Dendritic spines and their role in the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental and neurological disorders.

Since Cajal introduced dendritic spines in the 19th century, they have attained considerable attention, especially in neuropsychiatric and neurologic disorders. Multiple roles of dendritic spine malfunction and pathology in the progression of various diseases have been reported. Thus, it is inevitable to consider these structures as new therapeutic targets for treating neuropsychiatric and neurologic disorders such as autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, dementia, Down syndrome, etc. Therefore, we attempted to prepare a narrative review of the literature regarding the role of dendritic spines in the pathogenesis of aforementioned diseases and to shed new light on their pathophysiology.

Case report: Endovascular treatment of transplant renal artery stenosis in patient with normal color duplex ultrasound of the renal artery.

Key Clinical Message: Proper diagnosis and treatment of vascular stenosis which is a possible complication of renal transplant is important in improving patients' quality of life and prognosis. Abstract: One known consequence among recipients of renal transplants is graft renal artery stenosis. Early identification and therapy are crucial to avoid graft malfunction and the serious consequences that might arise due to elevated hypertension in several organs. We report a rare case of transplant renal artery stenosis in a mid-aged woman who presented with edema, hypertension, and increased creatinine 2 months after kidney transplant. The patient had normal renal arterial resistive index (RI) and perfusion index (PI), and there was only a modest decrease in perfusion on duplex ultrasound. Following the patient's renal stenting treatment, angiographic resolution was observed. After 14 days of regulated blood pressure following renal artery stenting, she was discharged from the hospital with her edema resolved. Considering complications in patients with clinical manifestations such as hypertension resistant to treatment and graft dysfunction, vascular stenosis is a notable issue to consider even in the context of normal renal arterial RI, PI, and duplex ultrasound. Proper diagnosis and treatment are of importance to improve patients' quality of life and prognosis.

Cigarette smoking and risk of adult-onset Still disease: a propensity score matching analysis.

BACKGROUND: Environmental factors play an important role in the pathogenesis of rheumatic diseases. Smoking is thought to be a risk factor for autoimmune rheumatic diseases. AIMS: The purpose of the present study was to assess the association between smoking and adult-onset Still disease (AOSD) and the effect of smoking on outcomes of this disease. METHODS: In this case-control study, patients with AOSD who met the Yamaguchi criteria, were older than 16 years at the disease onset and were in follow-up for at least 12 months were consecutively enrolled in the study. The outcome of AOSD was assessed by acquiring remission on treatment, remission off treatment, time to remission and rate of flare. The smoking status of participants was defined by direct or phone interviews. Individuals who had smoked daily for at least 6 months were defined as a smoker. We performed propensity score matching analyses by using four parameters, including age, sex, educational status and marital status. RESULTS: Propensity score matching resulted in 72 patients with AOSD and 216 matched controls. The number of ever smokers in the AOSD and control groups were 11 (15.3%) and 25 (11.6%) respectively. There was no significant increase in the risk of AOSD in multivariate analysis after adjustment for age, sex, marital status and educational level. There were no significant differences in the outcomes of AOSD between ever and never smokers. CONCLUSIONS: Smoking probably is not a risk factor for AOSD and did not affect the response to treatment.

Biatrial Myxoma with a Shared Stalk: A Case Report.

Myxomas are rare cardiac neoplasms and may present as single or multiple tumors. Only a few cases of single biatrial myxomas have been reported. We report a very rare case of this condition in a middle-aged woman, presenting with exertional dyspnea and cough. The patient had a resting tachycardia of 105 beats per minute, and cardiac auscultation discovered a mid-diastolic murmur across the mitral valve, followed by a tumor plop focused on the apex and elevated levels of C-reactive protein (1+) and creatine phosphokinase in lab data. The diagnosis was made via transesophageal and transthoracic echocardiographic examinations, showing the tumor extension through a patent foramen ovale (PFO). The operation was undertaken, the myxoma was excised, and the PFO was repaired. She was discharged with no further complications. Although myxomas are rare, considering this condition before surgery is significant. The involvement of both atria via a PFO is possible.

Wandering spleen with splenic torsion: Report of two cases.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Anatomical variation of the spleen's position in the abdomen, is a rare condition called Wandering Spleen (WS). WS is a vital differential diagnosis in patients presenting with acute abdomen and diagnosis should be made promptly to prevent development of serious complications. CASE PRESENTATION: In this article, we report two cases of WS (27 and 20 years old females) presenting with abdominal pain due to splenic torsion. Both Patients underwent splenectomy and discharged with no further complications. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The presentation of a wandering spleen varies from an asymptomatic mass to an acute abdomen due to torsion and splenic infarction, therefore recognition of this condition can be challenging. Diagnosis depends on imaging studies, and treatment options consist of performing either splenectomy or splenopexy. CONCLUSION: Concerning the high incidence of splenic torsion and infarction in WS patients, early recognition of this condition and initiation of apt intervention is of great significance.