Differentiation-dependent glycosylation of cells in squamous cell epithelia detected by a mammalian lectin

The squamous stratified epithelia contain a proliferative (harboring mitotic activity) and a differentiating compartment. Due to the potential of protein-carbohyd rate interactions to regulate cellular activities we introduced a mammalian lectin to cyto- and histochemical analysis. We answer the questions of whether and to what extent this new probe can pinpoint differentiation-dependent glycosylation changes in sections and in culture of keratinocytes. Material and Methods: Purification and labeling enabled monitoring of galectin-3 reactivity in frozen sections of human and pig epidermis and basal cell carcinomas as well as in culture of keratinocytes. The staining pattern of the lectin was correlated with the staining profile of other cell markers including desmosomal proteins, beta(1) integrin, and the proliferation marker Ki-67. The Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA) sharing binding reactivity of galectin-3 to the A type histoblood group epitope was used for comparison. Results: Both lectins exhibit suprabasal binding. However, their profiles were not identical, substantiated by lack of coinhibition. Strong DBA reactivity was also observed in a limited number of basal layer cells, namely in cells without the expression of the proliferation marker Ki-67. Cultured mitotic epidermal cells have no reactivity for DBA. Presence of ligands for this plant lectin was connected with decreased positivity of nuclei for Ki-67 and the occurrence of ring-shaped nucleoli, micronucleoli or absence of nucleoli. Considering colocalization the pattern of galectin-3-binding sites coincided with the presence of desmosomal proteins such as desmoplakin-1 and desmoglein but not beta(1) integrin, a potential ligand. Interestingly, studied basal cell carcinomas expressed no binding sites for galectin-3, while a limited number of cells were DBA-reactive. Conclusion: The expression of galectin-3-binding sites and also DBA-reactive glycoligands correlates with an increased level of differentiation and/or cessation of proliferation in the examined squamous stratified epithelia. Further application of tissue lectins for characterizing ligand expression and its modulation is an important step to reveal functional relevance

Endoscopic endonasal approach for mass resection of the pterygopalatine fossa

OBJECTIVES: Access to the pterygopalatine fossa is very difficult due to its complex anatomy. Therefore, an open approach is traditionally used, but morbidity is unavoidable. To overcome this problem, an endoscopic endonasal approach was developed as a minimally invasive procedure. The surgical aim of the present study was to evaluate the utility of the endoscopic endonasal approach for the management of both benign and malignant tumors of the pterygopalatine fossa. METHOD: We report our experience with the endoscopic endonasal approach for the management of both benign and malignant tumors and summarize recent recommendations. A total of 13 patients underwent surgery via the endoscopic endonasal approach for pterygopalatine fossa masses from 2014 to 2016. This case group consisted of 12 benign tumors (10 juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas and two schwannomas) and one malignant tumor. RESULTS: No recurrent tumor developed during the follow-up period. One residual tumor (juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma) that remained in the cavernous sinus was stable. There were no significant complications. Typical sequelae included hypesthesia of the maxillary nerve, trismus, and dry eye syndrome. CONCLUSION: The low frequency of complications together with the high efficacy of resection support the use of the endoscopic endonasal approach as a feasible, safe, and beneficial technique for the management of masses in the pterygopalatine fossa

Differentiation-dependent glycosylation of cells in squamous cell epithelia detected by a mammalian lectin

The squamous stratified epithelia contain a proliferative (harboring mitotic activity) and a differentiating compartment. Due to the potential of protein-carbohyd rate interactions to regulate cellular activities we introduced a mammalian lectin to cyto- and histochemical analysis. We answer the questions of whether and to what extent this new probe can pinpoint differentiation-dependent glycosylation changes in sections and in culture of keratinocytes. Material and Methods: Purification and labeling enabled monitoring of galectin-3 reactivity in frozen sections of human and pig epidermis and basal cell carcinomas as well as in culture of keratinocytes. The staining pattern of the lectin was correlated with the staining profile of other cell markers including desmosomal proteins, beta(1) integrin, and the proliferation marker Ki-67. The Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA) sharing binding reactivity of galectin-3 to the A type histoblood group epitope was used for comparison. Results: Both lectins exhibit suprabasal binding. However, their profiles were not identical, substantiated by lack of coinhibition. Strong DBA reactivity was also observed in a limited number of basal layer cells, namely in cells without the expression of the proliferation marker Ki-67. Cultured mitotic epidermal cells have no reactivity for DBA. Presence of ligands for this plant lectin was connected with decreased positivity of nuclei for Ki-67 and the occurrence of ring-shaped nucleoli, micronucleoli or absence of nucleoli. Considering colocalization the pattern of galectin-3-binding sites coincided with the presence of desmosomal proteins such as desmoplakin-1 and desmoglein but not beta(1) integrin, a potential ligand. Interestingly, studied basal cell carcinomas expressed no binding sites for galectin-3, while a limited number of cells were DBA-reactive. Conclusion: The expression of galectin-3-binding sites and also DBA-reactive glycoligands correlates with an increased level of differentiation and/or cessation of proliferation in the examined squamous stratified epithelia. Further application of tissue lectins for characterizing ligand expression and its modulation is an important step to reveal functional relevance

Application of the fantasy and sci-fi literature and the film on teaching science

Práce se zabývá fyzikálním rozborem literárních a filmových sci-fi ukázek. Součástí práce jsou prezentace využitelné v hodinách fyziky na středních školách. Pro účely výběru a zaměření prezentací byl proveden dotazníkový průzkum zjišťující povědomí o sci-fi filmech, seriálech a literatuře. Dále v rámci práce bylo provedeno šetření zabývající se dosavadním využitím sci-fi v učebnicích fyziky a byly popsány možnosti klasických výukových metod. V závěru práce je shrnut vliv prezentací na výkony žáků a je zde proveden průzkum pojmů science fiction a fantasy.NeobhájenoThe disertation is dealing with physical analysis of literary and film sci-fi extracts. It~includes presentation usable in the science lessons at secondary schools. The survey mapping awarenes of sci-fi films and literature was carried out for the purpose of~choosing and focusing the presentations. Further investigation dealing with existing usage of sci-fi in science textbooks was carried out and there were described classical ways of educational methods. In the conclusion of the disertation the effect of the presentations on the students' results is summarised and survey on terms of science fiction and fantasy is carried out

Clinical Study Zenker's Diverticulum: Carbon Dioxide Laser Endoscopic Surgery

Nowadays endoscopic diverticulotomy is the surgical approach of the first choice in treatment of Zenker's diverticulum. We report our experience with this procedure and try to sum up recent recommendations for management of surgery and postoperative care. Data of 34 patients with Zenker's diverticulum, treated by endoscopic carbon dioxide laser diverticulotomy at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic, were prospectively stored and followed in relatively short period from May 2009 to December 2013. The average length of diverticulum was 32 mm. The average duration of surgery was 32 min. The patients were fed via feeding tube for 6.1 days and antibiotics were administered for 7 days. Mean hospitalization time was 7.4 days. We observed one transient recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis and no other serious complications. Recurrence rate was 3%. We recommend complete transection of the diverticular septum in one procedure, systemic antibiotic treatment and exclusion of transoral intake for minimally 5 days, and contrast oesophagogram before resumption of oral intake to exclude fistula. Open diverticulectomy should be reserved for cases with inadequate endoscopic exposure and for revision surgery for multiple recurrences from endoscopic diverticulotomies

Zenker's Diverticulum: Carbon Dioxide Laser Endoscopic Surgery

Nowadays endoscopic diverticulotomy is the surgical approach of the first choice in treatment of Zenker's diverticulum. We report our experience with this procedure and try to sum up recent recommendations for management of surgery and postoperative care. Data of 34 patients with Zenker's diverticulum, treated by endoscopic carbon dioxide laser diverticulotomy at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic, were prospectively stored and followed in relatively short period from May 2009 to December 2013. The average length of diverticulum was 32 mm. The average duration of surgery was 32 min. The patients were fed via feeding tube for 6.1 days and antibiotics were administered for 7 days. Mean hospitalization time was 7.4 days. We observed one transient recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis and no other serious complications. Recurrence rate was 3%. We recommend complete transection of the diverticular septum in one procedure, systemic antibiotic treatment and exclusion of transoral intake for minimally 5 days, and contrast oesophagogram before resumption of oral intake to exclude fistula. Open diverticulectomy should be reserved for cases with inadequate endoscopic exposure and for revision surgery for multiple recurrences from endoscopic diverticulotomies

Endoscopic/External Approaches in Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery

Editoria