Tubal Segments Research Articles

Robotic Assisted Tubal Reanastomosis

<h3>Study Objective</h3> Indications for tubal reanastomosis include reversal of sterilization, midtubal block secondary to pathology, tubal occlusion from ectopic pregnancy, and salpingitis isthmica nodosa. The goal is to remove abnormal tissue and reapproximate the healthy tubal segments with as little adhesion formation as possible. <h3>Design</h3> This video demonstrates effective and efficient tubal reanastomosis technique using microsuturing on a robotic surgical platform. <h3>Setting</h3> Community hospital. <h3>Patients or Participants</h3> 35-yo G3P3 with prior tubal sterilization via Filshie clips, desires sterilization reversal, opposed to <i>in vitro</i> fertilization. <h3>Interventions</h3> Tubal reanastomosis utilizing the robotic surgical platform. <h3>Measurements and Main Results</h3> Successful bilateral tubal reanastomosis with resulting intrauterine pregnancy. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Laparoscopic tubal reanastomosis has been shown to boast equal pregnancy success rates as minilaparotomy, but is difficult to perform. Benefits of robotic assist include 3D visualization, tremor filtration, motion downscaling, wristed instrumentation, and micro instrumentation.

Morphogenesis of the uterine tube in the European shorthair cat in the prenatal and postnatal period: Light microscopy and three-dimensional reconstruction study

The study aimed to describe the morphogenesis of the domestic cat uterine tube, from the primordial tubal segment of the paramesonephric duct (TsPD) to the mature organ. The specific aims included identifying differences in the rate and way of development of the layers in the wall of the infundibulum, the ampulla, and the isthmus. In the study we conducted light microscopic (LM) observations of the uterine tube wall, and analysis of 3D models, which were used for the first time to visualize the arrangement of the paramesonephric duct and highlight the pattern of the developing mucosal folds. The results revealed the two stages in the prenatal development of the domestic cat uterine tube. The first stage lasts from day 26–44 p.c. (post-conception) and includes the growth of the TsPD. It starts with formation of the TsPD's epithelial tubule in the mesenchyme of the anterior part of the mesonephros. The tubule, surrounded by mesenchyme, elongates posteriorly, and the TsPD can be divided into three sections according to their location and diameter, i.e., anterior, middle, and posterior. The first stage ends with the histodifferentiation of the mesenchyme into loose connective tissue and mucosa formation. The second stage lasts from approximately day 45–63 p.c. and comprises the formation of the proper layers in the uterine tube wall. The pace and pattern of layers' development are specific to each section of the uterine tube, as tissues first differentiate in its anterior part and then continue posteriorly. The mucosal folds appear after day 44 p.c. in the infundibulum, and they become long and branched by the end of the prenatal period. Then, approximately day 48 p.c., the single mucosal folds appear in the ampulla, and at the end, i.e., about day 63 p.c., they become visible in the isthmus. The 3D models revealed the unique spiral-shaped arrangement of the mucosal folds in the ampulla. The tunica muscularis starts to develop ca day 48–51 p.c. in the anterior part of the uterine tube. On approximately day 55 p.c., the circular muscle layer can be distinguished in the ampulla, while in the isthmus, it develops just before birth. The postnatal development of the infundibulum includes the formation of the labyrinth-like system of mucosal folds, whereas in the ampulla and isthmus, branched mucosal folds and the second longitudinal muscle layer develop postnatally. At the end of the prenatal period, the differences in the wall thickness between the individual segments of the uterine tube reflect the proper proportions of the uterine tube wall in the mature female.

Comparisons of the segments of left-sided double-lumen tracheobronchial tubes as industrial products.

BackgroundAlthough there are at least seven manufacturers producing left-sided double-lumen tubes (DLTs), there have been few reports comparing the segments of these DLTs. In this study, we compared various segments of left-sided DLTs further.Materials and methodsWe examined five manufacturers’ left-sided DLTs: Mallinckrodt, Portex, Rüsch, Sheridan, and Daiken-medical. We conducted the following six trials or measurements, and three supplemental trials or measurements: First, we tried to pass various sizes of steel balls down each lumen in order from the smallest (3 mm) to largest (4.5 mm). If the ball passed on the first attempt, we tried just once; otherwise, we made a second attempt. Second, we measured the external diameter of tracheal and bronchial cuff using a profile projector. Third, we measured the length of the cuff and tip of the bronchial segment of the tubes using the profile projector. Fourth, we measured various lengths of the tubes. Fifth, we measured the external diameter of both lumens and the tubules for tracheal and bronchial cuff inflation. Finally, we measured various cross-sectional areas including the tracheal lumen, bronchial lumen, and tubules for cuff inflation. We also conducted three supplemental studies. First, we measured air volume in the cuff when intracuff pressure equaled 2 or 3 kPa. Second, we defined the configuration of the tracheal and bronchial cuffs. Third, we defined the presence or absence of bevels and also measured the angle of the bevels using the profile projector.ResultsWe performed nine trials and measurements and found large disparities between each manufacturer’s tubes.ConclusionsThe large disparities found between the measurements of the five manufacturers’ tubes may be due to different lots or changes in specifications made by each manufacturer. We found tubes exhibiting lower quality, such as deformations, and non-universal and inconsistent sizing, in the comparison of the manufacturers’ tubes. Practitioners should be aware of the features and aspects of these tubes.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12871-022-01698-2.

Structural deviations in secondary phloem of young shoots of Spiraea beauverdiana near magma volcanoes

We performed a comparative analysis of the internal structure of the secondary phloem of one, two and three-year-old stems of Spiraea beauverdiana growing in extreme conditions of solfataric fields of Golovnin Volcano caldera and Mendeleyev Volcano and in normal conditions. The combination of environmental factors in conditions of solfataric activity, such as high temperatures in the soil and in the near-surface air, as well as saturation with gases toxic to plants, rare elements accumulating in the nearby substrate, and lack of soil moisture, interfere with normal phellogen and cambium activity. Deviations from the normal structure involve changes in the following parameters of the internal structure of a year-old stem of S. beauverdiana. Secondary phloem parameters in the studied habitats are normal, except for the length of the segments of sieve tubes, the height of single-row rays, the length of parenchymal girder; these are shorter in S. beauverdiana stems from volcanos. At two and three years of age in volcanic conditions we see reduction in the width of the secondary phloem (both conductive and non-conductive) and the diameter of the segments of sieve tubes. In samples from Golovnin Volcano we see reduction in tangential diameter, while in the samples from Mendeleyev Volcano it’s the radial diameter. We also see reduction in the height of multiple-row rays. At that age we see changes in the structure of the radial parenchyma; namely, we find no double-row rays in samples from Golovnin Volcano caldera. One of the signs of impact of volcanic activity on the bark structure is development of non-specific anomalies in the internal structure of the S. beauverdiana bark, namely, in the outer bark, or in deeper levels, such as the secondary phloem. That causes sclerification and dilatation of parenchyma, and multiple layers in some tissues.

Study of fallopian tube anatomy and mechanical properties to determine pressure limits for endoscopic exploration

ABSTRACT Falloposcopy is the endoscopic examination of the fallopian tubes, which are challenging to access due to their deep body location, small opening from the uterus, and lumen filled with plicae. We and others have developed endoscopes that are inserted through the uterus guided by a hysteroscope into the tubal ostium. To better understand how to utilize these endoscopes either as standalone devices or in concert with everting delivery balloons, a preliminary study of anatomy and mechanical behavior was performed ex vivo on porcine and human fallopian tubes. Segments of fallopian tubes from the isthmus, ampulla and infundibulum were inflated with saline either to bursting or held at sub-burst pressures with saline or a saline-filled balloon. Formalin fixed, paraffin embedded tissue sections stained with Masson’s trichrome were examined for damage to the mucosa and muscularis. Porcine fallopian tubes tolerated saline pressurization at 15 psi for 1 minute without morphological damage. Balloon inflation to 15 psi caused no apparent damage to the muscle layer or rupture of the fallopian tube, but balloon movement within the tube can denude the mucosal epithelial layer. Human fallopian tubes averaged higher burst pressure values than porcine tubes. Under pressurization, the external tube diameter expanded by minimal to moderate amounts. Human and porcine tissues were similar in histological appearance. These studies suggest that moderate pressurization is acceptable but will not appreciably expand the fallopian tube diameter. The results also indicate that pigs are a reasonable model to study damage from falloscopy as seen in human tissue.

Fallopian tube anatomy predicts pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes after tubal reversal surgery.

We conducted this study to determine whether fallopian tube anatomy can predict the likelihood of pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes after tubal sterilization reversal. We built a flexible, non-parametric, multivariate model via generalized additive models to assess the effects of the following tubal parameters observed during tubal reparative surgery: tubal lengths; differences in tubal segment location and diameters at the anastomosis sites; and fibrosis of the tubal muscularis. In this study, population, age, and tubal length-in that order-were the primary factors predicting the likelihood of pregnancy. For pregnancy outcomes, tubal length was the most influential predictor of birth and ectopic pregnancy, while age was the primary predictor of miscarriage. Segment location and diameters contributed slightly to the odds of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy. Tubal muscularis fibrosis had little apparent effect. This study is the first to show that a statistical learning predictive model based on fallopian tube anatomy can predict pregnancy and pregnancy outcome probabilities after tubal reversal surgery.

AIUM Practice Parameter for the Performance of Sonohysterography and Hysterosalpingo-Contrast Sonography.

AIUM Practice Parameter for the Performance of Sonohysterography and Hysterosalpingo-Contrast Sonography.

Clinical study on endoscopic surgery for soft tissue necrosis of cranial base after radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Objective: To investigate the diagnosis and surgical treatment of patients with soft tissue necrosis of cranial base after radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Methods: The clinical data of 7 NPC patients with soft tissue necrosis but not bone necrosis after radiotherapy were retrospectively analyzed.They were treated in Xiangya Hospital from 2015 to 2019. The clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis were analyzed. The major clinical symptoms of the 7 patients were headache in 7 cases, hearing loss in 7 cases, long-term nasal malodor in 5 cases and epistaxis in 2 cases. All patients underwent high-resolution CT, MR and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) before operation. All cases were treated with extended transnasal endoscopic approach under general anesthesia for resection of necrotic tissue. Five cases had their affected cartilaginous segments of the eustachian tubes partially or completely resected, 7 cases were treated with myringotomy and tube insertion, and 1 case was treated with pansinusectomy. Anti-inflammatory treatment were carried out during the perioperative period. The recovery of patients was observed and recorded through regular follow-up (from 6 months to 3 years) after the operation. Results: Nasopharynx soft tissue lesions can be seen in seven patients with bone cortex integrity by CT, and small bubble shadow can be seen at junction area between skull base soft tissue lesions and skull base bone surface.MR and MRA examination showed extensive inflammatory changes of nasopharynx. Parapharyngeal irregular necrotic cavity was found in 6 cases without central enhancement, demonstrating edema of surrounding soft tissue. The necrotic tissue of all 7 patients was surgically removed. Postoperative pathological examinations confirmed that all of them were necrotic soft and cartilaginous tissue, without tumor recurrence. The symptoms of all patients were significantly alleviated after operation. Headache was cured in 5 cases and relieved in 2 cases. Nasal malodor was cured in 4 cases and alleviated in 1 case. During the follow-up period, 5 patients survived, and 2 patients who had their eustachian tube reserved died. One of them died of nasopharyngeal hemorrhage caused by recurrent nasopharyngeal necrosis 3 months after the operation. Another case died of severe intracranial infection 6 months after operation. Conclusions: The diagnosis of skull base soft tissue necrosis after radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma needs comprehensive analysis of radiotherapy history, clinical manifestations and imaging examination. High resolution CT, MR and MRA of skull base are very important for diagnosis. Early active removal of large-scale necrotic lesions under endoscope and partial or total resection of eustachian tube cartilage according to the involvement of eustachian tube cartilage is effective means of controling skull base soft tissue necrosis after radiotherapy. The effective means of necrosis can improve the quality of life of patients.

Fallopian tube prolapse after vaginal hysterectomy - a rare case and review of the literature

Background: Fallopian tube prolapse (FTP), following hysterectomy, is a rare complication and it can either occur after abdominal, vaginal, or laparoscopic surgeries. It is difficult to determine the related risk factors, thus the existing data comprise case reports or case series including approximately 100 patients. Case presentation: A 42-years-old woman who had a vaginal hysterectomy 5 months ago presented with vaginal discharge. Examination revealed a 1 cm hyperemic granuloma-like lesion on the apex of the vaginal cuff. Vaginal approach was undertaken under sedative anesthesia and after dissection fallopian tubal prolapse appeared. The patient recovered uneventfully in 2 weeks. Conclusion: Since hysterectomy is the most common gynecologic surgical intervention, it is important to be aware of even uncommon complications. The clinical presentation can vary by the portion of prolapsed tubal segment into the vaginal cavity and it can be misdiagnosed as vaginal vault granuloma, especially if a very small portion of tubal segment has prolapsed.

Port Site Metastasis following Laparoscopic Excision of Ovarian Carcinosarcoma

Port site metastasis is a rare complication and carcinosarcoma is itself a rare malignant tumour of the ovary. Hereby, Authors report a case of an ovarian carcinosarcoma which was retrospectively diagnosed from the metastasis which developed at the specimen retrieval port site of primary laparoscopic surgery. A 48-year-old nulliparous lady underwent laparoscopic cystectomy previously for endometrioma. Six months postlaparoscopy, she developed pain and palpable mass at the trochar site. Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) showed metastatic adenocarcinoma of ovarian origin confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Six cycles of chemotherapy followed by total hysterectomy, resection of the mass and attached tubal segment, opposite salpingo-oophorectomy and omentectomy was done. Post-surgery, patient was followed-up with three chemotherapy sessions. Final histopathological report showed carcinosarcoma of ovary at port site with omental deposit.

Innervation of internal female genital organs in the pig during prenatal development.

This study investigated the innervation of internal genital organs in 5-, 7- and 10-week-old female pig foetuses using single and double-labelling immunofluorescence methods. The structure and topography of the organs was examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The investigations revealed differences in the innervation between the three developmental periods. Immunostaining for protein gene product 9.5 (PGP; general neural marker) disclosed solitary nerve fibres in the external part of the gonadal ridge and just outside of the mesenchyme surrounding mesonephric ducts in 5-week-old foetuses. Double-labelling immunohistochemistry revealed that nerve fibres associated with the ridge expressed dopamine β-hydroxylase (DβH; adrenergic marker) or vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT; cholinergic marker). In 7-week-old foetuses, the PGP-positive nerve terminals were absent from the gonad but some of them ran outside and along, and sometimes penetrated into the mesenchyme surrounding the tubal and uterine segments of the paramesonephric ducts and uterovaginal canal. Few axons penetrated into the mesenchyme. DβH-positive fibres were found in single nerve strands or bundles distributed at the edge of the mesenchyme. VAChT-positive nerve terminals formed delicate bundles located at the edge of the mesenchyme, and the single nerves penetrated into the mesenchyme. DβH was also expressed by neurons which formed cell clusters comprising also DβH- or VAChT-positive nerve fibres. In 10-week-old foetuses, PGP-positive nerve fibres were still absent from the ovary but some were distributed in the mesenchyme associated with the uterovaginal canal and uterine and a tubal segment of the paramesonephric ducts, respectively. DβH- or VAChT-positive nerve fibres were distributed at the periphery of the mesenchyme associated with the uterovaginal canal. Some DβH- and many VAChT-positive nerve fibres were evenly distributed throughout the mesenchyme. The clusters of nerve cells comprised DβH-positive perikarya and DβH- or VAChT-positive nerve fibres. The investigations revealed no DβH/VAChT-positive nerve fibres or neurons as well as no nerve structures stained for calcitonin gene-related peptide and/or substance P (sensory markers) associated with the genital organs in the studied prenatal periods.

Effects of selective agonists of adenosine, P2X, and P2Y receptors on motility of isolated fallopian tube

Background: During reproductive life of women, adenosine causes both contraction (with low concentrations) of fallopian tubes and inhibition of their spontaneous motor activity (with high concentrations). Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate effects of natural agonists of adenosine, P2X and P2Y receptors on motility of isolated fallopian tubes taken from postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: Isolated preparations of isthmus and ampoule were made from fallopian tubes of 21 women in post-menopause, and then tested for reactivity on increasing concentrations of adenosine and P2X/P2Y selective agonists. Results: Adenosine showed concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on spontaneous contraction of both isthmic and ampullary segments of fallopian tubes, while P2X and P2Y agonists (adenosine-5-diphosphate, adenosine-5-triphosphate, uridine-5-diphosphate, and uridine-5-triphosphate) did not influence motility of the isolated preparations. Contractile effect of adenosine was not observed throughout the concentration range used in the experiments. Conclusions: Fallopian tubes of postmenopausal women are unresponsive to P2X and P2Y agonists, unlike those of women in reproductive period. Only an inhibitory effect of adenosine on spontaneous contractions of fallopian tubes is maintained in post-menopause, while a contractile effect is observed in younger women at low concentrations is lost.

Interstitial ectopic pregnancy in high risk maternity in the Amazon region: Case report

Introduction: Ectopic pregnancy represents approximately 2% of all pregnancies and is considered an important cause of morbidity and mortality related to the first trimester of gestation. The interstitial type represents 2–4% of all forms of EG and refers to the implantation of the egg in the interstitial portion of the uterine tube, a tubal segment that crosses the muscular wall of the uterus. This segment is generally 0.7 mm in diameter and 1–2 cm in length and has a considerable capacity for dilatation before disruption of its distal segment.

Cultures of Proximal and Distal Segments of Silicone Tubes After Dacryocystorhinostomy.

To compare the results of cultures of the proximal and distal segments of silicone tubes after dacryocystorhinostomy. The medical records of patients undergoing a dacryocystorhinostomy and silicone intubation were reviewed. The inclusion criteria were cultures of both distal and proximal stent segments after removal, dye testing, evaluation of the tear meniscus, and notation of the presence or absence of discharge before and after removal. The exclusion criteria included the use of systemic or topical antibiotics within 1 month before tube removal. Forty-six lacrimal systems in 40 patients were included, with 6 patients having bilateral dacryocystorhinostomies. There were no cases of dacryocystitis at the time of or after tube removal. Four (9%) of the dacryocystorhinostomies failed. Forty-one (89%) of the distal tube segments had positive cultures. The distal tube cultures grew 17 (36%) gram-positive bacteria, 21 (45%) gram-negative bacteria, 7 (15%) skin flora, and 2 (4%) fungi (6 distal segments had mixed cultures). Thirteen (28%) of the proximal tube segments had positive cultures. The proximal tube cultures were 5 (38%) gram-negative bacteria, 4 (31%) gram-positive bacteria, 3 (23%) skin flora, and 1 (8%) acid-fast bacteria. Four (31%) of the proximal tubes with positive cultures grew the same organism as the distal tube segment. Nine (69%) of the proximal tubes with positive cultures grew different organisms than the distal segment. Forty-two (91%) of all the proximal tube cultures were either negative or grew different organisms than the distal segment cultures. The proximal segment of a silicone tube after a dacryocystorhinostomy may be a "privileged" area. There is usually a lack of growth or the growth of different organisms than those present on the distal tube segments. This may be explained by the protective nature of the tear film. The findings may also help to explain the low incidence of dacryocystitis in spite of the growth of virulent organisms on the distal tube segment after a dacryocystorhinostomy.

EP24.19: Heterotopic pregnancy in a spontaneous pregnancy

We describe a case in a third pregnancy, 36 years old woman with history of low ovarian reserve. One spontaneous miscarriage, 1 twin pregnancy in 2016 by IVF (egg donation) March 2017 comes to A&E department because low abdominal pain. US scan reveals 8 weeks intrauterine pregnancy (spontaneous) and 6 x 3 cm left adnexal mass suspicious of tubal pregnancy, ring Doppler colour in left ovary and free fluid in the pelvis and therefore heterotopic pregnancy diagnosis. Although the lower probability of heterotopic pregnancy in this case we perform a Laparoscopy that showed mild hemoperitoneum, left ovary mass with clots inside including left fimbriae with resto of fallopian tube almost intact. Findings that could match as well with Ruptured Corpus luteum. Pathological finding revealed chorionic velli in ovary surface so we confirmed heterotopic pregnancy. Heterotopic pregnancy are a combination of intrauterine and ectopic pregnancies, rather than two ectopic pregnancies. 90% of ectopic pregnancies occur in the fallopian tube although different location as cervix, ovary, cornual, tubal segment, abdomen or previous Caesarean scar are described. The estimated incidence of heterotopic pregnancy is rare in 1 in 30,000 pregnancies. With ART (Assisted Reproductive Techniques) the incidence is supposed to be higher in 1 in 3900 pregnancies. In our case we describe the low probability of a Heterotopic pregnancy in a non ART pregnancy and the low probability within the ectopic pregnancy to be ovaric instead of tubal one.

Fertility Outcomes after Laparoscopic Reversal of Tubal Sterilization

Objective: To know pregnancy outcome in the tubal reversal of sterilized women.&#x0D; &#x0D; Method: Literature review.&#x0D; &#x0D; Results: Sterilization is considered the most common contraception methods in United States of America, approximately 39% women in reproductive age (15 - 44 years) used this method. However, approximately 15% of these patients deplored this decision due to the influence of their own environment and some factors, such as: young age, the death of a child, the disability of child, and change of partner/ remarried. Tubal reanastomosis or tubal reversal is a surgical procedure that attempts to restore the fallopian tube patency following sterilization. To date, the modern procedure is performed by doing an excision of the tubal segment and reanastomosis by transabdominal laparoscopy. Recently, the laparoscopic technology has developed and evolved rapidly as the robotic assisted laparoscopy was invented. There is alternative method for restoring the fertility in sterilized women who regretted the decision of being sterilized.&#x0D; Unlike the tubal reversal which is conducted in order to restore the tubal function, the IVF is performed to bypass the function of tubes in fertility. The major advantage for laparoscopic surgery is short postoperative stay duration with minimal tissue handling, less postoperative&#x0D; adhesions, and diminish morbidity rate. Despite of its&#x0D; major drawback, high-cost of robotic machine and machine maintenance; there are advantages of robotic laparoscopy compared to the conventional laparoscopy, such as improved dexterity, more precise and accurate articulation, reduced tremor, and better visualization&#x0D; of the operating field. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the hallmark in the era of assisted reproductive technology and became an alternative option to regain the fertility in sterilized women.&#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusion: The pregnancy rate and live birth rate in laparoscopy, robotic and open surgery were relatively similar. Surgical reversal to women younger than 40 is recommended and laparoscopic reversal should be performed if the expertise is available. It is reasonable to&#x0D; counsel IVF to over 40 women.&#x0D; [Indones J Obstet Gynecol 2012; 36-3: 154-60]&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: gynecology, IVF, pregnancy outcomes, reanastomosis, robotic laparoscopy, tubal reversal

Fallopian Tube Papilloma: An Unusual Case of Tubal Obstruction

Fallopian tube (FT) neoplasms either benign or malignant are uncommon in pathology. Papillomas are rare benign neoplasms of the FT. This report describes the presence of a benign papilloma of FT presenting as a ruptured ectopic pregnancy in emergency. A 24-year-old female presented to the gynecology emergency with chief complains of acute pain abdomen for 6 hours and bleeding per vaginum (PV) for 1 day. Left salpingectomy with a right tubal segment ligation was done and sent for histopathologic examination. It was subsequently diagnosed as FT papilloma with no evidence of tubal gestation on histopathology. FT papilloma, although rare and often found incidentally, could be a significant factor in occluding the lumen of the tube, thereby resulting in abortion or sterility of the patient. Since the management is mainly conservative and prognosis is good, it is also essential to differentiate these lesions from the other proliferative lesions of FT. J Clin Gynecol Obstet. 2016;5(2):71-73 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.14740/jcgo302w

Magnetoelastic effect during the low-temperature deformation of 316LN-IG stainless steel

The segments of tubes made of austenitic 316LN-IG stainless steel that are cut along the tube axis are subjected to tensile tests in liquid and gaseous helium at temperatures below 7 K. The tubes are intended for the conductor conduits of the toroidal magnetic system of ITER. The time evolution of the strain, the temperature, and the strain-induced magnetization of specimens in the form of the normal component of the magnetic field on their surfaces is studied as a function of the applied load. The behavior of local deformation near slip bands is complicated: the areas near slip planes undergo unloading and shrinking. A magnetoelastic effect is detected; it indicates a negative longitudinal magnetostriction for the initial γ phase and the strain-induced α phase. The cases of absent local heating during strain jumps are explained by the magnetocaloric effect in the areas unloaded during slip.

Secretory cell expansion with aging: Risk for pelvic serous carcinogenesis

ObjectiveRecent advances suggest that precancerous lesions of pelvic serous carcinoma (PSC) originate from tubal secretory cells. The purpose of our study was to determine if increased number of secretory cells shows difference in age and location and to examine their association with serous neoplasia. Materials and methodsThree groups (benign control, high-risk, and PSC) of patients with matched ages were studied. The age data was stratified into 10-year intervals ranging from age 20 to older than 80. The number of secretory and ciliated cells from both tubal fimbria and ampulla segments was counted by microscopy and immunohistochemical staining methods. The data was analyzed by standard contingency table and Poisson distribution methods after age justification. ResultsWe found that the absolute number of tubal secretory cells increased significantly with age within each age group. Age remained a significant risk factor for serous neoplasia after age adjustment. In addition, a dramatic increase of secretory cells was observed in high-risk and PSC patients. Further, secretory cell expansion (SCE) was more prevalent than secretory cell outgrowth in both fimbria and ampulla tubal segments and was significantly associated with serous neoplasia (p<0.001). ConclusionsThese findings suggest that SCE could potentially serve as a sensitive biomarker for early serous carcinogenesis within the fallopian tube. Findings support a relationship between serous neoplasia and increased secretory to ciliated cell ratios. Findings also support a relationship between frequency of SCE and increasing age, presence of high-risk factors and co-existing serous cancers.

Enhanced beta-catenin expression and inflammation are associated with human ectopic tubal pregnancy

Is there a molecular link between Wnt signaling in fallopian tube inflammation and ectopic tubal implantation? Enhanced beta-catenin expression, reduced E-cadherin expression and glycogen accumulation in the tubal epithelia and hyperplasia in tubal arteries were found in ectopic tubal pregnancy, consistent with the effects induced by Wnt signaling and inflammation. Chronic inflammation caused by infection can alter gene expression in the fallopian tube cells possibly leading to the development of ectopic pregnancy. Knockout mouse models have shown a relationship between Wnt/beta-catenin signaling and predisposition to tubal ectopic pregnancy. Women with ectopic tubal pregnancy (n = 18) were included in the case group, while women with chronic salpingitis (n = 13) and non-pregnant women undergoing sterilization procedures or salpingectomy for benign uterine disease (n = 10) were set as the controls. This study was performed between January 2012 and November 2012. The ampullary segments of fallopian tubes were collected from patients. Tissues of tubal pregnancy were separated into implantation sites and non-implantation sites. Beta-catenin and E-cadherin expression were determined using immunohistological and immunofluorescence staining. Glycogen production was measured with periodic acid Schiff by staining. The diameter and wall thickness of tubal arteries were evaluated by histological analysis method. Immunohistological staining revealed that beta-catenin protein expression was 100% positive in the ectopic pregnant and inflamed tubal tissues, and the staining intensity was significantly higher than in non-pregnant tubal tissues. In contrast, E-cadherin expression was reduced in ectopic pregnant fallopian tubes, possibly as a consequence of increased Wnt signaling. Moreover, glycogen accumulated in the tubal cells, and hyperplasia was observed in the tubal arteries with ectopic pregnancy, which is consistent with the effects induced by Wnt signaling and inflammation. All these changes could create the permissive environment that promotes embryos to ectopically implant into the fallopian tube. This finding requires a further confirmation about what activates Wnt signaling in ectopic tubal pregnancies. Also, it is generally recognized that Chlamydia infection is associated with ectopic pregnancy, and disturbs tubal epithelia via the Wnt signaling. However, the infection type in the samples used was salpingitis. A better understanding of the underlying mechanisms leading to ectopic pregnancies may contribute to our knowledge of the pathogenesis of tubal disorders and infertility and to the prevention of tubal ectopic pregnancy.