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Copyright of Revista Chapingo Serie Ciencias Forestales is the property of Universidad Autonoma Chapingo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Elucidating the mechanisms that control seed development, metabolism, and physiology is a fundamental issue in biology. Michel Caboche had long been a catalyst for seed biology research in France up until his untimely passing away last year. To honour his memory, we have updated a review written under his coordination in 2010 entitled "Arabidopsis seed secrets unravelled after a decade of genetic and omics-driven research". This review encompassed different molecular aspects of seed development, reserve accumulation, dormancy and germination, that are studied in the lab created by M. Caboche. We have extended the scope of this review to highlight original experimental approaches implemented in the field over the past decade such as omics approaches aimed at investigating the control of gene expression, protein modifications, primary and specialized metabolites at the tissue or even cellular level, as well as seed biodiversity and the impact of the environment on seed quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A plethora of non-coding RNAs have been found in eukaryotes, notably with the advent of modern sequencing technologies to analyze the transcriptome. Apart from the well-known housekeeping RNA genes (such as the ribosomal RNA or the transfer RNA), many thousands of transcripts detected are not evidently linked to a protein-coding gene. These, so called non-coding RNAs, may code for crucial regulators of gene expression, the small si/miRNAs, for small peptides (translated under specific conditions) or may act as long RNA molecules (antisense, intronic or intergenic long non-coding RNAs or lncRNAs). The lncRNAs interact with members of multiple machineries involved in gene regulation. In this review, we discussed about how plant lncRNAs permitted to discover new regulatory mechanisms acting in epigenetic control, chromatin 3D structure and alternative splicing. These novel regulations diversified the expression patterns and protein variants of target proteincoding genes and are an important element of the response of plants to environmental stresses and their adaptation to changing conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNAs (17-25 nucleotides) that have been studied in many diseases. miRNAs studies in different cancers have shown that miRNAs may be considered oncogene or tumor suppressor. So far, many studies have shown that miR-17-5p and miR-93-5p are important regulatory molecules in some biological processes, such as cell proliferation, associated with cancer formation. This study aimed to investigate and compare the tissue and plasma expression levels of miR-17-5p and miR-93-5p in patients with ductal carcinoma breast cancer with the normal control group. Methods & Materials The total RNA (including miRNA) was extracted from breast and plasma tissue samples of cancerous and normal samples. The RNA concentration and purity were confirmed using optical absorbance measurements. cDNA was synthesized, and the expression levels of miR-17-5p and miR-93- 5p were assessed semi-quantitatively by SYBR Green-based real-time RT-PCR assay in plasma and breast tissues of ductal carcinoma breast cancer compared with the control normal samples with SNORD47 as internal normalizer. Data were statistically evaluated using GraphPad Prism 8.0.2. Ethical Considerations This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the institute (IRAN 52d/4922, 6.10.2016). All study individuals signed a consent form to use their clinical samples and personal data under the physician’s supervision. Results The expression level of miR-17-5p showed significantly higher expression in tissues and plasma of the cancer group compared with the control group (P<0.0001). It was also significantly associated with tumor stage and lymph node, and ER (estrogen receptor) and PR (progesterone receptor) status (P<0.0001). While decreased expression of miR-93-5p in plasma and tumor tissues was shown to be significantly associated with tumor stage and lymph node involvement (P<0.0001). Conclusion The data revealed that high expression of miR-17-5p and low expression of miR-93-5p in both plasma and breast tumor might be associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer. However, miR17-5p, due to the greater change in expression and ease of plasma detection, may serve as a possible non-invasive biomarker for breast cancer’s poor prognosis. Further follow-up studies are required to confirm this finding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim PBK is a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKK) among MEK1/2 and MEK7 and can phosphorylate P38, JNK, and ERK in many cellular functions. The E2F transcription factor family also belongs to a class of cellular regulators acting as oncogenes and tumor suppressors. This study aims to investigate the expression of PBK and E2F7 in the early stages of colorectal cancer (CRC) compared to advanced stages based on the experimental and TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) database. Methods & Materials A total of 32 tissue samples of patients with CRC with the approval of a pathobiologist were collected according to the examination and criteria reported from different stages. After RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis, the RT-qPCR technique was used to evaluate the expression of the desired genes in the study groups. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was also used to determine the ability of each of the selected genes to differentiate the two populations: stage I+II and stage III+IV. Ethical Considerations This research was approved by the ethics committee of Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord Branch. (Code IR.IAU.SHK.REC.1399.022). Results In this study, it was shown that the expression of PBK and E2F7 significantly increased in stage I+II samples compared to stage III+IV. These data were confirmed by laboratory results and information extracted from the TCGA database. Also, based on the area under curve obtained from the ROC curves, these two genes are significantly distinguishable between stage I+II and III+IV populations in CRC. Conclusion According to the results of this study, PBK and E2F7 genes are good markers in the diagnosis of CRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Salmonella typhi as a human pathogen stimulates the human immune system and triggers gene expression changing its pathogenesis. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the expression levels of IFN-γ and TNF-α cytokines in human blood macrophage-like monocytes in dealing with clinical and standard samples of Salmonella typhi in vivo. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, a total of 60 stool samples from patients with gastroenteritis were cultured and biochemical tests were used to diagnose Salmonella. Also, venous blood samples were taken for peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) isolation, and PBMCs were cultured in a culture medium containing 4×10³ CFU/mL treatments of Salmonella typhi pathogen and standard. Cytotoxicity tests were also performed to determine the concentrations. Finally, quantitative expression levels of IFN-γ and TNF-α were measured and the results were analyzed by statistical tests. Results: The results of the cytotoxicity test showed the use of Salmonella typhi concentrations for treatment in an authorized culture medium at a concentration of 4×103 CFU/mL. In comparison to control samples, significantly increased expression levels of the TNF-α gene have been detected in pathogen strain and ATCC strain (P<0.05) (P=0.0198). Furthermore, significantly increased expression levels of the IFN-γ gene have been detected in the pathogen strain and ATCC strain (P<0.05) in comparison to the control sample (P=0.0001). Conclusion: Increased and significant expression of IFN-γ and TNF-α cytokines in the sample group treated with pathogen strain and ATCC strain indicates polarization of macrophages stimulated by Salmonella typhi in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transvection, the functional interaction between homologous alleles, was first described in Drosophila in the 1950's. While transvection has been documented in a growing list of genes, using mutant alleles or synthetic constructs, in Drosophila and other organisms, the extent of its relevance to gene expression in physiological conditions has remained questionable. The molecular mechanisms underlying transvection are still largely unexplored, although hints suggest a link with the general machinery that controls the genome organization in the nucleus. In this review, we discuss recent results establishing the relevance of transvection for proper gene regulation, and in particular for the sexually dimorphic regulation of the Drosophila X-linked gene yellow. We also discuss the role that DNA insulator sequences and chromatin architectural proteins play in bringing in proximity homologous alleles, and how they may contribute to interallelic gene regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Shigella flexneri is a highly contagious Gram-negative bacterium that causes severe diarrhea, especially in children under ten years old. The biofilm formation in this species increases its resistance to antibiotics. Given the important role of toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems in the stability and survival of bacteria under stress condition, this study was aimed to evaluate the expression of genes encoding TA systems and Lon protease (lonp) as the main protein regulating the expression and function of these systems in this microorganism in terms of biofilm formation. Materials and Methods: In this study, the standard Shigella f. ATCC 12022 was used. After the bacteria culture on the specific culture medium, the ability to form biofilm was quantitatively evaluated by microtiter plate method. Then, the expression level of the mentioned genes was assessed compared to the control group using real-time PCR. Results: The results of microtiter plate test showed that the studied Shigella f. was a strong biofilm strain. The qPCR results showed an increase in gene expression of the studied toxins and Lon protease at 8 and 24 h following biofilm formation induction (P<0.01). Conclusion: Due to the significant increase in the expression of the studied genes, especially Lon protease, GNAT and maz toxins at 24 h after biofilm formation, they can be potentially used as antimicrobial targets in new studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim The protein encoded by the SGO1 gene is a member of the shugoshin family of proteins and protects the centromere during mitosis. lncRNAs are non-coding RNA with 200 nucleotides lengths, i.e., involved in regulating gene expression. The current study aimed to evaluate the expression of SGO1 and SGO1-AS1 in different stages of disease progression; we also compared their expression pattern in tumor tissues with healthy tissues in colorectal cancer patients. Methods & Materials In total, 40 tissue samples of patients with colorectal cancer were reported according to the examination and criteria with the approval of a pathologist. Besides, 40 normal tissues were sampled from a completely healthy part of the intestine of the same patients. After RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis, the Real-time RT-PCR technique was used to evaluate the expression of the desired genes in the study groups. ROC curve analysis was also used to determine the ability of each selected gene to diagnose the disease. Ethical Considerations This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Shahrekord Azad University (Code: IR.IAU.SHKREC.1398.020). Results The obtained data suggested that SGO1 significantly decreased in the colorectal cancer tumor samples (P<0.001) and SGO1-AS1 LncRNA significantly increased expression, compared to adjacent healthy tissues. Additionally, in the age group of below 60 years, compared to the age group of over 60 years, SGO1 expression increased and SGO1-AS1 expression decreased. Based on the AUC obtained from the ROC diagram, it was found that the SGO1 gene with AUC=0.8041 and SGO1-AS1 with AUC=0.6364 could significantly distinguish a healthy population from patients with colorectal cancer. Conclusion According to the collected results, SGO1 -AS1 and SGO1 were significantly reduced and increased in tumor tissue, respectively; however, only the SGO1 gene was introduced as a good marker for diagnosing colorectal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A possible alternative for the control of CTV and CLas in Citrus sinensis is the use of systemic acquired resistance. The study of this mechanism requires normalizing with reference genes. Therefore, a gene expression quantification protocol using RT-qPCR was developed to evaluate the potential use of GAPDH, ACTIN, F-BOX, COX, and 18S rRNA as reference genes in citrus. A total of nine plants infected with CTV (3), CLas (3), and healthy (3) were used to select a composed sample of eight leaves/plant. An in-house protocol was developed and optimized in all its stages, varying the concentration of reagents, primers, and reaction template. Extraction of total RNA with 2% CTAB was in the range of 200-1000 ng μL-1. The reverse transcription produced on average 1069 ng μL-1 cDNA. The reference gene products GAPDH, ACTINA, and F-BOX exhibited melting curves without dimer products, Ct ≤ 28, and reaction efficiencies in the range of 90-110%. In all gene expressions, CTV infected samples had the higher Ct's (25-27) followed by healthy samples (24-25). However, GAPDH and ACTIN had the most stable gene expression (ln 1/M = 2.83), therefore these genes are proposed for normalization. The RTqPCR protocol was also specific and efficient for the CDR13 gene, putatively associated with systemic acquired resistance to CLas, which suggest its viability in resistance studies of C. sinensis/C. aurantium in response to CTV and CLas infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fertilization is one of the determining factors for good development of rice cultivation. Chemical synthesis fertilizers cause environmental impacts on agro ecosystems. Slow release technology seeks to increase the efficiency of applied nitrogen, lengthening its action over time and avoiding losses such as leaching and volatilization. This research was carried out with the purpose of evaluating the effect of different biomineral fertilizers on rice cultivation under irrigated conditions, in Montería - Córdoba. A randomized complete block design (DBCA) was used, with 6 treatments (5 Permaxion fertilizers and the commercial control) and 4 repetitions in 36 m² plots. The variable levels of Spad, yield components (number of tillers per m²; number of panicles per m²; fullness per panicle; vane; weight of 1000 grains; yield; harvest index, and milling quality) were measured. analyzed with the Infostat Version 2019p program. Significant statistical differences were recorded in the levels of Spad, yield, pile index (%) and broken grain (%). The Permaxion 31-8-8 and Permaxion veranero treatments recorded the best. levels of Spad. Permaxión 31-8-8 achieved the best yield with 6426 Kg/ha, while the control presented 5228 kg/ha. The best pile index and % of broken grains were recorded by the Permaxion 31-8-8 fertilizer. with 54 and 25.3% respectively. Permaxion fertilizers supply nutrients to the rice plant in a controlled manner, achieving balance, expression of maximum genetic potential and sustainability of the crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crisis of antibiotic resistance in bacteria is one of the most important concerns of World Health Organization (WHO), which requires further global research and studies in order to develop more effective antimicrobial compounds. Nanoparticles as an alternative to antibiotics have been widely used to target bacteria and they are useful in the treatment of bacterial infections. In this narrative review study, the advantages of using nanoparticles against bacteria are discussed. Due to their unique properties compared to the bulk form, nanoparticles have a high potential to be used as carriers and adjuvants with the ability to strengthen the immune system and fight bacteria using several mechanisms simultaneously. Recently, a number of nanoparticle-based drugs have been designed and used for clinical use as an alternative to antibiotics. Despite special attention to nanoparticles, their antibacterial mechanisms are not very well known. However, in this study, we have examined in detail a number of accepted antibacterial mechanisms such as oxidative stress induced by ROS and the function of nanoparticles for releasing soluble metal ions. Further over, we also examined important factors affecting the antibacterial properties of nanoparticles, including size, charge, zeta potential, and surface morphology will be investigated too. The limitations of the research will also be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The expression of most genes involved in pathogenesis in Pseudomonas aeruginosa is controlled and regulated by a gene system called quorum sensing (QS). The purpose of this study was to investigate the quorum quenching of garlic extract in preventing the expression of genes involved in QS system of P. aeruginosa. Methods: In the present cross-sectional study, 12 P. aeruginosa strains were collected from burn wounds, cultured on special media and then confirmed by differential tests. The PCR test was performed to detect the lasI and lasR genes. The expression level of lasI gene was assessed in the presence of garlic extract and tobramycin antibiotic by real-time PCR, and the active ingredient of garlic extract was analyzed by HPLC. Results: Examination of 12 strains cultured on special and differential media showed that all 12 strains were P. aeruginosa. The PCR results indicated that all strains had 100% lasI and lasR genes. The real-time PCR results also revealed that the garlic extract was able to reduce the expression level of lasI gene in P. aeruginosa. It was found that tobramycin has a greater ability to reduce the expression level of this gene compared with garlic extract. Conclusion: This study showed that the garlic extract could reduce the expression of lasI gene in P. aeruginosa isolates, and that the active ingredients of this extract could be used to treat infections as an alternative to antibiotic therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Jornal Brasileiro de Patologia e Medicina Laboratorial is the property of Sociedade Brasileira de Patologia Clinica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Alcoholism & Drug Addiction / Alkoholizm i Narkomania is the property of Termedia Publishing House and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background and Aim Apoptosis or programmed death is active biological process and reversible that the balance between growth and cell death in various tissues, particularly myocardial tissue is essential role. The aim of this study was the effect of 8 weeks High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) with and without food restriction on gene expression of Caspase 3 and 9 in rats. Methods & Materials This study was experimental multi group design with control group which conducted on 30 rats with two months old male. Subjects were divided in to five homogenous groups including base control, control, caloric restriction, interval exercise training and caloric restriction+interval exercise training. Training groups five sessions in weeks were participated in interval exercise training for 8 weeks. The level of gene expression of the proteins Caspase 3 and 9 was evaluated by Real Time-PCR. Dates were analyzed using the 1-way ANOVA at the level of (P<0.05). Ethical Considerations The protocol of this study was approved by the Medical Committee of Sanandaj University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.MYK.REC.1397.5022). Results The results showed that the training group had a significant decrease in gene expression of Caspase 3 in comparison with caloric restriction+exercise training (P<0.05). Also, exercise training and exercise training+caloric restriction significantly decrease in the gene expression of Caspase 9 compared to caloric restriction, base control and control (P<0.05) and significantly decrease in the gene expression of Caspase 3 compared to base control and control (P<0.05). Conclusion According to the results, it seems that high intensity interval training with and without calorie restriction provides the necessary adaptations to inhibit or stop apoptosis induced by aerobic exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim Tendon, like the skeletal muscle, exhibits mechanical and morphological adaptations resulted from exercise training; however, little is known about the basic cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate these responses. The aim of the present study was therefore to investigate the effect of 6 weeks of aerobic training on the TGF-β1, myostatin and MMP9 mRNAs expression in the tendon of fast- and slow-twitch muscles. Methods & Materials For this purpose, 12 male Wistar rats at 8 weeks of age were randomly divided into two groups: experimental (n=6) and control (n=6). The exercise group performed aerobic training for 6 weeks, 5 sessions per week. Forty-eight hours after the last training session, all rats were sacrificed and the tendons of soleus and Extensor Digitorum Longus (EDL) muscles were extracted. Expression of TGF-β1, myostatin and MMP9 mRNAs were assayed using RealTime-PCR. Independent t-test was also used for statistical analysis. Ethical Considerations All stages of the study were conducted according to the ethical guidelines and authorization of Research Deputy of Islamic Azad University, Central Tehran Branch No. IR.IAU.PS.REC.1398.296. Results The results showed that the expression of TGF-β1 mRNA in EDL and soleus tendons significantly increased (P≤0.001), whereas the expression of myostatin in EDL tendon was significantly reduced (P≤ 0.001). Increased mRNA expression of MMP9 in the tendon of EDL and soleus muscles was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Conclusion It seems that aerobic exercise can modulate the expression of genes involved in the regulation of tendon collagen in a muscle type-dependent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the mechanism of nucleus positioning and the information conveyed by it constitute important research axes in Developmental and Reproductive Biology. In most species, the position of the oocyte nucleus predefines the axes of the future embryo. In the mouse oocyte, the nucleus is centered by a pressure gradient generated by a cytoplasmic actin meshwork nucleated by Formin 2. The discovery of this centering mechanism allowed to better understanding its biological significance. Centering the nucleus in mouse oocytes involves a novel mechano-transduction process, which promotes agitation of the nucleus and of its content, including chromatin, thereby modulating gene expression. This fine regulation of the maternal RNA stores explains why nucleus centering is predictive of the quality of the female gamete and of its developmental potential after fertilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effectors have become the cornerstone of all investigations related to the interaction of parasites and their hosts, how they regulate the processes of infection at a molecular level, and how these molecules have evolved seem to be the most important issues that will have to be addressed in the following years. These new lines of research will be subject to the enormous progress that the next generation of sequencing technologies will have, and with them a paradigm shift in our vision of complex systems. However, there remain many questions to be elucidated about effectors, for example, how these proteins interact spatially and temporally in their hosts, possible co-operation between effectors, and the existence of protein complexes within host cells. This leads to the following questions: Do the effectors have the capacity for phenotypic expression beyond the genes that encode them? And above all, why are these proteins so widespread on a huge range of evolutionarily distant pathogens?. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malignant tumors rank as the first cause of death mortality and potentially lost years of life in Cuba and many other countries where millions of people die each year because of cancer. Therefore, the diagnosis and treatment of cancer is a health issue worldwide. Malignant tumors are traditionally classified and treated according to clinical and pathological variables which are currently insufficient to reflect each patient's molecular features. Consequently, there is a need to find new individual biomarkers and therapeutic targets that could complement current clinical-pathological variables and become a guide for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. Advances in understanding the biology of cancer as well as the development of more powerful gene analysis tools create new clinical perspectives to find such biomarkers and targets. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) belong to a class of non-coding RNA with post-transcription regulation of gene expression. Their expression is aberrant in cancer where they could function either as oncogenes or tumor suppressors, being used as diagnostic, prognostic or predictive biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Since, research on miRNA is a key issue for oncologists and researchers, in this review we provide a description of their biogenesis, mechanism of action and recent findings, supporting their use in cancer, either as biomarkers or therapeutic targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]