Tissue Contraction With Helium-Based Plasma Radiofrequency Technology: A Preliminary Report of Initial Ultrasound Findings.

Background: Application of helium-based plasma radiofrequency (RF; Renuvion, Apyx Medical, Clearwater, FL) in the subcutaneous plane results in tissue coagulation and contraction. Although, traditionally, the impact of thermal devices on skin laxity is assessed by measuring changes in skin surface area, this indirect measure does not permit intraoperative assessment or differentiation of effects from various treatments.

Objectives: To determine the amount of soft tissue contraction achieved by multiple passes of helium plasma RF energy to the subcutaneous connective tissues following power-assisted liposuction (PAL).

Regional differences in three-dimensional fiber organization, smooth muscle cell phenotype, and contractility in the pregnant mouse cervix.

The orientation and function of smooth muscle in the cervix may contribute to the important biomechanical properties that change during pregnancy. Thus, this study examined the three-dimensional structure, smooth muscle phenotype, and mechanical and contractile functions of the upper and lower cervix of nongravid (not pregnant) and gravid (pregnant) mice. In gravid cervix, we uncovered region-specific changes in the structure and organization of fiber tracts.

A CRISPRi Library Screen in Group B Identifies Surface Immunogenic Protein (Sip) as a Mediator of Multiple Host Interactions.

Group B (GBS; ) is an important pathobiont capable of colonizing various host environments, contributing to severe perinatal infections. Surface proteins play critical roles in GBS-host interactions, yet comprehensive studies of these proteins' functions have been limited by genetic manipulation challenges. This study leveraged a CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) library to target genes encoding surface-trafficked proteins in GBS, identifying their roles in modulating macrophage cytokine responses.

Loss of β-cell KATP reduces Ca2+ sensitivity of insulin secretion and Trpm5 expression.

Loss-of-function (LOF) mutations in KATP channels cause hyperexcitability and insulin hypersecretion, resulting in congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI). Paradoxically, despite the initial insulin hypersecretion, many CHI cases, as well as KATP knockout (KO) animals, eventually 'crossover' to undersecretion and even diabetes. Here we confirm that Sur1 KO islets exhibit higher intracellular [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]i) at all [glucose], but show decreased glucose-stimulated insulin secretion.