Are enlarged peroneal tubercle and accessory anterolateral talar facet associated with calcaneal spur?

BACKGROUND: As the anatomical variations of the foot, enlarged peroneal tubercle (EPT) and accessory anterolateral talar facet (AALTF) have attracted the attention of foot surgeons in recent years. However, EPT and AALTF have not been examined for a relationship with calcaneus spur (CS) as a common osteophyte. METHODS: The subjects were 369 individuals who died in northeastern Thailand and were preserved as skeletal specimens. The authors examined for the presence of left and right EPT, AALTF, and calcaneus spur (CS). We divided the EPT (+) group with EPT and the EPT (-) group without it and also divided the AALTF (+) group with AALTF and the AALTF (-) group without it. The age at death and the presence of CS were compared statistically between the EPT (+) and EPT (-) groups and between the AATLF (+) and AALTF (-) groups. RESULTS: Out of the total 369 cases, EPT was found in 117 cases (31.7%), AALTF was positive in 91 cases (24.7%), and CS was found in 194 cases (52.3%). In comparison between EPT (+) and EPT (-) groups, CS was significantly higher (p < 0.0001) in the EPT (+) group, but there was no significant difference in age at death. In comparison between AALTF (+) and AALTF (-) groups, there was no significant difference in age at death or CS. CONCLUSION: This study showed a strong relationship between EPT and CS, and the prevalence of EPT and AALTF by age in Thailand was first reported. We believe it helps to know the pathogenesis and biomechanism of EPT and AALTF. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.

Topographical study of scapular foramina and scapular nutrient foramina in dried skeletons.

PURPOSE: The aim of our study is to study the prevalence and anatomy of scapular foramina (SF) and scapular nutrient foramina (SNF) in dried skeletons from the Northeastern Thai population. METHODS: A total of 150 dried scapulae were investigated. Both SF and SNF were identified using a metal wire with a diameter of 0.36 mm. The number, locations, lengths, and diameters of SF were recorded. Subsequently, SNF were identified using the same metal wire. Their number and locations were recorded. Two observers performed the evaluations and measurements. RESULTS: SF were present in 78.0% of scapulae. They could have up to five openings. Eighteen types were found. On average they were longer in males (21.7 ± 5.0 mm) than females (19.45 ± 4.6 mm). The mean diameters of both the superior and inferior openings were significantly greater in females (p < 0.01). SNF, in contrast, were present in 100% of scapulae. They were located in the supraspinous fossa (36.7%), subscapular fossa (31.3%), infraspinous fossa (22.8%), and peri-glenoid area (10.0%). CONCLUSION: Unlike previous studies, the present study suggests that SF are normal anatomical findings, present in 78.0% of the scapulae investigated. Surgeons should be aware of both SNF and SF when operating or interpreting radiological findings.

Anatomical characteristics and morphometric analyses of the internal carotid artery using retrospective angiographic images.

PURPOSE: Anatomical variations of the internal carotid artery (ICA) can cause complications during endovascular treatments. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the features of the ICAs obtained from 2D digital subtraction angiography (2D DSA). METHODS: The morphometrics and angles of the ICA segments from 2D DSA images from a total of 100 patients (45 males and 55 females) were investigated. The lengths (L1-3), angles (A1-3), and diameters (D1-6) through the ICA measurement points (five segments: C2 [petrous], C3 [lacerum], C4 [cavernous], C5 [clinoid], C6 [ophthalmic]) were systemically recorded by two observers. All measured parameters were compared for both sexes and sides. RESULTS: The lengths (mm) and angles of the ICA were 7.20 ± 2.22 (L1), 15.71 ± 2.32 (L2), 10.99 ± 1.66 (L3) and 109.31 ± 17.77 (A1), 107.87 ± 20.51 (A2), 80.81 ± 16.33 (A3), respectively. There were no differences in the angulations of the A1-A3 segments between the sexes (p > 0.05). The L2 (C3-C4) was significantly longer in males, but only the left side of females showed a greater length (p < 0.05). The averaged mean diameters of the ICA (D1-6) in both sexes were 4.17 ± 0.55 mm. However, the diameters of the D1-D6 from left and right sides of males except the right D6 were significantly longer than those of females (p < 0.05). Also of significance was that the right diameters of females (D1) and males (D1 and D2) were shorter compared to left sides. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates some differences in lengths, diameters, and angles in both sexes and sides of the normal ICA. Neurosurgeons and neurointerventionalists should be aware of such variations when operating, performing interventional procedures, and interpreting 2D DSA.

Morphometric study and anatomical variation with its incidence of foramina transversaria on the lower cervical vertebrae / Estudio morfométrico y variación anatómica con la incidencia de forámenes transversos en las vértebras cervicales inferiores

SUMMARY: Anatomical variation of the foramina transversaria (FT) is associated with vertebral neurovascular symptoms and can cause complications after lower spine surgery, especially cervical pedicle screw (CPS) insertion. FT variation has been documented and classified in various populations, as this information can help increase cervical stability in subaxial vertebral surgery. Although the morphometry of the upper cervical spine in Thai populations has been reported, there have yet been no studies examining the features of FT. The FT of dried cervical spines (C3-C7; left and right side; n = 107, male = 53 and female = 54) were examined for morphological variation, and their anteroposterior (AP) and transverse (T) diameters were measured using a digital vernier caliper. Morphometric data and variations were compared by sex and lateral side. It was that the C3-C6 FT in both sexes were round, and the C7 FT was elliptical with an oblique right side. FT diameters did not differ significantly by sex except for the AP diameters of C6-C7 and for T diameters of C4 and C7. The left AP diameters of C3-C6 were significantly longer than the right, as were the T diameters of C4 and C7 FT. Additionally, T diameter was significantly longer than that of the AP, except that of the left C6 in male spines, which did not differ from the AP. Most FT examined were round. These findings should be considered in the provisional diagnosis of vertebral neurovascular symptoms caused by FT variation as well as that of neurovascular damage after cervical pedicle screw placement.

La variación anatómica del foramen transverso (FT) se asocia con síntomas neurovasculares vertebrales y puede causar complicaciones después de la cirugía de columna cervical inferior, especialmente la inserción de tornillos pediculares cervicales (TPC). La variación del FT se ha documentado y clasificado en varias poblaciones, ya que esta información puede ayudar a aumentar la estabilidad cervical en la cirugía vertebral subaxial. Aunque se ha informado sobre la morfometría de la columna cervical superior en poblaciones tailandesas, aún no se han realizado estudios que examinen las características de FT. Se examinó la variación morfológica del FT de vértebras cervicales secas (C3-C7; lado izquierdo y derecho; n = 107, hombres = 53 y mujeres = 54), y se midieron sus diámetros anteroposterior (AP) y transverso (T) usando un pie de metro digital. Se compararon datos morfométricos y variaciones por sexo y lado. Los FT de C3-a C6 en ambos sexos eran redondos, y el FT C7 era elíptico con el lado derecho oblicuo. Los diámetros del FT no difirieron significativamente por sexo excepto para los diámetros AP de C6- C7 y para los diámetros transversos de C4 y C7. Los diámetros AP izquierdos de C3-C6 eran significativamente más largos que los del lado derecho, al igual que los diámetros transversos de C4 y C7. Además, el diámetro transverso fue significativamente mayor que el AP, excepto el C6 izquierdo en las vértebras de hombres, que no difirió del AP. La mayoría de los FT examinados eran redondos. Estos hallazgos deben ser considerados en el diagnóstico provisional de síntomas neurovasculares vertebrales causados por la variación del FT, así como en el de daño neurovascular tras la colocación de tornillos pediculares cervicales.

Classification of sternocleidomastoid muscle variations and comparison of its incidence among populations / Clasificación de variaciones del músculo esternocleidomastoideo y comparación de su incidencia entre poblaciones

SUMMARY: This study aimed to classify and investigate anatomical variations of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle, which is commonly used as an anatomical landmark to indicate the correct position for central venous catheterization, in a Thai population. Thirty- five embalmed cadavers from the Northeast Thailand (19 females and 16 males) were systemically dissected to reveal the SCM muscles in both sides for gross human anatomy teaching. Variations in the SCM origin and insertion were observed and recorded. The prevalence of anatomical variations was approximately 11.4 % (4 of 35 cadavers) and was not different by sex. Such variations were classified into 5 types based on origin, insertion, and presence of additional heads, as follows: type I (n=31; 88.6 %), type II (n=1; 2.85 %), type III (n=1; 2.85 %), type IV (n=1; 2.85 %), and type V (n=1; 2.85 %). Clinical considerations and prevalence of variant SCM muscle have also been discussed. Since the incidence of this anatomical variations was more than 10 %, the cervical surgeons should seriously consider this issue before insertion of a central venous catheter to avoid complications.

El estudio tuvo como objetivo clasificar e investigar las variaciones anatómicas del músculo esternocleidomastoideo (MEM), que se usa comúnmente como un punto de referencia anatómico para indicar la posición correcta para el cateterismo venoso central, en una población tailandesa. Se diseccionaron sistemáticamente 35 cadáveres embalsamados del noreste de Tailandia (19 mujeres y 16 hombres) para observar los músculos MEM en ambos lados para la enseñanza de la anatomía humana macroscópica. Se observaron y registraron variaciones en el origen y la inserción de MEM. La prevalencia de la variación fue de aproximadamente 11,4 % (4 de 35 cadáveres) y no fue diferente por sexo. Dichas variaciones se clasificaron en 5 tipos según el origen, la inserción y la presencia de cabezas adicionales, de la siguiente manera: tipo I (n=31; 88,6 %), tipo II (n=1; 2,85 %), tipo III (n=1; 2,85 %), tipo IV (n=1; 2,85 %) y tipo V (n=1; 2,85 %). También se discutieron las consideraciones clínicas y la prevalencia de la variante del músculo MEM. Dado que la incidencia de esta variación fue superior al 10 %, los cirujanos de cabeza y cuello deben considerar este tema antes de la inserción de un catéter venoso central para evitar complicaciones.

Morphometric analysis of dry atlas vertebrae in a northeastern Thai population and possible correlation with sex.

PURPOSE: The uppermost segment of the cervical vertebra or atlas (C1) is a critically important anatomical structure, housing the medulla oblongata and containing the grooves for the C1 spinal nerve and the vertebral vessels. Variations of the C1 vertebra can affect upper spine stability, and morphometric parameters have been reported to differ by population. However, there are few data regarding these parameters in Thais. The use of this bone to predict sex and age has never been reported. METHODS: This study aimed to examine C1 morphometry and determine its ability to predict sex. Twelve diameter parameters were taken from the C1 vertebrae of identified skeletons (n = 104, males [n, 54], females [n, 50]). Correlation analysis was also performed for sex and age, which were predicted using machine learning algorithms. RESULTS: The results showed that 8 of the 12 measured parameters were significantly longer in the male atlas (p < 0.05), while the remaining 4 (distance between both medial-most edges of the transverse foramen, transverse dimension of the superior articular surface, frontal plane passing through the canal's midpoint, and anteroposterior dimension of the inferior articular surface) did not differ significantly by sex. There was no statistically significant difference in these parameters on the lateral side. The decision stump classifier was trained on C1 parameters, and the resulting model could predict sex with 82.6% accuracy (root mean square error = 0.38). CONCLUSION: Assertation of the morphometric parameters of the atlas is important for preoperative assessment, especially for the treatment of atlas dislocation. Our findings also highlighted the potential use of atlas measurements for sex prediction.

Incidence and Skeletal Features of Developmental Cervical and Lumbar Spinal Stenosis.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. PURPOSE: To report the prevalence and relationship of developmental cervical and lumbar spinal stenosis (DCSS and DLSS) with the bone parameters of the skull and extremities. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: DCSS and DLSS are found occasionally in daily practice. DCSS and DLSS can cause compressive myelopathy, radiculopathy, and cauda equina syndrome; however, data on their prevalence and correlation with skull and skeletal extremity profiles is scarce. METHODS: A cross-sectional measurement study of 293 whole-body dried-bone samples was conducted. We measured the anteroposterior (AP) and transverse diameter of the fourth to sixth cervical vertebrae (C4-C6) and third to fifth lumbar vertebrae (L3-L5). Stenosis of the cervical spine and lumbar spine was defined as an AP diameter of <12 mm and <13 mm, respectively. We also measured the skull circumference, the AP and transverse diameters of the foramen magnum, the inner and outer inter distances between the left and right orbital bones, the humerus length, and the femoral length. Kruskal-Wallis and post hoc analyses were used in the statistical analyses. RESULTS: The age was 22-93 years. DCSS was found in 59 (20.1%) and DLSS in 28 (9.6%). Twelve samples had both DCSS and DLSS (development spinal stenosis, DSS). When compared to the "no spinal stenosis sample," DSS (-), DCSS and DSS had a significantly smaller skull circumference, the transverse diameter of the foramen magnum, and inner and outer distance between the orbital bone (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in humeral length, femoral length, or AP diameter of the foramen magnum. CONCLUSIONS: DCSS was correlated with a small skull, a small transverse diameter of the foramen magnum, and a small orbital bone. A small skull was strongly associated with a small cervical canal. DLSS, on the other hand, was unrelated to either a small cervical canal or a small skull.

Prevention of seminal vesicle damage by Mucuna pruriens var. pruriens seed extract in chronic unpredictable mild stress mice.

CONTEXT: Thai Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var. pruriens (Fabaceae) or T-MP seed extract has been shown to improve sexual performance and sperm quality. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the preventive effects of T-MP against seminal vesicle damage, apoptotic and Nrf2 protein expression in mice under chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight male ICR mice were divided into four groups: control, CUMS, T-MP300 + CUMS and T-MP600 + CUMS. Mice in control and CUMS groups received distilled water, while those in treated groups were pretreated with T-MP extract (300 or 600 mg/kg BW) for 14 consecutive days. The CMUS and co-treated groups were exposed to one random stressor (of 12 total) each day for 43 days. Components and histopathology of the seminal vesicle were examined, along with localization of androgen receptor (AR) and caspase 3. Expression of seminal AR, tyrosine phosphorylated (TyrPho), heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), caspases (3 and 9) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) proteins was investigated. RESULTS: T-MP extract at a dose of 600 mg/kg BW improved seminal epithelial damage and secretion of fluid containing essential substances and proteins in CUMS mice. It also increased the expression of AR and TyrPho proteins. Additionally, T-MP increased expression of Nrf2 and inhibited seminal vesicular apoptosis through the suppression of Hsp70 and caspase expression. CONCLUSION: T-MP seeds have an antiapoptotic property in chronic stress seminal vesicle. It is possible to apply this extract for the enhancement of seminal plasma quality.

Dolichandrone serrulata flower improves seminal biochemical parameters and proteins in T2DM rats induced by a high-fat diet and streptozotocin.

CONTEXT: Although Dolichandrone serrulata (Wall. ex DC.) Seem (Bignoniaceae) flower (DSF) improves hyperglycaemia, testicular damage and sperm quality in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) animals, its effects on the seminal vesicles, secreting seminal plasma, are unknown. OBJECTIVE: This study reports the protective effects of DSF on seminal dysfunction in T2DM rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups (control, T2DM, T2DM + DSF200 and T2DM + DSF600; 10 animals/group). The control group was fed a low-fat diet for 14 days prior to single saline injection, whereas T2DM group was given a high-fat diet and injected with streptozocin (50 mg/kg body weight). The T2DM-induced rats were fed DSF orogastrically (200 and 600 mg/kg body weight) for 28 consecutive days. At the end of the experiment, biochemical components, malondialdehyde (MDA), histology and protein expression in seminal lysate were evaluated. RESULTS: DSF increased the levels of serum phosphorus (13.66 ± 0.59 mg/dL), ALP (11.85 ± 0.99 U/L), GOT (3938.23 ± 251.41 U/L) and GPT (34.16 ± 4.93), decreased MDA levels in seminal tissue, and elevated the serum testosterone in the T2DM rats. Treatment with DSF ameliorated histological damage, significantly increased seminal 44 and 31 kDa TyrPho protein expression, and decreased that of caspase 3 and 9. CONCLUSIONS: DSF extract was able to mitigate seminal dysfunction in T2DM rats via improvements of tyrosine phosphorylation, testosterone level and biochemical substances, as well as reductions of caspase proteins. DSF may be developed as an alternative medicine in treating of T2DM male subfertility and progressive complications.

Momordica charantia fruit extract with antioxidant capacity improves the expression of tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins in epididymal fluid of chronic stress rats.

OBJECTIVE: Although the protective effects of Momordica charantia L. (MC) extract on chemical-induced testicular damage have been studied, the preventive effects of MC extract on functional proteins in the epididymis under chronic stress have never been reported. This study investigated the protective effects of MC fruit extract on protein secretion, especially tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins, in the epididymis of rats exposed to chronic unpredictable stress (CUS). METHODS: Total phenolic compounds (TPC), total flavonoid compounds (TFC) and antioxidant capacities of MC extract were measured. Adult male rats were divided into 4 groups: control group, CUS group, and 2 groups of CUS that received different doses of MC extract (40 or 80 mg/kg). In treated groups, rats were given MC daily, followed by induction of CUS (1 stressor was randomly applied from a battery of 9 potential stressors) for 60 consecutive days. Plasma corticosterone and testosterone levels were analyzed after the end of experiment. Expressions of heat-shock protein 70 (HSP-70) and tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins present in the fluid of the head and tail of the epididymis were quantified using Western blot. RESULTS: MC extract contained TPC of (19.005 ± 0.270) mg gallic acid equivalents and TFC of (0.306 ± 0.012) mg catechin equivalents per gram, and had 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl antioxidant capacity of (4.985 ± 0.086) mg trolox equivalents per gram, radical 50% inhibitory concentration of (2.011 ± 0.008) mg/mL and ferric reducing antioxidant power of (23.697 ± 0.819) µmol Fe(II) per gram. Testosterone level in the epididymis was significantly increased, while the corticosterone level was significantly improved in groups treated with MC extract, compared to the CUS animals. Particularly, an 80 mg/kg dose of MC extract prevented the impairments of HSP-70 and tyrosine-phosphorylated protein expressions in the luminal fluid of the epididymis of CUS rats. CONCLUSION: MC fruit extract had antioxidant activities and improved the functional proteins secreted from the head and tail of the epididymis. It is possible to develop the MC fruit extract as a male fertility supplement for enhancing functional sperm maturation in stressed men.

Protective effects of Thai Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var. pruriens seeds on sexual behaviors and essential reproductive markers in chronic unpredictable mild stress mice.

Background and aims: Chronic stress is a major common cause of male infertility. Many species of velvet beans are shown to be rich in l-DOPA. In Thai folklore medicine, seeds of Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var. pruriens (Thai Mhamui or T-MP) have been used for treating erectile dysfunction. This study aimed to determine l-DOPA levels in T-MP seed extract and investigate its preventive on sexual behaviors and reproductive parameter damages including essential proteins in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) mice. Experimental procedure: Mice were divided into 4 groups: (I) control, (II) CUMS, (III) T-MP300 + CUMS, and (IV) T-MP600 + CUMS. Groups I and II received DW while groups III and IV were pretreated with the seed extracts (300 and 600 mg/kg BW) for 14 consecutive days before co-treatment with a randomly different CUMS/day (from 12 mild stressors) for 43 days. Results and conclusion: T-MP seed extract contained l-DOPA approximately 10% of total dried weight. A dose of 600 mg/kg improved sexual performances and degenerative seminiferous epithelium in CUMS mice. Sperm qualities and testosterone level were elevated while corticosterone was decreased in co-treatment groups. T-MP-CUMS cotreated groups also improved expressions of AKAP4, AR, and TyrPho proteins in testis, epididymis, and sperm. T-MP increased StAR and CYP11A1 expressions in testis. It also suppressed testicular apoptosis via decreased expressions of Hsp70, caspases 3, and 9. T-MP seeds containing l-DOPA could improve sexual behaviors and essential reproductive proteins caused by CUMS. Section: Natural Products. Taxonomy classification by evise: Traditional Herbal Medicine; Animal Model; Histopathology.

Seed extract of Thai Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var. pruriens enhances sexual performance and improves male reproductive damages in ethanol-induced rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Thai Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var. pruriens (T-MP) has been traditionally used in treating depressive disorders, dysuria and enhancing male sexual desire. Although T-MP seed is demonstrated to have antioxidant capacity, its aphrodisiac and protective tissue damage properties have never been documented. Recently, ethanol (Eth) is known to cause sexual behavior dysfunction and damage reproductive system. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of T-MP seed extract on sexual behavior dysfunction and reproductive damages in male rats admisted with Eth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: T-MP possessing antioxidant activity was determined for L-DOPA content using NMR analysis. Thirty-six male rats were divided into four groups (9 animals/group). Control rats received DW and the ethanol (Eth) group was given with Eth (3 g/kgBW; 40%v/v). In preventive groups (T-MP150 + Eth and MP300 + Eth groups), animals were treated with T-MP extract at a dose of 150 and 300 mg/kgBW before Eth administration for consecutive 56 days. Sexual behaviors including mounting frequency (MF), intromission frequency (IF), mounting latency (ML), intromission latency (IL), ejaculation latency (EL), post-ejaculatory interval (PEI), and ejaculation frequency (EF) were evaluated. Epididymal sperm quality and daily sperm production (DSP) were examined. Testicular histology was observed using Masson's trichrome staining. The malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and expressions of androgen receptor (AR), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR), and tyrosine-phosphorylated (TyrPho) proteins in testis were also determined. RESULTS: T-MP extract contained L-DOPA and improved sexual behaviors including increased MF and IF and decreased ML and IL in Eth treated rats. Significantly, sperm quality, DSP, and testicular histopathology observed in Eth group were improved after T-MP treatment. T-MP also decreased the testicular MDA levels. Additionally, T-MP could correct testicular functional proteins of AR and StAR except HSP70 expression in Eth group. Expressions of TyrPho proteins in testicular and sperm lysates were improved in co-administered groups. CONCLUSIONS: T-MP seed extract possessing L-DOPA could enhance the sexual behaviors and protect reproductive damages via improvement of testicular functional proteins.

Seed extract of Thai Mucuna pruriens reduced male reproductive damage in rats induced by chronic stress.

CONTEXT: Thai Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var. pruriens (Fabaceae) (TMP) is known to enrich reproduction but preventive effects on stress related adverse reproductive parameters are not documented. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the protective property of TMP seed extract on reproductive damage under chronic stress (CS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups. The control and CS groups received distilled water, whereas the pre-treated rats received the aqueous TMP seed extract at doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg BW for 20 days before co-treatments with CS induction (immobilization and forced swimming) for 81 days. Serum was used to determine the cortisol and testosterone levels. Histology of testis and epididymis was observed with localization of androgen receptor (AR). Sperm parameters and the expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR), cytochrome P450 family 11 subfamily a member 1 (CYP11A1), AR, HSP70, caspases (3 and 9) and tyrosine phosphorylation (TyrPho) proteins were investigated. RESULTS: TMP extract improved cortisol level (0.84 ± 0.02 µg/dL) and protected against the damage of reproductive tissues and sperm parameters (count [49.78 ± 3.74 million sperm/mL], viability [90.01 ± 1.17%] and precocious acrosome reaction [1.38 ± 0.48%]). Expression of testicular StAR, CYP11A1, AR and HSP70 proteins was improved. Caspase expression was decreased in treated rats. TMP increased AR expression in CS sperm. Moreover, TyrPho protein expression was corrected after TMP administration. CONCLUSIONS: TMP seed protected against adverse reproductive parameters in CS via improvements of functionally testicular markers and reductions of apoptotic proteins. It is possible to develop the TMP beans as an alternative medicine in treating of male subfertility caused by CS.

Adaptor protein XB130 regulates the aggressiveness of cholangiocarcinoma.

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a group of heterogenous malignancies arising from bile duct epithelium with distinct pathological features. Adaptor proteins have implicated in cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of different cancer cells. The objective of this study was to assess whether the adaptor protein XB130 (AFAP1L2) is a critical biological determinant of CCA outcome. XB130 expression levels were investigated in four CCA cell lines compared to an immortalized cholangiocyte cell line by Western blotting. Small interfering (si) RNA-mediated XB130 gene silencing was conducted to evaluate the effects of reduced XB130 expression on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by MTT, transwell migration and cell invasion assay. The immunohistochemical quantification of XB130 levels were performed in surgically resected formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens obtained from 151 CCA patients. The relationship between XB130 expression and the clinicopathological parameters of CCA patients were analyzed. Our results showed that XB130 was highly expressed in KKU-213A cell line. Knockdown of XB130 using siRNA significantly decreased the proliferation, migration, and invasion properties of KKU-213A cells through the inhibition of PI3K/Akt pathway, suggesting that XB130 plays an important role in CCA progression. Moreover, elevated XB130 expression levels were positive relationship with lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI), intrahepatic type of CCA, high TNM staging (stage III, IV), high T classification (T3, T4), and lymph node metastasis. We provide the first evidence that the overexpression of XB130 is associated with tumorigenic properties of CCA cells, leading to CCA progression with aggressive clinical outcomes.

Classification and Morphometric Features of Pterion in Thai Population with Potential Sex Prediction.

Background and Objectives: The landmark for neurosurgical approaches to access brain lesion is the pterion. The aim of the present study is to classify and examine the prevalence of all types of pterion variations and perform morphometric measurements from previously defined anthropological landmarks. Materials and methods: One-hundred and twenty-four Thai dried skulls were investigated. Classification and morphometric measurement of the pterion was performed. Machine learning models were also used to interpret the morphometric findings with respect to sex and age estimation. Results: Spheno-parietal type was the most common type (62.1%), followed by epipteric (11.7%), fronto-temporal (5.2%) and stellate (1.2%). Complete synostosis of the pterion suture was present in 18.5% and was only present in males. While most morphometric measurements were similar between males and females, the distances from the pterion center to the mastoid process and to the external occipital protuberance were longer in males. Random forest algorithm could predict sex with 80.7% accuracy (root mean square error = 0.38) when the pterion morphometric data were provided. Correlational analysis indicated that the distances from the pterion center to the anterior aspect of the frontozygomatic suture and to the zygomatic angle were positively correlated with age, which may serve as basis for age estimation in the future. Conclusions: Further studies are needed to explore the use of machine learning in anatomical studies and morphometry-based sex and age estimation. Thorough understanding of the anatomy of the pterion is clinically useful when planning pterional craniotomy, particularly when the position of the pterion may change with age.

Pan-Cancer Analysis of Immune Complement Signature C3/C5/C3AR1/C5AR1 in Association with Tumor Immune Evasion and Therapy Resistance.

Despite the advances in our understanding of the genetic and immunological basis of cancer, cancer remains a major public health burden with an ever-increasing incidence rate globally. Nevertheless, increasing evidence suggests that the components of the complement system could regulate the tumor microenvironment (TME) to promote cancer progression, recurrence, and metastasis. In the present study, we used an integrative multi-omics analysis of clinical data to explore the relationships between the expression levels of and genetic and epigenetic alterations in C3, C5, C3AR1, and C5AR1 and tumor immune evasion, therapy response, and patient prognosis in various cancer types. We found that the complements C3, C5, C3AR1, and C5AR1 have deregulated expression in human malignancies and are associated with activation of immune-related oncogenic processes and poor prognosis of cancer patients. Furthermore, we found that the increased expression levels of C3, C5, C3AR1, and C5AR1 were primarily predicted by copy number variation and gene methylation and were associated with dysfunctional T-cell phenotypes. Single nucleotide variation in the gene signature co-occurred with multiple oncogenic mutations and is associated with the progression of onco-immune-related diseases. Further correlation analysis revealed that C3, C5, C3AR1, and C5AR1 were associated with tumor immune evasion via dysfunctional T-cell phenotypes with a lesser contribution of T-cell exclusion. Lastly, we also demonstrated that the expression levels of C3, C5, C3AR1, and C5AR1 were associated with context-dependent chemotherapy, lymphocyte-mediated tumor killing, and immunotherapy outcomes in different cancer types. In conclusion, the complement components C3, C5, C3AR1, and C5AR1 serve as attractive targets for strategizing cancer immunotherapy and response follow-up.

Gross and radiographic appearance of porotic hyperostosis and cribra orbitalia in thalassemia affected skulls.

Porotic hyperostosis (PH) is the expansion of the cranial diploë, generating 'hair-on-end' appearance on X-rays. This condition is extremely rare and had a prevalence of 0.08%. It is alternatively known as cribra orbitalia (CO) when the orbital roof is affected. In this study, we describe the gross morphology of two skulls affected by PH and CO. The first skull belonged to a 41-year-old female previously diagnosed with beta thalassemia. The skull was affected by excessive PH and CO. The second skull, belonging to a 35-year-old male diagnosed with unspecified thalassemia, showed PH without CO. The etiology of PH and CO is discussed. In conclusion, PH and CO are extremely rare, and are of significant importance for radiologists and anatomists when interpreting radiographs or encountering unusual gross morphology of the skull.

Chronic stress increases the tyrosine phosphorylation in female reproductive organs: An experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Changes in tyrosine-phosphorylated (TyrPho) protein expressions have demonstrated stress in males. In females, chronic stress (CS) is a major cause of infertility, especially anovulation. However, the tyrosine phosphorylation in the female reproductive system under stress conditions has never been reported. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the alteration of TyrPho protein expression in ovary, oviduct, and uterus of CS rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, 16 female Sprague-Dawley rats (5 wk: 220-250 gr) were divided into control and CS groups (n = 8/group). Every day, the CS animals were immobilized within a restraint cage and individually forced to swim in cold water for 60 consecutive days. Following the stress induction, the ovary, oviduct, and uterus of all rats were observed for their morphologies. The total protein profiles of all tissues were revealed by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) before detecting TyrPho proteins using western blot. Intensity analysis was used to compare the expression of proteins between groups. RESULTS: The results showed that the morphology and weights of ovary and oviduct in the CS group were not different from control. In contrast, the CS significantly increased the uterine weight as compared to control. Moreover, the expressions of TyrPho proteins in the ovary (72, 43, and 28 kDas), oviduct (170, 55, and 43 kDas), and uterus (55, 54, and 43 kDas) were increased in CS group as compared to those of control. CONCLUSION: The increased expressions of TyrPho proteins in ovary, oviduct, and uterus could be potential markers used to explain some machanisms of female infertility caused from chronic stress.

Chronic stress affects tyrosine phosphorylated protein expression and secretion of male rat epididymis.

Chronic stress (CS) is shown to decrease the semen quality with changed expression of tyrosine phosphorylated (TyrPho) proteins in testicular and seminal tissues. However, the alterations of such proteins and fluid contents in the epididymis, producing sperm maturation factors, have never been reported. Sixteen adult rats were randomly divided into 2 groups (n = 8). The control animals were not subjected to stressors whereas CS rats were immobilised within restraint cage (4 hr/day) before cold forced-water swimming (15 min/day) for 60 days. Corticosterone, testosterone, blood glucose level (BGL), malondialdehyde (MDA) and biochemical components in epididymal fluid were assayed. Expressions of heat shock protein 70 (HSP-70), androgen receptor (AR) and TyrPho protein were investigated in epididymal tissue and fluid. Significantly, CS increased the corticosterone and BGL but decreased testosterone and epididymal substance levels. MDA level in tail epididymal fluid and HSP-70 expression in both regions of epididymal tissues and fluids, except in head epididymal fluid of CS were increased. Epididymal tissues showed the decrease of AR expression. Presence and changes of many TyrPho proteins were observed in CS. In conclusion, CS could affect functional proteins particularly TyrPho in epididymis, resulted in low semen quality.