Beyond the Genome: Deciphering the Role of MALAT1 in Breast Cancer Progression.

The MALAT1, a huge non-coding RNA, recently came to light as a multifaceted regulator in the intricate landscape of breast cancer (BC) progression. This review explores the multifaceted functions and molecular interactions of MALAT1, shedding light on its profound implications for understanding BC pathogenesis and advancing therapeutic strategies. The article commences by acknowledging the global impact of BC and the pressing need for insights into its molecular underpinnings. It is stated that the core lncRNA MALAT1 has a range of roles in both healthy and diseased cell functions. The core of this review unravels MALAT1's multifaceted role in BC progression, elucidating its participation in critical processes like resistance, invasion, relocation, and proliferating cells to therapy. It explores the intricate mechanisms through which MALAT1 modulates gene expression, interacts with other molecules, and influences signalling pathways. Furthermore, the paper emphasizes MALAT1's clinical significance as a possible prognostic and diagnostic biomarker. Concluding on a forward-looking note, the review highlights the broader implications of MALAT1 in BC biology, such as its connections to therapy resistance and metastasis. It underscores the significance of deeper investigations into these intricate molecular interactions to pave the way for precision medicine approaches. This review highlights the pivotal role of MALAT1 in BC progression by deciphering its multifaceted functions beyond the genome, offering profound insights into its implications for disease understanding and the potential for targeted therapeutic interventions.

Connecting the dots: LncRNAs in the KRAS pathway and cancer.

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified as important participants in several biological functions, particularly their complex interactions with the KRAS pathway, which provide insights into the significant roles lncRNAs play in cancer development. The KRAS pathway, a central signaling cascade crucial for cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation, stands out as a key therapeutic target due to its aberrant activation in many human cancers. Recent investigations have unveiled a myriad of lncRNAs, such as H19, ANRIL, and MEG3, intricately modulating the KRAS pathway, influencing both its activation and repression through various mechanisms, including epigenetic modifications, transcriptional regulation, and post-transcriptional control. These lncRNAs function as fine-tuners, delicately orchestrating the balance required for normal cellular function. Their dysregulation has been linked to the development and progression of multiple malignancies, including lung, pancreatic, and colorectal carcinomas, which frequently harbor KRAS mutations. This scrutiny delves into the functional diversity of specific lncRNAs within the KRAS pathway, elucidating their molecular mechanisms and downstream effects on cancer phenotypes. Additionally, it underscores the diagnostic and prognostic potential of these lncRNAs as indicators for cancer detection and assessment. The complex regulatory network that lncRNAs construct within the context of the KRAS pathway offers important insights for the creation of focused therapeutic approaches, opening new possibilities for precision medicine in oncology. However, challenges such as the dual roles of lncRNAs in different cancer types and the difficulty in therapeutically targeting these molecules highlight the ongoing debates and need for further research. As ongoing studies unveil the complexities of lncRNA-mediated KRAS pathway modulation, the potential for innovative cancer interventions becomes increasingly promising.

Osteomyelitis and non-coding RNAS: A new dimension in disease understanding.

Osteomyelitis, a debilitating bone infection, presents considerable clinical challenges due to its intricate etiology and limited treatment options. Despite strides in surgical and chemotherapeutic interventions, the treatment landscape for osteomyelitis remains unsatisfactory. Recent attention has focused on the role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in the pathogenesis and progression of osteomyelitis. This review consolidates current knowledge on the involvement of distinct classes of ncRNAs, including microRNAs, long ncRNAs, and circular RNAs, in the context of osteomyelitis. Emerging evidence from various studies underscores the potential of ncRNAs in orchestrating gene expression and influencing the differentiation of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, pivotal processes in bone formation. The review initiates by elucidating the regulatory functions of ncRNAs in fundamental cellular processes such as inflammation, immune response, and bone remodeling, pivotal in osteomyelitis pathology. It delves into the intricate network of interactions between ncRNAs and their target genes, illuminating how dysregulation contributes to the establishment and persistence of osteomyelitic infections. Understanding their regulatory roles may pave the way for targeted diagnostic tools and innovative therapeutic interventions, promising a paradigm shift in the clinical approach to this challenging condition. Additionally, we delve into the promising therapeutic applications of these molecules, envisioning novel diagnostic and treatment approaches to enhance the management of this challenging bone infection.

A cost effectiveness based safety and efficacy study of resterilized intra-parenchymal catheter based intracranial pressure monitoring in developing world.

BACKGROUND: The management of traumatic brain injury (TBI) aims to maintain the normal cerebral perfusion in spite of the mass lesions that may occur (haematoma, contusion, and oedema). The monitoring of the intracranial pressure (ICP) is a step in that direction. The intra-parenchymal catheters have the lowest incidence of infection compared to intra-ventricular/subdural catheters with reliable and accurate pressure recordings. The major disadvantage of the intra-parenchymal catheters is the cost, especially in developing nations. HYPOTHESIS: Resterilized intra-parenchymal strain gauge catheters can be used safely for ICP monitoring without any added risk of meningitis. The reusage of catheters can bring down the costs. Resterilized catheters/equipment have been approved for usage in cardiac usage, but such study on ICP catheters has not been carried out so far in any part of the world. METHODOLOGY: A total of 100 consecutive cases of severe TBI receiving ICP monitoring at a level 1 trauma center of a developing nation were prospectively studied (34 cases had fresh catheters, and 66 had resterilized [using ethylene oxide] catheters). OBSERVATIONS: The use of reused resterilized catheters was not associated with increased incidence of meningitis or fever (the surrogate marker for infection in this study). Also, there was concordance between the pressure recording of reused catheters and operative finding/subsequent computed tomography scans. These catheters after sterilization could be reused 2-4 times and reliably recorded the ICP (insignificant drift) with no increase in the incidence of meningitis. CONCLUSIONS: Usage of resterilized intra-parenchymal ICP catheters is feasible, safe, efficacious, and cost effective and brings down the cost of monitoring significantly.

Factors affecting surgical outcome of endoscopic third ventriculostomy in congenital hydrocephalus.

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is an accepted modality of treatment for obstructive hydrocephalus, with good results in adult patients. However in the pediatric age group results vary from poor to similar to the adult population. This study evaluates the outcome of ETV in congenital hydrocephalus of both early and delayed presentation, and investigates factors that determine the outcome. Patients with congenital hydrocephalus who underwent ETV between January 2006 and December 2011 were retrospectively analyzed. Any conditions potentially influencing the need for redo surgery (persistent cerebrospinal fluid [CSF] leak not responding to local measures, tense fontanelle, increased ventricular size, recurrence of symptoms or radiological evidence of failure) were analyzed. A total of 102 patients with a mean age of 7.45years were included. Presenting features were increasing head circumference and delayed milestones. Ninety-eight patients had triventricular hydrocephalus due to aqueductal stenosis. Procedures performed were ETV only (n=74), ETV with aqueductoplasty (n=22), ETV with cystoventriculostomy (n=2) and aqueductoplasty only (n=2). Failure of ETV occurred in 11 patients and all were managed with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. CSF leak in the perioperative period was the only factor that was significantly associated with failure of ETV. ETV is a safe procedure with a good success rate and can be offered to children with aqueductal stenosis. There is a higher chance of failure if there is a CSF leak in the early or late postoperative period.

Histological changes in thalamus in short term survivors following traumatic brain injury: an autopsy study.

BACKGROUND: Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Reduction of thalamic volumes were seen in upto 80% of patients who survived for more than 3 months after TBI. However, the same may not be true in patients who died earlier following TBI. AIMS: To to study the thalamus for evidence of any injury in short term survivors of TBI (<5 days) using immunohistochemistry to look for evidence of acute thalamic injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross sectional prospective study was done in which autopsy specimens of short term survivors of TBI (<5 days) were studied for histopathological changes. RESULTS: A total of 16 patients with a mean age of 37.8 years were included in the study. CT scan revealed acute subdural haematoma in 10, contusions in 4 patients, extradural haematoma and depressed fracture in 1 each, and diffuse axonal injury in 1 patient. Seven patients required surgery in the form of a decompressive hemicraniectomy. The histopathological analysis of the bilateral thalami showed evidence of congestion of the cerebral capillaries in 8 patients. Axonal retraction balls were seen in 8 patients, myelin breakdown products were seen in 14 patients and axonal swelling was seen in 14 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Thalamic injury is universal in the setting of severe TBI in patients who have decreased survival and may be a significant factor for the poor outcome in these patients.

Successful surgical excision of a nondysraphic holodorsal intramedullary lipoma in a 14-month-old child.

INTRODUCTION: Nondysraphic intramedullary lipomas of the spinal cord are rare lesions. They are most commonly seen in the second or third decade of life. Their occurrence in the pediatric age group is even rarer. CASE REPORT: The authors describe a 14-month-old child who presented with delayed motor milestones involving the bilateral lower limbs. The child was unable to sit or stand. MRI revealed a dorsally located intramedullary lipoma extending from C7 to D12. The child underwent C7-L1 laminotomy and gross total excision of the lipoma. Postoperatively, the child improved neurologically and attained normal power in the bilateral lower limbs. DISCUSSION: Very few cases of extensive intramedullary lipomas involving the dorsal cord have previously been reported. Only two cases of pediatric extensive dorsal lipomas have been mentioned to date. The authors describe successful surgical excision of a holodorsal intramedullary lipoma in a 14-month-old child. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first case being reported of a holodorsal intramedullary lipoma in the youngest patient.

Cytomorphology of tumoral calcinosis: a case report.

This paper describes the clinical, radiological and cytomorphological findings of tumoral calcinosis in a twelve-year old boy with normal serum calcium levels and simultaneous involvement of the right shoulder and the left hip. The aim of presentation is to highlights the fact that clinicoradiological correlation and correct interpretation of cytologic findings can alleviate patients' anxiety and avoid unnecessary mutilating surgery in this uncommon but completely benign condition.