Arteriovenous Anastomosis in Human Hand Digital Skin.

While a digital arteriovenous anastomosis (Hoyer-Grosser's organ, Masson's glomus) is a well-known structure, photographic evidence of communication between arterial and venous lumens might not be demonstrated in routine histological or immunohistochemical analysis. Abundant clusters of so-called glomera were found in semi-serial sections of the distal aspect of 14 fingers obtained from 7 donated elderly cadavers. Two to six round or oval clusters were observed in each longitudinal section (over 0.

Fetal development of the human trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles.

At present, there is no photographic evidence of splitting of the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles (SCMs), which share a common anlage that extends caudally toward the limb bud in the embryo at a length of 9 mm. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to identify which structures divide the caudal end of the common anlage at the first sign of splitting into two muscles. In 11 mm-long specimens, the SCM and trapezius muscles were identified as a single mesenchymal condensation.

A failed case to diagnose cardiac sarcoidosis presenting advanced atrioventricular block.

A 53-year-old-male developed atrioventricular block in January 2001. A chest X-ray and laboratory tests, including serum angiotensin converting enzyme, were normal. The patient underwent permanent pacemaker implantation and attended for semiannual follow-up after discharge since the etiology of advanced atrioventricular block remains unknown.

Identification of the interleukin 4 receptor alpha gene as a direct target for p73.

p73 has a high degree of structural homology to p53 and can activate transcription of p53-responsive genes. However, analysis of p73-deficient mice revealed a marked divergence in the physiological activities of p53 family genes and distinguishes p73 from p53. Mice deficient for p73 exhibit profound defects, including hippocampal dysgenesis, chronic infection, and inflammation, as well as abnormalities in pheromone sensory pathways.

Identification of the osteopontin gene as a direct target of TP53.

The TP53 tumor suppressor gene regulates a number of genes that are involved in cell-cycle inhibition, apoptosis, and maintaining genetic stability. Recently, two genes that have a role in immunosurveillance were identified as downstream targets of TP53. These genes, TAP1 and fractalkine, may contribute to suppress tumor growth through host immunosurveillance.

The p53 family member genes are involved in the Notch signal pathway.

The p53 tumor suppressor is a transcription factor that regulates cell growth and death in response to environmental stimuli such as DNA damage. p63/p51 and p73 were recently identified as members of the p53 gene family. In contrast to p53 however, p63 and p73 are rarely mutated in human cancers.