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This study was conducted to investigate the effects of 12 weeks of aerobic exercise (AT) and saffron supplementation on hemostasis, inflammatory markers, and insulin resistance in obese women diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2D). A total of 44 women with T2D (mean age: 54.12 ± 5.63 years, mean BMI: 31.15 ± 1.50 kg/m2, HbA1c: 85 ± 4.2 mmol/mol) were included in a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study. We were randomly assigned to one of four groups (n = 11 per group): saffron + training (ST), placebo + training (PT), saffron supplement (SS), and placebo (P). The ST and PT groups completed 12 weeks of AT (three sessions per week of mild to moderate intensity). The ST and SS groups were administered a daily dose of 200 mg of saffron powder for 12 weeks. Fasting blood samples were collected 48 h before the first AT session and/or nutritional supplementation and 48 h after the last AT session and/or nutritional supplementation. Post‐evaluation, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance value (HOMA‐IR, p < 0.001) and serum levels of glucose (p < 0.001), fibrinogen (FIB, p < 0.001), homocysteine (HCY, p < 0.001), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6, p < 0.001), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα, p < 0.001) showed significant reduction in the ST, PT, and SS groups compared to the P group (p < 0.05). In particular, the ST group showed a more significant reduction in all variables compared to the PT and SS groups (p < 0.05). Our results suggest that a 12‐week intervention with AT and saffron supplementation can independently improve markers related to hemostasis, inflammation, and insulin resistance. However, their combination showed the greatest effectiveness on the above markers. Highlights: Type 2 diabetes can disturb hemostasis and induce inflammation.12 weeks of aerobic training (AT) and saffron supplementation can independently improve hemostasis, inflammation, and insulin resistance.The combination of 12 weeks of AT and saffron supplementation showed the greatest effectiveness on hemostasis, inflammation, and insulin resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is currently the fifth most common malignancy. Accumulating evidence has recently revealed that maladjustments of diverse long non-coding RNAs may play key roles in multiple genetic and epigenetic phenomena in GC. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which are transcriptional products with more than 200 nucleotides, are a subset of non-coding RNAs. LncRNA LOWEG and lncRNA MINCR, as novel lncRNAs, may have roles in GC progression. Objective: This study aimed to examine the clinical and diagnostic significance of lncRNA LOWEG and lncRNA MINCR in GC. Methods: The qRT-PCR technique measured lncRNA LOWEG and lncRNA MINCR expression in GC tissues and matched adjacent marginal tissues. The association between clinicopathological parameters and the expression level of lncRNAs was evaluated. Furthermore, The ROC curve was plotted to assess the diagnostic power of lncRNA LOWEG and lncRNA MINCR as candidate biomarkers in gastric cancer patients. Results: We found that lncRNA LOWEG expression was downregulated in cancerous tissues compared to the adjacent marginal tissues (P-value < 0.0001). LncRNA MINCR expression was upregulated in cancerous tissues compared to adjacent marginal tissues (P-value < 0.0001). Downregulation of lncRNA LOWER and upregulation of lncRNA MINCR did not significantly correlate with clinicopathological parameters. ROC curve analysis showed that lncRNA LOWEG and lncRNA MINCR could be proposed as reliable diagnostic biomarkers in GC. Conclusion: The expression of the lncRNA LOWEG was reduced in tumoral tissues compared to the adjacent marginal tissues, and the expression of lncRNA MINCR increased in tumoral tissues. So, as a result, lncRNAs LOWEG and MINCR could be considered diagnostic biomarkers for GC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We surveyed the urial Ovis vignei and Siberian ibex Capra sibirica in the Hindu Kush mountain range of Wakhan National Park in north-eastern Afghanistan to determine their population status and identify potential drivers of population change. We conducted two double-observer ground surveys, in April–May 2015 and 2018, in 10 areas (total = 288 km2). Urial herds were mostly composed of both sexes (78% of observed herds), the mean adult sex ratio (females:males) was 100:70, and the mean female:juvenile ratio was 100:53. In 2018 we calculated a urial density of 35/100 km2, compared to 72/100 km2 in 2015. Ibex herds were mostly (79%) composed of both sexes, the mean adult sex ratio (females:males) was 100:103, and the mean female:juvenile ratio was 100:58. Ibex density estimates were similar in 2015 and 2018 (c. 250/100 km2). We discuss the usefulness of the double-observer methods for ungulate surveys, highlight the value of viewshed calculations and discuss the possible causes of urial population decline. To ensure the conservation of these ungulate populations, we recommend continued regular monitoring, measures to address poaching and research to clarify the taxonomical status of urials in Wakhan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A critical role has been known for lncRNAs in the initiation and development of cancers. Therefore, lncRNAs have been reported as the possible biomarkers in relation to the diagnosis and therapy of malignancies. This project examined the change in CYTOR lncRNA expression in human cervical cancer samples as compared with adjacent healthy ones. Methods: We provided one hundred fifteen pairs of tumorous and adjacent healthy tissue specimens of cervical cancer patients. RNAs were isolated from tissue specimens and cDNAs were synthesized. We considered quantitative Real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) to examine the expression levels of CYTOR lncRNA. In addition, the biomarker activity of CYTOR and the associations between the lncRNA and clinicopathological characteristics were evaluated. Results: The significant increased expression of CYTOR was obtained in cancerous samples as compared with non-cancerous ones (P< 0.0001). A significant correlation was indicated between CYTOR expression and the squamous subtype of cervical cancer (p=0.046). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve-related AUC (area under the curve), specificity, and sensitivity were calculated 0.88, 81.74%, and 80%, respectively, which may introduce CYTOR as a potential biomarker. Conclusions: CYTOR may be an effective oncogene and biomarker in cervical cancer cases given its increased expression in human cervical cancer tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in lung tumorigenesis. Among different lncRNAs, overexpression of the lncRNA actin filament‐associated protein 1‐antisense RNA 1 (AFAP1-AS1) in lung tumors has been reported in different studies. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the potential value of lncRNA AFAP1-AS1 as a diagnostic biomarker in lung cancer. Ninety samples from patients with lung cancer were collected from Noor-E-Nejat hospital, Tabriz, Iran. The expression of AFAP1-AS1 was assessed using quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR (qRT-PCR), followed by the ROC curve analysis to investigate the biomarker potency of AFAP1-AS1. Results: Our results revealed an upregulation of AFAP1-AS1 in tumor samples as compared to the adjacent non-tumor tissues. We found a significant positive association between AFAP1-AS1 expression and tumor size, as well as tumor stage. Conclusions: Our results showed overexpression of AFAP1-AS1 and its capacity as a diagnostic biomarker in lung cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research is to investigate the effect of the additive metakaolin on the strength parameters of clayey sand soil. For this purpose, in addition to identification tests, a set of experiments including Atterberg limits and modified Proctor, uniaxial compressive strength, direct shear, permeability, and pH tests have been performed on some samples of the clayey sand soil under non-stabilized and stabilized conditions for different percentages of metakaolin. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) have been performed to investigate the microstructure of the non-stabilized and stabilized soil. The results showed that the maximum extent of increase in the strength occurred by metakaolin 25% and after 28 days of curing. Furthermore, elevation of the weight percentage of metakaolin in clayey sand soil causes to increase shear strength, diminish hydraulic conductivity, reduce the maximum specific dry weight of soil, and increase optimal water content, but it has a minor effect on pH value during the curing time. Investigation of the results obtained from XRD of the sample treated with metakaolin indicated the emergence of the cement compound called calcium silicate hydrate (CSH). Furthermore, the results of SEM imaging indicated that with the addition of metakaolin, the dispersed structure of soil changes into a flocculated structure, thereby enhances the soil strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, noncoding RNAs that play vital roles in gene regulation. It has been shown that storage has an effect on platelet miRNAs. MiR-16 is highly expressed in platelets and it appears to target the genes involved in cell death. It has been shown that platelets could be stored in Composol for a longer period of time. The aim of the present study was to assess and compare the expression pattern of miR-16 in platelet concentrates (PCs) in plasma and Composol media. Materials and Methods: In an experimental study, ten PC bags were collected and each bag was divided into two separate bags, one with the 70% Composol and the other with only plasma. Both bags were stored for 7 days at 22°C and tested on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 of storage. For each sample, we performed quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The water-soluble tetrazolium salt-1 (WST-1) test was used to assess platelet viability in all of the samples. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS and REST software. A P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: miR-16 was significantly elevated during the storage days, with fold changes of 3.47 (plasma) and 2.77 (Composol). The Composol group had significantly decreased miR-16 expression compared with the plasma group. Results of the WST-1 test showed less decrease in optical density (OD) in the Composol group (0.93 ± 0.4) during the storage days compared with the plasma group (0.75 ± 0.3). Conclusion: Our finding supported results from previous studies that reported an increase in miR-16 expression during platelet storage. In addition, miR-16 down-regulation in Composol medium implied that Composol might be a good solution for long-term platelet storage because it has the potential to elevate the shelf-life of platelets stored at 22°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blasting operation is among the most common methods of rock excavation in the civil engineering and mining operations. Ground vibration is the most unfavorable effect of blasting operation such that failure to accurately control this problem causes damage to adjacent structures. In this regard, geotechnical engineers face the challenge of accurately predicting blastinduced ground vibrations. Geographical location of Bakhtiari Dam (located in the southwest of Iran) is needed to construct an access road to its nearest city through the rough topography. To establish the access road in the plan, blasting operation methods have been used. In this study, blast-induced ground vibrations in the study area are evaluated using five common functional forms of the empirical model and their corrected regression coefficient for the area. Then, the ground vibrations generated in the study area were predicted by designing an artificial neural network model. For this purpose, the maximum charge per delay, the distance between the blast point and monitoring stations, and the ground vibration values were surveyed for 80 blast events, and their necessary parameters were determined. A total of 64 datasets were used to obtain the coefficients of the empirical models and to create the artificial neural network model. In addition, 16 datasets were used to estimate the performance and accuracy of each model. To measure the accuracy of the constructed models, some statistical parameters were also used. The results show that in the study area, the artificial neural network model presents the most accurate and appropriate model for predicting blast-induced ground vibrations. The neural network proposed in this research is suggested for areas with geological features resembling those of the present study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oil products contaminate the soil in a variety of ways. In addition to environmental hazards, petroleum pollutants change the geotechnical characteristics of the soils. Clayey soils have complicated behavior in the presence of organic liquids. To better understand the behavior of oil-contaminated clayey soils, an experimental laboratory investigation was performed on illite clay soil which was polluted by different amounts of diesel (0 to 20% by soil dry weight). In this paper, geotechnical properties of clean and contaminated illite specimens consist of compaction characteristics, compressibility, shear strength parameters and unconfined compression strength were evaluated through compaction, consolidation, direct shear and unconfined compression tests respectively. Additionally, the effect of diesel on the microscopic properties of the illite was studied by scanning electron and atomic force microscopes. The findings of this study indicated a decline in maximum dry density and an increase in optimum fluid content in presence of diesel. The compressibility of the soil increased when it was exposed to the organic fluid. Adding diesel content reduced cohesion, internal friction angle and unconfined compressive strength of the soil. Considerable changes of the geotechnical parameters of illite soil in the presence of diesel indicate the necessity of study of the oil-contaminated clayey soils before the implementation of engineering projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Applying synthetic fibers is one of the most effective physical methods for soil improvement and stabilization. In this paper, we determine the effects of polypropylene (PP) and poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers contents (0.2, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5%) at environment temperature (25 °C) and various freezing soil temperatures (0, −5, −10 and − 15 °C) on stabilization of the clayey sand soil (SC) samples. The results show that for both types of fibers, by simultaneous increasing of fiber content and lowering the temperature, the values of the unconfined compressive strength (UCS), elastic modulus (EM), ductility and California bearing ratio (CBR) increase, and they all reach their maximum values for 1.5% fiber content at −15 °C. Moreover, we show that PVA fibers perform better compared to PP fibers in increasing of UCS, EM, ductility and CBR values for different fiber contents and temperatures. This can be attributed to the fact that PVA has higher tensile and flexural strength compared to PP fiber. • The effect of freezing soil temperatures (FSTs) on strength parameters of a clayey sand (SC) soil stabilized by poly propylene (PP) and poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers is investigated. • For both types of PP and PVA fibers, by simultaneous increasing of fiber content and lowering the temperature (FSTs effect), the strength parameters of SC soil samples are increased. • The strength parameters of SC soil samples reinforced by PP and PVA fibers reach their maximum values for 1.5% fiber content at −15 °C. • The PVA fibers perform better compared to PP fibers in increasing of strength parameters for different fiber contents at environment temperature and FSTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study presents the results of the use of the wave function of a nucleus in place of the nucleus density distribution to calculate the nucleus-nucleus interaction potential. The wave function is obtained by solving the D-dimensional wave equation using the hyperspherical formalism. The interaction potential between two nuclei is calculated using the double folding model. The numerical results for the interaction potential and the scattering cross section are presented to evaluate the formalism used to calculate the nucleus wave function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the presence of spin and pseudospin (p-spin) symmetries, the approximate analytical bound states of the Dirac equation, which describes the motion of a spin-1/2 particle in 1+1 dimensions for mixed scalar-vector-pseudoscalar linear potential are investigated. The Nikiforov-Uvarov (NU) method is used to obtain energy eigenvalues and corresponding wave functions in their closed forms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tanguyeh dam, an embankment dam with a clay core, located in southeastern Iran, is the main hydraulic structure in Kerman Province. The study area, as one of the most active tectonic zones of Iran, is covered by coloured melange and pyroclastic rocks of different lithologies. In this study, we take into account the engineering geological properties of rock masses such as discontinuities, the degree of weathering, the hydraulic conductivity along the dam axis, and ancillary structures in order to determine likely problems and necessary precautions. The significance of this study lies in the complex geological conditions and existence of a heterogeneous rocky knob along the dam axis. For this purpose, field studies such as production of an engineering geological map, study of discontinuities, permeability tests of Lugeon and rock quality designations,and sampling of recovery cores for laboratory tests are implemented. Finally, the results of the field tests and engineering geological studies are investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, analytical solution of the Klein-Gordon equation with Coulomb-like scalar plus vector potentials is obtained exactly. We considered the Laplace transform approach in our calculation. The exact bound state energy eigenvalues and the corresponding eigenfunctions are reported for various values of the quantum numbers n and l . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bound-state solutions of the Dirac equation for the Manning-Rosen potential are presented approximately for arbitrary spinorbit quantum number κ with the Hulthén and Coulomb-like potentials as a tensor interaction. The generalized parametric Nikiforov-Uvarov (NU) method is used to obtain energy eigenvalues and corresponding two-component spinors of the two Dirac particles and these are obtained in the closed form by using the framework of the spin symmetry and p-spin symmetry concept. We have also shown that tensor interaction removes degeneracies between spin and p-spin doublets. Some numerical results are also given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteosarcoma is the most frequent type of bone cancer found in children and adolescents, and commonly arises in the metaphyseal region of tubular long bones. Standard therapeutic approaches, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, are used in the management of osteosarcoma. In recent years, the mortality rate of osteosarcoma has decreased due to advances in treatment methods. Today, the scientific community is investigating the use of different naturally derived active principles against various types of cancer. Natural bioactive compounds can function against cancer cells in two ways. Firstly they can act as classical cytotoxic compounds by non-specifically affecting macromolecules, such as DNA, enzymes, and microtubules, which are also expressed in normal proliferating cells, but to a greater extent by cancer cells. Secondly, they can act against oncogenic signal transduction pathways, many of which are activated in cancer cells. Some bioactive plant-derived agents are gaining increasing attention because of their anti-cancer properties. Moreover, some naturally-derived compounds can significantly promote the effectiveness of standard chemotherapy drugs, and in certain cases are able to ameliorate drug-induced adverse effects caused by chemotherapy. In the present review we summarize the effects of various naturally-occurring bioactive compounds against osteosarcoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are various methods for improving the engineering properties of weak soils among which the usage of chemical additives is one of the most important ones. Considering sepiolite as an environmental friendly material and its unique physiochemical characteristics, this substance has been used as an additive for soil improvement in this study. For this purpose, in addition to soil identification tests, in order to examine the effect of changes in the percentage of sepiolite additive, a set of tests has been done including Atterberg limits, modified compaction, uniaxial compressive strength, pH, direct shear and permeability test on sandy clay and clayey sand soils. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and x-ray diffraction (XRD) tests have been performed to investigate the microstructure of non-stabilized and stabilized soil. According to the results, with increasing the additive percentage and the curing time, the uniaxial compressive strength of the soil increased. The uniaxial strength in the clayey sand soil rose up to six times larger than that of the initial strength of the soil. However, the maximum strength enhancement in the sandy clay soil was up to three times the initial value. Sepiolite (above 5%) has improved soil shear strength parameters including cohesion and internal friction angle. The increase in the additive content led to diminished permeability in soil. Further, the elevation of the sepiolite content in the soil resulted in enhanced liquid and plastic limits of soil. Microstructural investigations indicated that the reason of improvement in strength parameters of soil was the incidence of chemical reactions including ion exchange, flocculation and production of calcium-silicate-hydrate (CSH) and calcium-aluminate-hydrate (CAH) gels. Further, sepiolite fiber resulted in enhanced strength by filling the pores and void spaces of soil. • Sepiolite is an environmentally friendly material to stabilize the soils. • Increasing the sepiolite content during the curing time, increases UCS of the soil. • Sepiolite fibers act like bridges and connect different parts of soil. • CSH and CAH are products of chemical reactions between sepiolite and soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the three dimensional Woods-Saxon potential is studied within the context of Supersymmetry Quantum Mechanics. We have applied the SUSY method by using the Pekeris approximation to the centrifugal potential l ≠ 0 states. By application of this method, it is possible to solve the Schrödinger equation for this potential. We obtain exactly bound state spectrum and wave function of Woods-Saxon potential for nonzero angular momentum. Hamiltonian hierarchy method and the shape invariance property are used in the calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we study the spin and flavor dependent SU(6) violations in the strange and nonstrange baryons spectrum using a simple approach based on the Gürsey Radicati mass formula (GR). The average energy value of each SU(6) multiplet is described using the SU(6) invariant interaction given by a hypercentral potential. In this paper the hypercentral potential is regarded as a combination of the Coulombic-like term plus a linear confining term and we have added the harmonic oscillator potential. In fact, we have built up a potential scheme for the internal baryon structure which has three-body forces among three quarks. The results of our model (the combination of our proposed hypercentral Potential and generalized GR mass formula to description of the spectrum) show that the strange and nonstrange baryons spectrum are, in general, fairly well reproduced. The overall good description of the spectrum which we obtain shows that our model can also be used to give a fair description of the energies of the excited multiplets at least up to 2 GeV and negative-parity resonance. Moreover, we have shown that our model reproduces the position of the Roper resonances of the nucleon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressing neurodegenerative disease marked by chronic central nervous system inflammation and degeneration.This study investigates gene expression profiles of T-box transcription factor TBX21 (T-bet), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and long non-coding RNA MEG3 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from treatment-naïve Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis patients (RRMS), healthy controls, and RRMS patients on different Disease Modifying Therapies (DMTs). The aim is to understand the role of T-bet, IFN-γ, and MEG3 in MS pathogenesis and their potential as diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Results: Elevated T-bet expression is observed in treatment-naïve RRMS patients compared to healthy individuals. RRMS patients treated with Interferon beta-1alpha (IFNβ-1a) and fingolimod exhibit downregulated T-bet and MEG3 expression levels, respectively, with more pronounced effects in females. Healthy individuals show a moderate positive correlation between T-bet and MEG3 and between IFN-γ and T-bet. In RRMS patients treated with Glatiramer Acetate (GA), a strong positive correlation is observed between MEG3 and IFN-γ. Remarkably, RRMS patients treated with Dimethyl Fumarate (DMF) exhibit a significant positive correlation between T-bet and MEG3. These findings underscore the diagnostic potential of T-bet in RRMS, warranting further exploration of MEG3, T-bet, and IFN-γ interplay in RRMS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When plastic objects in our surroundings are degraded, they may produce particles ranging in size from 1 to 100 nm therefore called nanoplastics. The environmental chemicals including nanoplastics may be able to affect biological processes in the nuclear level like altering DNA methylation and regulating microRNAs (miRNAs) as well as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) expression and therefore are implicated in chronic human diseases like neoplasms. The regulatory role of miRNAs and lncRNAs in gene expression is appreciated. In vitro as well as in vivo experiments have shown that environmental elements including nanoplastics are able to dysregulate miRNAs and lncRNAs expression with possible genetic consequences that increase the risk of cancer development. In the current article, we review the biological effects of miRNAs and lncRNAs alterations following nanoplastics exposure. • Food can be the source of exposure of human body to micro and nanoplastics. • Nanoplastics can affect various human cellular processes such as: apoptotic, necrotic, inflammatory processes and etc. • Dysregulation of miRNAs occurred in response to low amounts of polystyrene nanoplastics. • miRNAs and lncRNAs as epigenetic factors, can lead to recognize the toxic effects of nanoplastics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Infraorbital skin hyperpigmentation, commonly called dark circles, and crow's feet wrinkles are common cosmetic concerns. Various methods of treatment have been evaluated with variable outcomes. Objective This study was performed to assess the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma ( PRP) injection for treating periorbital dark circles and crow's feet. Methods Ten participants with a mean age of 41.2 years were treated in a single session with intradermal injections of 1.5 mL PRP into tear trough area and crow's feet wrinkles on each side. The effects on melanin content, color homogeneity of the treated area, epidermal stratum corneum hydration, and wrinkle volume and visibility index were compared 3 months after treatment with baseline. Physician's global assessment and participants' satisfaction and any potential side effects were also assessed. Results The improvement in infraorbital color homogeneity was statistically significant ( P = 0.010), but no statistically significant changes were observed in melanin content, stratum corneum hydration, wrinkle volume, and visibility index. Participant's satisfaction score and physician's global assessment score were 2.2 and 1.7, respectively, on a 0-3 scale. Conclusion Platelet-rich plasma may have the potential to improve infraorbital dark circle in terms of color homogeneity of the region, though this remains to be proven using larger, controlled studies using multiple injections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastrointestinal (GI) carcinomas are a group of cancers affecting the GI tract and digestive organs, such as the gastric, liver, bile ducts, pancreas, small intestine, esophagus, colon, and rectum. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small functional non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) which are involved in regulating the expression of multiple target genes; mainly at the post-transcriptional level, via complementary binding to their 3′‐untranslated region (3′‐UTR). Increasing evidence has shown that miRNAs have critical roles in modulating of various physiological and pathological cellular processes and regulating the occurrence and development of human malignancies. Among them, miR-145 is recognized for its anti-oncogenic properties in various cancers, including GI cancers. MiR-145 has been implicated in diverse biological processes of cancers through the regulation of target genes or signaling, including, proliferation, differentiation, tumorigenesis, angiogenesis, apoptosis, metastasis, and therapy resistance. In this review, we have summarized the role of miR-145 in selected GI cancers and also its downstream molecules and cellular processes targets, which could lead to a better understanding of the miR-145 in these cancers. In conclusion, we reveal the potential diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic value of miR-145 in GI cancer, and hope to provide new ideas for its application as a biomarker as well as a therapeutic target for the treatment of these cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scrophularia atropatana (S. atropatana), an Iranian plant belonging to the family of Scrophulariaceae, was assigned for its chemical compositions and biological activities of essential oil (EO) and extracts of the aerial parts of the plant during the flowering stage. Combination of GC-MS and GC-FID was assessed for analyzing the chemical compositions of the EO from the aerial parts of S. atropatana. Furthermore, Brine shrimp lethality test and DPPH assay were performed to evaluate general toxicity and free-radical-scavenging properties, respectively. Furthermore, anti-proliferative and antimicrobial activities were assessed by MTT assay and disc diffusion methods correspondingly. Additionally, all the potent samples (extracts) and its fractions in the MTT assay were further studied for the presence of various compounds by GC-MS apparatus. MeOH extract and 40% sep-pak fraction indicated high amounts of total phenolic (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant properties. In the case of general toxicity, among the extracts, dichloromethane (DCM) extract showed noticeable effect. Furthermore, DCM extract was indicated potent ability to eliminate breast tumor cells and minimum efficacy on normal cells. Anti-microbial activity of all samples was ignorable. The potent extracts and fractions which had more anti-proliferative activity were further elucidated by GC-MS and showed high amounts of Alkanes and fatty acids. In the case of EO constituents, non-terpenoids were the major compounds. To sum up, it seems BSLT could be a good preliminary approach for evaluating the cytotoxicity in MCF-7 cell line. Additionally, antioxidant activity, TPC, and TFC contents of all samples were in consistent with each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within tumors, chemokines and their cognate receptors are expressed by infiltrated leukocytes, cancerous cells, and related cells of stroma, like tumor-associated fibroblasts and tumor-associated macrophages. In malignancies, the altered expression of chemokines/chemokine receptors governs leukocyte infiltration and activation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cancer cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) contribute to multiple physiological and pathophysiological processes. Some miRNAs can exert anti-tumorigenic activity in digestive system malignancies by repressing the expression of tumor-promoting chemokines/chemokine receptors or by upregulating tumor-suppressing chemokines/chemokine receptors. However, many miRNAs exert pro-tumorigenic activity by suppressing the expression of chemokines/chemokine receptors or by upregulating tumor-promoting chemokines/chemokine receptors. LncRNA and circRNAs also exert pro- and anti-tumorigenic effects by targeting downstream miRNAs influencing the expression of tumor-promoting and tumor-suppressor chemokines/chemokine receptors. On the other side, some chemokines influence the expression of ncRNAs affecting tumor formation. The current review explains the communications between ncRNAs and chemokines/chemokine receptors in certain digestive system malignancies, such as gastric, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers and hepatocellular carcinoma to gain better insights into their basic crosstalk as well as possible therapeutic modalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As small non-coding RNAs, MicroRNAs (miRNAs) bind to the 3′ untranslated region (3′-UTR) of mRNA targets to control gene transcription and translation. The gene of miR-330 has two miRNA products, including miR-330-3p and miR-330-5p, which exhibit anti-tumorigenesis and/or pro-tumorigenesis effects in many kinds of malignancies. In cancers, miR-330-3p and miR-330-5p aberrant expression can influence many malignancy-related processes such as cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition, as well as angiogenesis and responsiveness to treatment. In many cancer types (such as lung, prostate, gastric, breast, bladder, ovarian, colorectal, and pancreatic cancer, and osteosarcoma), miR-330-5p acts as an anti-tumor agent. These cancers have low levels of miR-330-5p that leads to the upregulation of the tumor promotor target genes leading to tumor progression. Here, overexpression of miR-330-5p using miRNA inducers can prevent tumor development. Dual roles of miR-330-5p have been also indicated in the thyroid, liver and cervical cancers. Moreover, miR-330-3p exhibits pro-tumorigenesis effects in lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, osteosarcoma, bladder cancer, and cervical cancer. Here, downregulation of miR-330-3p using miRNA inhibitors can prevent tumor development. Demonstrated in breast and liver cancers, miR-330-3p also has dual roles. Importantly, the activities of miR-330-3p and/or miR-330-5p are regulated by upstream regulators long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), including circular and linear lncRNAs. This review comprehensively explained miR-330-3p and miR-330-5p role in development of cancers, while highlighting their downstream target genes and upstream regulators as well as possible therapeutic strategies. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Brain metastasis (BM) is the most common event in patients with lung cancer. Despite multimodal treatments and advances in systemic therapies, development of BM remains one of the main factors associated with poor prognosis and mortality in patients with lung cancer. Therefore, better understanding of mechanisms involved in lung cancer brain metastasis (LCBM) is of great importance to suppress cancer cells and to improve the overall survival of patients. Several cancer-related genes such as EGFR and KRAS have been proposed as potential predictors of LCBM. In addition, there is ample evidence supporting crucial roles of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in mediating LCBM. In this review, we provide comprehensive information on risk assessment, predictive, and prognostic panels for early detection of BM in patients with lung cancer. Moreover, we present an overview of LCBM molecular mechanisms, cancer driver genes, and ncRNAs which may predict the risk of BM in lung cancer patients. Recent clinical studies have focused on determining mechanisms involved in LCBM and their association with diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment outcomes. These studies have shown that alterations in EGFR , KRAS, BRAF , and ALK , as the most frequent coding gene alterations, and dysregulation of ncRNAs such as miR-423, miR-330–3p, miR-145, piR-651, and MALAT1 can be considered as potential biomarkers of LCBM. • Approximately 40% of patients with lung cancer develop brain metastasis. • Brain metastasis is associated with poorer prognosis and worse survival in patients with lung cancer. • Identification of suitable biomarkers and therapeutic targets for lung cancer brain metastasis improves clinical outcomes. • Coding gene alterations and dysregulation of non-coding RNAs can be used as predictors of lung cancer brain metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]