Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) represses the glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) mRNA expression and may be a potential therapeutic agent in psoriasis: a case-control and experimental study.

We investigated the whole blood GLUT1 mRNA expression and serum pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), fetuin-A, and pentraxin-3 (PTX3) levels in psoriatic patients and tested their correlations with the severity of psoriasis using the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score. Also, we tested the GLUT1 mRNA expression after an in vitro treatment of human skin fibroblast (HSF) cell lines with PEDF. The case-control part of the study recruited 74 participants (44 psoriatic patients and 30 healthy volunteers).

Spastic Paraplegia 20 and Serine/Threonine Protein Kinase 31 Expression for the Detection of Colorectal Cancer.

Background/aims: Genetic alterations, including changes in the expression of spastic paraplegia 20 (SPG20) and serine/threonine protein kinase 31 (STK31), may play an important role in the carcinogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC). Identification of such changes is suitable for the recognition of tumors at an early stage, which would significantly improve patient survival. While recent studies have identified that SPG20 and STK31 expression levels increase in CRC tissues, their use as a biomarker is yet to be investigated.

A CD40 variant is associated with systemic bone loss among patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Objectives: Little is known about genes predisposing to systemic bone loss (SBL) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Therefore, we examined the association between SBL and variants of genes playing a critical role in both immune response and bone homeostasis among patients with RA.

Methods: IRAK-1 rs3027898, IRAK-2 rs3844283, IRAK-2 rs708035, IFIH1 rs1990760, CD40 rs48104850, TNFAIP3 rs2230926, and miR146-a rs2910164 were genotyped in 176 adult RA patients.

Custom Next-Generation Sequencing Identifies Novel Mutations Expanding the Molecular and clinical spectrum of isolated Hearing Impairment or along with defects of the retina, the thyroid, and the kidneys.

Background: In the Tunisian population, the molecular analysis of hearing impairment remains based on conventional approaches, which makes the task laborious and enormously expensive. Exploration of the etiology of Hearing Impairment and the early diagnosis of causal mutations by next-generation sequencing help significantly alleviate social and economic problems.

Methods: We elaborated a custom SureSelect panel for next-generation sequencing of the coding sequences of 42 genes involved in isolated hearing impairment or along with defects of the retina, the thyroid, and the kidneys.

Novel pathogenic mutations and further evidence for clinical relevance of genes and variants causing hearing impairment in Tunisian population.

Introduction: Hearing impairment (HI) is characterized by complex genetic heterogeneity. The evolution of next generation sequencing, including targeted enrichment panels, has revolutionized HI diagnosis.

Objectives: In this study, we investigated genetic causes in 22 individuals with non- HI.

Interleukin-18 and interferon-γ single nucleotide polymorphisms in Egyptian patients with tuberculosis.

Background: Interleukin-18 (IL-18) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) are cytokines of crucial role in inflammation and immune reactions. There is a growing evidence supporting important roles for IL-18 and IFN γ in tuberculosis (TB) infection and anti-tuberculosis immunity.

Objective: To evaluate the role of polymorphisms in IL-18-607 and -137 and INF-γ +874 in susceptibility to TB infection among Egyptian patients.

Joint remodeling outcome of serum levels of Dickkopf-1 (DKK1), cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), and C-telopeptide of type II collagen (CTXII) in rheumatoid arthritis.

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most widespread chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease over the world. It is characterized by chronic proliferation of synovium, cartilage destruction, and periarticular erosion/bone loss. We investigated the serum levels of the C-telopeptide of type II collagen (CTX-II), Dickkopf-1 (DKK1), and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) in relationship to the disease activity.

Implementation of Hip Fracture Co-Management Program (AGS CoCare: Ortho®) in a Large Health System.

Objectives: Acute hip fracture is common and leads to significant morbidity and mortality. Co-management programs, such as American Geriatric Society (AGS) CoCare: Ortho®, that optimize perioperative care of older adults, have demonstrated improved outcomes. Yet there is substantial variation in hip fracture care nationally.

IRAK2 is associated with systemic lupus erythematosus risk.

Introduction: Interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinases (IRAKs) are serine-threonine kinases involved in toll-like receptor and interleukin-1 signaling pathways. They play a key role in inflammation and innate immunity. IRAKs have been previously incriminated in autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis and inhibition of IRAKs has been recently regarded as a potential therapeutic strategy for SLE.

Testing alternatives: the use of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells to slow neurodegeneration in a rat model of Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of anti-Parkinson treatments gradually diminishes owing to the progressive degeneration of the dopaminergic terminals. The research described here investigated the effect of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSC) versus that of an anti-Parkinson drug in a rat model of Parkinsonism.

Analysis of Lamin B1, Vimentin and Anti-Ku86 as Prospective Biomarkers of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Hepatitis C Virus Infection.

Background/aims: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common malignancy and most frequently develops in patients with cirrhosis. Surveillance strategies are recommended in high-risk groups because early detection of small lesions improves the likelihood of curative treatment. This study investigated the prospective clinical significance of serum levels of anti-Ku86 and plasma levels of lamin B1and vimentin as early markers of HCC.

Treatment Efficiency of Different Routes of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Injection in Rat Liver Fibrosis Model.

Background/aims: The most appropriate route for bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (BM-MSC) transplantation in the management of liver fibrosis remains controversial. This study investigated the therapeutic efficacy of intravenous and intrasplenic BM-MSC transplantation on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced rat liver fibrosis.

Methods: Fifty rats were divided into 5 groups (n = 10 rats per group): healthy control group, CCl4 group, CCl4/ recovery group, CCl4/BM-MSC intravenous group, and CCl4/BM-MSC intrasplenic group.

Physiological Responses and Gene Expression in Ultrasound-Guided Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block: a Comparative Study.

Background/aims: Ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block (BPB) has come into wider use as a regional anesthetic during upper limb operations. This study assessed the neurological and hemodynamic changes and gene expression after co-administration of midazolam or neostigmine with bupivacaine during supraclavicular BPB.

Methods: The study involved 90 adults divided into three groups: control (bupivacaine), midazolam (bupivacaine plus midazolam), and neostigmine (bupivacaine plus neostigmine).

Comparison of the therapeutic effectiveness of human CD34 and rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on improvement of experimental liver fibrosis in Wistar rats.

Background And Objective: Human umbilical cord blood (UCB) cells and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) have numerous advantages as grafts for cell transplantation. We hypothesized differing impacts of human UCB cells and rat BM-MSCs on reversal of hepatic injury and revival of liver function in carbon tetrachloride (CCl)-induced liver fibrosis.

Methods: Forty rats were divided into 4 groups; control group, CCl group, CCl/CD34 group and CCl/BM-MSCs group.

Plasma levels of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin in children with heart failure.

Introduction: Data about plasma levels of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) in children with heart failure (HF) are very limited. NGAL is used widely as a biomarker for the diagnosis of renal injury in numerous clinical studies. The aim of this study is to investigate the plasma NGAL in children with HF caused by idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM) and its relation to the severity of HF.

Effects of propofol and isoflurane on haemodynamics and the inflammatory response in cardiopulmonary bypass surgery.

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) causes reperfusion injury that when most severe is clinically manifested as a systemic inflammatory response syndrome. The anaesthetic propofol may have anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce such a response. We hypothesised differing effects of propofol and isoflurane on inflammatory markers in patients having CBR Forty patients undergoing elective CPB were randomised to receive either propofol or isoflurane for maintenance of anaesthesia.

The Number of GT(n) Repeats in the Hemeoxygenase-1 Gene Promoter is Increased in Pediatric Heart Failure but is Unrelated to Renal, Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Markers.

Products of hemeoxygenase (HO)-1 have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant functions. The HO-1 promoter has a variable number of GT(n) repeats: A low number (n < 23) is associated with high transcriptional activity in response to oxidative stress. We hypothesized that the frequency of GT(n) repeats in pediatric heart failure (HF) reflects plasma biomarkers of different disease processes: the soluble receptor for advance glycation end products (sRAGE, marking cellular activation), oxLDL (oxidative stress), NGAL (impaired renal function), HIF-1α (hypoxia) and hsCRP (inflammation).

Circulating Endothelial Cells and Platelet Microparticles in Mitral Valve Disease With and Without Atrial Fibrillation.

Hypercoagulability in mitral valve disease (MVD), a cause of atrial fibrillation (AF) and stroke, is potentially due to endothelial damage/dysfunction (marked by circulating endothelial cells [CECs]), platelet activation (soluble P-selectin [sPsel], platelet microparticles [PMPs], and soluble CD40 [sCD40]), and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) cholesterol. We measured these variables in 24 patients with MVD as well as in 21 with MVD + AF and compared them with 20 healthy controls (HCs). The CECs and PMPs were measured by flow cytometry; sPsel, oxLDL, and CD40 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Diabetes worsening of hepatitis C cirrhosis: are alterations in monocytic tissue factor (CD 142) is the cause?

BACKGROUND & AIM. The mechanisms by which type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) worsen liver function are not yet established. Tissue factor (TF) is a protein that participates in hemostatic, immune and inflammatory processes.

The effect of melatonin on plasma markers of inflammation and on expression of nuclear factor-kappa beta in acetic acid-induced colitis in the rat.

Background And Aims: Melatonin may be involved in gastrointestinal tract physiology and could affect inflammation-related gastrointestinal disorders. Rat models of ulcerative colitis imply melatonin is beneficial. To determine potential pathophysiological mechanisms, we assessed colonic nuclear factor-kappa beta expression and measured serum levels of pentraxin-3, lipid peroxides, and total thiols in an acetic acid model of this disease.

Anti-C1q antibodies and systemic lupus erythematosus in the Tunisian population.

Objectives: The presence of a wide variety of autoantibodies is a characteristic feature of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Although non-specific, anti-complement C1q (anti-C1q) were shown to correlate with the occurrence of active nephritis. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of anti-C1q in Tunisian SLE patients and their association with clinical manifestations, especially renal involvement.

The effect of academic "misrepresentation" on residency match outcomes.

Purpose: Studies have uniformly demonstrated misrepresentation of accomplishments by applicants to residency programs; yet it is unknown whether such applicants have a competitive advantage in the MATCH. Herein we identify the factors that influence an applicant's successful selection to a competitive residency.

Method: Comparative study of 317 dermatology residency applicants during the 2007 application season.

[Evaluation of chromogenic medium Uriselect4 in urine culture].

We evaluated the performance and the cost of chromogenic medium Uriselect4 agar with regard to the standard medium for the detection and identification of urinary tract pathogens. A total of 503 clinical urine specimens containing leucocytes greater or equal to 104/mL were analysed prospectively, in parallel by two different persons on blood agar (GS) and Uriselect4 according to the manufacturers' instructions. Of the 503 urine specimens tested, 210 gave a positive culture on Uriselect4 versus 181 on GS.