Expression analysis of a panel of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) revealed their potential as diagnostic biomarkers in bladder cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have fundamental roles in cell migration, proliferation, invasion and metastasis. METHODS: In the current study, we evaluated expression of a panel of lncRNAs in bladder cancer tissues, adjacent non-cancerous tissues (ANCTs) and normal bladder tissues to evaluate their diagnostic power. RESULTS: PV1 was down-regulated in tumor tissues compared with both ANCTs and normal controls (Expression ratios of 0.48 and 0.14; P values of 0.4 and <0.001 respectively). HOTAIR, NEAT1, TUG1 and FAS-AS1 were significantly down-regulated in tumor tissues compared with normal controls (Expression ratios of 0.4, 0.68, 0.54 and 0.11; P values of 0.04, 0.02, 0.02 and <0.001 respectively). CONCLUSION: Combination of transcript levels of seven lncRNAs improved both sensitivity and specificity values to 100%. The current study shows dysregulation of lncRNAs in bladder cancer and implies their role as diagnostic markers in this malignancy.

Co-Administration of Progesterone and Melatonin Attenuates Ischemia-Induced Hippocampal Damage in Rats.

Stroke is the second leading reason for death worldwide and is one of the fundamental causes of long-term disabilities. The aim of this investigation was to assess the impact of combined administration progesterone (PROG) and melatonin (MEL) on stroke complications. Male Wistar rats (9-10 weeks) weighing 250-300 g were used as a part of this examination. They were randomly separated into eight groups (nine rats for every group). Common carotid arteries on the two sides clamped (BCCAO model) with non-traumatic clips for 20 min. At that point, the rats were treated with 8 mg/kg PROG, 10 mg/kg MEL, and vehicles (sesamoid and normal saline). Morris water maze testing was performed following 2 weeks. At that point, the rats were euthanized, and histological examination was directed. The outcome demonstrated that utilization of PROG and MEL in treatment groups essentially increases the quantity of pyramidal cells and enhances spatial memory compared to non-treatment groups (p < 0.05). Moreover, the neuroleptic factor gene expression and protein concentration were significantly enhanced in the treated groups (p < 0.05). As indicated by the outcomes, co-administration of PROG and MEL can enhance learning and memory by surviving the pyramidal neurons and diminishing neural death by means of increasing neuroleptic factors in the hippocampal CA1 zone.

Comparison of endoscopic versus conventional internal mammary harvesting regarding unligated side branches.

BACKGROUND: In an effort to minimise access in cardiac surgery, endoscopic vessel harvesting has become more popular. The endoscopic approach, however, allows for only the harvest of the mid to distal internal mammary artery (IMA), leaving the more proximal branches of the conduit available for collateral flow away from the coronary bed. AIM: To compare the number and anatomic variation of remaining side branches in thoracoscopic vs. conventional IMA harvesting. METHODS: 199 fresh cadavers were randomly divided into two groups. Group A (n = 100) underwent endoscopic IMA harvesting. In Group B (n = 99), IMAs were harvested using an open conventional approach. In both groups during surgery, side branches of the IMA were isolated and identified. RESULTS: The two groups were comparable with regard to mean age and age distribution, male sex (56% vs. 63%, respectively), cause of death and coronary risk factors including smoking, diabetes, dyslipidaemia and hypertension. 24 of 199 cadavers(12%) had a lateral costal branch. The left IMA arose from the third part of the subclavian artery in 6%, and from the thyrocervical trunk in 7% of the cadavers. There were significantly more unligated side branches in Group B compared to Group A (14 branches vs. 3 branches, p < 0.01). The first intercostal artery and lateral costal artery were found unligated in 3% and 5% of cadavers in Group B, whereas no side branch remained unligated in Group A. There was no subclavian artery or IMA injury in either group. Internal mammary vein was damaged in 2% of cadavers in Group B. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracoscopic left IMA harvesting is more accurate in finding and ligating the side branches of IMA.

The anatomical relation between the superior sagittal sinus and the sagittal suture with surgical considerations.

OBJECTIVE: Localization of superior sagittal sinus before craniotomy is very crucial to prevent the complications of surgery. The goal of this study was to verify the anatomical relationship between the sagittal suture and the superior sagittal sinus (SSS). METHODS: Fifty adult cadavers were included in this descriptive analytic study. The length of sagittal suture and the width of sagittal suture and SSS were measured in three points: (bregma), (lambda) and midpoint of sagittal suture. Anatomical relationship between SSS and sagittal suture was analyzed. RESULTS: Superior sagittal sinus was deviated to the right side of the sagittal suture in 54% of cases at bregma and 64% of cases at the midpoint of sagittal suture and lambda. SSS was located at the right side of sagittal suture about 3.5mm at bregma, 4.5mm at midpoint of sagittal suture and 5.7 mm at lambda. The right transverse sinus was dominant in 76% of cases. No gender-associated difference was noticed. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that SSS is deviated to the right side of sagittal suture in the majority of cases. Maximum deviation of SSS to the right side is about 10mm. Neurosurgeons are advised to be aware of this anatomical relation while operating around SSS.

Vascular supply to the acetabular labrum.

BACKGROUND: The acetabular labrum plays an important role in hip joint stability and protection of the articular cartilage of the hip. Despite this, few investigators have evaluated its microscopic vasculature and, to our knowledge, none has assessed its macroscopic blood supply. The purposes of this study were to identify the origin and course of the vascular supply to the acetabular labrum to determine if this blood supply is affected by a labral tear. METHODS: Colored silicone was injected into the vascular tree proximal to thirty-five hips in twenty-eight fresh cadavers. Twenty-four hours after injection, anatomic dissection was performed and the vessels supplying the labrum were followed from their origin to their final distribution. Additionally, labral segments of fifteen randomly selected hips were resected to assess the acetabular rim's vascular contribution, and fifteen hips were dislocated for complete intra-articular inspection of the labrum. RESULTS: Radial branches of a previously described periacetabular periosteal vascular ring were identified as the source of labral blood supply in all thirty-five hips. These branches coursed toward the hip joint on the periosteal surface, penetrated the joint capsule near its innominate insertion, and continued within a loose connective-tissue layer on the capsular surface of the labrum. No contribution from the hip capsule, synovial lining, or osseous acetabular rim could be demonstrated. An intact vascular supply was identified in all seven hips with a labral tear. CONCLUSIONS: The acetabular labrum receives its blood supply from radial branches of a periacetabular periosteal vascular ring that traverses the osseolabral junction on its capsular side and continues toward the labrum's free edge. The hip capsule, the synovial lining, and the osseous acetabular rim do not appear to provide substantial contributions to the labral blood supply.

Anatomic variations of midfacial muscles and nasolabial crease: a survey on 52 hemifacial dissections in fresh Persian cadavers.

BACKGROUND: The midfacial region is a challenging area for plastic surgeons and may vary among different races. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the patterns of midfacial muscles in Persian (Iranian) subjects. METHODS: Hemifacial fresh cadaver dissection was performed. For each cadaver, demographics, side of dissection, variation in midfacial muscles (levator alae nasi, levator labii superioris, zygomaticus major [single and bifid], zygomaticus minor, and risorius), midfacial pattern (based on Pessa classification), nasolabial shape (concave, convex, straight) and length were obtained. RESULTS: Fifty-two hemifacial dissections were performed on 27 cadavers, of which 22 were male (81.4%). The mean age of the subjects was 40.1 +/- 14.8 years. The mean of nasolabial length was 46.4 +/- 8.3 mm (ranged from 28 to 63 mm). Straight form of nasolabial crease was the most frequent type (n = 26.50%). Levator alae nasi, levator labii superioris, and zygomaticus major were found in 100% of the subjects; however, it was not the same regarding other muscles. The incidence of bifid zygomaticus major was 19.2% (10 hemifacials) in our series. Midfacial pattern type 3 was the most common in our study, which found this type in 21 hemifacials (40.3%). We also found a new type of facial pattern in three cadavers. In this type, which is relatively similar to the type 5 of Pessa's classification, zygomaticus minor was absent and the zygomaticus major was bifid. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that midfacial pattern and nasolabial crease shape are different between Persian (Iranian) and Western subjects. It seems that based on these differences and some other unknown anatomic diversity between different races, some of the defined cosmetic frames may need minor revisions to be applicable for Persian faces. More studies in this field are recommended.