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Stem Cell Reports May 2020Tight junctions in mammals and septate junctions in insects are essential for epithelial integrity. We show here that, in the Drosophila intestine, smooth septate...
Tight junctions in mammals and septate junctions in insects are essential for epithelial integrity. We show here that, in the Drosophila intestine, smooth septate junction proteins provide barrier and signaling functions. During an RNAi screen for genes that regulate adult midgut tissue growth, we found that loss of two smooth septate junction components, Snakeskin and Mesh, caused a hyperproliferation phenotype. By examining epitope-tagged endogenous Snakeskin and Mesh, we demonstrate that the two proteins are present in the cytoplasm of differentiating enteroblasts and in cytoplasm and septate junctions of mature enterocytes. In both enteroblasts and enterocytes, loss of Snakeskin and Mesh causes Yorkie-dependent expression of the JAK-STAT pathway ligand Upd3, which in turn promotes proliferation of intestinal stem cells. Snakeskin and Mesh form a complex with each other, with other septate junction proteins and with Yorkie. Therefore, the Snakeskin-Mesh complex has both barrier and signaling function to maintain stem cell-mediated tissue homeostasis.
Topics: Animals; Cell Differentiation; Cell Self Renewal; Cytoplasm; Drosophila Proteins; Drosophila melanogaster; Enterocytes; Gap Junctions; Homeostasis; Janus Kinases; Membrane Proteins; Nuclear Proteins; STAT Transcription Factors; Trans-Activators; YAP-Signaling Proteins
PubMed: 32330445
DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2020.03.021 -
Journal of the Belgian Society of... Dec 2017To review the imaging characteristics of Morel-Lavallée lesions with both ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
OBJECTIVES
To review the imaging characteristics of Morel-Lavallée lesions with both ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We retrospectively analyzed 31 patients (mean age = 46 years), diagnosed with a Morel-Lavallée lesion, on ultrasound (n = 15) or MRI (n = 16). On ultrasound the echogenicity, internal septations, hyperechoic fat globules, compressibility and Doppler signal were evaluated. On MRI, T1- and T2-signal intensity, capsule presence, internal septations, enhancement, mass-effect and fluid-fluid levels were assessed. The MR images were classified according to the classification of Mellado and Bencardino.
RESULTS
Most of the lesions were situated peritrochanteric, around the knee or the lower leg. The majority of the lesions had a heterogeneous hypoechoic appearance with septations and intralesional fat globules. On MRI, most of the collections were hypointense on T1-weighted images and hyperintense on T2-weighted images. Half of the collections were encapsulated, and most collections demonstrated septations. The collections were classified as seroma (n = 10), subacute hematoma (n = 2) and chronic organizing hematoma (n = 5).
CONCLUSION
Ultrasound is the imaging method of choice to diagnose Morel-Lavallée lesions. MRI can be of use in selected cases (extension in different compartments, large collections, superinfection). Characteristic imaging features include a fusiform fluid collection between the subcutaneous fat and the underlying fascia with internal septations and fat globules. On MRI, six types of ML lesion can be differentiated, with the seroma, the subacute hematoma, and the chronic organizing hematoma being the most frequently observed lesions.
PubMed: 30498807
DOI: 10.5334/jbr-btr.1401 -
Journal of Cardiovascular Development... Nov 2020In this publication, dedicated to Professor Robert H. Anderson and his contributions to the field of cardiac development, anatomy, and congenital heart disease, we will... (Review)
Review
In this publication, dedicated to Professor Robert H. Anderson and his contributions to the field of cardiac development, anatomy, and congenital heart disease, we will review some of our earlier collaborative studies. The focus of this paper is on our work on the development of the atrioventricular mesenchymal complex, studies in which Professor Anderson has played a significant role. We will revisit a number of events relevant to atrial and atrioventricular septation and present new data on the development of the mesenchymal cap of the atrial septum, a component of the atrioventricular mesenchymal complex which, thus far, has received only moderate attention.
PubMed: 33158164
DOI: 10.3390/jcdd7040050 -
Chemosphere Sep 2022Dark septate endophytes (DSEs) comprise a diverse and ubiquitous group of fungal generalists with broad habitat niches that robustly colonize the roots of plants in... (Review)
Review
Dark septate endophytes (DSEs) comprise a diverse and ubiquitous group of fungal generalists with broad habitat niches that robustly colonize the roots of plants in stressful environments. DSEs possess adaptation strategies that determine their high tolerance to heavy metal (HM) contamination, drought, and salinity. Most DSEs developed efficient melanin-dependent and melanin-independent mechanisms of HM detoxification and osmoprotection, including intracellular immobilization and extracellular efflux of HMs and excess ions, and the scavenging of reactive oxygen species. DSEs form mutualistic relationship with plants according to the hypothesis of "habitat-adapted associations", supporting the survival of their hosts under stressful conditions. As saprophytes, DSEs mineralize a complex soil substrate improving plants' nutrition and physiological parameters. They can protect the host plant from HMs by limiting HM accumulation in plant tissues and causing their sequestration in root cell walls as insoluble compounds, preventing further HM translocation to shoots. The presence of DSE in drought-affected plants can substantially ameliorate the physiology and architecture of root systems, improving their hydraulic properties. Plant growth-promoting features, supported by the versatility and easy culturing of DSEs, determine their high potential to enhance phytoremediation and revegetation projects for HM-contaminated, saline, and desertic lands reclamation.
Topics: Endophytes; Fungi; Melanins; Metals, Heavy; Plant Roots; Plants
PubMed: 35525444
DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134830 -
Fertility and Sterility Sep 2021To review the diagnosis and management of 3 variations of incomplete müllerian duct fusion and reabsorption.
OBJECTIVE
To review the diagnosis and management of 3 variations of incomplete müllerian duct fusion and reabsorption.
DESIGN
Narrated video delineating the surgical management of 3 müllerian anomalies; this video was deemed exempt from review by the institutional review board of the Mayo Clinic.
SETTING
Tertiary care academic medical center.
PATIENT(S)
This video focuses on 3 müllerian anomalies: complete septate uterus with a single septate cervix (septate uterus unicollis); complete septate uterus with duplicated cervix (septate uterus bicollis); and complete duplication of the uterus and cervix (uterine didelphys).
INTERVENTION(S)
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cervical septoplasty, operative hysteroscopy, and uterine septoplasty.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)
Several variations of uterine malformations exist. In our practice, we differentiate complete septate uteri as either unicollis or bicollis via MRI and vaginal examination. The bicollis presentation can be identified on MRI by the "lambda sign," which is seen as the 2 cervices that diverge as they enter the vagina. This is in comparison with the unicollis presentation when the single septate cervix can be traced with parallel lines as it enters the vagina. The circle method is described in this video to help distinguish between a single and duplicated cervix on examination.
RESULT(S)
The cervical and uterine septa were resected completely in the patient with a complete septate uterus unicollis. In contrast, the uterine septum was resected completely and the 2 cervical canals were not incised in the case of the complete septate uterus bicollis. Although uterine and cervical septa resection is controversial, our practice is to avoid the incision of the 2 cervical canals in cases that are more clearly consistent with a bicollis classification.
CONCLUSION(S)
Müllerian anomalies represent a continuum of disorders caused by different degrees of disruption in embryogenesis. MRI with vaginal gel and vaginal examination are tools to help classify the anomaly and guide surgical management.
Topics: Cervix Uteri; Female; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Mullerian Ducts; Urogenital Abnormalities; Uterus
PubMed: 34016433
DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.04.027 -
Journal of Gynecology Obstetrics and... May 2024Patients with a septate uterus often have endometriosis, which can exacerbate their adverse pregnancy outcomes. We aimed to describe the clinical characteristics and...
OBJECTIVES
Patients with a septate uterus often have endometriosis, which can exacerbate their adverse pregnancy outcomes. We aimed to describe the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients with a septate uterus complicated by endometriosis.
STUDY DESIGN
This retrospective study included patients who had a septate uterus complicated by endometriosis and were treated in Wuhan Tongji Hospital in the past 10 years. The characteristics of patients with a septate uterus and endometriosis were collected and described in terms of their preoperative and postoperative pregnancy outcomes.
RESULTS
There were 24 cases with a complete septate uterus and 49 cases with an incomplete septate uterus.Combinations of other malformations are more common in patients with complete septate uterus. In patients with a septate uterus, endometriosis often affected the ovaries, most commonly the left side (P < 0.001). Non-significant difference in the staging of endometriosis between complete and incomplete septate uterus (P= 0.812). Surgical treatment greatly improved the reproductive function and increased the live birth rate of patients with a septate uterus complicated by endometriosis (P < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
Compared to a septate uterus uncomplicated endometriosis, a septate uterus complicated by endometriosis significantly affects reproductive function. Surgical treatment can significantly improve the pregnancy outcomes of patients with a septate uterus and endometriosis. Clinicians should pay attention to timely diagnosing and treating these patients.
PubMed: 38806111
DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2024.102806 -
Frontiers in Neurology 2021Neuroendoscopic treatment is an alternative therapeutic strategy for the treatment of septate chronic subdural hematoma (sCSDH). However, the safety and efficacy of...
Neuroendoscopic treatment is an alternative therapeutic strategy for the treatment of septate chronic subdural hematoma (sCSDH). However, the safety and efficacy of this strategy remain controversial. We compared the clinical outcomes of neuroendoscopic treatment with those of standard (large bone flap) craniotomy for sCSDH reported in our center. Furthermore, the safety and efficacy of the neuroendoscopic treatment procedure for sCSDH were evaluated. We retrospectively collected the clinical data of 43 patients (37 men and six women) with sCSDH who underwent either neuroendoscopic treatment or standard (large bone flap) craniotomy, such as sex, age, smoking, drinking, medical history, use of antiplatelet drugs, postoperative complications, sCSDH recurrence, length of hospital stay, and postoperative hospital stay. We recorded the surgical procedures and the neurological function recovery prior to surgery and 6 months following the surgical treatment. The enrolled patients were categorized into neuroendoscopic treatment ( = 23) and standard (large bone flap) craniotomy ( = 20) groups. There were no differences in sex, age, smoking, drinking, medical history, antiplatelet drug use, postoperative complications, and sCSDH recurrence between the two groups ( > 0.05). However, the patients in neuroendoscopic treatment group had a shorter length of total hospital stay and postoperative hospital stay as compared with the standard craniotomy group (total hospital stay: 5.26 ± 1.89 vs. 8.15 ± 1.04 days, < 0.001; postoperative hospital stay: 4.47 ± 1.95 vs. 7.96 ± 0.97 days, < 0.001). The imaging and Modified Rankin Scale at the 6-month follow-up were satisfactory, and no sCSDH recurrence was reported in the two groups. The findings of this study indicate that neuroendoscopic treatment is safe and effective for sCSDH; it is minimally invasive and could be clinically utilized.
PubMed: 35087465
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.765109 -
Indian Journal of Thoracic and... Jan 2021Complex congenital heart defects that present earlier in life are sometimes channelled in the single ventricle pathway, because of anatomical or logistic challenges... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
Complex congenital heart defects that present earlier in life are sometimes channelled in the single ventricle pathway, because of anatomical or logistic challenges involved in biventricular correction. Given the long-term functional and survival advantage, and with the surgeons' improved understanding of the cardiac anatomy, we have consciously explored the feasibility of a biventricular repair in these patients when they presented later for Fontan completion. We present a single institution's 10-year experience in achieving biventricular septation of prior univentricular repairs, the technical and physiological challenges and the surgical outcomes.
METHODS
Between June 2010 and December 2019, 246 patients were channelized in the single ventricle pathway, of which 32 patients were identified as potential biventricular candidates at the time of evaluation for Fontan palliation, considering their anatomic feasibility. The surgical technique involves routing of the left ventricle to the aorta across the ventricular septal defect, ensuring an adequate sized right ventricular cavity, establishing right ventricle-pulmonary artery continuity and taking down the Glenn shunt with rerouting of the superior vena cava to the right atrium. This is a retrospective study where we reviewed the unique physiological and surgical characteristics of this subset of patients and analysed their surgical outcomes and complications.
RESULTS
Biventricular conversion was achieved in all cases except in 3 patients, who had the Glenn shunt retained leading to a one and a half ventricle repair. The average age of the patients was 4.9 years of whom 18 were male. The average cardiopulmonary bypass time was 371 min with an average cross clamp time of 162 min. There was one mortality in a patient with corrected transposition of great arteries (c-TGA) with extensive arterio-venous malformations (AVMs). At a median follow-up of 60 months, all patients remained symptom free except two with NYHA II symptoms, one being treated for branch pulmonary artery stenosis with balloon dilatation and the other with multiple AVMs who needed coil closure. One patient with branch pulmonary artery (PA) stenosis required balloon dilatation and stent placement.
CONCLUSION
The possibility of achieving the surgical goal in this unique subset of patients evolves with the progressive experience of the congenital heart surgeon. Case selection is a crucial aspect in achieving the desired outcome, and this 'borderline' substrate is often recognized at the time of evaluation for the Fontan completion. A comprehensive preoperative imaging and planning helps in achieving the surgical septation and reconnection to achieve the desired physiological circulation. Though technically challenging, the surgery has excellent short- and mid-term outcomes as evidenced by our 10-year experience.
PubMed: 33603287
DOI: 10.1007/s12055-020-00938-9 -
Facts, Views & Vision in ObGyn Sep 2021Septate uterus is the most common uterine malformation found in women presenting poor reproductive history. Hysteroscopic septoplasty (HS) restores the uterine anatomy...
BACKGROUND
Septate uterus is the most common uterine malformation found in women presenting poor reproductive history. Hysteroscopic septoplasty (HS) restores the uterine anatomy in a safe procedure.
OBJECTIVES
The goal of our study is to determine the reproductive outcomes after HS of symptomatic septate uterus.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In a retrospective observational single centre study the reproductive outcomes and complications after HS were evaluated in 31 women with symptomatic septate uterus. The patients were separated into two groups according to the symptoms - infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL).
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
were the pregnancy and live birth rate and secondarily the complication rate. Furthermore, the results were analysed depending on the need of assisted reproductive techniques (ART).
RESULTS
The treatment has resulted in an overall pregnancy rate of 71% for both groups. The spontaneous pregnancy rate is 45% and 8 pregnancies resulted from ART (26%). The overall first live birth rate is 51.6%. A decrease has been noticed in the miscarriage rate from 95.24% to 24% (p<0.001) in the overall population.
CONCLUSIONS
In patients with a symptomatic septate uterus hysteroscopic septoplasty is a safe and effective procedure. The favourable results pointing out the benefits of surgery on the reproductive outcomes as well as the relatively simple and safe technique of HS make the intervention attractive.
PubMed: 34555879
DOI: 10.52054/FVVO.13.3.032 -
Cardiovascular Research Jun 2022The adapter protein p130Cas, encoded by the Bcar1 gene, is a key regulator of cell movement, adhesion, and cell cycle control in diverse cell types. Bcar1 constitutive...
AIMS
The adapter protein p130Cas, encoded by the Bcar1 gene, is a key regulator of cell movement, adhesion, and cell cycle control in diverse cell types. Bcar1 constitutive knockout mice are embryonic lethal by embryonic days (E) 11.5-12.5, but the role of Bcar1 in embryonic development remains unclear. Here, we investigated the role of Bcar1 specifically in cardiovascular development and defined the cellular and molecular mechanisms disrupted following targeted Bcar1 deletions.
METHODS AND RESULTS
We crossed Bcar1 floxed mice with Cre transgenic lines allowing for cell-specific knockout either in smooth muscle and early cardiac tissues (SM22-Cre), mature smooth muscle cells (smMHC-Cre), endothelial cells (Tie2-Cre), second heart field cells (Mef2c-Cre), or neural crest cells (NCC) (Pax3-Cre) and characterized these conditional knock outs using a combination of histological and molecular biology techniques. Conditional knockout of Bcar1 in SM22-expressing smooth muscle cells and cardiac tissues (Bcar1SM22KO) was embryonically lethal from E14.5-15.5 due to severe cardiovascular defects, including abnormal ventricular development and failure of outflow tract (OFT) septation leading to a single outflow vessel reminiscent of persistent truncus arteriosus. SM22-restricted loss of Bcar1 was associated with failure of OFT cushion cells to undergo differentiation to septal mesenchymal cells positive for SMC-specific α-actin, and disrupted expression of proteins and transcription factors involved in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transformation (EMT). Furthermore, knockout of Bcar1 specifically in NCC (Bcar1PAX3KO) recapitulated part of the OFT septation and aortic sac defects seen in the Bcar1SM22KO mutants, indicating a cell-specific requirement for Bcar1 in NCC essential for OFT septation. In contrast, conditional knockouts of Bcar1 in differentiated smooth muscle, endothelial cells, and second heart field cells survived to term and were phenotypically normal at birth and postnatally.
CONCLUSION
Our work reveals a cell-specific requirement for Bcar1 in NCC, early myogenic and cardiac cells, essential for OFT septation, myocardialization and EMT/cell cycle regulation and differentiation to myogenic lineages.
Topics: Animals; Crk-Associated Substrate Protein; Endothelial Cells; Heart; Heart Defects, Congenital; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Neural Crest; Transcription Factors
PubMed: 34270692
DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvab242