Highly increased maspin expression corresponds with up-regulation of miR-21 in endometrial cancer: a preliminary report.

BACKGROUND: Maspin and programmed cell death 4 (Pdcd4) are tumor suppressor genes, and miR-21 is overexpressed in many solid tumors and was proven to negatively regulate a number of tumor suppressor genes including maspin and Pdcd4.The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of maspin, Pdcd4, and miR-21 and their interrelations with clinicopathologic features in endometrial cancer using a quantitative approach. METHODS: Maspin, Pdcd4, and miR-21 expressions were evaluated by a real-time polymerase chain reaction in 20 endometrial cancer and 10 normal endometrium samples. RESULTS: Maspin showed a significantly increased expression in endometrial cancer samples compared with the control group and was up-regulated by a mean factor of 46.54 (SE range, 2.367-1160.26; 95% confidence interval, 0.515-15001, P < 0.0001). Expression of miR-21 was found significantly up-regulated in the sample group in comparison to control group by a mean factor of 2.312 (SE range, 0.741-7.778; 95% confidence interval 0.191-15.0, P = 0.028). No significant differences were present in the expression level of Pdcd4 between endometrial cancer and control groups. Comparison between IA and more advanced International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stages of endometrial cancer in regard to expression levels of maspin, Pdcd4, and miR-21 did not reveal any significant differences. Similarly, no differences were encountered when histopathologic grading, myometrial invasion, age, body mass index, and parity were taken into consideration. CONCLUSIONS: Association between increased maspin expression and up-regulation of miR-21 in endometrial cancer suggests distinct and tissue-specific relationships of the 2 molecules in this type of malignancy and requires further studies that would reveal its clinical relevance.

A comparative study of angiogenic and cytokine responses after laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed with standard- and low-pressure pneumoperitoneum.

BACKGROUND: Surgical procedures enhance production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and angiogenic factors that play a pivotal role in the immunological response to surgical trauma and take part in the pathogenesis of tumor growth and adhesions formation. The purpose of the study was to access the influence of low-pressure CO(2) pneumoperitoneum on the inflammatory and angiogenic responses during the postoperative period after laparoscopy. METHODS: The study group consisted of 40 patients, operated on due to cholelithiasis using standard-pressure (n = 20) and low-pressure (n = 20) CO(2) pneumoperitoneum. Serum concentration of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, and endostatin were measured before and at 6, 24, and 48 h after surgery with commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Concentrations of IL-6 increased significantly after the operations in both groups. No differences were observed between the groups in regards to IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 levels. Concentrations of VEGF-A measured at 6 and 48 h were significantly lower in patients who underwent laparoscopies performed with low-pressure pneumoperitoneum. No significant variations were observed in endostatin serum concentration. Concentrations of the studied parameters were not influenced by duration of surgery or by age, gender, or body mass index (BMI) of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained in our study do not show any significant differences between studied operative procedures with regards to systemic inflammatory response. Changes in the concentrations of VEGF-A and endostatin observed in the studied population may suggest this technique is more favorable with regards to angiogenesis process intensity, along with all its consequences and implications.

Bridging the gap between basic and clinical sciences: A description of a radiological anatomy course.

A wide variety of medical imaging techniques pervade modern medicine, and the changing portability and performance of tools like ultrasound imaging have brought these medical imaging techniques into the everyday practice of many specialties outside of radiology. However, proper interpretation of ultrasonographic and computed tomographic images requires the practitioner to not only hone certain technical skills, but to command an excellent knowledge of sectional anatomy and an understanding of the pathophysiology of the examined areas as well. Yet throughout many medical curricula there is often a large gap between traditional anatomy coursework and clinical training in imaging techniques. The authors present a radiological anatomy course developed to teach sectional anatomy with particular emphasis on ultrasonography and computed tomography, while incorporating elements of medical simulation. To assess students' overall opinions about the course and to examine its impact on their self-perceived improvement in their knowledge of radiological anatomy, anonymous evaluation questionnaires were provided to the students. The questionnaires were prepared using standard survey methods. A five-point Likert scale was applied to evaluate agreement with statements regarding the learning experience. The majority of students considered the course very useful and beneficial in terms of improving three-dimensional and cross-sectional knowledge of anatomy, as well as for developing practical skills in ultrasonography and computed tomography. The authors found that a small-group, hands-on teaching model in radiological anatomy was perceived as useful both by the students and the clinical teachers involved in their clinical education. In addition, the model was introduced using relatively few resources and only two faculty members. Anat Sci Educ 9: 295-303. © 2015 American Association of Anatomists.

Morphometric parameters of the human pineal gland in relation to age, body weight and height.

The aim of the study was to compare the size, weight, volume and density of the pineal gland in several groups divided by age, body weight and height. 80 human pineal glands were included in the study. Obtained data were statistically analysed by means of Statistica by Statsoft to check existing differences. Obtained data show some significant differences between pineal gland morphometry in weight- and height-related groups. However, these differences do not influence pineal volume significantly. Differences between the pineal gland volume in the maximal and in the minimal weight groups may suggest some relationship between the gland's structure and body weight. No age-related changes in the morphometry of the pineal gland were observed.

Thoracic ectopic kidney in adults. A report of 2 cases.

Thoracic kidney is the rarest, usually asymptomatic type of kidney ectopia. 2 cases of thoracic kidney discovered incidentally through chest radiography are reported. In both patients renal function tests were normal and no further treatment was necessary. Ultrasonography and computed tomography studies performed for confirmation of the diagnosis are presented. An embryonic background of this abnormality is discussed.

A case of unusual course of adolescent menorrhagia: decidual cast as a side effect of treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To present an unusual side effect of therapy for adolescent menorrhagia, with commentary on management options. DESIGN: Case report. SETTING: Tertiary gynecologic center. PATIENT(S): A 13-year-old girl presenting with profuse uterine bleeding. INTERVENTION(S): Dysfunctional uterine bleeding was diagnosed, and pharmacologic therapy with a monophasic oral contraceptive (OC) pill was introduced. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): A large decidual cast occurred during treatment. RESULT(S): After finishing therapy with OC followed by three cycles of cyclic progestogen, the patient experienced regular menses. CONCLUSION(S): A large decidual cast may occur during treatment of adolescent menorrhagia with OCs; patients should be informed about this possibility, to reduce stress connected with the appearance of this side effect.

Dimensions of segmental bronchi of pulmonary lower lobes in humans and Cercopithecus aethiops.

The aim of the study was to determine the bronchial segmental tree dimensions of lower lobes in humans and Cercopithecus aethiops and to estimate the possible relations between them. The study was carried out on a group of 62 human cadavers (aged 20 to 60; 28 men, and 34 women) and 30 sexually mature corpses of Cercopithecus aethiops (14 male and 16 female individuals). The trachea and bronchi were swilled out, injected with duracryl and digested in hydrochloric acid. After washing out an exact model of the topographically unchanged bronchial tree was obtained. Those preparations were dried and the diameters of the segmental bronchi in the lower lobes of both lungs were measured. The statistical analysis was performed using the SAS system v. 6.11. Differences between groups were analyzed by ANOVA. If P < 0.05, differences between the mean values were considered statistically significant. In the studied material almost all measured values in Cercopithecus aethiops were higher in female individuals in contrast to the results obtained for humans. In both sexes of Cercopithecus aethiops medial and anterior basal bronchi have the biggest diameter in both sides, but in male and female humans posterior basal bronchus has the biggest diameter. Unlike humans, where the medial segments are small, the medial segments in Cercopithecus aethiops constitute a significant functional part of the lungs.

Morphometry of the pineal gland in overweight individuals.

While obesity is an ever increasing problem in today's world, numerous facts suggest that its side-effects continue to be underestimated. Recent studies link obesity with pineal gland hormone and melatonin. The aim of this study was to determine differences in morphological attributes of the pineal gland in normal and overweight people in terms of pineal width and volume. A lower pineal width and volume in overweight individuals stated in the study may suggest a different excretory activity of the pineal gland.