Clinical outcome of V-Y flap with latissimus dorsi and gluteal advancement for treatment of large thoracolumbar myelomeningocele defects: a comparative study.

Objective: Surgical repair and closure of myelomeningocele (MMC) defects are important and vital, as the mortality rate is as high as 65%-70% in untreated patients. Closure of large MMC defects is challenging for pediatric neurosurgeons and plastic surgeons. The aim of the current study is to report the operative characteristics and outcome of a series of Iranian patients with large MMC defects utilizing the V-Y flap and with latissimus dorsi or gluteal muscle advancement.

MicroRNA Expression Profiles, Target Genes, and Pathways in Intervertebral Disk Degeneration: A Meta-Analysis of 3 Microarray Studies.

Background: Determining the expression profile and target genes of microRNA (miRNA) would assist in determining the pathophysiologic pathways in intervertebral disk degeneration (IDD). The aim of this study was to determine the expression profile of miRNA in degenerated intervertebral disks compared with normal healthy intervertebral disks.

Methods: We conducted a meta-analysis of 3 available miRNA expression datasets to identify a panel of co-deregulated miRNA genes and overlapping biological processes in IDD.

Acute Appendicitis during Pregnancy; Results of a Cohort Study in a Single Iranian Center.

Objective: To determine the effects of pregnancy on the presentation, management, surgical and obstetrics outcome of patients with acute appendicitis.

Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted during a 2-year period from 2014 to 2016 in Shahid Faghihi hospital of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. We enrolled all the pregnant individuals with acute appendicitis who required surgical appendectomy.