miR-23b-3p, miR-126-3p and GAS5 delivered by extracellular vesicles inhibit breast cancer xenografts in zebrafish.

Background: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a group of nanoscale cell-derived membranous structures secreted by all cell types, containing molecular cargoes involved in intercellular communication. EVs can be used to mimic "nature's delivery system" to transport nucleic acids, peptides, lipids, and metabolites to target recipient cells. EVs offer a range of advantages over traditional synthetic carriers, thus paving the way for innovative drug delivery approaches that can be used in different diseases, including cancer.

Plasma NfL, GFAP, amyloid, and p-tau species as Prognostic biomarkers in Parkinson's disease.

Introduction: The prognostic role of plasma neurofilament light chain (NfL), phospho-tau, beta-amyloid, and GFAP is still debated in Parkinson's disease (PD).

Methods: Plasma p-tau181, p-tau231, Aβ1-40, Aβ1-42, GFAP, and NfL were measured by SIMOA in 136 PD with 2.9 + 1.

Transmembrane protein TMEM230, regulator of metalloproteins and motor proteins in gliomas and gliosis.

Glial cells provide physical and chemical support and protection for neurons and for the extracellular compartments of neural tissue through secretion of soluble factors, insoluble scaffolds, and vesicles. Additionally, glial cells have regenerative capacity by remodeling their physical microenvironment and changing physiological properties of diverse cell types in their proximity. Various types of aberrant glial and macrophage cells are associated with human diseases, disorders, and malignancy.

Gestational weight gain and adverse birth outcomes in South African women with HIV on antiretroviral therapy and without HIV: a prospective cohort study.

Introduction: Outside of pregnancy, evidence shows that persons with HIV initiating or switching to dolutegravir (DTG)-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) experience greater weight gain compared to those on other ART classes. However, there are few data on the impact of DTG-based ART on gestational weight gain (GWG) in sub-Saharan Africa where HIV is most common. According to the National Academy of Medicine (NAM), GWG below and above NAM guidelines is associated with adverse birth outcomes.

Evaluation of DNA methylation levels of and in plasma of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma using droplet digital PCR.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the seventh most commonly diagnosed cancer globally. HNSCC develops from the mucosa of the oral cavity, pharynx and larynx. Methylation levels of septin 9 () and short stature homeobox 2 () genes in circulating cell‑free DNA (ccfDNA) are considered epigenetic biomarkers and have shown predictive value in preliminary reports in HNSCC.

Cabozantinib in neuroendocrine tumors: tackling drug activity and resistance mechanisms.

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are highly vascularized malignancies in which angiogenesis may entail cell proliferation and survival. Among the emerging compounds with antivascular properties, cabozantinib (CAB) appeared promising. We analyzed the antitumor activity of CAB against NETs utilizing in vitro and in vivo models.

The Biological Role and Translational Implications of the Long Non-Coding RNA in Breast Cancer.

The lncRNA plays a significant role in tumorigenicity and progression of breast cancer (BC). In this review, we first summarize the role of in cell biology, focusing on its expression data in human normal tissues. We present data on expression in human BC tissues, highlighting its downregulation in all major BC classes.

Safety of spinal anesthesia in pregnant vaccinated with one or two doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine: A retrospective observational cohort study.

Purpose: To evaluate the safety of spinal anesthesia in pregnant women who underwent cesarean section during the Covid-19 pandemia and were immunized with the BNT162b2 vaccine.

Methods: Historical cohort study that included three groups: non-vaccinated pregnant with no history of acute or previous Covid-19 [NV ( = 70)], vaccinated with one dose [1D ( = 65)] or two doses of BNT162b2 [2D ( = 45)], who underwent cesarean section with spinal anesthesia. Variables with normal distribution were analyzed with ANOVA.

Intrauterine contraceptive discontinuation reasons among female trial participants living with HIV in Cape Town, South Africa: A qualitative analysis.

Introduction: While young women in South Africa may navigate both HIV infection and pregnancy risks, intrauterine contraceptive (IUC) use is low. Though IUCs have low failure rates, concerns exist about whether the IUC is an appropriate method choice for women living with HIV (WLHIV). In this qualitative study, we explore WLHIVs' experiences of using IUC and reasons for discontinuation.

Lasp1 Expression Is Implicated in Embryonic Development of Zebrafish.

The LIM and SH3 domain protein 1 (LASP1) was originally identified in metastatic breast cancer and mainly characterized as a cytoskeleton protein overexpressed in various cancer types. At present, little is known about LASP1 expression in physiological conditions, and its function during embryonic development has not been elucidated. Here, we focused on Lasp1 and embryonic development, choosing zebrafish as a vertebrate model.

Access to postpartum tubal ligation services in Cape Town, South Africa - an observational study.

Background: Many women receiving antenatal care in public health services in Cape Town choose bilateral tubal ligation as their preferred method of postpartum contraception during their antenatal course. If the sterilisation does not occur immediately, these women are discharged on an alternative form of contraception and, ideally, an interval date for bilateral tubal ligation is arranged.

Objectives: To assess the access to tubal ligation services in the Metro West area of Cape Town, South Africa, in women who request permanent contraception following delivery, looking specifically at the number of women requesting bilateral tubal ligation who receive the procedure intrapartum, immediately postpartum or as an interval procedure.

A telemedicine model for abortion in South Africa: a randomised, controlled, non-inferiority trial.

Background: Telemedicine for medical abortion increases access to safe abortion but its use has not been described in a controlled trial. We aimed to investigate the effectiveness, adherence, safety, and acceptability of a modified telemedicine protocol for abortion compared with standard care in a low-resource setting.

Methods: In this randomised, controlled, non-inferiority trial we recruited women seeking medical abortion at or before 9 gestational weeks at four public health clinics in South Africa.

Cohort profile: the Western Cape Pregnancy Exposure Registry (WCPER).

Purpose: The Western Cape Pregnancy Exposure Registry (PER) was established at two public sector healthcare sentinel sites in the Western Cape province, South Africa, to provide ongoing surveillance of drug exposures in pregnancy and associations with pregnancy outcomes.

Participants: Established in 2016, all women attending their first antenatal visit at primary care obstetric facilities were enrolled and followed to pregnancy outcome regardless of the site (ie, primary, secondary, tertiary facility). Routine operational obstetric and medical data are digitised from the clinical stationery at the healthcare facilities.

Expression of Cellular and Extracellular , and in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Non-coding RNAs are transcribed from telomeres and the telomeric repeat-containing RNAs () are implicated in telomere homeostasis and in cancer. In this study, we aimed to assess in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) the cellular and extracellular expression of , the telomerase RNA subunit () and the telomerase catalytic subunit (). We determined by qPCR the expression level of 1_2_10_13q, 15q, XpYp, and of mRNA in HCC tissues and in the plasma of HCC patients.

Relationship between pre-pregnancy maternal body mass index and infant weight trajectories in HIV-exposed and HIV-unexposed infants.

Background: Maternal HIV and antiretroviral therapy (ART) exposure in utero may influence infant weight, but the contribution of maternal y body mass index (BMI) to early life overweight and obesity is not clear.

Objective: To estimate associations between maternal BMI at entry to antenatal care (ANC) and infant weight through approximately 1 year of age and to evaluate whether associations were modified by maternal HIV status, maternal HIV and viral load, breastfeeding intensity through 6 months or timing of entry into ANC.

Methods: We followed HIV-uninfected and -infected pregnant women initiating efavirenz-based ART from first antenatal visit through 12 months postpartum.

Longitudinal Circulating Levels of miR-23b-3p, miR-126-3p and lncRNA GAS5 in HCC Patients Treated with Sorafenib.

Human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent primary tumor of the liver and the third cause of cancer-related deaths. The multikinase inhibitor sorafenib is a systemic drug for unresectable HCC. The identification of molecular biomarkers for the early diagnosis of HCC and responsiveness to treatment are needed.

Association between food intake and obesity in pregnant women living with and without HIV in Cape Town, South Africa: a prospective cohort study.

Background: Although global nutrition/dietary transition resulting from industrialisation and urbanisation has been identified as a major contributor to widespread trends of obesity, there is limited data in pregnant women, including those living with HIV in South Africa. We examined food-based dietary intake in pregnant women with and without HIV at first antenatal care (ANC) visit, and associations with maternal overweight/obesity and gestational weight gain (GWG).

Methods: In an urban South African community, consecutive women living with (n = 479) and without (n = 510) HIV were enrolled and prospectively followed to delivery.

Crosstalk Between DNA Methylation and Gene Mutations in Colorectal Cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is often characterized by mutations and aberrant DNA methylation within the promoters of tumor suppressor genes and proto-oncogenes. The most frequent somatic mutations occur within and genes. Mutations of the gene have been detected in approximately 40% of patients, while mutations in have been detected less frequently at a rate of 10%.

DNA methylation variations in familial female and male breast cancer.

In total, ~25% of familial breast cancer (BC) is attributed to germline mutations of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, while the rest of the cases are included in the BRCAX group. BC is also known to affect men, with a worldwide incidence of 1%. Epigenetic alterations, including DNA methylation, have been rarely studied in male breast cancer (MBC) on a genome-wide level.

H-ferritin suppression and pronounced mitochondrial respiration make Hepatocellular Carcinoma cells sensitive to RSL3-induced ferroptosis.

Ferroptosis is a form of regulated cell death dependent on iron, reactive oxygen species and characterized by the accumulation of lipid peroxides. It can be experimentally initiated by chemicals, such as erastin and RSL3, that modulate GPX4 activity, the cellular antioxidant machinery that avert lipid peroxidation. The study aimed to investigate mitochondrial respiration and ferritin function as biomarkers of ferroptosis sensitivity of HepG2 and HA22T/VGH, two Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) cell line models.

Immediate versus delayed insertion of the copper intrauterine device after medical abortion at 17-20 gestational weeks: a randomised controlled trial.

Introduction: This trial reports on use of the copper intrauterine device (IUD) after immediate compared with delayed insertion following medical abortion at 17-20 gestational weeks (GW).

Methods: This randomised controlled trial was conducted at one tertiary hospital and five community healthcare centres in Cape Town, South Africa. Eligible consenting women were randomised to immediate (within 24 hours) or delayed (3 weeks post-abortion) insertion of the copper IUD.

MicroRNA‑34a‑5p expression in the plasma and in its extracellular vesicle fractions in subjects with Parkinson's disease: An exploratory study.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is an important disabling age‑related disorder and is the second most common neurodegenerative disease. Currently, no established molecular biomarkers exist for the early diagnosis of PD. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs), either vesicle‑free or encapsulated in extracellular vesicles (EVs), have emerged as potential blood‑based biomarkers also for neurodegenerative diseases.

High blood pressure at entry into antenatal care and birth outcomes among a cohort of HIV-uninfected women and women living with HIV initiating antiretroviral therapy in South Africa.

Objective: To examine associations between high blood pressure (BP) when entering antenatal care (ANC) and birth outcomes in a cohort of pregnant HIV- and women living with HIV (WLHIV) initiating antiretroviral treatment (ART).

Study Design: Prospective cohort study.

Main Outcome Measures: Cesarean delivery, preterm birth (<37 weeks' gestation), low birthweight (LBW, <2500 g), small-for-gestational age (SGA, <10th percentile), and large-for-gestational age (LGA, >10th percentile for GA).

miRNAs-Based Molecular Signature for Mutated and Wild Type Colorectal Cancer: An Explorative Study.

microRNAs (miRNAs) have been proposed as promising molecular biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and responsive therapeutic targets in different types of cancer, including colorectal cancer (CRC). In this study, we evaluated the expression levels of 84 cancer-associated miRNAs in a cohort of 39 human samples comprising 13 peritumoral and 26 tumoral tissues from surgical specimens of CRC patients. mutations were detected in 11 tumoral samples.