Expressions of Endocan in Patients with Meningiomas and Gliomas.

Objective. Endocan has been shown to be a marker for several cancers and may show degree of malignancy. The aim of this study is to assess tissue levels of endocan in common brain tumors, namely, meningiomas, low-grade gliomas (LGGs), and high-grade gliomas (HGGs). Patients and Methods. Endocan was assayed by commercially available enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits in a total of 50 brain tumors (20 meningiomas, 19 LGGs, and 20 HGGs) and 15 controls. The results were compared to control brain tissues. Results. Each tumor group showed significant higher levels of endocan compared to controls (p < 0.05). In addition, endocan levels showed steady increase from the least (meningiomas) to the most (HGGs) malignant tumors and positive correlation was noted between the degree of malignancy and endocan level (p = 0.0001). Conclusion. Endocan, a vital molecule for angiogenesis, is expressed in common brain tumors and results suggest that endocan could be a marker for malignancy.

The Role of ADAMTS1 and Versican in Human Myocardial Infarction: A Postmortem Study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the role of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type 1 motif (ADAMTS1) and fragmented versican in the myocardial infarction (MI) process in humans and to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of ADAMTS1 for postmortem diagnosis of MI. METHODS: Thirty autopsied individuals were allocated into 2 groups, namely, a study group of individuals who died of myocardial infarction (n = 20), and a control group who died of trauma (n = 10). We performed standard immunohistochemical staining on myocardial tissue specimens, studying anti-ADAMTS1, anti-versican, and anti-versican C terminal peptide sequence (DPEAAE) fragments. RESULTS: Strong, diffuse staining was observed throughout myocardial tissue for ADAMTS1 in the 2 groups. However, in the study group, we observed no expression for ADAMTS1 around fibrotic areas but detected slight staining in coagulative and necrotic zones. CONCLUSION: Similar localizations of ADAMTS and fragmented versican in human heart tissue indicate that versican presumably is cleaved by ADAMTS1. Hence, ADAMTS1 can be regarded as a new marker for postmortem differential diagnosis of MI.

Diaphragmatic Eventration: Autopsy Case Report.

Presented case was a 36-year-old deceased man with a sequel of poliomyelitis who was reportedly found death at home. On external examination at autopsy, deformity of the lower extremity secondary to polimyelitis, and an obliquely coursing scar tissue 5 cm in length at the same level with the costal arch on the right axillary line were seen. On internal examination at autopsy, diaphragmatic eventration caused by bilateral elevation of the diaphragm towards thoracic cavity was detected. On the left side, stomach, spleen, and small intestines, and on the right side liver were pushed into the thoracic cavity. Cause of death was reported as heart failure of the patient with bilateral diaphragmatic eventration. We aimed to discuss rarely encountered diaphragmatic eventration in autopsy practice from a perspective of forensic medicine.

A Case of Death Caused by 2700°C Molten Magnesite Burns.

Magnesite (MgCO3) is a mineral which is theoretically composed of 52.2% CO2, 47.8% MgO, and very scarce amounts of Fe2O3 with a degree of hardness varying between 3.4-4.5 kgf, and specific gravity of 2.9-3.1 g/cm(3). Its color varies between white, yellow or gray, and brown. Magnesite is used in agriculture, and drug industry, brick, iron-steel, paper, and sugar industries. Our case was a 30-year-old male whose dead was reportedly associated with exposure to 2700°C molten magnesite in the melting potansiyel of the plant where he was working as a metal worker. At autopsy, on external examination, except from his left forearm, all over his body was charred from severe burns. Both of his legs from ankles, and right forearm from its middle third were nearly amputated, and body muscles were partly detached because of high temperature. Widespread areas of thermal rupture were observed. On internal examination scalded appearance of internal organs was noted. Blood, and urine analysis did not reveal any substance abuse. Herein, we have aimed to discuss, and evaluate dead events because of exposure to very high temperatures from the perspective of forensic medicine, and occupational safety.