Qualitative and quantitative changes in beta-1,4-glucosidase accompanying growth of Aspergillus nidulans

A comparative study of the wild type A. nidulans and a mutant strain aco-T69 (lacking conidia and cleistothecia) revealed the better production of beta-1,4-glucosidase in the former. The relative distribution of the enzyme levels in various morphological structures viz. somatic hyphae, spores and cleistothecia also showed a variation. Highest specific activity was found in the cleistothecial extracts. The electrophoretic analysis of the wild type strain demonstrated the presence of three isoenzymes of beta-1,4-glucosidase i.e. beta-GLU I, beta-GLU II and beta-GLU III, the number of which varies from one to three during the growth of the organism. The parallel study of the mutant strain showed complete absence of beta-GLU II. All three forms were present in the somatic hyphae and cleistothecial extracts while spore extracts depicted the absence of beta-GLU III in the wild type.     

Hepatic falciform artery

The hepatic falciform artery is an occasional terminal branch of the left or middle hepatic artery, and may provide an uncommon but important collateral route when the principal visceral arteries are occluded.     

The blood-brain barrier models to study apolipoprotein E genotypes in Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease(AD)is a neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by an age-dependent progressive decline of memory,impairment of cognitive functions and changes in personality and behavior.Despite the improvement in understanding of the mechanisms underlying the disease,AD remains an incurable complex disorder with multifaceted pathophysiology to date.Apolipoprotein E(ApoE)is the main cholesterol carrier in the brain that supports lipid transport between brain cells.The individuals carrying the APOE4 allele are known to be at increased risk of developing AD compared with those carrying the more common APOE3 allele.     

History of Spinal Fusion: Where We Came from and Where We Are Going

HSS Journal ® - Spinal fusion surgery is performed all over the world to help patients with cervical and thoracolumbar pathology. As outcomes continue to improve in patients with spine-related...     

Off-clamp robot-assisted partial nephrectomy for complex renal tumors

Abstract Background and Purpose: Considering the potential impact of warm ischemia time (WIT) on renal functional outcomes after robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN), many techniques that reduce or eliminate WIT have been studied. We present our institutional experience and progression using one such technique-off-clamp RAPN-as well as the results of this technique in the management of complex cases. Patients and Methods: A retrospective chart review of 65 patients undergoing off-clamp RAPN was performed, 15 of whom underwent off-clamp RAPN for 26 complex tumors. Complex features included hilar location, completely endophytic growth, and ipsilateral multifocality. In all cases, hilar vessels were dissected but not clamped. Results: Mean tumor size was 2.5?cm (standard deviation; [SD]=1.4), while mean nephrometry score was 8.7 (SD=1.5). One (7%) intraoperative complication occurred. Mean estimated blood loss was 403?mL (SD=381), mean operative time was 190 minutes (SD=68), and WIT was 0 minutes in all cases. Mean length of stay was 1.8 days (SD=0.9), with one patient needing a postoperative blood transfusion (Clavien II complication). Final pathology results demonstrated clear-cell carcinoma (n=16), papillary carcinoma (n=4), angiomyolipoma (n=1), oncocytoma (n=2), and cystic nephroma (n=3). Margins were negative for tumor for 96% (25/26) of resected masses. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decreased by an average of 3.1?mL/min/1.73m(2) (SD=9.8, P=0.24), at a mean follow-up of 177 days (SD=296). Five patients with radiographic follow-up of at least 6 months have no evidence of disease recurrence. Conclusions: Off-clamp RAPN can be safely and effectively performed even in the case of complex tumors, but occurs with higher estimated blood loss. Minimal changes in eGFR were experienced by patients undergoing off-clamp RAPN at an average follow-up of roughly 6 months. Longer follow-up and direct comparison with conventional clamped RAPN technique are needed to establish the efficacy of off-clamp RAPN in complex cases.     

Glenoid labrum: preliminary work with use of radial-sequence MR imaging

The authors describe a magnetic resonance imaging method for examination of the glenoid labrum of the shoulder joint that utilizes a radial fast-imaging sequence. Seven shoulders were examined: a total of five in three healthy asymptomatic volunteers, one in a symptomatic patient not suspected of having a lesion of the glenoid labrum, and one in a patient with recurrent shoulder dislocation and surgical proof of an extensive tear of the labrum. The preliminary results suggest that this technique may advantageously demonstrate pathologic changes in the glenoid labrum and may contribute to the evaluation of the unstable and painful shoulder.     

Temporomandibular joint arthrography following surgical treatment of internal derangements

Arthrograms of the temporomandibular joint were obtained in 20 symptomatic joints that had previous reconstructive arthroplasty with disk repositioning because of internal derangements. Preoperative arthrograms were available for comparison in 18 joints. Symptoms resulting in a postoperative arthrogram included pain, limited ability to open the mouth, and clicking of the joints. Postoperative arthrographic findings included limited anterior translation of the condyle (90%), irregularity in outline of the intraarticular contrast agent (60%), a conical configuration of the posterior recess (25%), decreased size of the joint (28%), anterior displacement of the meniscus (25%), and perforated meniscus (15%). Many of these findings may have resulted from fibrosis and scarring, which may be a response to intraarticular bleeding. The mechanism by which the fibrosis causes the postsurgical arthrographic features is discussed.