Hepatocyte apical bulkheads provide a mechanical means to oppose bile pressure.

Hepatocytes grow their apical surfaces anisotropically to generate a 3D network of bile canaliculi (BC). BC elongation is ensured by apical bulkheads, membrane extensions that traverse the lumen and connect juxtaposed hepatocytes. We hypothesize that apical bulkheads are mechanical elements that shape the BC lumen in liver development but also counteract elevated biliary pressure.

Anisotropic expansion of hepatocyte lumina enforced by apical bulkheads.

Lumen morphogenesis results from the interplay between molecular pathways and mechanical forces. In several organs, epithelial cells share their apical surfaces to form a tubular lumen. In the liver, however, hepatocytes share the apical surface only between adjacent cells and form narrow lumina that grow anisotropically, generating a 3D network of bile canaliculi (BC).

Coverage of clavicular area by a pectoralis minor pedicle flap: anatomical study and description of three clinical cases.

As the data in the literature concerning the vascularization of the pectoralis minor were conflicting, we conducted a new anatomic study on cadavers preliminary to clinical application of a pedicle flap for clavicular coverage in 3 patients. Twenty flaps were dissected, yielding numerous anatomic variations. In all cases, the principal arteries penetrated the muscle in its upper part, either posteriorly or posterolaterally.

[How to improve breast implant reconstructions?].

Prosthetic breast reconstruction is a simple procedure that has become a standard of care for breast reconstruction. The technique generally provides satisfactory results, although minor defaults requiring further correction may sometimes be detected. The present study is a systematic review of prosthetic breast reconstruction defaults, which we have classified in different categories: shape too round, disruption of inframammary fold, excessive firmness, wrinkling and rippling, and localized imperfections.

[The lateral brachial flap: retrospective study of its face's utilisation between 1995 and 2002].

The lateral brachial flap is a fascio-cutaneus flap. This flap is secured. The functional and cosmetic sequelae are limited.

[Total knee arthroplasty using a total condylar prosthesis].

The authors studied the cases of 52 patients (56 knees) treated with a total knee prosthesis of the type "total condylar" and "total condylar with posterior stabilization" over a 3-year period. Gonarthrosis (41 cases) and rheumatoid arthritis (12 cases) were the major indications. The analysis of functional results proves the success concerning mobility, pain and ability to negotiate stairs after knee arthroplasty.