MiR-16-5p is frequently down-regulated in astrocytic gliomas and modulates glioma cell proliferation, apoptosis and response to cytotoxic therapy.

Aims: Aberrant expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) is frequent in various cancers including gliomas. We aimed to characterize the role of miR-16-5p as a candidate tumour suppressor miRNA in gliomas.

Methods: Real-time PCR-based approaches were used for miRNA and mRNA expression profiling of glioma and non-neoplastic brain tissues as well as glioma cell lines.

Imaging and analysis of a three-dimensional spider web architecture.

Spiders are abundantly found in nature and most ecosystems, making up more than 47 000 species. This ecological success is in part due to the exceptional mechanics of the spider web, with its strength, toughness, elasticity and robustness, which originate from its hierarchical structures all the way from sequence design to web architecture. It is a unique example in nature of high-performance material design.

In situ expression of eukaryotic ice-binding proteins in microbial communities of Arctic and Antarctic sea ice.

Ice-binding proteins (IBPs) have been isolated from various sea-ice organisms. Their characterisation points to a crucial role in protecting the organisms in sub-zero environments. However, their in situ abundance and diversity in natural sea-ice microbial communities is largely unknown.

Interobserver agreement and accuracy of non-invasive diagnosis of endometriosis by transvaginal sonography.

Objectives: To evaluate interobserver agreement and accuracy of transvaginal sonography (TVS) in diagnosing deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) and endometriomas.

Methods: A total of 67 consecutive patients referred to a pelvic pain clinic and scheduled for laparoscopy were enrolled in the study between January 2013 and January 2014. Patients were independently examined prospectively by two experienced sonographers (Observers A and B) who were blinded to the other's results.

Learning curve for the detection of pouch of Douglas obliteration and deep infiltrating endometriosis of the rectum.

Study Question: How long does it take to be proficient in diagnosing pouch of Douglas (POD) obliteration and deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) of the rectum with transvaginal sonography (TVS)?

Summary Answer: Sonographers familiar with the general use of TVS are expected to be proficient in the diagnosis of endometriosis nodules of the rectum and the detection of POD obliteration using the 'sliding sign' after ∼40 examinations, performed in a referral clinic for pelvic pain.

What Is Already Known: With rectal DIE, the reasons for the obvious diagnostic problems are complex. Menstrual pain or cramps are still considered to be 'normal' and do not provide a reason for patients and even health-care providers to seek expert help.

Heterologous expression, refolding and functional characterization of two antifreeze proteins from Fragilariopsis cylindrus (Bacillariophyceae).

Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) provide protection for organisms subjected to the presence of ice crystals. The psychrophilic diatom Fragilariopsis cylindrus which is frequently found in polar sea ice carries a multitude of AFP isoforms. In this study we report the heterologous expression of two antifreeze protein isoforms from F.