Detection and Quantification of Neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) and Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) Levels in Early Second Trimester Amniotic Fluid: Investigation into a Possible Correlation with Abnormal Fetal Growth Velocity Patterns.

BACKGROUND: Abnormal fetal growth is associated with adverse perinatal and long-term outcomes. The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying these conditions are still to be clarified. Nerve growth factor (NGF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) are two neurotrophins that are mainly involved in the neuroprotection process, namely promotion of growth and differentiation, maintenance, and survival of neurons. During pregnancy, they have been correlated with placental development and fetal growth. In this study, we aimed to determine the early 2nd trimester amniotic fluid levels of NGF and NT-3 and to investigate their association with fetal growth. METHODS: This is a prospective observational study. A total of 51 amniotic fluid samples were collected from women undergoing amniocentesis early in the second trimester and were stored at -80 °C. Pregnancies were followed up until delivery and birth weight was recorded. Based on birth weight, the amniotic fluid samples were divided into three groups: appropriate for gestational age (AGA), small for gestational age (SGA), and large for gestational age (LGA). NGF and NT-3 levels were determined by using Elisa kits. RESULTS: NGF concentrations were similar between the studied groups; median values were 10.15 pg/mL, 10.15 pg/mL, and 9.14 pg/mL in SGA, LGA, and AGA fetuses, respectively. Regarding NT-3, a trend was observed towards increased NT-3 levels as fetal growth velocity decreased; median concentrations were 11.87 pg/mL, 15.9 pg/mL, and 23.5 pg/mL in SGA, AGA, and LGA fetuses, respectively, although the differences among the three groups were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that fetal growth disturbances do not induce increased or decreased production of NGF and NT-3 in early second trimester amniotic fluid. The trend observed towards increased NT-3 levels as fetal growth velocity decreased shows that there may be a compensatory mechanism in place that operates in conjunction with the brain-sparing effect. Further associations between these two neurotrophins and fetal growth disturbances are discussed.

The Distal Oblique Bundle in the Distal Forearm: From Anatomical Features to Clinical Implementation.

Background and objective The distal oblique bundle (DOB) is nowadays recognized as the thickest component of the distal interosseous membrane (DIOM). It is neither thought to be a clear-cut ligament, and nor does it follow the typical configuration of the rest of the DIOM. It is not always present and some studies have raised disputes about its prevalence and a few anatomical features. In this study, we aimed to provide data on the prevalence and anatomical features of the DOB, which are of great importance at this early stage of research into the topic. Our findings have been correlated with current knowledge and are expected to contribute to clinical implementation. Materials and methods Twenty-eight fresh-frozen forearms were utilized for measurements. Specifically, mean length, width, distance from the middle of the bundle's insertion to the ulna to the tip of the styloid process of the ulna, as well as the distance from the midpoint of its insertion to the radius to the tip of the radiuses' styloid process were calculated. The prevalence was described with a cutoff thickness point of 0.5 mm. Early results based on three cases of DOB reconstruction with the "Riggenbach" technique due to distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability were documented. Results Eleven DOBs were reported out of the 28 specimens, suggesting a prevalence of 39.3%. The mean thickness was 0.88 mm (range: 0.6-1.3 mm), the mean width was 5.22 mm (range: 2.2-8.4 mm), and the mean length was 25.68 mm (range: 22.7-29.2 mm). Proximally, the mean distance from the bundle's ulnar insertion to the tip of the styloid process of the ulna was 51.02 mm (range: 45.5-55.6 mm) while distally, the mean distance from the bundle's insertion to the radius to the tip of the styloid process of the radius was 34.5 mm (range: 31.3-37.7 mm). After a follow-up of at least six months, improvement was evident in all measured areas in the three patients who underwent surgery. Additionally, they reported satisfaction and accomplishment of their preoperative goals. Conclusions Discrepancies in measurements in some anatomic features between studies are probably due to variations in specimen types, measurement methods, and sites. Efforts must continue to be made on a more extensive scale and in a more standardized manner for more factual results and conclusions. "Reconstruction-recreation" or "original construction-creation" procedures yield promising results in a fast, simple, and less invasive manner than traditional methods of DRUJ stabilization.

Fatigue sacral fractures: A case series and literature review.

OBJECTIVES: Fatigue sacral fractures (FSFs) are rare and often misdiagnosed. This study presents a series of FSFs and a meticulous literature review. METHODS: The present is an 11-year (2010-2021) retrospective observational study. The characteristics of all adult patients with FSF, including demographics, fracture type, treatment, history of fatigue fracture and imaging were evaluated. RESULTS: Eight cases (6 females; 75%), suffering from 12 fractures (4 bilateral cases) with mean age=33.4 years were studied. Two patients (25%) had suffered another fatigue fracture in the past. Mean symptoms' duration prior diagnosis was 8.5 weeks, while mean symptoms' duration after diagnosis was 10.75. In most cases (7; 87.5%), MRI revealed the fracture. According to the Kaeding-Miller classification; five fractures (42%) were grade III, four (33%) IV and three (25%) II. All patients were treated conservatively, with rest and analgesics, while three received vitamin D and calcium. One patient, due to delayed union, was commenced on teriparatide. CONCLUSIONS: FSFs are often misdiagnosed; therefore, they should be included in the differential diagnosis for chronic low back-or-hip pain in athletes. History of other fatigue injuries seems to be a predisposing factor. It is of paramount importance to obtain advanced imaging for identifying a FSF.

Outcomes of Hip Reconstruction for Metastatic Acetabular Lesions: A Scoping Review of the Literature.

(1) Background: Management of metastatic periacetabular lesions remains a challenging area of orthopaedics. This study aims to evaluate and summarize the currently available reconstructive modalities, including their indications and outcomes. (2) Methods: A scoping review was carried out in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane were searched for relevant articles. (3) Results: A total of 18 papers met inclusion criteria encompassing 875 patients. The most common primary malignancy was breast (n = 230, 26.3%). Reconstruction modalities used were total hip arthroplasty (n = 432, 49.1%), the Harrington procedure (n = 374, 42.5%), modular hemipelvic endoprotheses (n = 63, 7.2%) and a reverse ice-cream cone prosthesis (n = 11, 1.25%). (4) Conclusions: Advances in implant design including use of dual mobility or flanged cups, tantalum implants, and modular hemipelvic endoprostheses allow for larger acetabular defects to be addressed with improved patient outcomes. This armamentarium of reconstruction options allows for tailoring of the procedure performed depending on patient factors and extent of periacetabular disease.

Investigation of the Relationship Between Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis and Disordered Spinal and Pelvic Morphology.

Introduction A critical question is the causal relationship between hip or knee osteoarthritis (OA) and disordered spinal and pelvic morphology. The aim of this study is to examine this correlation. Therefore, we studied the effect of total hip or knee arthroplasty (THA/TKA) on truncal parameters to determine the causal relationship between these two situations. Materials and methods This is a prospective study of the effect of THA or TKA in patients with hip or knee OA on truncal morphological parameters. Patients with one-sided hip or knee OA who chose to undergo THA or TKA were enrolled and surveyed. A control group (CG) was also surveyed for comparison with the patients. The patients were preoperatively examined for truncal parameters using the Diers Formetric four-D analysis system (surface topography technique) to calculate several truncal parameters in all planes at four months and 12 months postoperatively. Measurable examinations were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17.00 (SPSS Inc., Chicago), and statistical significance was set at a p-value of <0.05. Results The study examined 34 patients who underwent THA, including 19 women and 15 men with a mean age of 67.62 ± 8.28 years. The study also examined 45 patients who underwent TKA, including 34 women and 11 men, with a mean age of 72.42 ± 7.0 years. These patients were also compared with a CG that consisted of 25 normal individuals, including 12 women and 13 men, with a mean age of 69.28 ± 10.11 years. The results of this study from four months after THA revealed that the lordotic angle, trunk torsion, pelvic inclination, pelvic obliquity, and pelvis rotation were improved to normal levels. At 12 months after THA, only the pelvic obliquity was improved to normal levels. At four months after TKA the lordotic angle, pelvic inclination, and pelvic obliquity were improved to normal levels. However, the fleche cervicale and vertebral rotation were worse. At 12 months after TKA, only the pelvic obliquity was improved to normal levels. Conclusions THA and TKA to correct hip and knee OA do not correct the disordered morphology of the trunk in the long term. Thus, hip or knee OA does not seem to be responsible for disordered trunk morphology. However, it cannot be ruled out whether the disturbed morphology is responsible for the appearance of the hip and knee OA.

Marika Daniilidou, MD. The First Female Orthopaedic Surgeon in Greece.

Dr Marika Daniilidou was born in 1902 in Asia Minor. Her family was forced to immigrate to Greece, in 1922. Despite the horrendous difficulties of the era, she pursued undergraduate and postgraduate studies in the University of Berlin, Germany, and she specialized in orthopaedic surgery. In 1937, she became the first female certified orthopaedic surgeon in Greece. In 1947, she was the only female orthopaedic surgeon among the 22 founders of the Hellenic Association of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology (HAOST). She became a true role model for the next generations of Greek women surgeons.

Acetabular reconstruction in oncological surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis of implant survivorship and patient outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of the hip for peri-acetabular oncological disease remains a challenge. The objective of this study was to summarize the evidence and identify techniques utilized for primary and metastatic tumors of the acetabulum and hemipelvis. METHODS: A systematic review of the published literature was carried out in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases identified relevant articles. Quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The study was registered on PROSPERO. RESULTS: 53 papers were included, 16 were suitable for meta-analysis. 909 patients had primary and 1140 metastatic disease. 1094 patients underwent reconstruction with conventional total hip arthroplasty (with or without cup-cage or cement augmentation) or modifications of the Harrington procedure, collectively termed 'non-complex'. 928 patients underwent 'complex' reconstructions with either a modular hemipelvic, saddle, reverse snow-cone, custom-made or 3D-printed endoprosthesis. The most common complication was deep infection (11%) followed by dislocation (5%). Mean MSTS scores were 61.9% for 'non-complex' versus 63.2% for 'complex' reconstruction. Meta-analysis suggested increased mortality for primary (OR 3.14; 95% CI 1.15-8.54) and trends toward reduced mortality for metastatic disease (OR 0.93; 95% CI 0.26-3.29) following 'complex' versus 'non-complex' reconstruction. Reoperation rates were higher following 'complex' reconstruction for metastatic disease (OR 1.90; 95% CI 0.66-5.46) and similar for primary disease (OR 0.98; 95% CI 0.45-2.14). CONCLUSIONS: Peri-acetabular tumors are associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Decisions regarding implant selection are multi-factorial with recent increase in the use of custom-made and 3D-printing technologies. Multiple factors contribute to the oncological outcome and patient function. Further research is required in order to guide optimal practice.

Tranexamic Acid in Shoulder Arthroplasty. A Comprehensive Review.

Objectives: Total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) represents a major orthopedic procedure with significant blood loss and transfusion rates up to 43%. Tranexamic acid (TXA), a synthetic amino acid derivative, functioning by inhibiting the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin, has been proven to reduce blood loss in total knee or hip arthroplasty. However, very few studies exist regarding shoulder arthroplasty. The aim of the present review is to evaluate its effectiveness in shoulder arthroplasty. Materials and methods: A meticulous electronic search was performed to find articles reporting the results of TXA administration in TSA or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). Patients' demographics, dose and timing of TXA administration, the type of control group, mean hemoglobin reduction, transfusion rate and total blood loss were evaluated. A total of eight studies including 981 patients were identified. Five hundred and thirty patients (group 1) received TXA, while the remaining 451 comprised the control group (group 2). Results:The mean postoperative reduction in hemoglobin in group 1 was found to be 2.14 g/dL (SD=0.62), compared to 2.71 g/dL (SD=0.57) of group 2; p-value <0.0001. Transfusion rate in group 1 was found to be 1.9%, compared to 4.9% in group 2; p-value=0.009. Total blood loss was found to be 714.6 mL (SD=410.4) in group 1, compared to 911.8 mL (SD=529.7) in group 2; p-value <0.0001. Conclusion:The present review has shown that TXA administration in shoulder arthroplasty has effectively reduced blood loss, postoperative hemoglobin decline and need for transfusion. More research is needed, since optimization of route, timing and dosage of TXA remain to be determined.

Truncal Changes in Patients Suffering Severe Hip or Knee Osteoarthritis: A Surface Topography Study.

BACKGROUD: Osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip and knee is a degenerative disease with complications, including reduced range of motion and pain. Although OA of the hip and knee is common, there are few studies that investigated if patients with this condition had affected morphological truncal parameters. The objectives of this study were to compare the morphology of the spine and the pelvis of patients with hip or knee OA to that of a control group (CG) and to comment on the proposed mechanisms of these changes and the clinical effects on patients. METHODS: This study included three groups of individuals. The first group consisted of 34 patients (15 men and 19 women with a mean age of 67.62 ± 8.28 years) suffering from hip OA. The second group consisted of 45 patients (11 men and 34 women with a mean age of 72.47 ± 7.0 years) suffering from knee OA. These patients were compared with a CG, which consisted of 25 individuals (13 men and 12 women with a mean age of 69.28 ± 10.11 years). The DIERS formetric 4D analysis system was used to calculate several truncal parameters in all planes. All analyses were accomplished using the SPSS ver. 17.0, and p < 0.05 was used to determine statistical significance. RESULTS: Patients with hip OA presented with significantly increased values than those in the CG for sagittal imbalance, scoliosis angle, vertebral rotation, trunk torsion, and pelvic obliquity, and decreased values than those in the CG for fleche lombaire. Patients with knee OA presented with significantly increased values than those in the CG for sagittal imbalance, apical deviation, scoliosis angle, vertebral rotation, trunk torsion, and pelvic obliquity. Patients with hip or knee OA, compared to the CG, had greater forward inclination of the spine, greater scoliosis, greater vertebral rotation and trunk torsion, and greater obliquity of the pelvis at the frontal plane. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with severe hip or knee OA could have truncal morphology alterations, in addition to reduced hip or knee range of motion and pain. These alterations could cause significant negative effects, which may then seriously affect the patients' quality of life.

The Evolution of Orthopaedics in Greece: From Ancient Heritage to Modern Times.

Greece, one of the oldest civilizations of the world, fundamentally contributed to the establishment and evolution of medicine and surgery. Undoubtedly, the foundations of the orthopaedic science are dated back to antiquity. The journey of the orthopaedic art was inaugurated with the poems of Homer and incarcerated through the practices of Hippocrates and Galen. Their deep knowledge of the musculoskeletal conditions and their treatment was generously bequeathed to humanity. This heritage acted as the catalyst for the establishment of orthopaedics in the modern Greek era. In this article, we tried to illustrate the evolution of the orthopaedic art in Greece from antiquity to modern times, reviewing the available evidence from scientific articles, books, historical manuscripts, old newspapers, and biographies. We summarize the most important events, and we identify the pioneers that shaped this new surgical branch, creating the modern Greek orthopaedic discipline.

Does Vitamin D affects changes in volumetric bone mineral density and architecture in postmenopausal women after conservatively treated distal radius fractures?

OBJECTIVE: We examined the role of vitamin D on volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) and architecture during the first week's post-fracture in postmenopausal women (PMW) with distal radial fractures (DRF) treated conservatively using peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography (pQCT). METHODS: Patients were classified into 2 groups according to initial median 25(OH)D level; Group A (25(OH)D ≥15 ng/ml) and group B (25(OH)D <15 ng/ml). All patients were followed for 12 weeks at three visits: baseline, 6 weeks and 12 weeks post fracture. pQCT was performed at baseline in fractured and contralateral non-fractured radius and at 6th and 12th week on the fractured side. RESULTS: 39 patients completed the protocol. Mean 25(OH)D levels were 15.60±7.35 ng/ml (3.5-41.7). Trabecular (trab) bone mineral content (BMC) and trabvBMD increased at 6 wk. vs. baseline (p<0.001). Cortical BMC, cortvBMD and cross- sectional area (CSA) progressively decreased (p<0.001) during the 12 weeks. There was no interaction between baseline 25(OH)D levels and changes in trabecular and cortical BMC, vBMD and CSA. Advanced age and higher CTX and P1NP were associated with higher cortical bone loss. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D deficiency does not affect the early architectural changes after a DRF. Advanced age and higher bone remodeling were associated with higher cortical bone loss, probably related to immobilization and independent of vitamin D levels.

Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 levels, endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness in patients with stable coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Lipoprotein-associated Phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), can exert proinflammatory as well as proatherogenic properties on the vascular wall. The current study sought to evaluate the influence of high Lp-PLA2 levels on indices of arterial wall properties in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: Three hundred seventy-four consecutive patients with stable CAD (mean age 61 ± 11 years, 89% males) were enrolled in this single-center cross-sectional study. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was used to assess endothelial function and augmentation index (AIx) of the central aortic pressure was used to assess reflected waves. ELISA was used to determine Lp-PLA2 serum levels. RESULTS: After dividing the participants in 3 equal groups based on the tertiles of circulating Lp-PLA2 values, no significant differences were demonstrated between those in the 3rd tertile with Lp-PLA2 values > 138 µg/L, in the 2nd tertile with Lp-PLA2 values between 101 and 138 µg/L and in the 1st tertile (Lp-PLA2 values < 101 µg/L) regarding age, male gender, smoking habits, family history of CAD or history of a previous myocardial infarction, diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, hyperlipidemia, duration of CAD and treatment with relevant medication. Importantly, subjects with Lp-PLA2 values in the highest tertile, had significantly reduced FMD values compared to the middle and lower tertile (4.43 ± 2.37% vs. 4.61 ± 1.97% vs. 5.20 ± 2.52% respectively, P = 0.03). Patients in the highest tertile of Lp-PLA2 values had significantly higher AIx values (24.65 ± 8.69% vs. 23.33 ± 9.65%, P = 0.03), in comparison to the lowest tertile, with Lp-PLA2 values < 101 µg/L. A linear regression analysis showed that Lp-PLA2 values > 138 µg/L negatively correlated to FMD [b = - 0.45 (95% CI: - 0.79 - -0.11), P = 0.01] and AIx values [b = 1.81 (95% CI: 0.57-3.05), P < 0.001] independently of cofounders like gender, age, diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking habits, family history of CAD, history of previous myocardial infarction, serum glucose, circulating lipid levels, duration of CAD, antihypertensive medication, antidiabetic drugs, statin therapy and treatment with ß-blockers. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated Lp-PLA2 levels relate to endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness in patients with stable CAD independently from classical risk factors for CAD, statin use, antihypertensive treatment, and duration of the disease.

MicroRNAs in the Management of Heart Failure.

BACKGROUND: In recent years much research has been devoted to the deployment of biomarkers in the field of heart failure. OBJECTIVES: To study the potential of post-transcriptional regulation by microRNAs on the diagnosis, management and therapy of heart failure. METHODS: Literature search focuses on the role of microRNAs in heart failure. RESULTS: MicroRNAs are expressed and regulated in the course of the pathological manifestations of heart failure (HF). This wide and uncharted area of genetic imprints consisting of small non-coding RNA molecule is upregulated and released into the bloodstream from organs under certain conditions and or stress. The use of genetically based strategies for the management of HF has gained great interest in the field of biomedical science because they can be used as biomarkers providing information regarding cardiac status and function. They also appear as promising tools with therapeutic potential because of their ability to induce changes at the cellular level without creating alterations in the gene sequence. In addition, with the advances in genomic sequencing, quantification and synthesis in technologies of microRNAs identification as well as the growing knowledge of the biology of miRNAs and their involvement in HF, it is expected to favorably affect the prognosis of HF patients. CONCLUSION: MicroRNAs are involved in the regulation of multibiological processes involved in the progress of heart failure. More studies are needed to achieve a clinical valuable implementation of microRNAs in the management of HF.

Substantial Atrophy of the Psoas Muscle as Late Sequela of L2 Osteoporotic Fracture: a Case Report.

Osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs) are considered benign and heal after 8-12 weeks. Nevertheless, up to one third of these patients will have persistent back pain, which may be complicated with neurologic deficit or paraplegia A unique unusual case of delayed onset of neurological complication of an osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF) in an elderly patient is reported. The patient presented with paraparesis due to isolated substantial atrophy of the psoas muscle 12 months after the initial fracture. The patient was investigated with imaging and nerve contacted studies. We suggest that psoas muscle atrophy can be determinant clinical sign to diagnose neurological compromise resulting from OVF, even if there is no other clinical indicators of spinal pathology.

Bilateral Simultaneous Proximal Tibial Insufficiency Fractures in a Patient Suffering From Psoriatic Arthritis.

Bilateral synchronous proximal tibia insufficiency fractures are rarely reported. We present a case of simultaneous proximal tibia bilateral insufficiency fractures in a 51-year-old female patient with underlying psoriatic arthritis, who was on chronic steroid medication. She reported sudden onset of bilateral knee pain after intense workout one week ago. Initial clinical and X-ray evaluation did not reveal significant pathology. Four weeks later, due to persistent pain in the absence of significant radiographic findings during follow-up, the patient was referred for MRI, which revealed fractures of both proximal tibias. A "mixed" treatment protocol was applied. In particular, this protocol included combination of rest and intermittent removable knee ranger braces immobilization with weight-bearing when applied. The patient went on to make a full recovery. Chronic inflammatory disorders accompanied by suspicious clinical manifestations should be thoroughly inspected. Diagnostic and treatment protocols should be further discussed and implemented.

Operative treatment of athletic pubalgia in competitive athletes: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Athletic pubalgia is an obscure sport injury, presenting mainly with groin pain during twisting movements. The present 15 year study reports outcomes, intraoperative findings and complications of the endoscopic surgical treatment in competitive athletes. METHODS: All competitive athletes, from 2004 to 2018, suffering from athletic pubalgia, treated with laparoscopic Total Extra-Peritoneal technique, at the Department of General, Laparoscopic, Oncologic and Robotic Surgery of the Athens Medical Center were included in this retrospective cohort. Postoperative pain, complications, return to previous training routine and patients' satisfaction were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 130 patients (115; 88.5% males and 15; 11.5% females) with a mean age of 26.7±7.5 years were evaluated. Preoperatively, mean numeric scale pain was found to be 7.7±1.7. Three days postoperatively, the mean numeric pain scale was 3.4±1.5, showing 55.8% decrease. The mean time for return to sports activity was found to be 6.27±3.02 weeks. Regarding complications, six patients (4.6%) had slight numbness at the groin area during the first 6 postoperative months and one patient (0.8%) suffered from a postoperative hematoma. No recurrence was observed. At the final follow-up (mean 76.58±46.5 months), a total of 97 (74.7%) patients were very satisfied, 31 (23.8%) satisfied and two (1.5%) not satisfied with the outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic operative treatment in competitive athletes suffering from athletic pubalgia seems to offer rapid recovery, rapid return to sports, as well as very low complications rate and no recurrence.

Endothelial dysfunction and impaired arterial wall properties in patients with retinal vein occlusion.

Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is a common retinal vascular lesion, and a leading cause of visual impairment. Patients with RVO have an increased risk for cardiovascular disease and share multiple common risk factors. In this study, we investigated the endothelial function and arterial stiffness of patients with RVO compared to healthy-control (CL) subjects. We enrolled 40 consecutive patients with RVO and 40 CL subjects. RVO was diagnosed by an ophthalmologist, endothelial function was evaluated by flow mediated dilation (FMD) in the brachial artery, and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (AIx) of the radial artery were measured to evaluate arterial stiffness and reflected waves, respectively. No significant differences were detected between the studied groups in sex, age, presence of hypertension or dyslipidemia, body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels, total cholesterol levels, and smoking habits (p > 0.05 for all). However, patients with RVO had impaired FMD (p = 0.002) and increased PWV (p = 0.004), even after adjustment for several confounders. Both FMD and PWV were also significantly and independently associated with the development of RVO. Furthermore, a significant and positive correlation between PWV and systolic blood pressure existed only in the CL group. Therefore, we have shown that RVO is associated with significant endothelial dysfunction and increased arterial stiffness. Our results strengthen the vascular theory, according to which, systemic endothelial dysfunction and arteriosclerosis play a significant role in the pathogenesis of RVO.

MicroRNAs in cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the predominant cause of human morbidity and mortality in developed countries. Currently, microRNAs have been investigated in many diseases as well-promising biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and disease monitoring. Plenty studies have been designed so as to elucidate the properties of microRNAs in the classification and risk stratification of patients with CVD and also to evaluate their potentials in individualized management and guide treatment decisions. Therefore, in this review article, we aimed to present the most recent data concerning the role of microRNAs as potential novel biomarkers for cardiovascular disease.

Anatomic variations of the Uterine Artery. Review of the literature and their clinical significance.

Uterine arteries are the main vessels supplying blood to the uterus. Mainly, they originate from the anterior trunk of the internal iliac artery. Uterine arteries play an important role in pregnancy as well as transcatheter arterial embolization for postpartum hemorrhage and uterine fibroid management. This is a review of the English literature in the PubMed database of the anatomic variety on the origin of uterine arteries and their clinical significance. Eleven studies describe the origin of the uterine arteries and their variations in the literature. In six studies, the uterine artery emerged from internal iliac artery in the majority of the cases, either as a separate branch, or as a bifurcation with the inferior gluteal artery, or trifurcation with superior and inferior gluteal artery. In two studies, the inferior gluteal artery manifested as the main source of the uterine artery, whereas in three studies, the umbilical artery posed as its main origin. Internal iliac artery is described as the most common vascular origin of uterine artery. However, this review highlights that the main vessels of origin for uterine arteries are internal iliac, umbilical and inferior gluteal artery. Nevertheless, classification and further research for this peculiar anatomic structure is fundamental in the future.