Prognostic values of the mRNA expression of natural killer receptor ligands and their association with clinicopathological features in breast cancer patients.

Background: Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes of the innate immune system that have potent cytotoxic activity against tumor cells. NK cell recognition and activity towards cancer cells are regulated by an integrated interplay between numerous inhibitory and activating receptors acting in concert to eliminate tumor cells expressing cognate ligands. Despite strong evidence supporting the role of NK cells in breast cancer (BC) control, BC still develops and progresses to form large tumors and metastases.

Influence of Household Water Filters on Bacteria Growth and Trace Metals in Tap Water of Doha, Qatar.

Deteriorating water quality from aging infrastructure, growing threat of pollution from industrialization and urbanization, and increasing awareness about waterborne diseases are among the factors driving the surge in worldwide use of point-of-entry (POE) and point-of-use (POU) filters. Any adverse influence of such consumer point-of-use systems on quality of water at the tap remains poorly understood, however. We determined the chemical and microbiological changes in municipal water from the point of entry into the household plumbing system until it leaves from the tap in houses equipped with filters.

High prevalence of Candida dubliniensis in lower respiratory tract secretions from cystic fibrosis patients may be related to increased adherence properties.

Objectives: We identified Candida spp isolated from lower respiratory tract secretions obtained from cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), with the aim of determining the most prevalent causative agent. We also sought to determine their adhesive properties in order to understand their biology related to CF.

Methods: Twenty-five clinical samples were collected from a cohort of 20 CF patients.