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Background/aim: It is not possible to differentiate prostate carcinomas sufficiently to ensure that every patient receives the right therapy. New molecular markers are needed. Our objective was to identify a complex consisting of vimentin variant 3 (VIM3), autophagy-related protein 7 (ATG7) and tumor protein p53 (TP53) in prostate cancer cells and its effect on microRNA (miR)-371a-3p., Materials and Methods: Prostate cancer cell lines (PC3, DU145, LNCaP) and the benign prostatic hyperplasia cell line BPH-1 were cultured in growth medium for 24 h, then stimulated with endothelin 1 (EDN1) (50 nM) and withaferin A (2 nM) for 24 h. Cell extracts were then analyzed by western blot. The localization of VIM3, ATG7 and TP53 in the nucleus was demonstrated with immunofluorescence staining and complex formation was demonstrated by immunoprecipitation. Cancer cell migration was analyzed with a scratch assay and agarose drop analysis. The binding of the complex to the promoter of pri-miR-371a-3p was analyzed with a non-radioactive electrophoretic mobility shift assay. VIM3 knockdown using small interfering RNA and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction for miR-371a-3p were performed., Results: The complex was present in the nucleus of prostate cancer cells and in the BPH-1 cell line. EDN1 increased the levels of the complex partners and cell migration, whereas withaferin A reduced the levels of the complex partners and migration. The complex bound to the promoter of pri-miR-371a-3p and might be involved in its transcription. Transfection with miR-371a-3p increased migration of prostate cancer cells. VIM3 knockdown reduced miR-371a-3p expression., Conclusion: The VIM3-ATG7-P53 complex, with its stimulatory effect on miR-371a-3p, may have the potential to be a marker for improved differentiation between prostate carcinomas, allowing tailored therapy., (Copyright © 2023 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.)

Collagen barrier membranes are frequently used in both guided tissue regeneration (GTR) and guided bone regeneration (GBR). Collagen used for these devices is available from different species and is often processed to alter the properties of the final product. This is necessary because unprocessed collagen is rapidly resorbed in vivo and demands for barrier membranes are different in GTR and GBR. This systematic literature review attempts to evaluate possible effects of collagen origin and mode of cross-linking on the potential of different cells to attach to, proliferate on, and migrate over barrier membranes in vitro. Seventeen original studies, selected by a systematic process, are included in this review. The results show that fibroblasts of different species and originating tissues as well as bone-forming cells are able to attach to collagen membranes irrespective of collagen origin or mode of processing. Different cell types behave differently on identical membranes. Many pieces of evidence are currently available, and we attempted to elucidate the effects of collagen origin and mode of processing on cellular behavior, but further research will be required before it will be possible to predict for certain the effect a specific procedure will have with a given product.

The presence of man-made gamma emitting radionuclides in the region within 32km radius of the Ignalina NPP/Lithuania has been investigated during the period 2001-2004, prior to the closure of the first of the two operating RBMK 1500-type reactors. Gamma spectrometric measurements of various terrestrial and aquatic plants as well as of soil samples showed moderate environmental contamination with the fission product (137)Cs and with the neutron activation products (60)Co and (54)Mn. Traces of the activation products (65)Zn and (110m)Ag were found in the nearest vicinity of the NPP. Activity concentrations were inhomogeneously distributed in the area of interest. Moss and algae samples showed the highest uptake of radionuclides. In addition to the gamma spectrometric measurements, the levels of (14)C were determined in the same bio-indicator samples using accelerator mass spectrometry.

Background: Removals of fracture implants constitute a considerable share of orthopaedic operations and take up significant hospital resources. In the Norwegian basic fracture course, guidelines are given on indications for removal as well as minimum function time for implants. Indications for implant removal are, however, relative, and we wanted to study actual practice in this field in Norway., Material and Methods: An inquiry was made to Norwegian hospitals in spring 2000 concerning their current practice for implant removal., Results: Most hospitals follow the suggestions given but there is still great variation, especially in age limits for routine removal of all implants, which range from 15 to 70 years., Interpretation: Implant removal is desirable after fracture healing but it requires a surgical procedure with a certain morbidity and incidence of complications. Lack of strict criteria for removal may explain varying practice. We conclude that there should be a uniform practice for implant removal in Norwegian hospitals. More research is warranted on the possible systemic and local long-term effects of implants remaining in situ in order to give more evidence-based indications for implant removal.