Quantifying Filopodia in Cultured Astrocytes by an Algorithm.

Astrocytes in vivo extend thin processes termed peripheral astrocyte processes (PAPs), in particular around synapses where they can mediate glia-neuronal communication. The relation of PAPs to synapses is not based on coincidence, but it is not clear which stimuli and mechanisms lead to their formation and are active during process extension/ retraction in response to neuronal activity. Also, the molecular basis of the extremely fine PAP morphology (often 50 to 100 nm) is not understood.

Lymph node hypoplasia is associated with adverse outcomes in node-negative colon cancer using advanced lymph node dissection methods.

Purpose: Lymph node size as a prognostic parameter has not been investigated well in the past. Recent data, however, have indicated that this parameter could be even more important than the lymph node count.

Methods: Based on the results of earlier studies, we analyzed the lymph node size and number of node-negative colon cancer patients with regard to survival.

Lymph node size as a simple prognostic factor in node negative colon cancer and an alternative thesis to stage migration.

Background: Stage migration is an accepted explanation for the association between lymph node (LN) yield and outcome in colon cancer. To investigate whether the alternative thesis of immune response is more likely, we performed a retrospective study.

Methods: We enrolled 239 cases of node negative cancers, which were categorized according to the number of LNs with diameters larger than 5 mm (LN5) into the groups LN5-very low (0 to 1 LN5), LN5-low (2 to 5 LN5), and LN5-high (≥6 LN5).

Structural plasticity of perisynaptic astrocyte processes involves ezrin and metabotropic glutamate receptors.

The peripheral astrocyte process (PAP) preferentially associates with the synapse. The PAP, which is not found around every synapse, extends to or withdraws from it in an activity-dependent manner. Although the pre- and postsynaptic elements have been described in great molecular detail, relatively little is known about the PAP because of its difficult access for electrophysiology or light microscopy, as they are smaller than microscopic resolution.

Short-term results of Karydakis flap for pilonidal sinus disease.

Background: Because of the higher quality of life that the Karydakis flap provides compared to excision-only treatment, it became a recommended closure technique for pilonidal sinus disease. This study aimed to evaluate whether Karydakis flap technique can be performed in potentially infected tissue if the surrounding cellulitis allows wound closure.

Methods: 188 patients with pilonidal sinus who underwent excision only (n=91, 48%) or the Karydakis-flap technique (n=97, 52%) were evaluated.