Outcomes in variceal hemorrhage following the use of a balloon tamponade device.

BACKGROUND: Variceal hemorrhage is associated with high morbidity and mortality. A balloon tamponade device (BTD), such as the Sengstaken-Blakemore or Minnesota tube, may be used in cases of variceal hemorrhage. While these devices may be effective at controlling acute bleeding, the effect on patient outcomes remains less clear. We sought to describe the number of patients with variceal hemorrhage and a BTD who survive to discharge, survive to one-year, and develop complications related to a BTD. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we identified patients at a single, tertiary care center who underwent placement of a BTD for upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage between 2003 and 2014. Patient characteristics and outcomes were summarized using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: 34 patients with a BTD were identified. Median age was 57.5 (IQR 47-63) and 76% (26/34) were male. Approximately 59% (20/34) of patients survived to discharge, and 41% (13/32) were alive after one year. Two patients were lost to follow-up. Of those surviving to discharge, 95% (19/20) had undergone transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), while 36% (5/14) of patients who did not survive to discharge had TIPS (p<0.01). One complication, an esophageal perforation, was identified and managed conservatively. CONCLUSION: In this cohort of patients undergoing BTD placement for variceal hemorrhage, approximately 59% of patients were alive at discharge and 41% were alive after one year. Placement of a BTD as a temporizing measure in the management of acute variceal hemorrhage may be helpful, particularly when utilized as a bridge to more definitive therapy.

Isoform-specific regulation of Akt signaling by the endosomal protein WDFY2.

Recent work has led to the identification of novel endocytic compartments with functional roles in both protein trafficking and growth factor signal transduction. The phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate binding, FYVE domain-containing protein WDFY2 is localized to a distinct subset of early endosomes, which are localized close to the plasma membrane. Here, we find that the serine/threonine kinase Akt interacts with these endosomes in an isoform-specific manner. Using quantitative fluorescence microscopy we demonstrate specific co-localization of WDFY2 with endogenous Akt2, but not Akt1. Moreover, depletion of WDFY2 leads to impaired phosphorylation of Akt in response to insulin due to isoform specific reduction of Akt2, but not Akt1, protein levels, and to a marked reduction in the insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of numerous Akt substrates. This is accompanied by an impairment in insulin-stimulated glucose transport and, after prolonged silencing, a reduction in the level of expression of adipogenic genes. We propose that WDFY2-enriched endosomes serve as a scaffold that enables specificity of insulin signaling through Akt2.

Electron microscopy of wet tissues: a case study in renal pathology.

In this report we introduce wet-tissue scanning electron microscopy, a novel technique for direct imaging of wet tissue samples using backscattered electrons. Samples placed in sealed capsules are imaged through a resilient, electron-transparent membrane. The contrast of the imaged samples may be enhanced by chemical staining. The samples several millimeters thick and imaged without sectioning, makes this technique suitable for rapid analysis of tissue specimens. We applied this technique to D-limonene-induced nephropathy where accumulation of hyaline protein droplets is induced in proximal and distal convoluted tubules of the kidney. Images obtained by scanning electron microscopy of hydrated kidney specimens exhibited superior resolution, contrast, and magnification compared with those obtained by conventional light microscopy of paraffin sections. The electron micrographs can be obtained within an hour of tissue removal, whereas preparation for light microscopy requires at least 1 day. These advantages of the wet scanning electron microscopy technique indicate its potential utility in a wide range of applications in histopathology and toxicology.