Investigation of ATG16L1 rs2241880 Polymorphism with Cancer Risk: A Meta-Analysis

Background and Objectives: Previous studies have investigated the impact of the ATG16L1 rs2241880 (Thr300Ala) polymorphism on individual susceptibility to cancer, but the conclusions are still controversial. To get a more precise evaluation of the correlation between ATG16L1 rs2241880 polymorphism and cancer susceptibility, we performed a meta-analysis of the association of all eligible studies. Materials and Methods: Searches were performed in the Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases up to November 2018. A total of 12 case-control studies from 9 articles comprising 2254 cases and 4974 controls were included. Statistical analysis was achieved by STATA 14.1 and Review Manager 5.3 software. The odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) under five genetic models were used to determine the strength of association among rs2241880 polymorphism and cancer susceptibility. Results: The findings did not support an association between the rs2241880 variant in either the overall study population or the subgroups, based on cancer types and ethnicity in any of the genetic models. As far as we know, our study is the first meta-analysis of the association between rs2241880 polymorphism and cancer risk. Conclusions: In conclusion, the findings of this meta-analysis proposes that the ATG16L1 rs2241880 polymorphism may not play a role in cancer development. Further well-designed studies are necessary to clarify the precise role of the ATG16L1 rs2241880 polymorphism on cancer risk

LAPTM4B gene polymorphism augments the risk of cancer: Evidence from an updated meta-analysis

International audienceLysosome‐associated protein transmembrane‐4 beta (LAPTM4B) has two alleles named as LAPTM4B*1 and LAPTM4B*2 (GenBank No. AY219176 and AY219177). Allele *1 has a single copy of a 19‐bp sequence in the 5` untranslated region (5`UTR), but allele *2 contains tandem repeats of 19‐bp sequence.1 LAPTM4B gene is located on long chromosome 8 (8q22.1) and contains seven exons that encodes two isoforms of tetratransmembrane proteins, LAPTM4B‐24 and LAPTM4B‐35, with molecular weights of 25 kDa and 35 kDa respectively. The LAPTM4B‐35′s primary structure is formed by 317 amino acid residues, and LAPTM4B‐24 comprised 226 amino acids. LAPTM4B, an integral membrane protein, contains several lysosomal‐targeting motifs at the C terminus and colocalizes with late endosomal and lysosomal markers. LAPTM4B is a proto‐oncogene, which becomes up‐regulated in various cancers. Preceding studies have examined the possible link between LAPTM4B polymorphism and susceptibility to several cancers,1-26 but the findings are still inconsistent. Hence, the present meta‐analysis was designed to investigate the impact of LAPTM4B polymorphism on risk of cancer

Nasal Air Puff Promotes Default Mode Network Activity in Mechanically Ventilated Comatose Patients: A Noninvasive Brain Stimulation Approach

Objectives: Coma state and loss of consciousness are associated with decreased brain activity, including and especially gamma oscillations, which are involved in neural network integrity, as well as the default mode network (DMN). This condition can be aggravated by mechanical ventilation since nasal respiration, known to drive functional neural oscillations, is diminished. Hence, we proposed that rhythmic nasal air-puffing in mechanically ventilated comatose patients may promote brain activity and improve network connectivity. Materials and Methods: We assessed the activity, complexity, and connectivity of the DMN using electroencephalography (EEG) in fifteen comatose patients (eight males) admitted to the intensive care unit due to opium poisoning before and during the application of nasal air-puff. Air-puffing into the nasal cavity was done using a nasal cannula via an electrical valve (open duration of 630ms) with a frequency of 0.2 Hz. Results: Our analyses demonstrated that nasal air-puffing enhanced gamma power (30-40 Hz) oscillation in the DMN. Additionally, the coherency and synchrony between DMN regions were increased during nasal air-puffing. Recurrence quantification analysis (RQA) analysis revealed that global complexity and irregularity of EEG, which is typically seen during wakefulness and conscious state, were increased during rhythmic nasal air-puffing. Conclusions: Rhythmic nasal air-puffing, as a non-invasive brain stimulation method, opens a new window into modifying the brain connectivity integration in comatose patients, which potential can influence their outcome by reducing the adverse effect of mechanical ventilation on brain activity