Argonaute 2 drives miR-145-5p-dependent gene expression program in breast cancer cells.

To perform their regulatory functions, microRNAs (miRNAs) must assemble with any of the four mammalian Argonaute (Ago) family of proteins, Ago1-4, into an effector complex known as the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). While the mature miRNA guides the RISC complex to its target mRNA, the Ago protein represses mRNA translation. The specific roles of the various Ago members in mediating miRNAs activity, however, haven't been clearly established.

Bacterial Biofilm in Salivary Gland Stones: Cause or Consequence?

Objective: The pathogenesis of salivary calculi is not yet clear; however, 2 theories have been formulated: (1) "the classic theory," based on calcium microdeposits in serous and ductal acinous cells, successively discharged into the ducts; (2) "the retrograde theory," based on a retrograde migration of food, bacteria, and so on from the oral cavity to the salivary duct. The aim of the present study is to highlight the role of bacteria and biofilm in stone formation.

Study Design: Case series without comparison.

A case report of a rare intramuscular granular cell tumor.

Background: Granular cell tumors (GCTs) were firstly described by Weber in 1854 and 70 years later by Abrikossoff and classified as benign tumors. Originally considered muscle tumors, they have been identified as neural lesions, due to their close association with nerve and to their immunohystochemical characteristics. GCTs are uncommon tumors and they may arise in any part of the body; they have been mainly observed in tongue, chest wall and upper extremities; less frequent sites are larynx, gastrointestinal tract, breast, pituitary stalk and the female anogenital region.

The role of tendon and subacromial bursa in rotator cuff tear pain: a clinical and histopathological study.

Purpose: To evaluate a possible association of shoulder pain with the clinical features and the histopathological changes occurring in the ruptured tendon and subacromial bursa of patients with rotator cuff tear.

Methods: One hundred and eighty patients were clinically evaluated with the constant score and the visual analogue pain scale. Radiographs and MRI were performed.

Is biofilm the cause of chronic otitis externa?

Objectives/hypothesis: This study was undertaken in two phases. In the first phase, we considered patients affected by chronic external otitis treated either by chemical ear peeling (CEP) or by antibiotic/steroid treatment to compare the clinical and microbiological outcomes. In the second phase, we compared the microscopic findings observed in the CEP samples of patients affected by chronic otitis externa's acute exacerbation or by acute otitis externa to demonstrate the role of biofilm in the pathogenesis of chronic otitis externa.