Two lung development-related microRNAs, miR-134 and miR-187, are differentially expressed in lung tumors.

INTRODUCTION: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in various cellular events needed for embryonic development and tumorigenesis. As some of the development-specific gene expression patterns could be observed in cancers, we speculated that the expression pattern of lung development-specific miRNAs miR-134 and miR-187 might be altered in lung tumor samples. Lung cancer is the first cause of cancer related deaths worldwide, mostly due to its late diagnosis. Therefore, finding a reliable diagnostic tumor marker, based on molecular profile of tumorigenesis, would be critical in lowering lung cancer mortality. METHODS: We employed a real-time RT-PCR approach to evaluate the expression alteration of two lung development-related miRNAs in lung tumor tissues. The suitability of miRs expression alterations as lung tumor biomarkers was tested by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The effect of miR-187 overexpression on a lung carcinoma cell cycle was assessed using flow cytometry analysis. RESULTS: Our data revealed a significant upregulation (7.8 times, p<0.02) of miR-134 in lung tumors. However, its expression level failed to discriminate different tumor types and grades of malignancies from each other. Moreover, the ROC curves analysis did not give it a good score as a reliable biomarker (AUC=0.522, P=0.729). In contrast, miR-187 showed a significant down-regulation (P=0.008) in lung tumors. Similarly, its expression level failed to differentiate different tumor types or grades of malignancies. Nevertheless, ROC curve analysis gave it an AUC score of 0.669 (P=0.012), which suggests its suitability as a potential biomarker for lung cancer. Furthermore, ectopic expression of miR-187 in A549 cells caused a cell cycle arrest in G1 phase (P=0.013). CONCLUSION: Altogether, our data demonstrated an altered expression of two development-related miRNAs namely miR-134 and miR-187 in lung tumors for the first time. Moreover we have shown that miR-134 and miR-187 expression alternation were in accordance with their approved regulatory roles, therefore these miRNAs could serve as new biomarkers with potential usefulness in lung cancer diagnosis and treatments. In addition, miR-187 expression in tumor cells could perturb cell cycle which supported its possible role as tumor suppressor.

Level changes of traffic noise in kerman city, southeast iran.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this research was to determine the traffic noise level and changes in the Kerman City, southeast Iran in recent years. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out in 2008 to investigate the existing noise situation in Kerman. Sound levels (L(Max), L(Min), L(eq), L(99), L(90), L(50) and L(10)) were determined throughout 13 stations using sound level measurement system (model, CEL-440). Number of passing vehicles was also assessed at the sampled stations. RESULTS: Sound level in all sampled stations was higher than Iran and World Health Organization guidelines. Comparison of L(eq) in different hours using statistical tests showed significant difference between different hours with 95 % confidence coefficient (P=0.01). Comparison of L(eq) throughout the week also showed that there was a significant difference (P=0.001) between Friday and workday. The comparison of L(eq) with the number of passing vehicles using Pearson correlation statistical test showed significant difference between the number of heavy vehicles passed and the level of L(eq) (P=0.001). It also showed that number of heavy vehicles caused the most noise levels. CONCLUSION: The results of this study compared to a similar study conducted in 1999 showed an increasingly high noise level. Noise level increased from 1999 to 2008 by 3.89 % which is indicative of an increase in noise emission sources.

Acidity rate and fluoride content of consumed beverages in kerman/iran.

BACKGROUND: High consumption of nonalcoholic beverages is one of the causes of dental erosion. Annual consumption of beverages in Iran is 48 LPCY (Lit per capita per year) that is equal to 144 bottles per capita in year and is relatively a high rate. Taking this into consideration, the present study was planned to determine the pH and fluoride content of beverages consumed in Kerman, south east of Iran. METHODS: In a descriptive cross-sectional study during 2006-2007, samples of any type of beverages in Kerman were taken once every 4 months and each sample was examined for its acidity and fluoride content in ambient and refrigerator temperatures. A total of 744 experiments were conducted on 62 brands of beverages with different colors to determine the acidity and on 31 brands of beverages to determine their fluoride content. Acidity was determined by pH-meter in the ambient temperature and refrigerator temperature (+4◦C). Fluoride content was determined using specific electrode method. Data analysis was done by SPSS software package. RESULTS: Mean acidity of the consumed beverages in Kerman was 2.55 and 2.78 mg/L in the ambient temperature and refrigerator temperature, respectively. Mean fluoride concentration in the temperature of the ambient and refrigerator were 1.13 and 1.27 mg/L respectively. Therefore beverages consumption in Kerman had a higher acidity than national standard. CONCLUSION: Since some of the consumed beverages in Kerman are distributed and consumed in other parts of Iran as well, necessary precautions for controlling dental erosion especially in Kerman residents should be taken.