An update on extracellular vesicles in multiple myeloma: a focus on their role in cell-to-cell cross-talk and as potential liquid biopsy biomarkers

Introduction: Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by a clonal proliferation of neoplastic plasma cells (PCs) in bone marrow (BM) and the interplay between MM PCs and the BM microenvironment, which plays a relevant role in its pathogenesis. In this important cross-talk, extracellular vesicles (EVs) are active. EVs, including small and medium/large EVs, are lipid bi-layer particles released in circulation by normal and neoplastic cells. A selected cargo of lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids is loaded into EVs, and delivered locally and to distant sites, thus influencing the physiology of recipient cells. In the ‘liquid biopsy’ context, EVs can be isolated from human biofluids proving to be powerful markers in cancer.

Areas covered: Here, we summarize the recent advances on EVs in MM field.

Expert commentary: EVs from MM PCs: i) enhance malignant cell proliferation and aggressiveness through an autocrine loop; ii) are able to transfer drug resistance in sensitive-drug cells; iii) stimulate angiogenesis; iv) increase the activity of osteoclasts; v) have immunosuppressive effects. In addition, EVs from MM stromal cells also promote MM cell proliferation and drug resistance. Finally, we underline the importance of EVs as MM potential biomarkers in ‘cancer liquid biopsy’ and as a potential new therapeutic target.     

Immunohistochemical analysis of BRAF V600E mutation in ameloblastomas

Clinical Oral Investigations - This study aimed to investigate the presence of BRAF V600E mutation in mandible ameloblastomas by correlating clinical and imaging data on the cases studied....     

Repair increases the survival of failed primary teeth restorations in high–caries risk children: a university-based retrospective study

Clinical Oral Investigations - We investigated factors associated with failure of adhesive restorations in primary teeth and whether repair may increase the survival of failed restorations placed...     

Central involvement of 5-HT1A receptors in antinociception induced by photobiomodulation in animal model of neuropathic pain

Lasers in Medical Science - This study aimed to investigate the central involvement of 5-HT1A receptors in the nociceptive behavior of mice submitted to the chronic constriction injury (CCI) of...     

Concurrent Validation and Reference Values of Gluteus Medius Clinical Test

ContextThe hip abductor muscles, mainly the gluteus medius, are responsible for controlling hip adduction in a closed kinetic chain. Frontal plane knee alignment, assessed during functional activities such squatting, jumping and running, may overload joint structures, like the anterior cruciate ligament and patellofemoral joint. The hand-held dynamometer is reliable and effective for testing the muscular strength of the hip abductors.Objectives1. To assess the concurrent validity between the gluteus medius clinical test and a maximum isometric force test of the hip abductors using the hand-held dynamometer; (2) to determine the intra and inter-examiner reliability for the application of the gluteus medius clinical test; and (3) to describe reference values of gluteus medius clinical test on a population of youth athletes.DesignCross-sectional.MethodsThirty healthy individuals were recruited for validity and reliability testing. On the first day, participants performed the maximal isometric test of the hip abductors, measured via hand-held dynamometry. On the following week, the gluteus medius clinical test was performed. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC_2,2) were computed for the reliability analysis, with a 95% confidence interval. To generate reference values, the gluteus medius clinical test was performed on 273 athletes.ResultsThe results of this study indicated a weak positive correlation (r = 0.436, p = 0.001) between tests, which indicates that they examine different domains of gluteus medius muscle function, likely endurance and muscle strength. The magnitude of computed ICCs (>0.95) indicates excellent intra- and inter-examiner reliability.ConclusionThe findings of the current study indicate that the gluteus medius clinical test is reliable and examines a domain of muscular function not fully captured by HHD. The clinical test developed in this study is low-cost and can be included for gluteus medius assessment.Level of evidenceLevel 3.     

Prevention of eating disorders in argentine adolescents

ABSTRACT

In the last few decades much effort has been devoted to developing prevention programs for eating disorders, as most individuals with these pathologies do not receive treatment and tend to become chronic. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a cognitive dissonance and media literacy intervention aimed at preventing eating disorders in female adolescents. Eighty-eight female students (aged 12–17) from Argentina, participated in a 3-session program. Adolescents completed a baseline, post-intervention and a 6-month follow-up survey. A significant decrease in thin-ideal internalization, body image concerns, influence of advertising, drive for thinness and bulimic attitudes was found at post-intervention. In addition, the number of participants with disturbed eating attitudes and behaviors decreased at post-intervention. Results for body image concerns and drive for thinness were maintained at follow-up.