurements. The values of γ and ν are sensitive to the dilution ratio x. For the compounds situated in the ferromagnetic region ( 0.35≤x≤0.41), they are close to those of 3D Heisenberg model. For the compounds presenting re-entrant behaviour ( 0.41≤x≤0.58 ), γ and ν deviate slowly from those of this model and approach the values found in re-entrant systems.The critical behaviour of the B-spinel ZnxCd1-xCr2Se4 systems is studied in the concentration range 0.35≤x≤0.58. The mean field theory and the ferromagnetic spin-wave theory at low temperatures are combined to calculate the exchange integrals up to the third nearest neighbours. The ferromagnetic critical region is studied by the high-temperature series expansion (H.T.S.) extrapolated with the Padé (P.A) approximants method. The critical temperatures T c and the critical exponents associated with the magnetic susceptibility (γ) and the correlation length (ν) are estimated. The obtained values of T c are in good agreement with those obtained by magnetic measurements. The values of γ and ν are sensitive to the dilution ratio x. For the compounds situated in the ferromagnetic region ( 0.35≤x≤0.41), they are close to those of 3D Heisenberg model. For the compounds presenting re-entrant behaviour ( 0.41≤x≤0.58 ), γ and ν deviate slowly from those of this model and approach the values found in re-entrant systems

Study of Magnetic Superexchange in diluted Systems Znx Cd1-xCr2Se4 ( 0.35 ≤ x ≤ 0.58 )

The effects of cationic substitutions at different concentrations within the lattice Znx Cd1-xCr2Se4 (0.35≤x≤0.58) on the electronic transfer in chromium ions are investigated. For this propose, after taking into account the exchange integrals, we use the Anderson’s-Kanamori theory of superexchange to determine the transfer integrals bσσ and bπσ . With the use of the conventional molecular orbital model the covalency-mixing parameters, λσ and λπ, the electron spin transfer coefficients, ƒ i (i=σ, π, s ), and the total charge, C, transferred from ligand to the chromium ions, are evaluated. The variation of bσσ and bσπ with x agree with the passage of the system from ferromagnetic to antiferromagnetic order. For the compound presenting re-entrant behaviour (0.45≤x≤0.58), f s exhibits anomalous. The increasing in C with x is consistent with the expected decrease in covalency of the non magnetic cation in tetrahedral site.The effects of cationic substitutions at different concentrations within the lattice Znx Cd1-xCr2Se4 (0.35≤x≤0.58) on the electronic transfer in chromium ions are investigated. For this propose, after taking into account the exchange integrals, we use the Anderson’s-Kanamori theory of superexchange to determine the transfer integrals bσσ and bπσ . With the use of the conventional molecular orbital model the covalency-mixing parameters, λσ and λπ, the electron spin transfer coefficients, ƒ i (i=σ, π, s ), and the total charge, C, transferred from ligand to the chromium ions, are evaluated. The variation of bσσ and bσπ with x agree with the passage of the system from ferromagnetic to antiferromagnetic order. For the compound presenting re-entrant behaviour (0.45≤x≤0.58), f s exhibits anomalous. The increasing in C with x is consistent with the expected decrease in covalency of the non magnetic cation in tetrahedral site

Prognostic value of FBXO39 and ETS-1 but not BMI-1 in Iranian colorectal cancer patients

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide. Despite recent progress in diagnosis and treatment, it remains a major health problem and further studies are needed. We here investigated expression profiles of the FBXO39, ETS-1 and BMI-1 genes in CRCs to validate any possible diagnostic/prognostic significance. Material and Methods: Thirty six patients with locally advanced CRC admitted to Hazrate-Rasoul Hospital-Tehran were enrolled. Initially the expression pattern of FBXO39, ETS-1 and BMI-1 genes were determined using RT-PCR in CRC tumor and adjacent normal tissues then real-time RT-PCR was employed to quantify BMI-1 gene expression. Results: FBXO39 expression was restricted to tumor tissues. Interestingly, expression of this gene was detected in all stage-0 tumor samples. There was a significant relation between FBXO39 gene expression and lymph node involvement. The ETS-1 gene was expressed in 66 of all tumor tissues with p-value=0.03 for increase as compared to the adjacent normal samples. In addition, there was a significant relation between ETS-1 gene expression and tumor size and lymph node involvement. RT-PCR demonstrated BMI-1 gene expression in both tumor and normal tissues and quantification by real-time RT-PCR showed no association between BMI-1 levels and CRC clinicopathological features. Conclusion: Expression of FBXO39 and ETS-1 with lymph node involvement may be considered as an alarm for the occurrence of CRC metastasis, and therfore have prognostic value while BMI-1 appears without importance. © 2018 Asian Pacific Organization for Cancer Prevention

Prognostic value of FBXO39 and ETS-1 but not BMI-1 in Iranian colorectal cancer patients

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide. Despite recent progress in diagnosis and treatment, it remains a major health problem and further studies are needed. We here investigated expression profiles of the FBXO39, ETS-1 and BMI-1 genes in CRCs to validate any possible diagnostic/prognostic significance. Material and Methods: Thirty six patients with locally advanced CRC admitted to Hazrate-Rasoul Hospital-Tehran were enrolled. Initially the expression pattern of FBXO39, ETS-1 and BMI-1 genes were determined using RT-PCR in CRC tumor and adjacent normal tissues then real-time RT-PCR was employed to quantify BMI-1 gene expression. Results: FBXO39 expression was restricted to tumor tissues. Interestingly, expression of this gene was detected in all stage-0 tumor samples. There was a significant relation between FBXO39 gene expression and lymph node involvement. The ETS-1 gene was expressed in 66 of all tumor tissues with p-value=0.03 for increase as compared to the adjacent normal samples. In addition, there was a significant relation between ETS-1 gene expression and tumor size and lymph node involvement. RT-PCR demonstrated BMI-1 gene expression in both tumor and normal tissues and quantification by real-time RT-PCR showed no association between BMI-1 levels and CRC clinicopathological features. Conclusion: Expression of FBXO39 and ETS-1 with lymph node involvement may be considered as an alarm for the occurrence of CRC metastasis, and therfore have prognostic value while BMI-1 appears without importance. © 2018 Asian Pacific Organization for Cancer Prevention

Using web and mobile phone technologies to collect food market prices in Africa. Approaching real-time data and use of crowdsourcing, 2013 - 2016

Large agricultural commodity price swings observed in recent years have made the importance of accessible, timely, accurate and frequently updated price data more obvious. This study investigates the potential of innovative web and mobile phone technologies and alternative data collection methods such as crowdsourcing in order to collect food price data in Africa. The report summarises these experiences through the lessons learned and provides a detailed overview and assessment of different aspects of the collected data that can be of help for the success of future food price collection exercises.JRC.D.4-Economics of Agricultur

Conversion of Uric Acid into Ammonium in Oil-Degrading Marine Microbial Communities: a Possible Role of Halomonads

Uric acid is a promising hydrophobic nitrogen source for biostimulation of microbial activities in oil-impacted marine environments. This study investigated metabolic processes and microbial community changes in a series of microcosms using sediment from the Mediterranean and the Red Sea amended with ammonium and uric acid. Respiration, emulsification, ammonium and protein concentration measurements suggested a rapid production of ammonium from uric acid accompanied by the development of microbial communities containing hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria after 3 weeks of incubation. About 80 % of uric acid was converted to ammonium within the first few days of the experiment. Microbial population dynamics were investigated by Ribosomal Intergenic Spacer Analysis and Illumina sequencing as well as by culture-based techniques. Resulting data indicated that strains related to Halomonas spp. converted uric acid into ammonium, which stimulated growth of microbial consortia dominated by Alcanivorax spp. and Pseudomonas spp. Several strains of Halomonas spp. were isolated on uric acid as the sole carbon source showed location specificity. These results point towards a possible role of halomonads in the conversion of uric acid to ammonium utilized by hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria

Chemoradiotherapy with or without consolidation chemotherapy using cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil in anal squamous cell carcinoma: long-term results in 31 patients

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The objectives of this study were to evaluate long-term results of concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) with 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin and the potential benefit of consolidation chemotherapy in patients with anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Between January 1995 and February 2006, 31 patients with ASCC were treated with CRT. Radiotherapy was administered at 45 Gy over 5 weeks, followed by a boost of 9 Gy to complete or partial responders. Chemotherapy consisted of 5-fluorouracil (750 or 1,000 mg/m²) daily on days 1 to 5 and days 29 to 33; and, cisplatin (75 or 100 mg/m²) on day 2 and day 30. Twelve patients had T3–4 disease, whereas 18 patients presented with lymphadenopathy. Twenty-one (67.7%) received consolidation chemotherapy with the same doses of 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin, repeated every 4 weeks for maximum 4 cycles.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Nineteen patients (90.5%) completed all four courses of consolidation chemotherapy. After CRT, 28 patients showed complete responses, while 3 showed partial responses. After a median follow-up period of 72 months, the 5-year overall, disease-free, and colostomy-free survival rates were 84.7%, 82.9% and 96.6%, demonstrating that CRT with 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin yields a good outcome in terms of survival and sphincter preservation. No differences in 5-year OS and DFS rates between patients treated with CRT alone and CRT with consolidation chemotherapy was observed.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>our study shows that CRT with 5-FU and cisplatin, with or without consolidation chemotherapy, was well tolerated and proved highly encouraging in terms of long-term survival and the preservation of anal function in ASCC. Further trials with a larger patient population are warranted in order to evaluate the potential role of consolidation chemotherapy.</p