Formation of intracellular lumina in human prostate carcinoma (DU145) cells, maturation into signet cells, and the cribriform morphology of tumors.

The intracellular or intracytoplasmic lumen (IL) is an enigmatic histological structure that occurs in various tumor cells. A reassessment of diverse ILs fine-structure micrographs obtained out of previous studies encompassing the human prostate carcinoma (DU145) cell line and xenotransplanted carcinomas enabled us to propose aspects of ILs development in cancer cells: a combination of altered expressions in intercellular contacts and their cytoskeletal components would favor a disarray of self-apical polarity orientation; those defects, associated with a local, entwined enriched membranous structures growing as microvilli-like formations out of a disrupted endoplasm and trans-Golgi sorting, create ILs in cells' perikarya. These misplaced intracytoplasmic domains can become enlarged through spaces made between the finger-like structures by accruing membranes of coalescent intracytoplasmic vesicles then adding microvilli and glycocalyx to constitute ILs. Cationic mucins added with or without a progressive or total loss of microvilli and content generate signet or ring cell, while ILs enlarge. Variable build-ups of these cells' populations in carcinomas result in architectural mix-up of adjacent cells around these voids, misconstrued as new lumen, and establish a "cribriform" tumor pattern that often implies a poor cancer prognosis. Alternatively, cytotoxic changes caused by anticancer pro-oxidant treatment favor membrane alterations and exaggerate the ILs in xenotransplants into intracellular crypts that accompany other tumor degenerative changes.

Quadrilateral plate fractures of the acetabulum: an update.

Acetabular fractures with quadrilateral plate involvement form a heterogeneous group of fractures, which are not specifically defined by any current classification system. Their incidence is increasing due to the rising number of elderly osteoporotic fractures. They have always been notoriously difficult fractures to treat. We present a systematic review of conservative and operative management and their respective outcomes over the last century.

Prevalence of complications of open tibial shaft fractures stratified as per the Gustilo-Anderson classification.

The aim of the present study was to comparatively analyse certain outcome measures of open tibial fractures, stratified per grade of open injury and method of treatment. For this purpose, a systematic review of the English literature from 1990 until 2010 was undertaken, comprising 32 eligible articles reporting on 3060 open tibial fractures. Outcome measures included rates of union progress (early union, delayed union, late union and non-union rates) and certain complication rates (deep infection, compartment syndrome and amputation rates). Statistical heterogeneity across component studies was detected with the use of Cochran chi-square and I(2) tests. In the absence of significant statistical heterogeneity a pooled estimate of effect size for each outcome/complication of interest was produced. All component studies were assigned on average a moderate quality score. Reamed tibial nails (RTNs) were associated with significantly higher odds of early union compared with unreamed tibial nails (UTNs) in IIIB open fractures (odds ratio: 12, 95% CI: 2.4-61). Comparing RTN and UTN modes of treatment, no significant differences were documented per grade of open fractures with respect to both delayed and late union rates. Surprisingly, nonunion rates in IIIB open fractures treated with either RTNs or UTNs were lower than IIIA or II open fractures, although the differences were not statistically significant. Significantly increased deep infection rates of IIIB open fractures compared with all other grades were documented for both modes of treatment (RTN, UTN). However, lower deep infection rates for IIIA open fractures treated with RTNs were recorded compared with grades I and II. Interestingly, grade II open tibial fractures, treated with UTN, presented significantly greater odds for developing compartment syndrome than when treated with RTNs. Our cumulative analysis, providing for each grade of open injury and each particular method of treatment a summarised estimate of effect size for the most important outcome measures of open tibial fractures, constitutes a useful tool of the practicing surgeon for optimal decision making when operative treatment of such fractures is contemplated.

The use of bone graft substitutes in large cancellous voids: any specific needs?

Bone graft is the second most common transplantation tissue, with blood being by far the commonest. Autograft is considered ideal for grafting procedures, providing osteoinductive growth factors, osteogenic cells and an osteoconductive scaffold. Limitations, however, exist regarding donor site morbidity and graft availability. Allograft on the other hand poses the risk of disease transmission. Synthetic graft substitutes lack osteoinductive or osteogenic properties. Composite grafts combine scaffolding properties with biological elements to stimulate cell proliferation and differentiation and eventually osteogenesis. We present here an overview of bone graft substitutes available for clinical application in large cancellous voids.

Masquelet technique for the treatment of bone defects: tips-tricks and future directions.

Reconstruction of diaphyseal bone defects still represents a major clinical challenge. Several approaches are used with the common objective to regenerate bone loss and restore function. The methods most commonly used are the vascularised fibula autograft and the Ilizarov bone transfer technique. Recently, Masquelet proposed a procedure combining induced membranes and cancellous autografts. The aim of this article was to briefly describe the technique, to review the current evidence and to discuss the tips and tricks that could help the surgeons to improve outcome. Future directions to increase its effectiveness and expand its application are also being discussed. However, predicting the outcome of reconstruction of bone defects remains difficult; and the patient should always be informed that, although potential complications are mostly predictable, in most of the cases the reconstruction process is long and difficult.