Int J Med Sci
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Previously, MDR1 T-129C polymorphism, encoding multidrug resistant transporter MDR1/P-glycoprotein, was reported to be predictive of poorly-differentiated colorectal adenocarcinomas. Here, VEGF T-1498C, C-634G and C-7T polymorphisms, encoding vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), were investigated in terms of their association with differentiation grade. ⋯ VEGF T-1498C polymorphism is also a candidate marker predictive of poorly-differentiated colorectal adenocarcinomas, but further investigations with a large number of patients should be addressed to draw a conclusion.
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Radiation quality indices (QI), tumor control probability (TCP), and normal tissue complication probability(NTCP) were evaluated for ideal single and double plane HDR interstitial implants. In the analysis, geometrically-optimized at volume (GOV) treatment plans were generated for different values of inter-source-spacing (ISS) within the catheter, inter-catheter-spacing (ICS), and inter-plane-spacing (IPS) for single - and double - plane implants. ⋯ Optimal values of QIs, except external volume index (EI), and TCP were obtained at ISS = 1.0 cm, and ICS = 1.0 cm, for single-plane implants, and ISS = 1.0 cm, ICS = 1.0 cm, and IPS = 0.75 to 1.25 cm, for double - plane implants. From this study, it is assessed that ISS = 1.0 cm, ICS = 1.0 cm, for single - plane implant and IPS between 0.75 cm to 1.25 cm provide better dose conformity and uniformity.
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As aromatase-deficient mice, which are deficient in estrogens, reportedly have reduced blood pressure, the aromatase gene (CYP19A1) is thought to be a susceptibility gene for essential hypertension (EH). The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between CYP19A1 and EH by examining single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). ⋯ We confirmed that rs700518 and rs10046, as well as a haplotype constructed with rs1870049 and rs10046, in the human CYP19A1 gene can be used as genetic markers for gender-specific EH.
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Comparative Study
Plasmatic B-type natriuretic peptide and C-reactive protein in hyperacute stroke as markers of CT-evidence of brain edema.
Plasmatic B-type-natriuretic peptide (NT-PBNP) and C-reactive protein (CRP) have been reportedly elevated in stroke patients; however their clinical significance remains uncertain. The purpose of this work is to investigate whether elevation of these proteins at baseline predicts CT-evidence of brain edema. ⋯ We conclude that CRP at baseline but not NT-PBNP predicts CT evidence of brain edema in stroke patients. We hypothesize that NT-PBNP levels elevated in response to edema after 48 hours of admission.
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Comparative Study
Differential constitutive and cytokine-modulated expression of human Toll-like receptors in primary neutrophils, monocytes, and macrophages.
Human Toll-like receptors (TLRs) comprise a family of proteins that recognizes pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and initiates host innate immune responses. Neutrophils, monocytes, and macrophages are critical cellular components of the human innate immune system. Proinflammatory cytokines, such as granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), have been shown to up-regulate microbicidal activity in these effector cells of innate immunity. ⋯ GM-CSF up-regulated expression of TLR2 and TLR4 in neutrophils and TLR2 in monocytes. TLR5 was down-regulated by inflammatory cytokines in monocytes. These results suggest a potential role for IFN- gamma and/or GM-CSF as therapeutic immunomodulators of the host defense to infection.