Interactions between immune response to fungal infection and microRNAs: The pioneer tuners

Due to their physiological and biological characteristics, numerous fungi are potentially emerging pathogens. Active dynamicity of fungal pathogens causes life-threatening infections annually impose high costs to the health systems. Although immune responses play crucial roles in controlling the fate of fungal infections, immunocompromised patients are at high risk with high mortality. Tuning the immune response against fungal infections might be an effective strategy for controlling and reducing the pathological damages. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are known as the master regulators of immune response. These single-stranded tuners (18-23 bp non-coding RNAs) are endogenously expressed by all metazoan eukaryotes and have emerged as the master gene expression controllers of at least 30% human genes. In this review article, following the review of biology and physiology (biogenesis and mechanism of actions) of miRNAs and immune response against fungal infections, the interactions between them were scrutinised. In conclusion, miRNAs might be considered as one of the potential goals in immunotherapy for fungal infections. Undoubtedly, advanced studies in this field, further identifying of miRNA roles in governing the immune response, pave the way for inclusion of miRNA-related immunotherapeutic in the treatment of life-threatening fungal infections.     

RAR‐related orphan receptor A: One gene with multiple functions related to migraine

AimsRAR‐related orphan receptor (RORA) involves in regulation of several biological processes including inflammation and circadian rhythm that probably are involved in migraine pathophysiology. In the current study, the association between RORA rs11639084 and rs4774388 variants and susceptibility to migraine were investigated in a sample of Iranian migraine patients for the first time.MethodsIn a case‐control study including 400 participants, 200 migraineurs and 200 healthy controls, genotyping of RORA rs4774388 and rs11639084 polymorphisms was performed using tetra‐primer amplification refractory mutation system–polymerase chain reaction (TP‐ARMS‐PCR).ResultsThe distribution of rs4774388 C/T and T/T genotypes differed significantly between the studied groups. Moreover, an association was observed between rs4774388 and migraine under the recessive mode of inheritance (P = 0.002; OR = 1.89.; CI = 1.25‐2.87). The distribution of rs11639084 alleles and genotypes was not significantly different between migraineurs and healthy controls.ConclusionCurrent results suggest RORA, as a molecular link, may explain inflammation and circadian rhythm dysfunction in migraine. Further studies in different ethnicities are required to confirm the function of RORA in migraine development.     

Factors accelerating recurrences and secondary tumors in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

To investigate factors that affect and also decrease the duration for recurrences and secondary tumors in cSCC.A retrospective study was conducted for all patients who were treated for a cSCC of the head and neck between 2009 and 2016. Anamnestic as well as epidemiological and histological data were noted and correlated with the occurrence of recurrences and secondary cancers. The duration between surgery and these events was used to determine if histological factors accelerate their occurrence.The highest risk for recurrences was seen in patients with previous skin cancers (RR 3.23). Histological ulceration (p = 0.003) and grading (p = 0.031) of the tumor were found as significant factors accelerating the time to relapse. Surrounding chronic precancerotic lesions (p < 0.001) and poor tumor grading (p = 0.035) were found as significant factors accelerating the time until a secondary cSCC was observed.Known risk factors increase not only the risk for a cSCC but also for recurrences. Specific histologic findings can help to adjust follow-up intervals to identify recurrences and secondary tumors at an early stage as these were shown to decrease the duration for a further event.     

Biologic interaction of three-dimensional periodontal fibroblast spheroids with collagen-based and synthetic membranes

Background: Cell‐based therapy using autologous cells has been suggested as a potential approach for periodontal tissue regeneration. Spheroid systems are a form of three‐dimensional cell culture that promotes cell matrix interaction, which could recapitulate the aspect of cell homeostasis in vivo. The aim of this study is to assess the interaction of periodontal fibroblast spheroids with synthetic and collagen‐based membranes that have been used in guided tissue regeneration. Methods: Commercially available normal human periodontal ligament fibroblasts were grown in spheroid forms using a liquid overlay technique and then transplanted onto a collagen‐based and a polyglycolic acid–based membrane. The biologic interaction of the spheroids with the membranes was assessed using basic histology, Alamar blue tissue viability assay, scanning electron microscopy, and immunohistochemical analysis. Results: Periodontal fibroblast spheroids adhered to both membranes, and the cells were able to proliferate and migrate from the spheroids both horizontally and vertically into the membrane scaffolds. Immunohistochemical analysis showed expression of collagen type I, periostin, and Runx2 by the periodontal fibroblasts. Conclusion: Periodontal fibroblast spheroids were able to grow three‐dimensionally on the biologic membranes and may have the potential to be used together with guided tissue regeneration approaches as an adjunct for periodontal regeneration.     

Processed bovine dentine as a bone substitute

OBJECTIVES: Different forms of allogenic dentine have been studied for their potential use as bone substitutes. We report a new method for processing bovine dentine that results in a sterile bioactive material for repair and regeneration of bone. METHODS: Extracted bovine dentine was processed mechanically and chemically with inorganic and organic solvents, and sterilised. The in vitro biocompatibility on human gingival fibroblasts was assessed by the Alamar Blue assay and the in vivo biocompatibility evaluated by implantation of the processed dentine into rats' femurs. RESULTS: The dentine showed excellent biocompatibility in vitro, stimulated formation of new bone and was completely incorporated into the new bone in vivo. SIGNIFICANCE: Processed bovine dentine has the potential to be used as a suitable substitute in bone repair and regeneration.     

Triad of bilateral duplicated permanent teeth, persistent open apex, and tooth malformation: a case report

AIM: The aim of this article is to report a case of bilateral multiple impacted supernumerary teeth. A discussion of possible mechanisms of development is also presented along with a concise review of the literature. BACKGROUND: Supernumerary teeth occur in the context of various scenarios in the primary and the permanent dentition. Multiple supernumerary teeth are a rare finding especially in the absence of associated syndrome or disease. REPORT: A case of bilateral multiple impacted supernumerary teeth localized to the mandibular premolar region is reported. Some of the supernumerary teeth as well as the erupted premolars had persistent open apices. Coronal malformation of the right maxillary first premolar was another interesting finding. There was an absence of any concomitant disease. SUMMARY: The aforementioned combination of findings has not been reported previously. The anatomical, geometrical, and spatial relationships of supernumerary teeth with their erupted equivalents may shed light on some controversial aspects of the etiology.     

Intrasacral rod fixation for pediatric lumbopelvic fusion

Purpose

This paper reports the authors’ 19 years experience with pediatric intrasacral rod fixation.

Methods

After insertion of two cannulated screws in S1 with and an original template guiding them into the anterior third of the endplate, two short fusion rods were inserted into the sacrum according to Jackson’s technique distally to S3. In neuromuscular scoliosis, pelvic obliquity was reduced by connecting the proximal and distal constructs, distraction or compression, and in situ rod bending. In children with high-grade spondylolisthesis, lumbosacral kyphosis was reduced by rotation of the sacrum and in situ bending.

Results

There were no direct neurological or vascular injuries. The main complication was infection (7 %). No pseudarthrosis or significant loss of correction at the lumbosacral junction was observed during follow-up.

Conclusions

Intrasacral rod fixation appears to be safe and reliable for lumbopelvic fusion in pediatric patients.

     

Distinct Biomarker Profiles in Ex Vivo T Cell Depletion Graft Manipulation Strategies: CD34+ Selection versus CD3+/19+ Depletion in Matched Sibling Allogeneic Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation

Various approaches have been developed for ex vivo T cell depletion in allogeneic stem cell transplantation to prevent graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Direct comparisons of T cell depletion strategies have not been well studied, however. We evaluated cellular and plasma biomarkers in 2 different graft manipulation strategies, CD3⁺CD19⁺ cell depletion (CD3/19D) versus CD34⁺ selection (CD34S), and their associations with clinical outcomes. Identical conditions, including the myeloablative preparative regimen, HLA-identical sibling donor, GVHD prophylaxis, and graft source, were used in the 2 cohorts. Major clinical outcomes were similar in the 2 groups in terms of overall survival, nonrelapse mortality, and cumulative incidence of relapse; however, the cumulative incidence of acute GVHD trended to be higher in the CD3/19D cohort compared with the CD34S cohort. A distinct biomarker profile was noted in the CD3/19D cohort: higher levels of ST2, impaired Helios^? FoxP3⁺Treg reconstitution, and rapid reconstitution of naïve, Th2, and Th17 CD4 cells in the early post-transplantation period. In vitro graft replication studies confirmed that CD3/19D disproportionately depleted Tregs and other CD4 subset repertoires in the graft. This study confirms the utility of biomarker monitoring, which can be directly correlated with biological consequences and possible future therapeutic indications.