No abstract

No abstract

Baculoviral IAP repeat containing 5 (BIRC5) gene encodes the important protein as survivin, a multifunctional protein, which is involved in cellular and molecular networks, progression of cell cycle, homeostasis, developmental morphogenesis, and apoptosis. The proximal BIRC5 promoter possesses specific binding sites for key transcription factors such as nuclear factor κB and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3. Upregulation of survivin exacerbates the autoimmune diseases (AIDs) including multiple sclerosis and myasthenia gravis by reducing the activity threshold of survivin-specific cytotoxic T cells. DNA damage along with upregulation or downregulation of survivin have been demonstrated in initiation and pathogenesis of cancers and AIDs. However, detailed mechanism of survivin function in pathogenesis of AIDs is not well understood. This review focuses on the structure, specificity, regulation, and function of survivin in physiologic conditions and pathogenesis of AIDs.

Background Ameloblastoma is a common locally invasive but slow-growing neoplasm of the jaws with an odontogenic origin. Association between BRAF V600E mutation and clinicopathologic features and behavior of ameloblastoma remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate BRAF V600E gene mutation and expression of its related proteins with clinicopathologic parameters in conventional ameloblastoma. Material and Methods 50 Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded blocks were included in this study. Immunohistochemistry was done using rabbit monoclonal BRAF V600E mutation-specific antibody VE1. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assay was used for evaluating of BRAF V600E mutation. Results Expression of BRAF V600E antibody was Positive in 42 out of 50 cases (84%). 46 (92%) out of 50 specimens showed BRAF V600E mutation. There were 13 cases of recurrence (26%). 3 out of 4 cases with negative mutations did not show recurrence. Conclusions We report the highest frequency (92%) of BRAF V600E mutation in ameloblastomas in the Iranian population. Although there was not a significant association between BRAF V600E‑positive immunoexpression and recurrence and clinicopathologic parameters, its high frequency could emphasize its role as a therapeutic marker in the future. Key words: Conventional ameloblastoma, BRAF V600E, recurrence.

No abstract

Objectives : The relationship between immunity and trace elements levels is well known. We aimed to estimate the association of serum trace elements with severity and outcomes in the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) patients. Methods: In this single-centered, prospective, observational study, we enrolled 114 patients admitted to severe intensive care units (ICUs) and corresponding 112 sex and aged-matched non-ICU ward patients. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, and outcomes were all collected. We analyzed serum levels of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), selenium (Se), and manganese (Mn) in both severity groups. Results : The serum levels of Cu, Se, and Mn in both groups were within the normal range while Zn serum levels were lower than the normal values. Based on these findings, Zn, Cu, Se, and Mn serum levels were not associated with disease severity ( P > 0.05). While we found Zn serum levels were strongly associated with patient outcomes ( P = 0.005). Our results indicated lower Mn serum levels were associated with age more than 55 years ( P = 0.006). Our results were not in favor of a causal relationship between serum trace elements levels and disease severity. Conclusion : We found Zn level as a strong indicator for patients’ outcomes that can be considered for monitoring of patients’ prognosis. Nutritional measures or supplementation can help reduce poor outcomes caused by low Zn levels in Iranian COVID-19 patients.

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive disorder primarily affecting the Mediterranean populations. It is characterized by recurrent attacks of fever and inflammation of serosal membranes and gradual development of nephropathic amyloidosis. More than 70 disease-associated mutations have been identified in the Mediterranean fever gene (MEFV) responsible for FMF. The aim of this study was to determine the mutation carrier rate in the Iranian Azeri Turkish population. A cohort of 200 unrelated healthy individuals was screened for the five most common MEFV mutations (M694V, V726A, M680I, M694I, and E148Q) using the amplification refractory mutation system for the first four and by polymerase chain reaction-restriction-digestion testing for E148Q. Genotyping revealed that the carrier rate in the Azeri Turkish population was 25.5%, with E148Q being the most common mutation (11.5%) followed by V726A (1.75%). The remaining common mutations were not found in this cohort. Our data indicate that the FMF carrier rate and E148Q mutation frequency are high in the Iranian Azeri Turkish population.

No abstract