GDNF-RET signaling and EGR1 form a positive feedback loop that promotes tamoxifen resistance via cyclin D1.

Background: Rearranged during transfection (RET) tyrosine kinase signaling has been previously implicated in endocrine resistant breast cancer, however the mechanism by which this signaling cascade promotes resistance is currently not well described. We recently reported that glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF)-RET signaling appears to promote a positive feedback loop with the transcription factor early growth response 1 (EGR1). Here we investigate the mechanism behind this feedback loop and test the hypothesis that GDNF-RET signaling forms a regulatory loop with EGR1 to upregulate cyclin D1 (CCND1) transcription, leading to cell cycle progression and tamoxifen resistance.

The molecular link between obesity and genomic instability in cancer development.

Obesity has been known to be a major risk factor for various types of cancers for several decades. More recently, the relationship between dysregulated adipokines and cancer development has been the focus of much research. Adipose tissue is an important endocrine organ that secretes adipokines that affect both autocrine and paracrine signaling.

Dates and rates in grape's plastomes: evolution in slow motion.

The family Vitaceae includes the domesticated grapevine (Vitis vinifera), one of the most economically important crops in the world. Despite the importance of Vitaceae, there is still considerable controversy surrounding their phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary timescales. Moreover, variation in rates of molecular evolution among Vitaceae remains mostly unexplored.

Gallbladder agenesis: A case report and review of the literature.

Introduction: Gallbladder agenesis is a rare congenital abnormality with an incidence of 10-65 per 100,000. Approximately half of these patients are surgically operated on because of the symptoms similar to biliary colic, and correct diagnosis is established intra-operatively. We present a clinical case of gallbladder agenesis from our practice.

Whole genome comparative analysis of four Georgian grape cultivars.

Grapevine is the one of the most important fruit species in the world. Comparative genome sequencing of grape cultivars is very important for the interpretation of the grape genome and understanding its evolution. The genomes of four Georgian grape cultivars-Chkhaveri, Saperavi, Meskhetian green, and Rkatsiteli, belonging to different haplogroups, were resequenced.

Open retromuscular mesh repair versus onlay technique of incisional hernia: A randomized controlled trial.

Introduction: The aim of this prospective randomized clinical study was to compare and analyze the results of two methods of treatment of incisional hernia: open retromuscular mesh repair and onlay technique.

Methods: 180 patients who underwent open elective surgery for middle primary incisional hernia were randomized into two groups. The retomuscular mesh repair was used in the first group and the onlay technique - in the second group.

Management of Appendiceal Mass and Abscess. An 11-Year Experience.

The aim of our study is to compare the results of emergency surgery versus conservative treatment with interval surgery in patients diagnosed with appendiceal mass and abscess. A retrospective review of 48 patients with appendiceal mass and abscess treated from January 2002 to January 2013 at General Surgery Department of Kipshidze Central University Hospital was performed. Patients with emergency surgery were compared to patients treated by nonoperative management with interval surgery.

Standard polypropylene mesh vs lightweight mesh for Lichtenstein repair of primary inguinal hernia: a randomized controlled trial.

Purpose: The aim of the present clinical study was to compare early and late outcomes after inguinal hernia repair with the heavyweight mesh (HW) and lightweight mesh (LW) during a 3 year follow-up period.

Methods: 226 patients were randomized into LW and HW mesh groups, both of which underwent unilateral primary inguinal hernia repair via the Lichtenstein technique. Wound complications (infection, hematoma, seroma), hernia recurrence, pain and feeling of foreign body in inguinal area were determined in patients.

Mucocele of the appendix: case report and review of literature.

Appendiceal mucocele is a rare disease. Sometimes it is discovered accidentally and sometimes it resembles acute appendicitis. Correct diagnosis before surgery is very important for the selection of adequate surgical treatment to avoid intraoperative and postoperative complications.

[Comparative evaluate of methods of placement of polypropylene meshes in alloplastic of incisional hernias].

Treatment results in 107 patients with incisional hernias were analyzed. All patients undergoing abdominal wall grafting with use of cellular polypropylene implant. Patients were divided into 2 groups.

[Complications of jejunal peptic ulcers].

Under observation were 192 patients with peptic ulcer. In 72.4% of patients complicated peptic ulcers were noted.