Genome Editing and Cardiac Arrhythmias

This article reviews progress in the field of cardiac genome editing, in particular, its potential utility in treating cardiac arrhythmias. First, we discuss genome editing methods by which DNA can be disrupted, inserted, deleted, or corrected in cardiomyocytes. Second, we provide an overview of in vivo genome editing in preclinical models of heritable and acquired arrhythmias. Third, we discuss recent advancements in cardiac gene transfer, including delivery methods, gene expression optimization, and potential adverse effects associated with therapeutic somatic genome editing. While genome editing for cardiac arrhythmias is still in its infancy, this approach holds great promise, especially for inherited arrhythmia syndromes with a defined genetic defect.

A long-term look at sealants

In summary, I believe a sealant program is a win-win situation. The dental office, third-party payers, and most importantly the patient benefit from cost saving, reduction in pain and fear, and reduced tooth problems in adult life.

Primary mucus-secreting adenocarcinoma of the renal pelvis

Mucus-secreting adenocarcinoma of the renal pelvis is an extremely rare tumor. It arises from multipotential transitional epithelium which is capable of undergoing metaplastic transformation when subjected to chronic irritation from calculi, hydronephrosis, or pyelonephritis. Women are affected slightly more often than men. Tumor invasion implies a poor prognosis. Long-term survival occurs but is infrequent. In the case reported, preoperative angiography yielded useful diagnostic information.

Sarcoidosis and testicular neoplasm: an unusual association

A case of sarcoidosis of the mediastinal lymph nodes with concomitant teratoembryonal carcinoma of the testis is presented. It is important to differentiate these entities from mediastinal metastases of testicular tumors and testicular sarcoidosis, respectively. We favor mediastinal biopsy in appropriate cases, in addition to testicular exploration.

Pyelocancerous backflow: a radiologic finding in renal malignancy

Pyelocancerous backflow is a radiologic finding strongly suggestive of renal malignancy that has had little attention in the urologic literature. Its appearance is an ominous sign and, when present, renal adenocarcinoma invading the collecting system or infiltrating transitional cell carcinoma with parenchymal extension must be suspected. An illustrative case is presented and its significance is discussed.

Coordination polymers of osmium: the nature of osmium black

The design of cytochemical reagents that yield osmiophilic products from which an osmium black may be derived on exposure to osmium tetroxide has resulted in new methods described previously for the ultrastructural demonstration of enzyme activity and functional groups of macromolecules with the electron microscope. Attempts to determine the nature of the osmium black end products have been frustrated by their insolubility. The preparation of watersoluble analogs and their characterization as polymers suggest that the insoluble osmium blacks are coordination polymers. This is consonant with the unusually favorable properties of osmium black in electron microscopy. Although polymers of osmium have frequently been postulated as the end products of reaction of osmium tetroxide with tissue conistituents or with other organic compounds, this is the first example of their characterization.