ABSTRACT
Circular RNA (circRNA) is a kind of RNA with a circular structure. The unique structure of circRNA endows it with various cell biological functions and characteristics. It has become a research hotspot recently. CircRNA can play a role via mechanisms, such as microRNA (miRNA) sponge, RNA binding protein, peptide translation and regulation of gene transcription. CircRNA was found to be associated with disc degeneration, spinal cord injury, scoliosis, and facet arthritis. Some techniques, including bioinformatics and molecular biology techniques, microarray and high-throughput sequencing, can be used to predict and to discover disease-related circRNA, aiming to evaluate whether circRNA can be used as a molecular biomarker for spinal and spinal cord diseases. Based on the current role of circRNA, the corresponding therapeutic strategies have been carried out in experimental animals, which can provide theoretical basis for gene therapy. At present, the researches in circRNA for spinal and spinal cord diseases are still insufficient compared with those in other fields. Currently, the main direction focuses on the miRNA sponge mechanism of circRNA. Due to the variety of diseases in spinal surgery, the research progress of circRNA is also varied. In addition, the development of microarray and high-throughput sequencing technology have greatly promoted the researches in circRNA. The availability of public database is of great significance in the study. The present review summarized the current researches status of circRNA in spinal and spinal cord diseases, aiming to deepen understanding of circRNA in spinal and spinal cord diseases.
ABSTRACT
Objective To measure anatomic data related to the thyroid cartilage and cricoid cartilage and to analyze their implications for anterior spine surgery.Methods From January 2015 to February 2017,Cervical spine CT image data of 309 normal adults (195 males,114 females) in our department were retrospectively analyzed.The transverse diameters of the thyroid cartilage and the cricoid cartilage was measured at three different levels as follows:the superior border of the thyroid cartilage(SBTC),the inferior border of the thyroid cartilage(IBTC),and the inferior border of the cricoid cartilage(IBCC).At those levels,the corresponding level and transverse diameter of the cervical vertebra or intervertebral disc were also determined.Differences of anatomic parameters for each gender and level,and the relationship between the transverse diameter and height and weight were analyzed.Results The transverse diameters of the thyroid cartilage or cricoid cartilage and the corresponding cervical vertebra or intervertebral disc were associated significantly with height and weight.The transverse diameters of the thyroid cartilage or cricoid cartilage gradually decreased from the level of SBTC (44.30±4.97 mm) to the level of IBTC (41.39±4.62 mm),and the latter to the level of IBCC (26.36±3.79 mm),but increased from the level of SBTC (27.47±2.66 mm) to the level of IBTC (29.00±3.15 mm),and the latter to the level of IBCC (31.48±3.49 mm) for the cervical vertebra or intervertebral disc.Differences of the transverse diameters of the thyroid cartilage or cricoid cartilage and the cervical vertebra or intervertebral disc on three levels had statistical significance.The transverse diameters of each level had individual differences,while men were greater than those for women.The thyroid cartilage was routinely located above the C5 (56.9％ for male,86.0％ for female).Differences of the frequency between men and women on three levels had statistical significance.Conclusion The Individual and sex differences in the location of the thyroid cartilage and the size of the thyroid cartilage and the cricoid cartilage provided anatomical basis for predicting the difficulty of intraoperative exposure,incidence of esophageal injuries and early postoperative dysphagia.