Macroporous microcarriers for introducing cells into a microfluidic chip.

Macroporous gelatin beads (CultiSpher™ microcarriers) provide a convenient method for rapidly and reliably introducing cells cultured ex situ into a microfluidic device, where the spheres create a 3D environment for continued cell proliferation. We demonstrate the usefulness of this technique with a proof-of-concept viability analysis of cardiac cells after treatment with doxorubicin.

Organic materials for printed electronics.

Organic materials can offer a low-cost alternative for printed electronics and flexible displays. However, research in these systems must exploit the differences - via molecular-level control of functionality - compared with inorganic electronics if they are to become commercially viable.

Autoimmune blistering skin diseases.

Emergency physicians, at the front line of patient care, are often confronted with a wide variety of dermatologic conditions. Prompt recognition is essential, especially for the autoimmune blistering skin diseases, many of which have considerable morbidity and mortality. Therefore, an accurate diagnosis is imperative for appropriate referral and initiation of therapy. This review article provides a concise yet thorough discussion of the clinical presentation, incidence, differential diagnosis and management of the commonly encountered autoimmune blistering skin diseases, some of which include pemphigus, bullous pemphigoid, and epidermolysis bullosa acquisita.

The new pemphigus variants.

Pemphigus describes a group of autoimmune diseases characterized by blisters and erosions of the skin and mucous membranes, acantholysis by histology, and autoantibodies directed against epidermal cell surface components. Since the early 1970s, the following new clinical variants of pemphigus have been reported: pemphigus herpetiformis, IgA pemphigus, and paraneoplastic pemphigus. In recent years, significant data have been obtained from laboratory investigation on these rare and atypical variants, especially regarding their specific target antigens. We review these variants, their clinical presentations, histologic findings, immunopathology, target antigens, theories of pathogenesis, treatment modalities, and clinical courses.

Horseshoe kidney with simultaneous occurrence of calculi, transitional cell and squamous cell carcinoma.

The simultaneous occurrence of invasive renal pelvic carcinoma with hydronephrosis and multiple calculi was noted after resection of the involved left renal unit of a horseshoe kidney. A perirenal lymph node submitted with the specimen was also involved necessitating a "second look" with retroperitoneal lymph node dissection and removal of left lower ureter and cuff of the bladder, all of which were benign. The increased incidence of renal pelvic tumors with horseshoe kidney is discussed. While the occurrence of adenocarcinoma in a horseshoe kidney appears to be no higher than in nonfused kidneys, the incidence of transitional cell carcinoma among horseshoe tumors is higher (24% vs. 7.7% in nonfused kidneys).

Malakoplakia of testis.

Malakoplakia of the testicle was first reported in 1958. Since then approximately 25 cases have been reported. We add another case.