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Abstract Background Precision-cut lung slices (PCLS) are ex vivo models with preserved lung cell populations and maintained tissue architecture. PCLS are, therefore, a powerful tool in respiratory research to study molecular mechanisms that closely reflect whole tissue biology. High-quality RNA and protein extraction from PCLS is, however, challenging as agarose significantly interferes with the yield and purity of extracted material. The present study aimed to optimize QIAzol-based isolation protocol for high-yield and quality RNA, miRNA, and protein extraction from PCLS. Materials and methods PCLS were prepared from 10 to 15-week-old Wistar rats and cultured for 7 days in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium/Nutrient Mixture F-12 (DMEM/F-12) supplemented with 0.1% FBS, penicillin, and streptomycin. LDH release to PCLS culture media was measured to determine cellular cytotoxicity. To select the optimal miRNA/RNA isolation protocol, we tested two different times (10 min, 2 h) and temperatures (room temperature, 4 °C, and −20 °C) of precipitation with isopropanol. Finally, we also assessed isolation with GHCL (guanidinium hydrochloride) extraction buffer. To select the optimal protein isolation protocol, we tested protein precipitation for 10 min at room temperatures (21 ± 1 °C) with 1.5 volumes of isopropanol and 3 volumes of acetone per 1 volume of phenol-ethanol supernatant. Additionally, we also tested protein precipitation for 3 h at −20 °C with 3, 5, and 7 acetone volumes per 1 volume of phenol-ethanol supernatant. We also validated protein precipitation with back extraction buffer instead of 100% ethanol. To measure the general efficiency of the optimized QIAZ-4 protocol, we used native rat lungs. PCLS for the ex vivo model of allergic inflammation were treated with IL-13 at a concentration of 80 ng/ml. Results Standard QIAzol isolation protocol provided RNA, miRNA, and protein with low yield and poor quality. We found that 2-h isopropanol precipitation at 4 °C with a high concentration of salts significantly increased the yield and quality of extracted RNA and miRNA and provided acceptable qPCR efficiency (between 90 and 110%). Surprisingly, 2-h isopropanol precipitation at −20 °C significantly increased qPCR efficiency above the acceptable range (average efficiency: 120.4%). As for protein extraction, we found that 3-h acetone precipitation at −20 °C provided the highest yield with linear protein detection on Westen Blot. Optimized QIAZ-4 provided significantly higher miRNA and RNA yield compared to standard QIAzol protocols. We also found a significantly increased expression of Eotaxin-1 in PCLS treated with IL-13 as compared to the untreated controls. Conclusions In our study, we described a simple QIAzol-based method for the simultaneous isolation of RNA, miRNA, and protein from PCLS.

IntroductionNormosmic isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (nIHH) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorder. Deleterious variants in over 50 genes have been implicated in the etiology of IHH, which also indicates a possible role of digenicity and oligogenicity. Both classes of genes controlling GnRH neuron migration/development and hypothalamic/pituitary signaling and development are strongly implicated in nIHH pathogenesis. The study aimed to investigate the genetic background of nIHH and further expand the genotype–phenotype correlation.MethodsA total of 67 patients with nIHH were enrolled in the study. NGS technology and a 38-gene panel were applied.ResultsCausative defects regarded as at least one pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) variant were found in 23 patients (34%). For another 30 individuals, variants of unknown significance (VUS) or benign (B) were evidenced (45%). The most frequently mutated genes presenting P/LP alterations were GNRHR (n = 5), TACR3 (n = 3), and CHD7, FGFR1, NSMF, BMP4, and NROB1 (n = 2 each). Monogenic variants with solid clinical significance (P/LP) were observed in 15% of subjects, whereas oligogenic defects were detected in 19% of patients. Regarding recurrence, 17 novel pathogenic variants affecting 10 genes were identified for 17 patients. The most recurrent pathogenic change was GNRHR:p.Arg139His, detected in four unrelated subjects. Another interesting observation is that P/LP defects were found more often in genes related to hypothalamic–pituitary pathways than those related to GnRH.ConclusionsThe growing importance of the neuroendocrine pathway and related genes is drawing increasing attention to nIHH. However, the underestimated potential of VUS variants in IHH etiology, particularly those presenting recurrence, should be further elucidated.

Abstract Normal and heavy water are solvents most commonly used to study the isotope effect. The isotope effect of a solvent significantly influences the behavior of a single molecule in a solution, especially when there are interactions between the solvent and the solute. The influence of the isotope effect becomes more significant in D2O/H2O since the hydrogen bond in H2O is slightly weaker than its counterpart (deuterium bond) in D2O. Herein, we characterize the isotope effect in a mixture of normal and heavy water on the solvation of a HOD molecule. We show that the HOD molecule affects the proximal solvent molecules, and these disturbances are much more significant in heavy water than in normal water. Moreover, in D2O, we observe the formation of low-density structures indicative of an ordering of the solvent around the HOD molecule. The qualitative differences between HOD interaction with D2O and H2O were consistently confirmed with Raman spectroscopy and NMR diffusometry.

Independence is very important for a child because independence fosters a sense of responsibility for children, independence bears joy, is closely related to children's emotional social intelligence, and independence contributes well to their future success. Judging from the position, closeness, and authority they have, fathers are considered the most appropriate in teaching this independence. Therefore, the active involvement of fathers is needed and expected. The research of this article is intended to explore the role that fathers can give in order to maximally teach independence to their children. By choosing a qualitative method with a description approach and support from a literature review, it is hoped that it can provide a maximum picture and be able to be accountable academically regarding independence in the biblical picture, the urgency of independence for children both now and in their future, as well as the contribution of fathers in teaching independence. It is concluded that fathers can contribute maximally in teaching independence to children when making it a habit for children, positioning themselves as companions in the learning process, being carried out with sensitivity and being a role model in terms of independence. Abstrak Kemandirian sangat penting bagi seorang anak karena kemandirian menumbuhkan rasa tanggung jawab anak, kemandirian berbuah kegembiraan, terkait erat dengan kecerdasan sosial emosional anak, serta kemandirian bersumbangsih baik pada kesuksesannya di masa depan nanti. Menilik posisi, kedekatan,dan otoritas yang dimilikinya, para ayah dirasa paling tepat dalam mengajarkan kemandirian ini. Maka dari itu keterlibatan aktif para ayah sangat dibutuhkan dan diharapkan. Penelitian artikel ini dimaksudkan ingin menelisik peran yang para ayah bisa berikan agar maksimal mengajarkan kemandirian pada anak. Dengan memilih metode kualitatif dengan pendekatan deskripsi dan sokongan dari kajian literatur diharapkan bisa memberikan gambaran yang maksimal serta mampu dipertanggung jawabkan secara akademik terkait kemandirian dalam gambaran Alkitab, urgensi kemandirian bagi anak baik itu di masa kini ataupun di masa depan mereka, juga kontribusi ayah dalam mengajarkan kemandirian. Disimpulkan bahwa para ayah dapat berkontribusi maksimal dalam mengajarkan kemandirian pada anak ketika menjadikannya sebagai pembiasaan bagi anak, memposisikan dirinya sebagai pendamping dalam proses belajar, dilakukan dengan kepekaan dan menjadi role model dalam hal kemandirian.

Abstract: The Bible places the fear of God as the main foundation of believers' faith and provides examples of how the heroes of faith in the Bible carry out their daily lives in fear of God. This research explains how pantecostal theological reflection of the fear of God in people's lives is based on Psalm 25: 12-14. This article examines the Bible's view of the fear of God which is landed with real examples in the lives of several servants of God such as Abraham, Joseph, Job, David, Daniel and his three friends. This article also discusses the fear of God based on Psalm 25: 12-15 and Pentecostal theological reflection on the fear of God. Based on the results of the discussion, it was revealed that in the reflection of the Pentecostal theology of fearing God, an attitude that respects God, a choice taken by believers to live in God's blessings, the efforts made by believers to tie themselves to God's promises and finally believers to live in the way of the Lord. Abstrak: Alkitab meletakan takut akan Tuhan sebagai fondasi utama iman orang percaya dan memberikan contoh bagaimana para pahlawan iman di Alkitab menjalankan keseharian hidup mereka dalam takut akan Tuhan. Penelitian ini bermaksud menjelaskan bagaimana refleksi teologi pentakosta terkait sikap takut akan Tuhan dalam kehidupan orang percaya berdasarkan Mazmur 25: 12-14. Artikel ini mengulas tentang pandangan Alkitab tentang takut akan Tuhan yang didaratkan dengan contoh-contoh nyata dalam kehidupan beberapa hamba Tuhan seperti Abraham, Yusuf, Ayub, Daud, Daniel dan ketiga sahabatnya. Artikel ini juga membahas tentang karakteristik takut akan Tuhan berdasarkan Mazmur 25: 12-15 dan refleksi teologi Pentakosta tentang takut akan Tuhan. Berdasarkan hasil pembahasan disimpulkan bahwa dalam refleksi teologi Pentakosta takut akan Tuhan merupakan sikap yang menghormati Tuhan, sebuah pilihan yang diambil oleh orang percaya untuk hidup dalam berkat Tuhan, usaha yang dilakukan oleh orang percaya untuk mengikatkan diri pada janji Tuhan dan akhirnya menempatkan orang percaya untuk hidup dalam jalan-jalan Tuhan.

Children love languages is the language of expression and acceptance of the child. Through this love language, children express themselves and also measure the acceptance they get from the people around them. Every child has their own love language when communicating and parents are expected to understand their children's love language. The purpose of the research in this article is to understand the importance of using the language of love for children in Christian families. This research uses a descriptive method and literature review. The five languages of child love discussed in this article are physical touch, words of affirmation, quality time, acts of service, and gifts. Based on the results of this study, children's love language is important to be understood by parents because it is a medium for children's communication. By understanding the language of love for children, parents are expected to be able to prevent various crimes so that family harmony is maintained. Besides, understanding the children's love language will be able to increase the child's potential and become a family that other families can follow. Abstrak Bahasa cinta anak adalah bahasa ekspresi dan penerimaan anak. Melalui bahasa cinta ini anak-anak mengekspresikan dirinya sekaligus juga mengukur penerimaan yang dia dapat dari orang-orang disekitarnya. Setiap anak memiliki bahasa cintanya sendiri ketika berkomunikasi dan para orang tua diharapkan memahami bahasa cinta anak mereka. Adapun tujuan dari penelitian artikel ini adalah ingin memaknai arti penting penggunaan bahasa cinta anak dalam keluarga Kristen. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskripsi dan kajian literatur. Kelima bahasa cinta anak yang dibahas dalam artikel ini adalah sentuhan fisik, kata-kata peneguhan, waktu berkualitas, tindakan melayani dan hadiah. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian ini bahasa cinta anak penting untuk dipahami oleh para orang tua karena itu adalah media berkomunikasi anak. Dengan memahami bahasa cinta anak para orang tua diharapkan bisa mencegah berbagai kejahatan sehingga keharmonisan keluarga terjaga. Selain itu pemahaman bahasa cinta anak akan bisa meningkatkan potensi diri anak, dan menjadi keluarga yang bisa diteladani oleh keluarga lainnya.

Most neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN) are characterized by the presence of somatostatin receptors (SSTR) which we use in location diagnostics and treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of somatostatin receptors by immunohistochemistry in tissue obtained after surgery of the primary focus in the small intestine. The group of patients consisted of 41 people, in 18 cases the primary tumor was in the jejunum and in 23 in the ileum. The immunohistochemical method was used to visualize the receptors, using polyclonal antibodies in a two-stage peroxidase method. In patients with NEN of the small intestine, the SSTR2a and SSTR5 receptors are most commonly expressed, followed by SSTR2b and 3. In statistical analysis, it was shown that the expression of somatostatin receptors was not dependent on the primary site of the tumor (p > 0.05). The dependence of SSTR expression on histological maturity is evident. SSTR1, SSTR2b, SSTR3 and SSTR5 are more common in tumors with grading G1 (p

Diabetes insipidus is a disorder resulting from insufficient action of vasopressin (ADH) characterized by excretion of highly diluted urine in large amounts. Idiopathic diabetes insipidus is associated with the presence of both autoantibodies against ADH-secreting neurons and pituitary autoantibodies. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the occurrence of autoantibodies against the pituitary microsomal fraction. The study included 33 sera of diabetes insipidus patients and 10 control sera obtained from 10 healthy persons. In all patients the secretion of pituitary hormones and thyroid autoantibodies was assessed. Human pituitaries were obtained during autopsy and homogenized in 0.01 mol/l pH 7.4 phosphate buffer. In addition, for the autoantibody evaluation, the electrophoretic method of separation in polyacrylamide gel and western blot were employed. Among the 33 subjects, in 23 patients the presence of autoantibodies against the pituitary was shown. Sera of 15 patients reacted with the pituitary microsomal fraction protein of 55 kDa. In other cases, 10 sera reacted with the pituitary antigen of 67 kDa. In addition, 5 sera reacted with the 60 kDa antigen, 5 sera with 52 kDa protein, 3 sera with 105 kDa protein, 3 sera with the 97 kDa antigen and 2 sera with pituitary antigen of 92 kDa weight. In our study, based on the immunoblotting method, we observed that pituitary autoantibodies against 55, 60 and 67 kDa antigens occurred frequently.

Introduction Problems related to eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia and obesity turns out to be very common in the LGBT group. The paper presents a review of research in this field showing the relationship between the influence of the environment, homophobia and lack of tolerance to the problem presented in the topic and a scale of this problem occurring in the presented minority group. Aim The aim of the work is to draw attention to the scale of the problem and the specificity of the LGBT group in the field of eating disorders. Presenting factors which are a predisposition to such disorders, may be useful to medical staff, psychologists, educators and therapists dealing with the problem of eating disorders. Another aim is to create a scientific publication on the topic of sexual minorities, which is still lacking in comparison with foreign magazines in our country. Brief description of the state of knowledge LGBT group turns out to be a group with an increased risk of eating disorders. Gays are a group exposed to anorexia and bulimia. However, the group of lesbians has been defined with an increased risk of overweight and obesity. According to a review of contemporary research in this area, the problems related to nutrition are influenced by homophobia, lack of social acceptance, heterosexual and episodes of sexual abuse in childhood. Conclusions There is a huge need of knowledge for specialists dealing with eating disorders about the specificity of the LGBT group. Their greater competences can positively influence the prevalence of eating disorders in this group and positively influence the course of treatment of such people.

Hemagglutinin (HA), the class I influenza A virus protein is responsible for the attachment of virus particles to the cell by binding to glycan receptors, subsequent virion internalization, and cell entry. Consequently, the importance of HA makes it a primary target for the development of anti-influenza drugs. The natural oligoribonucleotides (ORNs) as well as their derivatives functionalized with D-mannitol (ORNs-D-M) possess anti-influenza properties in vitro and in vivo due to interaction with HA receptor sites. This activity suppresses the viral infection in host cells. In the present work, the complexes of ORNs and ORNs-D-M with HA protein were studied by agglutination assay, fluorescence spectroscopy, as well as molecular docking simulations. Acquired experimental data exhibited a decrease in HA titer by 32 times after incubation with the ORNs-D-M for 0.5–24 h. Quenching fluorescence intensity of the HA suggests that titration by ORNs and ORNs-D-M probably leads to changes in the HA structure. Detailed structural data were obtained with the molecular docking simulations performed for ORNs and ORNs-D-M ligands containing three and six oligoribonucleotides. The results reveal that a majority of the ORNs and ORNs-D-M bind in a non-specific way to the receptor-binding domain of the HA protein. The ligand’s affinity to the hemagglutinin was estimated at the micromolar level. Presented experimental data confirmed that both natural ORNs and functionalized ORNs-D-M inhibit the interactions between HA and glycan receptors and demonstrate anti-influenza activity.

INTRODUCTION:Autoimmune reactions in Graves' disease (GD) occur not only in the thyroid gland, but also in the orbital connective tissue, eyelids, extraocular muscles. The occurrence of orbitopathy in the course of GD is influenced by environmental factors, e.g. cigarette smoking. OBJECTIVES:The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of cigarette smoking on the efficacy of activity of radioiodine(131I) therapy in patients with GD. We also studied the influence of cigarette smoking and the efficacy of prednisone prophylaxis on the risk of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) development after radioiodine therapy (RIT) during two years of follow-up. PATIENTS AND METHODS:Medical records of hyperthyroid patients treated with radioiodine had been included. Patients were scheduled to visit outpatient clinics at baseline and 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months after RIT. RESULTS:The studied group consisted of 336 patients (274 women, 62 men) diagnosed with GD and treated with RIT; 130 patients received second therapeutic dose of 131I due to recurrent hyperthyroidism. Among all studied patients, 220 (65.5%) were smokers and 116 (34.5%) non-smokers. In the group of smokers 115 (52.2%) of patients received single RIT, 105 (47.8%) received second dose of RAI due to recurrent hyperthyroidism. In non-smokers 91 (78.6%) received single activity of RAI, while 25 (21.4%) patients required second RIT due to recurrent hyperthyroidism. The ophthalmic symptoms in the group of smokers after RIT were less frequent, if the patient received preventative treatment in the form of oral prednisone (P = 0.0088). CONCLUSIONS:The results of our study suggest that cigarette smoking reduces the efficacy of treatment with 131I in patients with GD. The study also confirmed the effectiveness of steroid prophylaxis against TAO development or exacerbation after RIT.

The issue of increased risk of benign and malignant neoplasms in patients with acromegaly remains the topic of debate from many years and was addressed by numerous studies. Many of them have shown increase in the cancer incidence. Among particular types of malignancies, thyroid, colorectal, and breast cancer are most commonly indicated as associated with acromegaly. Single reports denoted increase in prevalence of neoplasms of other organs such as kidney, bone or central nervous system. Cardiovascular and respiratory tract disorders were traditionally consider as main causes of mortality in acromegalic patients, accounting for about 60 and 25% of deaths, respectively. However, according to a number of studies published over the current decade cancer became the most important cause of deaths. Aim of the current article was to review the literature concerning the risk of malignant neoplasms in acromegaly and its clinical implications.

Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP/NET) are unusual and relatively rare neoplasms that present many clinical challenges. They characteristically synthesize, store and secrete a variety of peptides and neuroamines which can lead to the development of distinct clinical syndromes, including the carcinoid syndrome, insulinoma, glucagonoma or VIPoma, although many are clinically silent until late presentation with mass effects. Management strategies include surgery and cytoreduction with chemotherapy and the use of somatostatin analogues to control symptoms from peptide neurotransmitter release. Somatostatin have a broad range of biological actions that include inhibition of exocrine and endocrine secretions, gut motility, cell proliferation, cell survival and angiogenesis. Five G-protein-coupled somatostatin receptors (SSTR1-SSTR5) have been cloned and characterized. Clinically used somatostatin analogues including octreotide and lanreotide are effective medical tools in treatment and show selectivity for SSTR2 and SSTR5. During treatment, disappearance of flushing, normalization of bowel movements and reduction of serotonin and 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA) secretion are observed. The addition of interferon (INF) to somatostatin analogues may improve the antiproliferative effects. Patients who received the combination therapy had a significantly lower risk of progressive disease. On the other hand, the major toxicity of INF including temporary flu-like symptoms, tiredness, anorexia and leukopenia should be considered. Telotristat etiprate is an orally bioavailable, tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) inhibitor with potential antiserotoninergic activity. Telotristat represents a novel approach by specifically inhibiting serotonin synthesis and, as such, is a promising potential new treatment for patients with carcinoid syndrome. Pancreatic functioning neuroendocrine tumors include insulinoma, gastrinoma, glucagonoma and VIPoma. Medical management in patients with insulinoma and severe hypoglycemic attacks includes diazoxide, which suppresses insulin release. Also mTOR inhibitors may inhibit insulin secretion. Treatment of gastrinoma includes both proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and histamine H2-receptor antagonists. Octreotide and lanreotide can also control acid hypersecretion. In patients with glucagonomas hyperglycemia can be controlled using insulin and oral blood glucose lowering drugs. In malignant glucagonomas somatostatin analogues are effective in controlling necrolytic migratory erythema. Severe cases of the VIPoma syndrome require supplementation of fluid losses. Octreotide reduces tumoral VIP secretion and controls secretory diarrhea. Further control of diarrhea can be achieved with loperamide, opiates and glucocorticoids.

Studies revolving around mechanisms responsible for the development of amyloid-based diseases lay the foundations for the recognition of molecular targets of future to-be-developed treatments. However, the vast number of peptides and proteins known to be responsible for fibril formation, combined with their complexity and complexity of their interactions with various cellular components, renders this task extremely difficult and time-consuming. One of these proteins, human cystatin C (hCC), is a well-known and studied cysteine-protease inhibitor. While being a monomer in physiological conditions, under the necessary stimulus—usually a mutation, it tends to form fibrils, which later participate in the disease development. This process can potentially be regulated (in several ways) by many cellular components and it is being hypothesized that the cell membrane might play a key role in the oligomerization pathway. Studies involving cell membranes pose several difficulties; therefore, an alternative in the form of membrane mimetics is a very attractive solution. Here, we would like to present the first study on hCC oligomerization under the influence of phospholipid liposomes, acting as a membrane mimetic. The protein–mimetic interactions are studied utilizing circular dichroism, nuclear magnetic resonance, and size exclusion chromatography.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common type of malignant gliomas, characterized by genetic instability, intratumoral histopathological variability and unpredictable clinical behavior. Disappointing results in the treatment of gliomas with surgery, radiation and chemotherapy have fueled a search for new therapeutic targets and treatment modalities. Here we report new approach towards RNA interference therapy of glioblastoma multiforme based on the magnetic nanoparticles delivery of the double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) with homological sequences to mRNA of tenascin-C (TN-C), named ATN-RNA. The obtained nanocomposite consisted of polyethyleneimine (PEI) coated magnetic nanoparticles conjugated to the dsRNA show high efficiency in ATN-RNA delivery, resulting not only in significant TN-C expression level suppressesion, but also impairing the tumor cells migration. Moreover, synthesized nanomaterials show high contrast properties in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and low cytotoxicity combining with lack of induction of interferon response. We believe that the present work is a successful combination of effective, functional, non-immunostimulatory dsRNA delivery system based on magnetic nanoparticles with high potential for further application in GBM therapy.

The purpose of this phenomenological, qualitative, temporal study was to examine the effects of a semester-long physical theater class on body schema (body posture, awareness, confidence, expression) among eight college students. Individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted twice to qualitatively collect the study's data. Two themes emerged from the qualitative/phenomenological data analysis, showcasing how the participants' body schema improved. Based on the first theme, the students emphasized the importance of physical theater in improving body posture, awareness, confidence and comfort during physical theater and their daily functions. Practically learning the body schema of their character was key to excellence in performance. According to the second theme, the participants learned how to express emotions using their whole body and not only their face. They also managed to switch emotions naturally and corporeally. Experts in Kinesiology and Performing Arts should promote embodied, holistic, playful, and physically demanding movement programs for improved body schema.

Polydopamine (PDA)-coated magnetic nanoparticles functionalized with mono-6-thio-β-cyclodextrin (SH-βCD) were obtained and characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Nuclear and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (NMR and MRI), and doxorubicin (DOXO)-loading experiments. The liver cancer cellular internalization of DOXO-loaded nanoparticles was investigated by confocal imaging microscopy. Synthesized nanomaterials bearing a chemotherapeutic drug and a layer of polydopamine capable of absorbing near-infrared light show high performance in the combined chemo- and photothermal therapy (CT-PTT) of liver cancer due to the synergistic effect of both modalities as demonstrated in vitro. Moreover, our material exhibits improved T2 contrast properties, which have been verified using Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill pulse sequence and MRI Spin-Echo imaging of the nanoparticles dispersed in the agarose gel phantoms. Therefore, the presented results cast new light on the preparation of polydopamine-based magnetic theranostic nanomaterials, as well as on the proper methodology for investigation of magnetic nanoparticles in high field MRI experiments. The prepared material is a robust theranostic nanoasystem with great potential in nanomedicine.

Thyroid nodular goiter is one of the most common medical conditions affecting even over a half of adult population. The risk of malignancy is rather small but noticeable-estimated by numerous studies to be about 3-10%. The definite differentiation between benign and malignant ones is a vital issue in endocrine practice. The aim of the current study was to assess the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and VEGF-C on the mRNA level in FNAB washouts in case of benign and malignant thyroid nodules and to evaluate the diagnostic value of these markers of malignancy.Patients undergoing fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) in our department between January 2013 and May 2014 were included. In case of all patients who gave the written consent, after ultrasonography (US) and fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) performed as routine medical procedure the needle was flushed with RNA Later solution, the washouts were frozen in -80 Celsius degrees. Expression of VEGF-A and VEGF-C and GADPH (reference gene) was assessed in washouts on the mRNA level using the real-time PCR technique. Probes of patients who underwent subsequent thyroidectomy and were diagnosed with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC; proved by post-surgical histopathology) were analyzed. Similar number of patients with benign cytology were randomly selected to be a control group.Thirty one DTCs and 28 benign thyroid lesions were analyzed. Expression of VEGF-A was insignificantly higher in patients with DTCs (p = 0.13). Expression of VEGF-C was significantly higher in patients with DTC. The relative expression of VEGF-C (in comparison with GAPDH) was 0.0049 for DTCs and 0.00070 for benign lesions, medians - 0.0036 and 0.000024 respectively (p

We present a 3D model of the four transmembrane (TM) helical regions of bilitranslocase (BTL), a structurally uncharacterized protein that transports organic anions across the cell membrane. The model was computed by considering helix-helix interactions as primary constraints, using Monte Carlo simulations. The interactions between the TM2 and TM3 segments have been confirmed by Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, increasing our confidence in the model. Several insights into the BTL transport mechanism were obtained by analyzing the model. For example, the observed cis-trans Leu-Pro peptide bond isomerization in the TM3 fragment may indicate a key conformational change during anion transport by BTL. Our structural model of BTL may facilitate further studies, including drug discovery.

IntroductionIn the last decade, (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET and PET/CT) has become one of the major diagnostic tools used in oncology. A significant number of patients who undergo this procedure, due to non-thyroidal reasons, present incidental uptake of (18F-FDG) in the thyroid. The aim of the study was to compare the SUVmax (standardized uptake value) of thyroid focal lesions, which were incidentally found on PET/CT, in relation to the results of thyroid fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) and/or histopathological evaluation.Materials and methodsPatients referred for PET/CT examination, due to non-thyroidal illness, presented focal 18F-FDG uptake in the thyroid and were advised to undergo ultrasonography (US), hormonal evaluation, FNAB and/or total thyroidectomy at our institution.Results6614 PET/CT examinations performed in 5520 patients were analyzed. Of the 122 patients with focal thyroid 18F-FDG activity, 82 patients (67.2%) underwent further thyroid evaluation using FNAB. Benign lesions were diagnosed in 46 patients, malignant - in 19 patients (confirmed by post-surgical histopathology), while 17 patients had inconclusive results of cytological assessment. Mean SUVmax of benign lesions was 3.2±2.8 (median = 2.4), while the mean SUVmax value for malignant lesions was 7.1±8.2 (median = 3.5). The risk of malignancy was 16.7% for lesions with a SUVmax under 3, 43.8% for lesions with a SUVmax between 3 and 6, and 54.6% for lesions with a SUVmax over 6. In the group of malignant lesions, a positive correlation between the lesion's diameter and SUVmax was observed (p = 0.03, r = 0.57).ConclusionsSubjects with incidental focal uptake of 18F-FDG in thyroid are at a high risk of thyroid malignancy. A high value of SUVmax further increases the risk of malignancy, indicating the necessity for further cytological or histological evaluation. However, as SUVmax correlated with the diameter of malignant lesions, small lesions with focal uptake of 18F-FDG should be interpreted cautiously.

INTRODUCTION: Acromegaly is a quite rare chronic disease caused by the increased secretion of growth hormone (GH) and subsequently insulin - like growth factor 1. Although cardiovascular diseases remains the most common cause of mortality among acromegalic patients, increased prevalence of malignant and benign neoplasms remains a matter of debate. The aim of this study is to evaluate the risk of thyroid nodular disease (TND) and thyroid cancer in patients with acromegaly. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Cinahl, Academic Search Complete, Web of Knowledge, PubMed Central, PubMed Central Canada and Clinical Key databases were searched to identify studies containing. Random-effects model was used to calculate pooled odds ratios and risk ratios of TND in acromegaly. Studies which not included control groups were systematically reviewed. RESULTS: TND was more frequent in acromegaly than in control groups (OR = 6.9, RR = 2.1). The pooled prevalence of TND was 59.2%. Also thyroid cancer (TC) proved to be more common in acromegalic patients (OR = 7.5, RR = 7.2), prevalence was 4.3%. The pooled rate of malignancy (calculated per patient) was equal to 8.7%. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that both TND and TC occur significantly more often in acromegalic patients than in general population. These results indicate that periodic thyroid ultrasound examination and careful evaluation of eventual lesions should be an important part of follow-up of patients with acromegaly.

IntroductionThyroid nodular disease (TND) is a very common disorder. However, since the rate of malignancy is reported to be 3-10%, only a minority of patients require aggressive surgical treatment. As a result, there is a need for diagnostic tools which would allow for a reliable differentiation between benign and malignant nodules. Although a number of conventional ultrasonographic (US) features are proved to be markers of malignancy, Shear Wave Elastography (SWE) is considered to be an improvement of conventional US. The aim of this study was to compare conventional US markers and SWE diagnostic values in the differentiation of benign and malignant thyroid nodules.Materials and methodsAll patients referred for thyroidectomy, irrespective of the indications, underwent a US thyroid examination prospectively. Patients with TND were included into the study. Results of the US and SWE examinations were compared with post-surgical histopathology.ResultsOne hundred and twenty two patients with 393 thyroid nodules were included into the study. Twenty two patients were diagnosed with cancer. SWE turned out to be a predictor of malignancy superior to any other conventional US markers (OR=54.5 using qualitative scales and 40.8 using quantitative data on maximal stiffness with a threshold of 50 kPa).ConclusionsAlthough most conventional US markers of malignancy prove to be significant, none of them are characterized by both high sensitivity and specificity. SWE seems to be an important step forward, allowing for a more reliable distinction of benign and malignant thyroid nodules. Our study, assessing SWE properties on the highest number of thyroid lesions at the time of publication, confirms the high diagnostic value of this technique. It also indicates that a quantitative evaluation of thyroid lesions is not superior to simpler qualitative methods.

The purpose of this phenomenological, qualitative, temporal study was to examine the effects of a semester-long physical theater class on body schema (body posture, awareness, confidence, expression) among eight college students. Individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted twice to qualitatively collect the study's data. Two themes emerged from the qualitative/phenomenological data analysis, showcasing how the participants' body schema improved. Based on the first theme, the students emphasized the importance of physical theater in improving body posture, awareness, confidence and comfort during physical theater and their daily functions. Practically learning the body schema of their character was key to excellence in performance. According to the second theme, the participants learned how to express emotions using their whole body and not only their face. They also managed to switch emotions naturally and corporeally. Experts in Kinesiology and Performing Arts should promote embodied, holistic, playful, and physically demanding movement programs for improved body schema. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a novel multi-pulse spectroscopic method for the correlated analysis of molecular mass, rotational structure and electronic structure. First experiments investigate carbon disulfide and butadiene.