Role of K Ca 3.1 Channels in Proliferation and Migration of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells by Diabetic Rat Serum

Abstract Proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are important events in the development of diabetic atherosclerosis. Previous studies have suggested that K Ca 3.1 channels participate in atherosclerosis and coronary artery restenosis. In the present study, we attempted to clarify the roles of K Ca 3.1 channels in the proliferation and migration of VSMCs using experimental type-2 diabetes rat serum and aortic smooth muscle cells (SMC) prepared from non-diabetic rats. mRNA and protein levels and current density of K Ca 3.1 channels were greatly enhanced in cultured VSMCs treated with diabetic serum. In addition, diabetic serum promoted cell proliferation and migration in cultured VSMCs, and the effects were fully reversed in the cells treated with the K Ca 3.1 channels blocker TRAM-34. In conclusion, serum from diabetic rats increases the expression of K Ca 3.1 channels and promotes proliferation and migration of VSMCs to possibly participate in vascular remodeling in diabetes

Pedicled Descending Branch Latissimus Dorsi Mini-flap for Repairing Partial Mastectomy Defect: A New Technique

Summary:. Volume loss is 1 of the major factors influencing cosmetic outcomes of breast after partial mastectomy (PM), especially for smaller breasts, and therefore, volume replacement is critical for optimizing the final aesthetic outcome. We present a novel technique of raising a pedicled descending branch latissimus dorsi (LD) mini-flap for reconstruction of PM defects via an axillary incision. After PM, the LD mini-flap is harvested through the existing axillary incision of the axillary dissection or the sentinel lymph node biopsy. The descending branches of thoracodorsal vessels and nerve are carefully identified and isolated. The transverse branches are protected to maintain muscle innervation and function. The LD muscle is then undermined posteriorly and inferiorly to create a submuscular pocket and a subcutaneous pocket between LD muscle and superficial fascia. Once the submuscular plane is created, the muscle is divided along the muscle fibers from the deep surface including a layer of fat above the muscle. Finally, the LD mini-flap is transferred to the breast defect. Given the limited length and mobility of the LD mini-flap, this approach is best utilized for lateral breast defects. However, for medial defects, the lateral breast tissue is rearranged to reconstruct the medial breast defect, and an LD mini-flap is then used to reconstruct the lateral breast donor site. This technique can therefore be employed to reconstruct all quadrants of the breast and can provide aesthetic outcomes without scars on the back, with minimal dysfunction of LD muscle

Characteristic and surgical results of multisegment intramedullary cervical spinal cord tumors

Background: To evaluate the clinical characteristic, microsurgical treatment and outcomes of patients with multi-segment intramedullary cervical spinal cord tumors (MSICCT). Materials and methods: Prospective single center cohort study. 63 patients underwent microsurgery for MSICCT. Pre and postoperative function were assessed using the modified McCormick's grade, IJOA scoring system, and analyzed using the appropriate statistical tests. Results: 41 males, 22 females, three spinal segments were involved in 22(35%) cases, four or more in 41(65%) of cases. Majority of the tumors were ependymoma (54%), followed by astrocytoma (low grade 25%, high grade 8%). McCormick's grade: I&II in 40 patients (64%). There was no statistical difference between preoperative and three-month postoperative IJOA scores (P = 0.76), indicating no significant neurological deterioration after surgery. The extent of surgical resection was highly correlated to histological tumor type of MSICCT (χ2 = 34.82, P = 0.0001) and three-month postoperative IJOA scores (F = 2.62, P = 0.006). There is a high proportion of total resection in ependymomas, haemangioblastomas, cavernomas and schwannoma, whereas, we only achieved partial resection in most gliomas. With a mean follow up of 5.5 years (3 months–more than 12 years), clinical outcome improved or stabilized in 91% of cases (80% improved, 11% stabilized, 9% deteriorated). Conclusion: This series of MSICCT showed that high extent of surgical resection could be achieved in most ependymomas with good long-term outcome. Astrocytomas, in contrary remained challenging with 25% achieved gross total resection. Overall, compared to previous surgical series, we showed encouraging improvement in the clinical outcome of these patients managed surgically