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Abstract: Background. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs that play important roles in almost all biological path- ways. They regulate post-transcriptional gene expression by binding to the 3%untranslated region (3%UTR) of messenger RNAs (mRNAs). MitomiRs are miRNAs of nuclear or mitochondrial origin that are localized in mitochondria and have a crucial role in regulation of mitochondrial function and metabolism. In eukaryotes, mitochondria are the major sites of oxidative metabolism of sugars, lipids, amino acids, and other bio-macromolecules. They are also the main sites of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. Conclusions. In the review, we discuss the role of mitomiRs in mitochondria and introduce currently well studied mito- miRs, their target genes and functions. We also discuss their role in cancer initiation and progression through the regu- lation of mRNA expression in mitochondria. MitomiRs directly target key molecules such as transporters or enzymes in cell metabolism and regulate several oncogenic signaling pathways. They also play an important role in the Warburg effect, which is vital for cancer cells to maintain their proliferative potential. In addition, we discuss how they indirectly upregulate hexokinase 2 (HK2), an enzyme involved in glucose phosphorylation, and thus may affect energy metabo- lism in breast cancer cells. In tumor tissues such as breast cancer and head and neck tumors, the expression of one of the mitomiRs (miR-210) correlates with hypoxia gene signatures, suggesting a direct link between mitomiR expression and hypoxia in cancer. The miR-17/92 cluster has been shown to act as a key factor in metabolic reprogramming of tumors by regulating glycolytic and mitochondrial metabolism. This cluster is deregulated in B-cell lymphomas, B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, and T-cell lymphomas, and is particularly overexpressed in several other cancers. Based on the current knowledge, we can conclude that there is a large number of miRNAs present in mitochondria, termed mitomiR, and that they are important regulators of mitochondrial function. Therefore, mitomiRs are important players in the metabolism of cancer cells, which need to be further investigated in order to develop a potential new therapies for cancer.
Keywords: microRNAs, mitomiR, mitochondria, cancer cell metabolism
Published in DiRROS: 22.07.2024; Views: 316; Downloads: 112
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Abstract: The EU prioritizes transitioning to a circular economy, aiming to boost sustainable resource management through policies promoting recycling and reuse, benefiting both the environment and the economy. Many successful case studies demonstrate using various incineration waste by-products (ashes) as substitutes for natural materials, yielding environmental advantages and showcasing sustainable resource management practices. While extensive literature covers ash characterization and applications, the direct links between the properties of the main components, the amorphous phase, and research findings remain elusive. Analysis predominantly centers on microstructural phase development, influencing mechanical, physical, and chemical properties and guiding research interpretations. Existing standards for ash use primarily address coal-derived fly ash, with SIST EN 13282-2 allowing alternative sources like circulating fluidized bed and paper sludge incineration residues. Yet, beyond this standard, no regulations mandate using different ash types. Nonetheless, the applicability of ashes for the geotechnical composite materials has already been confirmed in the field since numerous geotechnical projects have been carried out in Slovenia. Such composites have been recognized as beneficial practices, and the majority of them also possess legal permission for usage according to the Slovenian Technical Approvals. Given the varying value and complexity of ashes, detailed characterization before use is crucial. Assessing the recycling potential of different ashes requires a precise definition of basic properties such as microstructure, minerals, and chemical composition. Emphasis should be placed on characterizing the hydraulic properties and gaining detailed insights into the amorphous phase, ensuring informed decision-making regarding their recycling processes.
Keywords: waste by-products from incineration processes, ashes, recycling, amorphous phase, (latent) hydraulic properties, hydration
Published in DiRROS: 22.07.2024; Views: 293; Downloads: 214
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Abstract: Rudarska tradicija v Litiji, segajoča v staro železno dobo, je vključevala intenzivno uporabo lesa v rudnikih, še posebej za podporo in zaščito rovov. Rudnik Sitarjevec je bil znova odprt za turizem leta 2017, in v letu 2021 so odprli glavni rov. Les ostaja ključen material v rudnikih, čeprav so ga v preteklosti nadomeščali z drugimi materiali. Uporabljeni les je izpostavljen razkroju zaradi visoke vlažnosti in gliv, kot je bela hišna goba. Ta gliva lahko povzroči razgradnjo lesa in je pogosta v vlažnih okoljih rudnikov. Obstoj gliv je pomemben, saj lahko vplivajo na obiskovalce rudnika. Visoka relativna zračna vlažnost (96,6 %) in stalna temperatura (10,1 °C) v rudniku ustvarjata razmere, ki so ugodne za rast gliv, vendar pa relativno nizka temperatura ni omejujoč dejavnik za razgradnjo lesa. Koncentracija glivnih spor v rudniku je visoka in je razložena z razširjenostjo gliv v samem rudniku. Poleg tega smo opazili, da je v lesu veliko anorganskih onesnaževal ter veliko kristalov.
Keywords: razkroj, bela hišna goba, težke kovine, kristali, spore
Published in DiRROS: 22.07.2024; Views: 302; Downloads: 153
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Abstract: Background. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have become an important biomarker in breast cancer. Different iso-lation tech-niques based on their biological or physical features were established. Currently, the most widely used methods for visualization after their separation are based on immunofluorescent staining, which does not provide the information on the morphology.Materials and methods. The aim of this study was to evaluate how two different separation techniques affect cell morphology and to analyse cell morphology with techniques used in routine cytopathological laboratory. A direct side-by-side comparison of physical (Parsortix%) and biological (MACS%) separation technique was performed.Results. In the preclinical setting, both isolation techniques retained the viability and antigenic characteristics of MCF7 breast cancer cells. Some signs of degeneration such as cell swelling, cytoplasmic blebs, villous projections and vacuolization were observed. In metastatic breast cancer patient cohort, morphological features of isolated CTCs were dependent on the separation technique. After physical separation, CTCs with preserved cell morphology were detected. After biological separation the majority of the isolated CTCs were so degenerated that their identity was difficult to confirm.Conclusions. Taken together, physical separation is a suitable technique for detection of CTCs with preserved cell morphology for the use in a routine cytopathological laboratory.
Keywords: circulating tumor cells, breast cancer, morphology
Published in DiRROS: 22.07.2024; Views: 359; Downloads: 234
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Abstract: Background. The aim of the study was to derive and compare metabolic parameters relating to benign and ma- lignant pulmonary nodules using dynamic 2-deoxy-2-[fluorine-18]fluoro-D-glucose (18F-FDG) PET/CT, and nodule perfu- sion parameters derived through perfusion computed tomography (CT). Patients and methods. Twenty patients with 21 pulmonary nodules incidentally detected on CT underwent a dynamic 18F-FDG PET/CT and a perfusion CT. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) was measured on conventional 18F-FDG PET/CT images. The influx constant (Ki) was calculated from the dynamic 18F-FDG PET/CT data using Patlak model. Arterial flow (AF) using the maximum slope model and blood volume (BV) using the Patlak plot method for each nodule were calculated from the perfusion CT data. All nodules were characterized as malignant or benign based on histopathology or 2 year follow up CT. All parameters were statistically compared between the two groups using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney test. Results. Twelve malignant and 9 benign lung nodules were analysed (median size 20.1 mm, 9-29 mm) in 21 patients (male/female = 11/9; mean age +- SD: 65.3 +- 7.4; age range: 50-76 years). The average SUVmax values +- SD of the benign and malignant nodules were 2.2 +- 1.7 vs. 7.0 +- 4.5, respectively (p = 0.0148). Average Ki values in benign and malig- nant nodules were 0.0057 +- 0.0071 and 0.0230 +- 0.0155 min-1, respectively (p = 0.0311). Average BV for the benign and malignant nodules were 11.6857 +- 6.7347 and 28.3400 +- 15.9672 ml/100 ml, respectively (p = 0.0250). Average AF for the benign and malignant nodules were 74.4571 +- 89.0321 and 89.200 +- 49.8883 ml/100g/min, respectively (p = 0.1613). Conclusions. Dynamic 18F-FDG PET/CT and perfusion CT derived blood volume had similar capability to differentiate benign from malignant lung nodules.
Keywords: CT perfusion, malignant pulmonary nodules, benign pulmonary nodules
Published in DiRROS: 22.07.2024; Views: 278; Downloads: 107
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