The microRNAs (miRNAs), miR-194 and miR-29b, have been shown to downregulate in colorectal cancer (CRC) and may identify and classify CRC patients as compared with those in control subjects. In the current study, we aimed to explore whether the serum levels of the miRNAs could be potential biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of CRC. A quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay was utilized to determine and compare serum levels of miR-194 and miR-29b in 55 patients with CRC and 55 control subjects. The correlations between levels of the miRNAs and clinicopathological stages of cancer were analyzed in patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and survival analyses were carried out, respectively, to determine diagnostic and prognostic values of the miRNAs. Serum levels of miR-194 and miR-29b were found to be significantly lower in CRC patients than those in control subjects (P < 0.0001). Moreover, serum levels of the miRNAs in patients were inversely correlated with the advanced TNM stages (P = 0.01). ROC curve and survival analyses revealed that reduced levels of the miRNAs could serve as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for patients with CRC (P = 0.0001). Serum levels of miR-194 and miR-29b may serve as potential biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of CRC.

Oil fields are a source of heavy metal pollution, but few studies have evaluated its impact on the intake of these contaminants through milk, an important food especially for children. From February 2015 to 2016, 118 samples of raw cow's milk, 14 of fodder and 8 of water in Southwest Iran were collected from farms close to oil fields or related industries. Lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) levels were evaluated by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Mean±SE in milk and fodder were 47.0±3.9 and 54.0±6.9μg/kg for Pb, and 4.7±1.0 and 3.5±1.3μg/kg for Cd. No Pb or Cd was detected in water. Most milk samples (82.2%) for Pb were above the permissible limits (20μg/kg). Exposure to Pb and Cd from milk consumption was calculated in two scenarios: mean and maximum exposure for the age range of 2-90years. The intake of an average Iranian adult (25years, 60kg b. w., 0.14kg milk/day) would be 6.6μg Pb and 0.66μg Cd/day (WI of 46.2 and 4.6μg, respectively), well below the risk values proposed by some international organizations, even in the maximum exposure scenario. However, Pb exposure for infants and toddlers may be closer to the risk values, since milk and milk products could be the main contributor to Cd and Pb, and small children consume 2-3 times more food than adults relative to their body weight. The risk of Pb and Cd exposure through milk close to oil fields should be considered and a monitoring plan for these contaminants is strongly recommended.

No abstract

Antifungals have always been considered as one of the astonishing discoveries of the 20th century. This is correct, but the real marvel is the development of antifungal resistance in hospitals, communities, and the environment concomitant with their use. Fungal infections have emerged as an important clinical threat, with significant associated morbidity and mortality. This study is designed to provide a comprehensive view of antifungal agents and related agents. Information was based on the expertise of some literatures. Over the past decades, the incidence and diversity of fungal infection has grown in association with an increasing number of immunocompromised patients. An understanding of the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics properties of the classes of antifungal compounds is vital for the effective management of invasive fungal infections. This review provides a summary of the pharmacologic principles involved in treatment of fungal diseases. Clinical needs for novel antifungal agents have altered steadily with the rise and fall of AIDS-related mycoses, and the change in spectrum of fatal disseminated fungal infections that has accompanied change in therapeutic immunosuppressive therapies.

Background: Regarding the increasing resistance of bacteria against antibiotics and the existence of antibacterial compounds in plants, we here investigated the antimicrobial effects of the methanolic extracts of several plants on pathogenic bacteria. Methods: Ten grams of the dry ingredients of Eryngiumcaucasicumtrautv (leaf), Saponariaofficinalis (flower), Froriepiasubpinnata (leaf), MalvaSylvestris (leaf), and Urticadioica (leaf) was poured in 100 mL of methanol and shaken for 24 hours. After 24 hours, the extracts were strained and dried in the oven, and their antimicrobial activity at the 100 mg/mL concentration was evaluated against the mentioned bacteria using the sinkhole method. Results: The plant extracts inhibited the growth of all bacteria in various degrees. Among all the plant extracts used, that of F. subpinnata delivered the largest diameter of growth inhibition zone (6 mm) against S. dysenteriae, and the extracts of E. caucasicum and F. subpinnata showed the largest diameter of inhibition zone against Xanthomonas translucens. Also, the extract of M. sylvestris delivered the largest inhibition zone diameter (8 mm) against E. coli. Conclusions: Our results showed that the methanolic extract of E. caucasicum was the most effective plant extract against S. dysenteriae, Rathayibacter tritici, and L. monocytogenes, but M. sylvestris extract revealed the greatest impact on E. coli. It is recommended to further investigate the antibacterial compounds of these plants as potential treatments for bacterial infections.