Ovarian development of Caspian roach, Rutilus caspicus, in southern Caspian Sea: A histological and ultrastructural study

The histology and ultrastructure of the ovarian maturation process in Caspian roach, Rutilus caspicus, was studied. A total 170 female specimens were collected from the Gharasoo River, Bandar Turkmen, the southern Caspian Sea to evaluate its maturation cycle. Based on the results, its ovarian follicle’s development could classified into six stages by distinct characteristics. Minimum and maximum diameter of oocytes were recorded in the chromatin-nucleolus and maturation stages as 56.34±3.74 and 918.83±14.82 µm, respectively. The zona radiata was observed from the cortical alveoli stage and its maximum diameter measured in the secondary vitellogenesis stage as 93.11±23.0 µm. Gonadosomatic index (GSI) reached to its peak in mid-March and its sharp drop in the late April showed its spawning period from late March or early April till the end of April. A positive correlation was found between the GSI and HSI in the vitellogenesis stage. The results also revealed Caspian roach as iteroparous synchronous spawner

The Expression of p21 Marker in Bladder Urethral Tumor and its Association with Histopathologic Characteristicslogic charactristics

Background: In addition to clinical and histologic factors that are able to differentiate between low and high grades of bladder's urethral tumor from each other, there are a number of biomarkers that may be helpful in evaluating the degree, outcome, and prognosis of the tumor. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between overexpression of p21 marker and histologic status, prognosis, and recurrence of urethral carcinoma of the bladder. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the paraffin wax blocks of 356 patients were gathered. Tumor points of the tissue were selected from the main block and mounted on the tissue microarray (TMA) of receptor block. Immunohistochemical staining was performed for the p21 marker. The intensity and extent of staining for this marker were determined by two pathologists using the combined and semi-quantitative method [Histochemical Score (H-Score)]. Results: The expression of p21 marker was significantly different in the high- and low-grade tumors. On the basis of H-Score, and in the high-grade tumor group, this expression was significantly higher than the low-grade (153.85 ± 91.06 versus 130.01 ± 82.20). Using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the p21 marker (based on the H-Score) had a high degree of precision in distinguishing high-grade items from the low-grade (ROC = 0.596, P = 0.002). Accordingly, the best cut-off value for the marker in differentiation of two grades was 92.5%, at which, the sensitivity and specificity were 67.7% and 44.7%, respectively. Regarding the results of multivariate logistic regression analysis, in the evaluation of factors related to tumor recurrence, the presence of non-papillary pattern predicted the recurrence (likelihood ratio: 6.363, P = 0.001). Conclusion: By determining the H-Score of p21 marker, the high- and low-grade tumors can be discriminated with an acceptable sensitivity and specificity. The presence of non-papillary pattern has a high predictive value for tumor recurrence

GGPS1-associated muscular dystrophy with and without hearing loss

Ultra-rare biallelic pathogenic variants in geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase 1 (GGPS1) have recently been associated with muscular dystrophy/hearing loss/ovarian insufficiency syndrome. Here, we describe 11 affected individuals from four unpublished families with ultra-rare missense variants in GGPS1 and provide follow-up details from a previously reported family. Our cohort replicated most of the previously described clinical features of GGPS1 deficiency; however, hearing loss was present in only 46% of the individuals. This report consolidates the disease-causing role of biallelic variants in GGPS1 and demonstrates that hearing loss and ovarian insufficiency might be a variable feature of the GGPS1-associated muscular dystrophy

Prediction of hamstring tendon autograft diameter using preoperative measurements with different cut-offs between genders

Abstract Purpose Studies have suggested some predictors for hamstring tendon (HT) autograft diameter based on anthropometric factors and preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with variable results. Some authors have attributed the variability to gender differences. This prospective cohort reports the sensitivity and specificity of anthropometric and MRI predictors in males and females separately to determine the difference. Methods Forty-two eligible patients who underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and MRI in our center were included. ACLR was performed by the senior surgeon using a 4-stranded HT autograft for all patients. A blinded musculoskeletal radiologist measured the cross-sectional area (CSA) of gracilis and semitendinosus tendons using the free-hand region of interest tool for all patients. An orthopaedic resident (PGY4) collected anthropometric factors and measured intraoperative autograft diameter. Results Mean intraoperative autograft diameter was 8.0 mm. Females had a significantly lower autograft diameter (7.4 vs. 8.2, P < 0.001), smaller gracilis (6.9 vs. 7.9, P = 0.003) and semitendinosus CSA (11.5 vs. 12.8, P = 0.014) compared to males. ROC curve analysis resulted different cut-off values with high sensitivity and specificity for semitendinosus and combined CSA regarding gender. Conclusion Based on the results of this study, CSA of either isolated or combined HTs on preoperative axial MRI, height, and weight are the strongest predictors of intraoperative autograft diameter. It is suggested to consider different cut-offs for males and females to have a better clinical guide for surgeons. Level of evidence Level II

Dual band-notched monopole antenna with enhanced bandwidth for ultra-wideband wireless communications

A new configuration of an ultra-wideband (UWB) dual band-notched antenna is presented. The designed geometry consists of octagonal radiating patch, a 50 Ω microstrip feed-line on the front and an asymmetric partial ground on the back. For impedance bandwidth enhancement, a unilateral stepped structure is utilised on the ground. By etching two E-shaped slots connected to each other on the radiating patch and applying E-shaped defected ground structure on the back, dual notched bands are achieved. The antenna is printed on a low profile FR4 substrate with a compact size of 25 × 18 × 1 mm^3. The experimental results indicate that the antenna has an impedance bandwidth from 2.55 to 21.65 GHz for voltage standing wave ratio ≤2, except the notched bands on worldwide interoperability for microwave access and wireless local area network bands. Moreover, stable radiation patterns and gains within the operating band are shown

Long-term clinical results of using a posteromedial all-inside and anteromedial inside-out approach to repair unstable or irreducible bucket-handle medial meniscal tears

Abstract Background In irreducible bucket-handle medial meniscal tears (BHMMTs), the displaced central fragment is rotated 180° or more, meaning reduction is impossible without derotation of the tear. In chronic cases, the rotated meniscus is deformed and degenerated; thus, the issue of reproducibility and repairability arises. This study presents the clinical outcomes of chronic irreducible and unstable locked BHMMTs. Radiological outcomes were also evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods This is a retrospective study of 37 patients with 11 cases of irreducible BHMMT and 26 cases of reducible but unstable chronic BHMMT who underwent operations between 2011 and 2016. Posterior arthroscopy was performed after temporary meniscus fixation using a provisional needle fixation technique. After the posterior repair with vertical mattress sutures was completed using an all-inside technique, the classic outside-in technique was performed for the anterior third of the meniscus. The Lysholm, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), and Tegner activity scores were obtained from all patients before surgery and at the latest follow-up. Radiological evaluations were performed using MRI before surgery and at 6 months postoperatively. Results Between 2011 and 2016, a total of 37 consecutive patients with irreducible and chronic BHMMTs underwent surgery. The average postoperative follow-up was 7.2 ± 1.4 years (mean ± SD). Postoperative Lysholm (89.57 ± 2.7) and IKDC (87.22 ± 3.2) scores improved significantly at the last follow-up when compared with the pre-operative scores (38.44 ± 4.5 and 23.52 ± 7.8, respectively). According to the Tegner activity scale, patients’ postoperative activity levels remained unchanged compared to preoperative levels at the last follow-up. Conclusion Posterior knee arthroscopy with the all-inside posterior suture and inside-out anteromedial suture technique presented in this study yielded excellent clinical outcomes when used to repair chronic irreducible or unstable BHMMTs. Level of evidence: Level IV

The Effect of Phenanthrene on Some Hematological Indices Yellowfin Seabream (Acanthopagrus Latus)

Background: We examined the effects of phenanthrene (Phe) on hematological parameters of yellowfin seabream (Acanthopagrus latus). Methods: The research was carried out in Jan 2016 at Khorramshahr University of Marine Science and Technology, Khorramshahr, Iran. Fish were injected with different concentrations (0, 2, 20 and 40 mg/kg) of Phe and blood, samples were taken from fish 1, 4, 7 and 14 d after injection. Results: Results of Phe-treated fish showed a decrease in red blood cell and white blood cell counts, hematocrit amount after 4 d and in hemoglobin concentration after 7 d (P<0.05). Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration was enhanced in fish exposed to Phe up to day 4 (P<0.05). Phe-exposed fish showed an increase in the percentage of neutrophils with a decrease in the percentage of lymphocytes (P<0.05) and did not represent any effects on percentage of monocytes and eosinophils, mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. Conclusion: Changes in hematological parameters after exposure to Phe result in a decrease of non-specific immunity

Response of Melanomacrophage Centers in Yellowfin Seabream (Acanthopagrus latus) Immune Organs as an Immunohistological Biomarker in Short-term Exposure to Phenanthrene

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the changes in plasma levels of antioxidant enzymes and melano-macrophage centers (MMCs) in immune tissues as biomarkers of yellowfin seabream (Acanthopagrus latus) exposed to phenanthrene (Phe) for 14 days. Methods: The research was carried out at Khorramshahr University of Marine Science and Technology, Khorramshahr, Iran in Jan 2016. Thirty-six immature fish were intraperitoneally injected with coconut oil (10 μl/g-bw) containing Phe (70mg/kg-bw) and compared with control group (without injection). Then tissue and blood samples were obtained at 1, 4, 7 and 14 d after injection. Results: The SOD and CAT activity showed a significant decrease in fish exposed to Phe up to day 7, then activity increased at day 14 in Phe-treated fish (P<0.05). The size and number of MMCs in treated fish in spleen and head kidney were higher than control. Conclusion: Changes in these parameters (SOD, CAT, and MMCs) might be used as useful biomarkers for evaluating immunosuppressive Phe in fish