Transcriptome analysis of colorectal cancer liver metastasis: The importance of long non-coding RNAs and fusion transcripts in the disease pathogenesis.

Background: Despite several attempts to define the many genomic aspects of colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRC-LM), there is still a lack of a complete and accurate picture of the cancer transcriptome and its function in the generation of metastasis.

Methods: Cancer Genome Atlas Sequence Read Archive (SRA) was used to get RNA sequencing data for CRC-LM and primary CRC. The CDseqR deconvolution method followed by the edgeR statistical approach was employed to accurately find differentially expressed genes (DEGs).

Simple and cost-effective laboratory methods to evaluate and validate cell-free DNA isolation.

Objective: In the present study, we investigated different simple and cost effective methods to evaluate and validate cell free DNA (cfDNA) isolation. The ability of the QIAamp DNA Blood Mini Kit method to extract cfDNA was assessed by several approaches, including purification of endogenous cfDNA and exogenous spike-in control material, prior to plasma extraction, and followed by quantitative-PCR.

Results: Using QIAamp DNA Blood Mini kit, nearly 27% (380 bp) to 35% (173 bp) cfDNA was recovered with a higher recovery of smaller size cfDNA (173 bp) in comparison to larger ones (380 bp).

BMP3 promoter hypermethylation in plasma-derived cell-free DNA in colorectal cancer patients.

Detecting cfDNA in plasma or serum could serve as a 'liquid biopsy', for circulating tumor DNA with aberrant methylation patterns offer a possible method for early detection of several cancers which could avoid the need for tumor tissue biopsies. Bone Morphogenetic Protein 3 (BMP3) was identified as a candidate tumor suppressor gene putatively down-regulated in colorectal cancer (CRC). In this study, we aimed to assess the potential role of BMP3 promoter methylation changes in plasma DNA for detection of colorectal cancerous and precancerous lesions.

Examine the Relationship between Mindfulness and Drug Craving in Addicts Undergoing Methadone Maintenance Treatment.

Background: The aim of this study was examination the relationship between mindfulness and drug craving in addicts undergoing methadone maintenance treatment.

Methods: The subjects of this research were 80 addicts undergoing methadone maintenance treatment selected through available sampling from four addiction treatment center in Ahvaz from March 2012 to September 2012. Two questionnaires to examine the variables of this study were the five facets mindfulness questionnaire (FFMQ) and hero-in craving questionnaire (HCQ).

Comparison of General Well-being of Patients Undergoing Methadone Maintenance Therapy (MMT) with Patients Undergoing Naltrexone Therapy.

Background: Drug abuse is a problem that causes a wide array of social, emotional, and physical problems and involves both patients and the society. Helping the addicted has always been a priority for physicians and especially psychiatrists. The purpose of this prospective study was to compare the effects of methadone and naltrexone in general well-being of patients undergoing these treatments.