Cytoskeleton remodeling: a central player in plant-fungus interactions.

The eukaryotic cytoskeleton is a complex scaffold consisting of actin filaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules. Although fungi and plants lack intermediate filaments, their dynamic structural network of actin filaments and microtubules regulates cell shape, division, polarity, and vesicular trafficking. However, the specialized functions of the cytoskeleton during plant-fungus interactions remain elusive. Recent reports demonstrate that the plant cytoskeleton responds to signal cues and pathogen invasion through remodeling, thereby coordinating immune receptor trafficking, membrane microdomain formation, aggregation of organelles, and transport of defense compounds. Emerging evidence also suggests that cytoskeleton remodeling further regulates host immunity by triggering salicylic acid signaling, reactive oxygen species generation, and pathogenesis-related gene expression. During host invasion, fungi undergo systematic cytoskeleton remodeling, which is crucial for successful host penetration and colonization. Furthermore, phytohormones act as an essential regulator of plant cytoskeleton dynamics and are frequently targeted by fungal effectors to disrupt the host's growth-defense balance. This review discusses recent advances in the understanding of cytoskeleton dynamics during plant-fungus interactions and provides novel insights into the relationship between phytohormones and cytoskeleton remodeling upon pathogen attack. We also highlight the importance of fungal cytoskeleton rearrangements during host colonization and suggest directions for future investigations in this field.

Preoperative Diffusion Tensor Imaging: A Landmark Modality for Predicting the Outcome and Characterization of Supratentorial Intra-Axial Brain Tumors.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In view of the few large prospective studies available on the role of preoperative diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and the potential of DTI in showing the relationship between tumor and white matter tracts, we studied the role of preoperative DTI in planning a safe surgical corridor, predicting the neurologic and surgical outcome and tumor characterization in supratentorial intra-axial brain tumors. METHODS: We included 128 cases. Preoperative neurologic status and tumor volume were assessed. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based surgical plan was decided and reviewed for changes after DTI (site of corticotomy or limit of resection) by senior faculty of neurosurgery and neuroradiologist. Tracts were classified as displaced, infiltrated, or disrupted. Postoperative neurologic and surgical outcome was assessed along with evaluation of association of DTI with tumor type. RESULTS: DTI-based change in surgical corridor was seen in 60 patients (47%). Sixty-six patients harbored low-grade gliomas, 48 had high-grade gliomas, and 14 had metastastic lesions. Resectability (maximum safe resection) was higher in patients with displaced fibers and lower in those with disrupted/infiltrated fibers, which was statistically significant. Fewer patients had neurologic deterioration in the displaced category (7.1%) compared with the disrupted/infiltrated category (13.9%). Although no significant association could be established between neurologic outcome and fiber type, displaced fibers were associated mainly with low-grade glioma (71%), whereas disrupted/infiltrated fibers were associated mainly with high-grade glioma (66%); this correlation was significant. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative DTI is a landmark tool for planning a safe surgical corridor and predicting the tumor type along with neurologic and surgical outcome of patients.

Tracheobronchial compression by right-sided aortic arch in a middle aged male.

Exertional dyspnoea is a common symptom among middle-aged population. Diagnostic evaluation of such patients is often challenging and confusing. We report a patient presenting with exertional dyspnoea and an obstructive ventilatory defect on spirometry that was refractory to bronchodilator therapy. Careful review of the chest radiograph and spirometry pointed towards variable intra-thoracic airways obstruction as a cause of dyspnoea. Contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) of the thorax and bronchoscopy established the diagnosis of a right-sided aortic arch resulting in tracheobronchial compression and tracheomalacia.

Scimitar syndrome: A rare disease with unusual presentation.

Scimitar syndrome is a rare congenital disorder. It has a varied presentation. In adult life, it usually presents either as recurrent chest infection and/or exertional dyspnea. Pulmonary artery hypertension and hemoptysis both are uncommon features of this syndrome in adult life.