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Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a common hereditary kidney disease. Although PKD occurrence is associated with certain gene mutations, its onset regulatory mechanisms are still not well understood. Here, we first report that the key enzyme geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGPPS) is specifically expressed in renal tubular epithelial cells of mouse kidneys. We aimed to explore the role of GGPPS in PKD. In this study, we established a Ggppsfl/fl:Cdh16cre mouse model and compared its phenotype with that of wild‐type mice. A Ggpps‐downregulation HK2 cell model was also used to further determine the role of GGPPS. We found that GGPPS was specifically expressed in renal tubular epithelial cells of mouse kidneys. Its expression also increased with age. Low GGPPS expression was observed in human ADPKD tissues. In the Ggppsfl/fl:Cdh16cre mouse model, Ggpps deletion in renal tubular epithelial cells induced the occurrence and development of renal tubule cystic dilation and caused the death of mice after birth due to abnormal renal function. Enhanced proliferation of cyst‐lining epithelial cells was also observed after the knockout of Ggpps. These processes were related to the increased rate of Rheb on membrane/cytoplasm and hyperactivation of mTORC1 signaling. In conclusion, the deficiency of GGPPS in kidney tubules induced the formation of renal cysts. It may play a critical role in PKD pathophysiology. A novel therapeutic strategy could be designed according to this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays the increasing amount of saline wastewaters has given rise to various biological desalination processes, among which the application possibilities of microalgae represents a priority research area. Next to "real" aquatic species (members of phytoplankton or phytobenthon), species from ephemeral aquatic habitats or aeroterrestrial algae also could be good candidates of research studying salt tolerance or desalination ability, since salinity stress is often referred as "physiological drought" and species from ephemeral habitats can be characterized by high drought tolerance. In this study, the salinity tolerance, salt and nutrient removal ability of a Haematococcus lacustris strain from eastern Hungary were investigated. Vegetative cells showed low salt tolerance, survival was ensured by the formation of cysts up to a sodium-chloride concentration of 2,000 mg l-1. Although relatively moderate (a max. 30%) conductivity reduction and chloride removal were observed, notable (nearly 100%) nitrate and phosphate removal occurred even in the presence of 2,000 mg l-1 NaCl. Carotenoid accumulation was observed earlier and in higher extent in salt treated cultures than in drying out ones, although the amount of astaxanthin-esters was significantly higher in the cultures of drying out experiment than in the corresponding cultures of salt treatment characterized with similar chloride content. Our results suggest that algae isolates from ephemeral aquatic habitats endangered by regular drying out (exposed to special salt stress), could have notable salt tolerance and consequently successful applicability in nutrient removal processes from slightly saline wastewaters. The accumulation of valuable metabolites (such as astaxanthin) as a response to salinity stress, could enhance the economic value of the biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collagen is an important material for biomedical research, but using mammalian tissue-derived collagen carries the risk of zoonotic disease transmission. Marine organisms, such as farmed tilapia, have emerged as a safe alternative source of collagen for biomedical research. However, the tilapia collagen products for biomedical research are rare, and their biological functions remain largely unexamined. In this study, we characterized a commercial tilapia skin collagen using SDS-PAGE and fibril formation assays and evaluated its effects on skin fibroblast adhesion, proliferation, and migration, comparing it with commercial collagen from rat tails, porcine skin, and bovine skin. The results showed that tilapia skin collagen is a type I collagen, similar to rat tail collagen, and has a faster fibril formation rate and better-promoting effects on cell migration than porcine and bovine skin collagen. We also confirmed its application in a 3D culture for kidney cells' spherical cyst formation, fibroblast-induced gel contraction, and tumor spheroid interfacial invasion. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the freeze-dried tilapia skin collagen scaffold improved wound closure in a mouse excisional wound model, similar to commercial porcine or bovine collagen wound dressings. In conclusion, tilapia skin collagen is an ideal biomaterial for biomedical research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of the coordination compounds TIA-84 and TIA-86 on the viability of Paramecium caudatum ciliates was studied. The LC50 toxic effect of the organic coordination compounds TIA-84 and TIA-86 in in vivo studies was found to be 3.8 ± 0.1 μM (TIA-84) and 1.2 ± 0.02 μM (TIA-86) time for 24 h and of 3.2 ± 0.5 μM (TIA-84) and 1.0 ± 0.03 μM (TIA-86) for 48 h. The studied compound TIA-84 has shown lower toxicity comparatively to analogue TIA-86 compound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays the increasing amount of saline wastewaters has given rise to various biological desalination processes, among which the application possibilities of microalgae represents a priority research area. Next to “real” aquatic species (members of phytoplankton or phytobenthon), species from ephemeral aquatic habitats or aeroterrestrial algae also could be good candidates of research studying salt tolerance or desalination ability, since salinity stress is often referred as “physiological drought” and species from ephemeral habitats can be characterized by high drought tolerance. In this study, the salinity tolerance, salt and nutrient removal ability of a Haematococcus lacustris strain from eastern Hungary were investigated. Vegetative cells showed low salt tolerance, survival was ensured by the formation of cysts up to a sodium-chloride concentration of 2,000 mg l−1. Although relatively moderate (a max. 30%) conductivity reduction and chloride removal were observed, notable (nearly 100%) nitrate and phosphate removal occurred even in the presence of 2,000 mg l−1 NaCl. Carotenoid accumulation was observed earlier and in higher extent in salt treated cultures than in drying out ones, although the amount of astaxanthin-esters was significantly higher in the cultures of drying out experiment than in the corresponding cultures of salt treatment characterized with similar chloride content. Our results suggest that algae isolates from ephemeral aquatic habitats endangered by regular drying out (exposed to special salt stress), could have notable salt tolerance and consequently successful applicability in nutrient removal processes from slightly saline wastewaters. The accumulation of valuable metabolites (such as astaxanthin) as a response to salinity stress, could enhance the economic value of the biomass.

Introduction: Idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease (MCD) has been reported to form lung cysts at a relatively high rate. However, the radiological and pathological features of cystic formation in MCD are unclear. Methods: To clarify these questions, we retrospectively investigated the radiological and pathological findings of cysts in MCD patients. Eight consecutive patients who underwent surgical lung biopsies in our center from 2000 to 2019 were included. Results: The median age was 44.5 years, with three males and five females. On the initial computed tomography, cyst formation was found in seven patients (87.5%). All of the cysts were multiple, round, and thin walled, accompanying ground-glass attenuation (GGA) around cysts. In six patients (75%), cysts increased during their clinical courses, and the new cysts had emerged from GGA, although GGA was improved by treatment. In all four cases, whose pulmonary cysts could be pathologically evaluated, a marked plasma cell infiltration around the cyst wall, and loss of elastic fibers of the alveolar wall were observed. Conclusions: Pulmonary cysts emerged in the area of GGA pathologically consistent with plasma cell infiltration. Cysts in MCD may be formed by the loss of elastic fibers due to marked plasma cell infiltration and may be considered irreversible changes.

[Display omitted] • The influence of in vitro maintenance on phenotypic traits of Toxoplasma gondii was studied. • Cell culture adaptation in the short term influences cyst formation and mouse virulence. • Toxoplasma gondii isolates experience a loss of cyst formation after 40 culture passages. • Changes in mouse virulence correlated with in vitro parasite growth and cyst formation. Most Toxoplasma gondii research has been carried out using strains maintained in the laboratory for long periods of time. Long-term passage in mice or cell culture influences T. gondii phenotypic traits such as the capability to produce oocysts in cats and virulence in mice. In this work, we investigated the effect of cell culture adaptation in the short term for recently obtained type II (Tg ShSp1 (Genotype ToxoDB#3), Tg ShSp2 (#1), Tg ShSp3 (#3) and Tg ShSp16 (#3)) and type III (#2) isolates (Tg ShSp24 and Tg PigSp1). With this purpose, spontaneous and alkaline stress-induced cyst formation in Vero cells during 40 passages, from passage 10 (p 10) to 50 (p 50), and isolate virulence at p 10 versus p 50 were studied using a harmonized bioassay method in Swiss/CD1 mice. T. gondii cell culture maintenance showed a drastic loss of spontaneous and induced production of mature cysts after ≈25–30 passages. The Tg ShSp1, Tg ShSp16 and Tg ShSp24 isolates failed to generate spontaneously formed mature cysts at p 50. Limited cyst formation was associated with an increase in parasite growth and a shorter lytic cycle. In vitro maintenance also modified T. gondii virulence in mice at p 50 with events of exacerbation, increasing cumulative morbidity for Tg ShSp2 and Tg ShSp3 isolates and mortality for Tg ShSp24 and Tg PigSp1 isolates, or attenuation, with absence of mortality and severe clinical signs for Tg ShSp16, and better control of the infection with the lowest parasite and cyst burdens in lungs and brain for the Tg ShSp1 isolate. The present findings show deep changes in relevant phenotypic traits in laboratory-adapted T. gondii isolates and open new discussion about their use for inferring keys to parasite biology and virulence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximately 60% of hemangioblastomas (HBs) have peritumoral cysts adjacent to the tumor, which can cause neurological deficits due to the mass effect, and the management of cyst formation is a clinical challenge. Vascular mural cells surrounding endothelial cells consist of vascular smooth muscle cells (vSMCs) and pericytes, which are essential elements that support blood vessels and regulate permeability. This study investigated the involvement of mural cells in cyst formation. We analyzed the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), platelet-derived growth factor receptor-beta (PDGFRB), and CD31 in 39 consecutive human cerebellar HBs, 20 of cystic and 19 of solid type. Solid type HBs showed stronger diffuse expression of α-SMA in precapillary arterioles and capillaries within the tumor than cystic type HBs (p = 0.001), whereas there was no difference in PDGFRB and CD31 expression. Detailed observation with immunofluorescence demonstrated that α-SMA was expressed in vascular mural cells surrounding capillaries in the solid rather than in the cystic type. Multivariate analysis including various clinical and pathological factors showed that lower α-SMA expression was significantly correlated with cyst formation (p < 0.001). Our data suggested that vascular mural cells from precapillary arterioles to capillaries expressing α-SMA may be pericytes and play a crucial role in HB cystogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collagen is an important material for biomedical research, but using mammalian tissue-derived collagen carries the risk of zoonotic disease transmission. Marine organisms, such as farmed tilapia, have emerged as a safe alternative source of collagen for biomedical research. However, the tilapia collagen products for biomedical research are rare, and their biological functions remain largely unexamined. In this study, we characterized a commercial tilapia skin collagen using SDS-PAGE and fibril formation assays and evaluated its effects on skin fibroblast adhesion, proliferation, and migration, comparing it with commercial collagen from rat tails, porcine skin, and bovine skin. The results showed that tilapia skin collagen is a type I collagen, similar to rat tail collagen, and has a faster fibril formation rate and better-promoting effects on cell migration than porcine and bovine skin collagen. We also confirmed its application in a 3D culture for kidney cells’ spherical cyst formation, fibroblast-induced gel contraction, and tumor spheroid interfacial invasion. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the freeze-dried tilapia skin collagen scaffold improved wound closure in a mouse excisional wound model, similar to commercial porcine or bovine collagen wound dressings. In conclusion, tilapia skin collagen is an ideal biomaterial for biomedical research.

Intracranial fungal infection is a rare condition that often requires surgical intervention. In this study, we present a case of intracranial fungal infection with a space-occupying effect and a long medical history of five years. We comprehensively evaluated the medical history, symptoms, imaging manifestations, and pathological examinations of the patient to confirm this rare case of fungal infection with cyst formation. Moreover, we reviewed the literature on intracranial fungal infection, hoping to draw awareness and attention to this rare disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The acute focal and non-osteoarthritic articular cartilage defects with intact adjacent cartilage must be formally separated from the ill-defined chronic osteoarthritic cartilage defects. As the defect size increases over time and can induce osteoarthritis, cartilage surgery also aims to prevent the development of (uni)compartmental osteoarthritis. The initial degeneration of the hyaline articular cartilage is the essential element of early osteoarthritis. Structural changes affect the entire joint, from comprehensive cellular, molecular and biochemical catabolic changes in the cartilage and subchondral bone, but also in the synovium. The advanced osteoarthritis shows complete loss of the cartilage layer that exposes the subchondral bone. The subchondral bone is sclerotic and characterized by cyst formation. Cartilage fragments are found in the synovial membrane, inducing synovitis. Along with an inflammatory-related remodeling of the capsule and ligamentous apparatus, these processes lead to contracture and functional impairment of the entire joint, which can accelerate the osteoarthritic process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to assess the clinical outcomes of salvage surgical resection (SSR) after stereotactic radiosurgery and fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (SRS/fSRT) for newly diagnosed brain metastasis. Methods: Between November 2009 and May 2020, 318 consecutive patients with 1114 brain metastases were treated with SRS/fSRT for newly diagnosed brain metastasis at our hospital. During this study period, 21 of 318 patients (6.6%) and 21 of 1114 brain metastases (1.9%) went on to receive SSR after SRS/fSRT. Three patients underwent multiple surgical resections. Twenty-one consecutive patients underwent twenty-four SSRs. Results: The median time from initial SRS/fSRT to SSR was 14 months (range: 2–96 months). The median follow-up after SSR was 17 months (range: 2–78 months). The range of tumor volume at initial SRS/fSRT was 0.12–21.46 cm3 (median: 1.02 cm3). Histopathological diagnosis after SSR was recurrence in 15 cases, and radiation necrosis (RN) or cyst formation in 6 cases. The time from SRS/fSRT to SSR was shorter in the recurrence than in the RNs and cyst formation, but these differences did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.067). The median survival time from SSR and from initial SRS/fSRT was 17 and 74 months, respectively. The cases with recurrence had a shorter survival time from initial SRS/fSRT than those without recurrence (p = 0.061). Conclusions: The patients treated with SRS/fSRT for brain metastasis need long-term follow-up. SSR is a safe and effective treatment for the recurrence, RN, and cyst formation after SRS/fSRT for brain metastasis.

Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney (ADPKD) is the most common genetically determined kidney disease of Mendelian inheritance. It has a variable prevalence, depending on the case series, from 1:1,000 to 1:2,500, and represents the fourth cause of renal failure in the world. It is part of the so-called ciliopathies and is mainly caused by the mutation of two genes: PKD1, located on chromosome 16p and the PKD2 gene, located on chromosome 4q and coding for Polycystin-2 (PC2); although two other disease-causing genes have recently been identified: DNAJB11 and GANAB. These two proteins consist, respectively, of a calcium channel and a transmembrane receptor, and they play a decisive role in regulating cell proliferation, division and differentiation, apoptosis and autophagy. The molecular mechanisms underlying the genesis of the cysts are multiple and for this reason not yet completely understood and although several of them have been the subject of preclinical and clinical studies aimed at evaluating the efficacy of therapies that could continue to interfere in a specific way, to date, only tolvaptan and octreotide-LAR (the latter only in Italy) have been approved for the treatment of renal disease secondaryto ADPKD. Here, we therefore recapitulate the different pathogenetic pathways in ADPKD and the possible therapeutic treatments.

A 104-week-old male CD (SD) rat exhibited enlargement of the left testis. Microscopically, this mass was demarcated from the testis by fibrous connective tissue and characterized by cystic dilatation with single-layered columnar cells and papillary proliferation connected to the solid growth area without clear boundaries. In the solid growth area, cells were dissected into irregular alveolar nests by scant fibrous tissue with small blood vessels. The nuclei of proliferating cells were variable in size and round-to oval-shaped, and their cytoplasm was pale or eosinophilic and sometimes contained vacuoles or eosinophilic granules. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for vimentin and cytokeratin (CK) 7. Since CK7 was exclusively positive in the rete testis epithelium of the naïve rat, it was valuable to diagnose this tumor as rete testis-originated. Based on these results and the lack of apparent pleomorphism, mitotic figures, and metastasis, the present case was diagnosed as rete testis adenoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Central nervous system hemangioblastomas are benign tumors that are frequently associated with cyst formation. Sporadic hemangioblastoma with histopathological confirmation presenting as a nodular lesion without cyst formation is very rare. Only two cases, including our case, have been reported. Case description: Our patient, a 65-year-old male, was previously healthy. A small nodular lesion with a peritumoral edema in the right cerebellum was detected, and was accompanied by cyst formation two years later. The cyst expanded gradually, and became symptomatic five years later. The patient was treated successfully with surgery, and the histological diagnosis was hemangioblastoma. Conclusions: We report a very rare case of a sporadic cerebellar hemangioblastoma presented as a small nodular lesion without cyst formation. We demonstrate a new appearance of a peritumoral cyst and its serial expansion. Our report may support the suggestion that edema is a precursor to central nervous system peritumoral cyst formation.

Intracranial fungal infection is a rare condition that often requires surgical intervention. In this study, we present a case of intracranial fungal infection with a space-occupying effect and a long medical history of five years. We comprehensively evaluated the medical history, symptoms, imaging manifestations, and pathological examinations of the patient to confirm this rare case of fungal infection with cyst formation. Moreover, we reviewed the literature on intracranial fungal infection, hoping to draw awareness and attention to this rare disease.

Kidney tubular cells are submitted to two distinct mechanical forces generated by the urine flow: shear stress and hydrostatic pressure. In addition, the mechanical properties of the surrounding extracellular matrix modulate tubule deformation under constraints. These mechanical factors likely play a role in the pathophysiology of kidney diseases as exemplified by autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, in which pressure, flow and matrix stiffness have been proposed to modulate the cystic dilation of tubules with PKD1 mutations. The lack of in vitro systems recapitulating the mechanical environment of kidney tubules impedes our ability to dissect the role of these mechanical factors. Here we describe a perfused kidney-on-chip with tunable extracellular matrix mechanical properties and hydrodynamic constraints, that allows a decoupling of shear stress and flow. We used this system to dissect how these mechanical cues affect Pkd1 -/- tubule dilation. Our results show two distinct mechanisms leading to tubular dilation. For PCT cells (proximal tubule), overproliferation mechanically leads to tubular dilation, regardless of the mechanical context. For mIMCD-3 cells (collecting duct), tube dilation is associated with a squamous cell morphology but not with overproliferation and is highly sensitive to extracellular matrix properties and hydrodynamic constraints. Surprisingly, flow alone suppressed Pkd1 -/- mIMCD-3 tubule dilation observed in static conditions, while the addition of luminal pressure restored it. Our in vitro model emulating nephron geometrical and mechanical organization sheds light on the roles of mechanical constraints in ADPKD and demonstrates the importance of controlling intraluminal pressure in kidney tubule models., Competing Interests: Disclosure statement. The authors declare no conflict of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript, or in the decision to publish the results.

We report an extremely rare case of atypical epithelioid trophoblastic lesion arising from cesarean section scar in a 27-year-old woman with a history of undergoing cesarean delivery 2 years back. The patient presented with amenorrhea and increased frequency of micturition and negative urine pregnancy test. MRI was suggestive of a thin-walled exophytic hemorrhagic cyst arising from the anterior wall of lower uterine segment, communicating with the endometrial cavity. Cyst was excised and histology indicated a lesion consisting of epithelioid trophoblastic cells with an intermediate pattern between a classical placental site nodule and an epithelioid trophoblastic tumor. Immunohistochemistry revealed positivity for CK18, PLAP, and p63. Beta HCG was negative and Ki-67 index was 8%–10%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schwannomas at the craniocervical junction commonly originate from the lower cranial nerves or C1 and C2 nerves. To date, very few cases of C1 schwannomas have been described in the literature, and the majority involve either the intra- or the extradural compartment, but not both. To our knowledge, this report documents the first case of a dumbbell-shaped C1 schwannoma that encompassed both intra- and extradural compartments and was accompanied by hydrocephalus. The patient was admitted to our hospital, where magnetic resonance imaging revealed a tumor at the craniocervical junction, extending from the C1 level of the right first cervical vertebra into the cerebellopontine angle with 2 giant cysts. We removed the tumor by performing a midline posterior craniectomy and cervical laminectomy. Intraoperatively, the tumor was found to originate from the right C1 posterior root. The pathological diagnosis was of a schwannoma. The patient was subsequently discharged without any neurologic deficits. To our knowledge, we present the first case of a dumbbell-shaped C1 schwannoma with intracranial extensions and accompanying hydrocephalus. The tumor had spread inside and outside the dura, but was safely removed. Our findings in this case emphasize that to achieve safe resection, detailed case-specific preoperative consideration is essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medulloblastoma is the second-most common malignant tumor in children. Medulloblastoma has been categorized into four distinct molecular subgroups: WNT, sonic hedgehog (SHH), group 3, and group 4. We report on a male child with medulloblastoma, in whom an enlarged ventricle was diagnosed in utero. Magnetic resonance imaging showed cyst formation in the cerebellar hemisphere initially, with tumor growth being indicated later. Tumor resection was performed when the boy was 12 months old. The histological findings showed extensive nodularity. Further genetic analysis revealed the tumor to be SHH type. This is the first description of a medulloblastoma observed from the fetal stage. Our findings in this case indicate that cyst formation may be the pre-neoplastic lesion of SHH-subtype medulloblastomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Materials of completed studies on improving methods for preparing antigens from the larval stages of Echinococcus granulosus larva parasites are presented. Methods for the step-by-step production of diagnosticums from various fractions make possible the early diagnosis of larval echinococcosis, the prevention of the zoonotic helminthiasis spread with the timely slaughter of infected animals and the breakdown of the biological chain of the pathogen. It was established that for better diagnostic effectiveness of serological tests, antigens from different fractions of an echinococcal bladder must be subjected to immunochemical purification to separate and isolate ballast substances. The results of tests of the antigenic activity of purified and native fractions of an echinococcal bladder in the complement fixation reaction, indirect hemagglutination test and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with negative and positive blood serum from lambs experimentally invaded by eggs of the imaginal stages of echinococcus are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subependymoma in the spinal cord is very rare and usually occurs in the cervical cord. We report an exceptional case of subependymoma that occurred at the conus medullaris with cystic formation. This article reviews the literature on subependymoma in the conus medullaris; discusses its clinical manifestations, imaging findings, and differential diagnoses; and offers an opinion about the cystic formation of the subependymoma. A 69-year-old woman experienced progressive limb weakness with a somatosensory abnormality for 3 months. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging showed a cystic intramedullary lesion at the conus medullaris with a well-defined margin. A preliminary diagnosis of epidermoid cyst was made based on the imaging findings. During the operation, cystic formation of the tumor was found, and the tumor was completely removed. Pathology showed an uneven proliferation of glial cells, consistent with subependymal morphology, and the tumor was confirmed as subependymoma. We present an extremely rare case of cystic formation in subependymoma at the conus medullaris. Subependymoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of intramedullary cystic lesions. The breakdown of the blood-brain barrier and excessive extravasation may be potential mechanisms of cystic formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cerebral cyst formation has been previously reported developing 3-10 years post radiotherapy for AVM. • We present a case of cyst formation developing and progressing 20 years after SRS for cerebral AVM. • We recommend consideration of delayed cerebral cyst formation in cases of new onset focal neurological syndromes, even decades after radiotherapy for AVM. Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are a rare cause of cerebrovascular abnormality with incidence of about 1 in 100,000 people per year and point prevalence of about 0.2%. AVMs are associated with serious complications such as intracranial haemorrhage (2–4% a year, 16% and 29% at 10 and 20 years after diagnosis), seizures (10–30%), focal neurologic deficits, and headaches. The management options are surveillance, endovascular embolization, microsurgical excision and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). In SRS Stereotactically focused high energy beams of photons induce progressive thrombosis by fibro-intimal hyperplasia and subsequent luminal obliteration. These changes usually take one to three years known as "latency period". Complications are reported in 8% of patients undergoing SRS, including radiographic parenchymal lesions, cranial nerve deficits, seizures, headaches, and cyst formation. Cyst formation is reported in about 1.2 % of patients undergoing SRS. While the exact mechanism of post SRS cyst formation is unclear, it is hypothesized that it might be due to damage to the blood brain barrier and increased vessel wall permeability. Delayed cyst formation is reported with latency period between 3 and 10 years after radiotherapy for treatment of cerebrovascular AVMs. However, cystic formation with longer latency periods (in one case upto 17 years) after radiotherapy for other causes such as nasopharyngeal cancers have been reported. Here we report a case of delayed cyst formation after SRS for cerebrovascular AVM with latency period of 20 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term data about the incidence of late adverse radiation effects (AREs) in pediatric brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) treated with Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) are lacking. This study addresses the incidence of late AREs, including cyst formation (CF), chronic encapsulated hematoma (CEH), and radiation-induced tumor, in pediatric patients with AVM treated with GKRS. This is a single-institutional study involving pediatric patients with AVM who underwent GKRS between 1991 and 2014. Among 201 pediatric patients with AVM (age ≤15 years), 189 who had at least 12 months of follow-up were assessed in this study. The median treatment volume was 2.2 cm3, and the median marginal dose was 20 Gy. The mean follow-up period was 136 months. During the follow-up period, symptomatic radiation-induced perilesional edema was found in 5 patients (3%), CFs in 7 patients (4%), CEHs in 7 patients (4%), and radiation-induced tumors in 2 patients (1%). The cumulative incidences of late AREs including CF, CEH, and radiation-induced tumor were 1.2% at 5 years, 5.2% at 8 years, 6.1% at 10 years, 7.2% at 15 years, and 17.0% at 20 years. In the multivariate analysis, treatment volume alone was a significant factor for late AREs (P < 0.001; hazard ratio, 1.111). GKRS is a reasonable treatment option for pediatric AVMs to prevent future intracranial hemorrhages, particularly in the eloquent regions. However, considerable attention should be paid to late AREs such as CFs, CEHs, and radiation-induced tumors because of longer life expectancy in pediatric patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Local hemostatic agents have been used in the neurosurgical field for many years; it is safe and efficient with no fatal complication reported in the literature. We routinely used a gelatin-thrombin hemostatic agent (FloSeal Hemostatic Matrix) for hemostasis in minimally invasive endoscopic-assisted surgery for more than 500 patients with intracerebral hemorrhage. However, 2 cases with sterile cyst formation were encountered. We reported 2 cases with sterile cyst formation after the use of a gelatin-thrombin hemostatic agent. Both of them had intracerebral hemorrhage. One received endoscopic hematoma evacuation, and the other had traditional craniotomy. They all received drainage of the cyst due to progressive enlargement and the mass effect they exert. These sterile cysts were very close to the ventricle wall on images. We hypothesized that cyst wall may be formed not only by hemostatic agent-related fibrosis and inflammation according to the previous literature review but also by the presence of the check valve mechanism between the cyst and the ventricle, which caused further dilation of the cyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The majority of complications following (LITT) therapy occur in the early postoperative period, with few long-term complications being reported. Case Description Here we present 2 cases of delayed-onset cyst formation occurring more than 1 year following ablation, a previously unreported complication. In the first case, a 59-year-old female who previously underwent LITT for a radiation-induced cavernoma developed a 2-cm cystic lesion 18 months after ablation, resulting in recurrent seizures. In the second case, a 53-year-old female with a recurrent left frontal cerebral metastasis developed a large cystic lesion 30 months post ablation. Both patients required craniotomies and resection of their cystic lesions. In both cases pathology demonstrated reactive gliosis and blood vessel sclerosis. Conclusions We hypothesize chronic gliosis following LITT therapy results in blood vessel sclerosis leading to blood-brain barrier−breakdown and delayed cyst formation. These findings support the need for long-term surveillance of patients treated with LITT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To report a case series of surgically proven spinal ependymomas of WHO grade II in which there were changes in the preoperative MRI characteristics over time.Methods: A total of 71 patients with spinal cord ependymoma of WHO grade II underwent surgery. There were ten cases in which surgery was performed at an average of 2.2 years after the tumor was found. Cystic components, syringomyelia, hemorrhage "cap sign," Gd enhancement pattern, characteristic changes in MRI, MIB-1 index, and neurological assessment during the preoperative period were examined.Results: Cases with a huge cyst showed further enlargement of the cyst on the caudal and rostral sides with hemosiderin formation over time and changes in the pattern of Gd enhancement. In contrast, cases without initial cyst did not show cyst formation, and nodular homogeneous lesion remained without changes in Gd enhancement. Regarding neurological status, two cases with cyst enlargement and hemosiderin formation had worsened non-independent gait preoperatively.Conclusions: MRI in cases of spinal ependymomas of WHO grade II showed characteristics such as hemorrhage and cyst formation that varied over time. In particular, cases with cyst and hemosiderin showed tumor enlargement, including enlargement of lesions on the caudal and rostral sides and enlargement of Gd-enhanced lesions. These characteristics might influence gait ability during preoperative period. We emphasize that early surgery is still the standard of care for cervical intramedullary ependymoma, and our findings in this study should not be interpreted to indicate that such early surgery is not necessary in symptomatic cases. These slides can be retrieved under electronic supplementary material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article looks at a research regarding the control of unwanted cyst forming dinoflagellates in aquaculture systems and the use of peracetic acid (PAA), hydrogen peroxide chloramine‐T to control outbreaks in aquaculture. It mentions testing of efficiency of PAA to eliminate the toxic and cystforming dinoflagellate Pfiesteria as well as its potential to trigger cyst formation. It also mentions use of a novel dye exclusion protocol based on trypan blue.

Background This study investigated the feasibility and safety of all-suture anchors in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Methods All patients were diagnosed with a rotator cuff tear by ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Patients with partial tears, massive tears, subscapularis tears, or previous shoulder surgery, were excluded. MRI and clinical outcome were investigated in all patients at 1.58 years (range, 1.0-2.0 years) after rotator cuff repair with all-suture anchors (prospective case series). Integrity of the cuff repair, cyst formation (encapsulated fluid signal around the anchor), ingrowth of the bone into the anchor, and integrity of the bone tunnel border were evaluated for 47 anchors. Clinical results were evaluated using the Constant-Murley score. Results An MRI evaluation was performed in 20 patients at 1.58 years (range, 1.0-2.0 years) after rotator cuff repair with all-suture anchors. MRI evaluation showed a very small rim of fluid around 10% of the anchors. None of the anchors showed cyst formation with fluid diameter more than twice the anchor diameter. In approximately 90% of the anchors, no fluid could be detected between the anchors and the edge of the bony tunnel. Full rotator cuff integrity was seen in 19 patients. Only 1 patient sustained a retear. Clinical results comparable with an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair using classic anchors were seen. Conclusions This prospective clinical cohort study shows promising early radiographic and clinical results after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair using all-suture anchors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neospora caninum is an apicomplexan parasite that infects many mammals and particularly causes abortion in cattle. The key factors in its wide distribution are its virulence and ability to transform between tachyzoite and bradyzoite forms. However, the factors are not well understood. Although Puf protein (named after Pumilio from Drosophila melanogaster and fem-3 binding factor from Caenorhabditis elegans) have a functionally conserved role in promoting proliferation and inhibiting differentiation in many eukaryotes, the function of the Puf proteins in N. caninum is poorly understood. Methods: The CRISPR/CAS9 system was used to identify and study the function of the Puf protein in N. caninum. Results: We showed that N. caninum encodes a Puf protein, which was designated NcPuf1. NcPuf1 is found in the cytoplasm in intracellular parasites and in processing bodies (P-bodies), which are reported for the first time in N. caninum in extracellular parasites. NcPuf1 is not needed for the formation of P-bodies in N. caninum. The deletion of NcPuf1 (ΔNcPuf1) does not affect the differentiation in vitro and tissue cysts formation in the mouse brain. However, ΔNcPuf1 resulted in decreases in the proliferative capacity of N. caninum in vitro and virulence in mice. Conclusions: Altogether, the disruption of NcPuf1 does not affect bradyzoites differentiation, but seriously impairs tachyzoite proliferation in vitro and virulence in mice. These results can provide a theoretical basis for the development of attenuated vaccines to prevent the infection of N. caninum.

Abstract Acanthamoeba is an opportunistic free-living amoeba that can cause blinding keratitis and fatal brain infection. Early diagnosis, followed by aggressive treatment is a pre-requisite in the successful treatment but even then the prognosis remains poor. A major drawback during the course of treatment is the ability of the amoeba to enclose itself within a shell (a process known as encystment), making it resistant to chemotherapeutic agents. As the cyst wall is partly made of cellulose, thus cellulose degradation offers a potential therapeutic strategy in the effective targeting of trophozoite encased within the cyst walls. Here, we present a comprehensive report on the structure of cellulose and cellulases, as well as known cellulose degradation mechanisms with an eye to target the Acanthamoeba cyst wall. The disruption of the cyst wall will make amoeba (concealed within) susceptible to chemotherapeutic agents, and at the very least inhibition of the excystment process will impede infection recurrence, as we bring these promising drug targets into focus so that they can be explored to their fullest.

In Drosophila ovary, germline stem cells (GSCs) divide to produce two daughter cells. One daughter is maintained as a GSC, whereas the other initiates cyst formation, a process involving four synchronous mitotic divisions that form 2‐, 4‐, 8‐, and 16‐cell cysts. In this study, we found that reduction in the level of NHP2, a component of the H/ACA small nucleolar ribonucleoprotein complex that catalyzes rRNA pseudouridylation, promotes progression to 8‐cell cysts. NHP2 protein was concentrated in the nucleoli of germline cells during cyst formation. NHP2 expression, as well as the nucleolar size, abruptly decreased during progression from 2‐cell to 4‐cell cysts. Reduction in NHP2 activity in the germline caused accumulation of 4‐ and 8‐cell cysts and decreased the number of single cells. In addition, NHP2 knockdown impaired the transition to 16‐cell cysts. Furthermore, a tumorous phenotype caused by Sex‐lethal (Sxl) knockdown, which is characterized by accumulation of single and two‐cell cysts, was partially rescued by NHP2 knockdown. When Sxl and NHP2 activities were concomitantly repressed, the numbers of four‐ and eight‐cell cysts were increased. In addition, Sxl protein physically interacted with NHP2 mRNA in ovaries. Thus, it is reasonable to conclude that Sxl represses NHP2 activity at the post‐transcriptional level to promote proper cyst formation. Because NHP2 knockdown did not affect global protein synthesis in the germarium, we speculate that changes in NHP2‐dependent pseudouridylation, which is involved in translation of specific mRNAs, must be intact in order to promote proper cyst formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The economic role of certain types of cysts is unquestionable, since the production of several valuable biomolecules is connected to the resting stages of algae, including the red ketocarotenoid astaxanthin. It is relatively well known, how adverse environmental conditions induce cyst formation and astaxanthin accumulation. In the contrary, there is very limited information about stressors inhibiting these processes. An undesirable consequence of increasing drug use of the human and veterinary medicine is the appearance of the drugs both in natural and in mains water. Therefore, to study the effects of micro-contaminants, e.g. pharmaceuticals to non-target aquatic organisms is a recent issue both from ecological and economical point of view. In this study, the effects of three non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs: diclofenac, diflunisal and mefenamic acid) on growth, cyst formation and astaxanthin accumulation of the flagellated green alga Haematococcus pluvialis were investigated. All three drugs inhibited growth, inhibition ranged from 29 to 81% on the basis of vegetative cell numbers on the 14th day of the experiments. Higher concentrations of the drugs led to higher proportion of cysts, which exceeded 60% of total cell number to the 14th day in diclofenac and diflunisal treatments. On the contrary, astaxanthin contents of treated cultures were lower with the increasing drug concentration, the pigment was undetectable in the presence of 0.075 and 0.05 mg ml −1 diclofenac. Results of carotenoid and chlorophyll content analysis suggest more specific processes behind the observed phenomena than membrane damage. Furthermore, the different phenomena or different extents of the same phenomena suggest that NSAIDs with diverse chemical structures may have different target points in physiological processes. Our results clearly show that NSAIDs could have much wider effective spectra than expected, long-term effects on microalgae might have unexpected ecological or economical consequences due to continuous exposure to these chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study reported an unusual case of temporal lobe glioblastoma (GBM) fed from the middle meningeal artery that progressed rapidly. A 66-year-old male was admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery at Nihon University Itabashi Hosipital (Tokyo, Japan) with epilepsy. Magnetic resonance imaging disclosed a small well-enhanced right middle fossa mass lesion, which was relatively boundary-clear and attached to the dura mater. An angiogram showed a stain fed from the right middle meningeal artery. The mass lesion was removed completely by surgery and diagnosed pathologically as GBM. Tumor recurrence was observed 6 months later and a second surgery was performed. Eight pieces of carmustine wafers were implanted in the tumor resection cavity at the first and second surgeries. The patient underwent a third surgery soon after the second surgery, as a cyst had formed in the resection cavity. The tumor became uncontrollable and the patient died at 11 months after the first surgery even though he had undergone multimodality treatment. Since GBM fed by the middle meningeal artery is rare, the timing of surgical treatment is difficult as it is easy to misdiagnose a case like the present one as a meningioma. Furthermore, repeated implantation of carmustine wafers should be considered carefully, since adverse events associated with such wafers may easily occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]