Actin instability alters red blood cell mechanics and Piezo1 channel activity.

The organization and dynamics of the spectrin-actin membrane cytoskeleton play a crucial role in determining the mechanical properties of red blood cells (RBC). RBC are subjected to various forces that induce deformation during blood microcirculation. Such forces also regulate membrane tension, leading to Piezo1 channel activation, which is functionally linked to RBC dehydration through calcium influx and subsequent activation of Gardos channels, ultimately resulting in variations in RBC volume.

Orbital cavitary rhabdomyosarcoma: a diagnostic dilemma.

The authors present a rare form of orbital cavitary rhabdomyosarcoma in which lymphangioma was mistakenly diagnosed on the basis of echography and MRI. Rhabdomyosarcoma can usually be differentiated from lymphangioma by echographic and MR imaging, because cavitation is very rare in orbital rhabdomyosarcoma, but rhabdomyosarcoma should be suspected whenever the clinical presentation of a rapidly progressive unilateral exophthalmos is observed in a child.