Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and the factors responsible for its progression need to be elucidated. Exosomes are structures with an average size of 100 nm that can ...transport proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. This review focuses on the role of exosomes in cancer progression and therapy. We discuss how exosomes are able to modulate components of the tumor microenvironment and influence proliferation and migration rates of cancer cells. We also highlight that, depending on their cargo, exosomes can suppress or promote tumor cell progression and can enhance or reduce cancer cell response to radio- and chemo-therapies. In addition, we describe how exosomes can trigger chronic inflammation and lead to immune evasion and tumor progression by focusing on their ability to transfer non-coding RNAs between cells and modulate other molecular signaling pathways such as PTEN and PI3K/Akt in cancer. Subsequently, we discuss the use of exosomes as carriers of anti-tumor agents and genetic tools to control cancer progression. We then discuss the role of tumor-derived exosomes in carcinogenesis. Finally, we devote a section to the study of exosomes as diagnostic and prognostic tools in clinical courses that is important for the treatment of cancer patients. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of the role of exosomes in cancer therapy, focusing on their therapeutic value in cancer progression and remodeling of the tumor microenvironment. Graphical Keywords: Exosome, Cancer, Immunotherapy, Non-coding RNA, Biomarker, Prognosis
The finite element method has often been used to assist analyzing local flaps in terms of deformation and stress measurements as it takes into account complex skin properties. We, herein, present an ...isotropic two-dimensional finite element skin model applied to the W-plasty method to demonstrate that the good outcomes of W-plasty should be attributed to the geometry itself, as it generates lower stresses. The skin was modeled as a two-dimensional (2D) planar geometry. The model was created and solved as a plane stress problem. The model was based on simulation of the loading and stitching of W-plasties of various angles. Each central triangular flap was segmented in nine triangular elements. The stitching was modeled with one suture at the top of each triangular flap with the center of the opposite corner. X- and Y-axis stresses and shearing stresses Txy in the elements involved in the broken stitching line, show lower stresses than the elements behind the stitching line. Interestingly, in the triangular flaps, the stresses were clearly lower than those of their neighboring areas. The maximum compressive stresses in the 2D model we used, correspond to the dog ears. We conclude that the effectiveness of W-plasty should be attributed not only to the scar orientation in relation to the relaxed tension skin lines but also to the special design of the triangular flaps used. This finding assists the general understanding of the method and should be taken into account by the clinician during flap designing.
A relationship between obesity and adverse outcomes in patients with post-sternotomy wounds undergoing pedicle flap reconstruction is not well-documented. In this study, we present a single-centre ...retrospective case series analysis of early postoperative outcomes of patients with infected post-sternotomy wounds undergoing pedicle flap reconstruction. We also propose a management algorithm for such patients, based on BMI and wound width.
We retrospectively analyzed all patients, who underwent pedicle flap reconstruction for major sternal wound infections after sternotomy for cardiac surgery in a tertiary hospital in Germany during a 5-year period. Exclusion criteria included patients younger than 18 years of age and patients with BMI < 18.5 kg/m
. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to BMI: normal-weight (NW; BMI < 25 kg/m
) and overweight/obese (OB/OW; BMI > 25 kg/m
). Both groups were compared in terms of preoperative parameters and early postoperative outcomes. Preoperative parameters included demographics, wound bacteria and comorbidities. Postoperative outcomes included duration of surgery time (from incision to skin closure), transfusion requirement (during surgery and entire hospital stay), onset of flap and donor-site complications, length of stay and 30-day mortality. We employed the two-tailed t-test to compare continuous variables and the two-sided Fischer's exact test to compare categorical variables. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
The total sample consisted of 48 patients. Overall mean BMI was 28.4 (6.1) kg/m
. Mean age was 67 (12) years. The study group consisted of 28 patients with BMI > 25 kg/m
, who were compared with 20 normal-weight patients. There was a significant difference amongst both groups regarding duration of surgery (120 vs. 174 min, p < 0.05). Donor-site complications requiring intervention were observed in 30% of patients in both groups. Flap-related complications were recorded in 16 (57%) cases in the study group and 7 cases in the control group (35%, p = 0.15).
We conclude that wound width and BMI can aid the decision-making process for patients with infected sternal wounds after cardiac surgery requiring pedicle flap reconstruction. However, in our case series analysis, OB/OW patients were not found to be at statistically significantly increased risk for worse postoperative outcomes, but were associated with a longer duration of surgery.
The Clenched Fist Syndrome (CFS) is a type of a psychiatric disorder, in which the patients show flexion finger contractures. Although no organic etiology can be identified, the syndrome in most ...cases presents with pain and paradoxical stiffness.
We, herein, report the case of a 52-year old woman with a 6-month history of progressive hand flexion contracture and intermittent numbness in the first 3 fingers, mimicking carpal tunnel syndrome. On examination, all digits, including the thumb, were held in a tight flexion at the metacarpal and interphalangeal joints. Passive digital extension was painless in all fingers. Physical examination did not reveal any joint tenderness, joint or tendon sheath swelling. X ray was performed and did not show any abnormalities. Neurological examination did not reveal any organic etiology.
CFS is believed to be a conversion disorder, i.e. unconsciously motivated and produced, whereas others consider it a factitious disorder, i.e. unconsciously motivated but consciously produced. Surgical treatment is not indicated, as it can worsen the symptoms. The related literature is discussed. We conclude that CFS should always be considered in patients with unexplainable flexion hand contractures, especially in the presence of a positive psychiatric history.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the most common degenerative brain disorders caused by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN). Lewy bodies and -synuclein accumulation in the ...SN are hallmarks of the neuropathology of PD. Due to lifestyle changes and prolonged L-dopa administration, patients with PD frequently have vitamin deficiencies, especially folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. These disorders augment circulating levels of Homocysteine with the development of hyperhomocysteinemia, which may contribute to the pathogenesis of PD. Therefore, this review aimed to ascertain if hyperhomocysteinemia may play a part in oxidative and inflammatory signaling pathways that contribute to PD development. Hyperhomocysteinemia is implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders, including PD. Hyperhomocysteinemia triggers the development and progression of PD by different mechanisms, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, and endothelial dysfunction. Particularly, the progression of PD is linked with high inflammatory changes and systemic inflammatory disorders. Hyperhomocysteinemia induces immune activation and oxidative stress. In turn, activated immune response promotes the development and progression of hyperhomocysteinemia. Therefore, hyperhomocysteinemia-induced immunoinflammatory disorders and abnormal immune response may aggravate abnormal immunoinflammatory in PD, leading to more progression of PD severity. Also, inflammatory signaling pathways like nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and nod-like receptor pyrin 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and other signaling pathways are intricate in the pathogenesis of PD. In conclusion, hyperhomocysteinemia is involved in the development and progression of PD neuropathology either directly via induction degeneration of dopaminergic neurons or indirectly via activation of inflammatory signaling pathways.
Lavandula
species is a flowering plant that is common in Europe and across the Mediterranean. Lavender has many health benefits for humans. In addition to its use in herbal medicine, it is widely ...used in the fields of cosmetics, perfumes, foods, and aromatherapy. Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were used to search for relevant material on the phytochemical ingredients, the pharmacologic effects of the ingredients, and the mechanism of action of the
Lavandula
species identified. These materials were reviewed in order to have access to important updates about the
Lavandula
species. Lavender as referred to in English contains essential oils, anthocyanins, phytosterols, sugars, minerals, coumaric acid, glycolic acid, valeric acid, ursolic acid, herniarins, coumarins, and tannins. It has been used to treat colic and chest ailments, worrisome headaches, and biliousness, and in cleaning wounds. It has antifungal, antibacterial, neurologic, antimicrobial, anti-parasitic, anti-diabetic, and analgesic effects among others.
Lavandula
species has prospects for various biological applications, especially with its dermatological application. Advances in drug development would enable characterization of various bioactive constituents; thus, its development and application can have a more positive impact on humanity. Here, we highlighted updated information on the history, distribution, traditional uses, phytochemical components, pharmacology, and various biological activities of
Lavandula
species.
Pancreatitis is an inflammatory disorder resulting from the autoactivation of trypsinogen in the pancreas. The genetic basis of the disease is an old phenomenon, and evidence is accumulating for the ...involvement of synonymous/non-synonymous codon variants in disease initiation and progression.
The present study envisaged a panel of 26 genes involved in pancreatitis for their codon choices, compositional analysis, relative dinucleotide frequency, nucleotide disproportion, protein physical properties, gene expression, codon bias, and interrelated of all these factors. In this set of genes, gene length was positively correlated with nucleotide skews and codon usage bias. Codon usage of any gene is dependent upon its AT and GC component; however, AGG, CGT, and CGA encoding for Arg, TCG for Ser, GTC for Val, and CCA for Pro were independent of nucleotide compositions. In addition, Codon GTC showed a correlation with protein properties, isoelectric point, instability index, and frequency of basic amino acids. We also investigated the effect of various evolutionary forces in shaping the codon usage choices of genes.
This study will enable us to gain insight into the molecular signatures associated with the disease that might help identify more potential genes contributing to enhanced risk for pancreatitis. All the genes associated with pancreatitis are generally associated with physiological function, and mutations causing loss of function, over or under expression leads to an ailment. Therefore, the present study attempts to envisage the molecular signature in a group of genes that lead to pancreatitis in case of malfunction.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
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