Histiocytosis x: Recurrent isolated mandibular lesion (case report)

Histiocytosis X usually affects children and adolescents. In our case, a 54-year-old woman was admitted to hospital for evaluating and treatment of an isolated, painless swelling of the left side of the mandible. Orthopanthomogram showed a cystic formation located on the left side of the mandibular body. Radiographs of the scull and body showed no pathologic changes. Laboratory findings did not reveal any abnormality. Surgical enucleation of the mandibular cystic lesion was performed and histopathological analysis confirmed the presence of histiocytosis X. One year after the first operation a relapse formation was found and surgically removed. Resection of the left side of the mandibular body was performed immediately followed by reconstruction of the mandibular defect with free osseos graft taken from the iliac crest. All follow-ups in the period of three years after the second operation showed no sign of relapse

Predictive parameters functioning arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis in the elderly

© 2019, University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Science. All rights reserved. Elderly patients with end stage kidney disease represent a challenge for surgeons to create a vascular access. Determine predictive parameters functionality of the arteriovenous fistulas for hemodialysis in the elderly. The study was organized as a retrospective study at the Center for Dialysis, Clinic for Urology and Nephrology, Clinical Center Kragujevac. The study included patients older than 65 years with arteriovenous fistula thrombosis, in the period of four years, in which there is information on the length of the functioning fistula. The study included 48 patients, mean age 71.3±5.2 years, 29 (60%) men and 19 (40%) women. The data were analyzed according to gender and demographic structure, type of anastomosis, positioning, length of functioning fistulas, and the lumen diameter of the arteries and veins that are used to create a fistula. The median length of functioning arteriovenous fistula, based on Kaplan-Meier model, is 16 months (95% CI 6.9- 25.1). Median functioning for proximaly located fistulas was 24 months (range, 1-259), while median functioning in patient with distally located fistulas was 8 months (range, 1-96). The difference in relation to the positioning of the fistula was statistically significant (p=0.006). In univariate Cox regression model, a statistically significant predictor of the functioning of arteriovenous fistulae is fistula positioning (B=0.700; p=0.022). The predictive parameter of survival of arteriovenous fistulas in elderly is proximally located fistula

Multiple Roles of the RUNX Gene Family in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Their Potential Clinical Implications

: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most frequent cancers in humans, characterised by a high resistance to conventional chemotherapy, late diagnosis, and a high mortality rate. It is necessary to elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in hepatocarcinogenesis to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes. The Runt-related (RUNX) family of transcription factors (RUNX1, RUNX2, and RUNX3) participates in cardinal biological processes and plays paramount roles in the pathogenesis of numerous human malignancies. Their role is often controversial as they can act as oncogenes or tumour suppressors and depends on cellular context. Evidence shows that deregulated RUNX genes may be involved in hepatocarcinogenesis from the earliest to the latest stages. In this review, we summarise the topical evidence on the roles of RUNX gene family members in HCC. We discuss their possible application as non-invasive molecular markers for early diagnosis, prognosis, and development of novel treatment strategies in HCC patients

RASSF1A and p16 promoter methylation and treatment response in chronic hepatitis C genotype 1b patients treated with pegylated interferon/ribavirin

Prevention of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and its complications is based on antiviral therapy and early detection of reliable molecular markers in persons under risk. We investigated whether the methylation status of RASSF1A and p16 genes, alone or in combination with host and viral factors, affects the response to therapy with pegylated interferon/ribavirin (PEG-IFN/RBV). Methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP) was used to determine the methylation status of the target promoter sequences of RASSF1A and p16 in circulating-free DNA from the peripheral blood of 49 patients with CHC genotype 1b. The methylation status of the examined genes did not affect the response to therapy. However, the simultaneous presence of either RASSF1A or p16 methylation and the CC genotype of IL28B was significantly related to a sustained virologic response (P=0.009 and P=0.032, respectively). After Bonferroni correction, only the result concerning the RASSF1A gene remained significant (P<0.0125). Methylation of RASSF1A was associated with the CC genotype of the IL28B gene (P=0.024) and a higher viral load (≥400 000 IU/mL, P=0.009). Our results suggest that combined analysis of RASSF1A gene methylation and IL28B rs12979860 polymorphism could potentially help in the prediction of therapy response in CHC genotype 1b patients

Probiotic potential of Lactobacillus fermentum G-4 originating from the meconium of newborns

The present study was dedicated to determining probiotic potential of a human isolate G-4, originated from meconium. The isolate was identified using morphological, physiological and biochemical assays and molecular method based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing. In order to evaluate its probiotic properties in vitro tests were performed: the survival in simulated gastrointestinal conditions, adhesion to hexadecane, and antimicrobial activity. Safety aspects of the isolate were examined by testing toxicity, gastrointestinal tolerance and bacterial translocation in vivo, as well as hemolytic activity in vitro. The isolate G-4, identified as Lactobacillus fermentum, showed viability in artificial gastric and intestinal juice (low degree of cell viability reduction for 0.69 and 1.30 logCFU mL(-1) units, respectively), moderate adhesion to hexadecane (39 +/- 2.1 %), and antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serotype Abony and Clostridium sporogenes, due to production of lactic acid (9.80 g L-1). No signs of toxicity, bacterial translocation, hemolytic activity, were observed

Physicochemical characterisation of Thymus serpyllum extracts prepared using natural deep eutectic solvents

Thymus serpyllum L. (wild thyme) extracts were prepared using 1 g of plant material and three natural deep eutectic solvents (30 mL, malic acid+maltose, lactic acid+menthol, or citric acid+glycerol with 50% of water) in maceration (90 min). The extracts were characterized in terms of total polyphenol content (TPC), total protein content, extraction yield, zeta potential, conductivity, pH, density, surface tension, and viscosity. TPC was the highest in citric acid+glycerol extract (35.06±1.13 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g of plant material), whereas malic acid+maltose and lactic acid+menthol extracts possessed similar TPC (29.62±1.11 and 28.94±1.15 mg GAE/g, respectively). Total protein content amounted to 5.55±0.20 mg/g in citric acid+glycerol extract, while significantly lower values were determined in malic acid+maltose and lactic acid+menthol extracts (1.22±0.30 and 1.73±0.18 mg/g, respectively). The extraction yield was the highest for citric acid+glycerol extract, 1.57±0.11%, followed by malic acid+maltose and lactic acid+menthol extracts, 1.28±0.10 and 1.27±0.13%, respectively. Zeta potential (absolute value, as a predictor of potential application in water treatment) was low in all extracts (0.86±0.06 mV for citric acid+glycerol, -0.35±0.09 mV for lactic acid+menthol, and -0.17±0.05 mV for malic acid+maltose extract). The conductivity (as a predictor of antioxidant capacity) was in the range of 2.35±0.21 and 2.71±0.29 mS/cm (citric acid+glycerol and malic acid+maltose extracts) to 5.70±0.23 mS/cm (lactic acid+menthol extract). pH ranged from 1.44 in citric acid+glycerol extract to 1.78 and 1.85 in malic acid+maltose and lactic acid+menthol extracts. Density varied from 1.067±0.003 g/mL for lactic acid+menthol extract to 1.169±0.002 and 1.195±0.005 g/mL for citric acid+glycerol and malic acid+maltose extracts. Surface tension was the highest in citric acid+glycerol extract (38.0±0.4 mN/m), followed by malic acid+maltose and lactic acid+menthol extracts (31.5±0.4 and 25.9±0.1 mN/m, respectively). The viscosity of lactic acid+menthol extract was significantly lower (1.83±0.30 mPa•s) in comparison to malic acid+maltose and citric acid+glycerol extracts (6.64±0.15 and 7.84±0.10 mPa•s, respectively). The highest TPC, total proteins, and extraction yield were measured in citric acid+glycerol extract, while lactic acid+menthol extract possessed the highest conductivity and the lowest density, surface tension, and viscosity. Therefore, the constitution of natural deep eutectic solvent should be optimized depending on the future application of T. serpyllum extract

Effects of royal jelly on energy status and expression of apoptosis and biotransformation genes in normal fibroblast and colon cancer cells

Royal jelly is natural bee product, traditionally used in medicine for antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibiotic and many other beneficial properties. The aim of this study was to determine biological effects of royal jelly samples originating from Serbia on normal human fibroblast (MRC-5) and colorectal cancer (HCT-116 and SW-480) cells. MTT cell viability assay was used to determine cytotoxic activity, and NBT test was used for determination of superoxide anion radical concentration. Parameters of cell energy status were determined using LDH and ATP colorimetric methods. Relative expression of mRNA of apoptosis and biotransformation genes was monitored by qPCR method. Royal jelly affected cell viability, caused oxidative stress appearance and elevated parameters of energy status in cancer cell lines. The relative expression of genes whose proteins are included in biotransformation of xenobiotics were changed with notable suppression of CYP1A1, while increased expression of apoptosis genes was noted in tested cell lines. Royal jelly demonstrated cell selective effect and could be prospective in anticancer therapy

Security of wireless keyboards: Threats, vulnerabilities and countermeasures

Introduction/purpose: This paper provides an overview of research on computer system vulnerabilities caused by compromised electromagnetic radiation by wireless keyboards. Wireless devices that use event-triggered communication have been shown to have critical privacy issues due to the inherent leakage associated with radio frequency emissions. Wireless connectivity technology is a source of signal emanation that must be protected in terms of performance and security. Methods: Wireless device vulnerabilities and side-channel attacks are observed, along with electromagnetic emission of radio waves. Results: The findings highlight a specific wireless keyboard's security and encryption flaws. The results of penetration testing reveal vulnerabilities of targeted wireless keyboards in terms of outdated firmware, encryption, wireless reliability, and connection strength. Conclusion: Wireless keyboards have security flaws that disrupt radio communication, giving a malicious user complete access to the computer to which the keyboard is connected. An attacker can steal sensitive data by observing how the system works using compromised electromagnetic emissions

In vitro antioxidant activity of cotton fabric treated with ethanol and water Thymus serpyllum L. (wild thyme) extracts

The plants contain a large number of various compounds that exhibit significant antioxidant activity. Among them, polyphenols and flavonoids are the most studied compounds with different biological properties, including antioxidant activity. The functionalization of cotton fabric with natural compounds from plants results in the material with improved antioxidative properties. In this study, cotton fabrics treated with ethanol and water Thymus serpyllum L. (wild thyme) extracts were investigated in terms of antioxidant properties and chemical composition. In vitro antioxidant capacity of ethanol and water extracts, and the cotton fabric before and after functionalization was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•), and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS•+) radicals scavenging capacity assays. FTIR and UV–Vis spectroscopy elucidated the structure of the cotton fabric, extracts, and functionalized cotton fabric. FTIR spectroscopy demonstrated that the structure of cellulose was dominated in cotton, and also proved the presence of a low percentage of protein, pectin, oil, fat, and wax, as well as, binding of compounds from the extract by cross-linking with long chains of structure cotton. In dry extracts, the presence of various chemical functional groups was confirmed. UV-Vis analysis identified the active components in T. serpyllum extracts. Namely, absorption values for both spectra (water and ethanol samples) at 215-253 nm, 263-384 nm, are specific for phenolic acids, and flavonoids. Also, one of the aims of the study was to investigate the influence of various extracts (water and ethanol samples) on the antioxidant activity of cotton fabric. All extracts demonstrated excellent antioxidant properties, more potent than the reference antioxidant (ascorbic acid) in both antioxidant assays (between 85-86% in DPPH and 94-96% in ABTS assays). Pure T. serpyllum water extract was the most potent in the DPPH assay (86%), while pure ethanolic extract was the most potent antioxidant in the ABTS assay (96%). The antioxidant capacity of raw cotton fabric was insufficient (4%). On the other hand, in the DPPH assay, samples of cotton fabric with extract showed moderate activity with scavenging activity of 48% and 45% for ethanol and water extracts, respectively. Additionally, in the ABTS assay, the antioxidant activity of treated cotton fabric was 51% and 46% for ethanol and water extracts, respectively

Combined analysis of KRAS mutation and p16INK4a and p14ARF methylation status in locally advanced rectal carcinoma treated with preoperative chemoradiotherapy

Paper description:Patient responses to standard treatment of advanced stages of rectal carcinoma are variable, which emphasizes the need to define reliable predictive and prognostic molecular parameters.We propose a model of simultaneous analysis of KRAS gene mutation status and p16INK4a and p14ARF gene promoter methylation status in pre-treatment tumor biopsies.The simultaneous presence of p14ARF methylation and KRAS mutation was associated with more aggressive tumor behavior. The concurrent presence of alterations in all three examined genes was associated with shorter overall survival.Combined analysis of examined gene alterations revealed patient subgroups with a distinct pattern of tumor response and disease outcome.Abstract: Current management of locally advanced rectal carcinoma (LARC) involves preoperative chemoradiotherapy (preCRT) before surgery. Despite improved local control rate, the response to preCRT of individual patients is variable and may reflect heterogeneous biological properties among tumors of the same clinical stage. Identifying novel molecular parameters with predictive and/or prognostic value is of great clinical importance for a personalized therapeutic approach. In this study, KRAS mutation status was analyzed by direct sequencing, while methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP) was used to examine p16INK4a and p14ARF gene methylation status in pretreatment tumor biopsies of 60 patients with LARC. The examined molecular changes of KRAS, p16INK4a and p14ARF genes were mutually independent (p16INK4a/KRAS, P=0.272; p14ARF/KRAS, P=0.923; p16INK4a/p14ARF, P=0.715). However, the simultaneous presence of p14ARF methylation and KRAS mutation was associated with a more frequent appearance of local recurrences and distant metastasis (P=0.027). Moreover, patients with the simultaneous presence of p16INK4a and p14ARF methylation and KRAS mutation had significantly shorter overall survival (P=0.011). The obtained results strongly suggest that combined analyses of examined genetic and epigenetic molecular alterations could contribute to the identification of LARC patient subgroups with more aggressive tumor behavior and worse disease outcome