Space Radiation Effects on Crew During and After Deep Space Missions
AbstractPurposeOverview and perspectives are provided of radiation hazards associated with deep space human missions, such as to Mars.Recent FindingsSignificant associations between radiation dose and effects of principal concern from space radiation (cancer, cardiovascular, CNS) have not yet been detected in astronauts. Therefore, estimates of radiation-induced health consequences from extended deep space missions are based on studies available from radiation-exposed human populations on Earth (e.g., A-bomb survivors) supplemented with data from biological experiments (primarily rodents) using space-type radiations obtain...
Source: Current Pathobiology Reports - July 23, 2018 Category: Laboratory Medicine Source Type: research

Mechanistic Clues to Overcome Spaceflight-Induced Immune Dysregulation
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo recapitulate the latest findings from comprehensive studies of relatively long-duration spaceflight aboard the International Space Station, followed by exciting research published recently that illuminates the means by which we may be able to correct the immune system disturbances associated with spaceflight.Recent FindingsWhile in space, most astronauts experience immune perturbations that may manifest as a form of immunodeficiency or, alternatively, a hypersensitivity reaction. When it occurs, the dysregulation persists stably for the duration of the mission. T lymphocytes – a population of ...
Source: Current Pathobiology Reports - July 19, 2018 Category: Laboratory Medicine Source Type: research

Evolutionary Stem Cell Poker and Cancer Risks: the Paradox of the Large and Small Intestines
AbstractPurpose of reviewRecent studies demonstrate that normal human tissues accumulate substantial numbers of somatic mutations with aging, to levels comparable to their corresponding cancers. If mutations cause cancer, how do tissues avoid cancer when mutations are unavoidable?Recent findingsThe small intestines (SI) and colon accumulate similar numbers of replication errors, but SI adenocarcinoma is much rarer than colorectal cancer. Both the small and large intestines are subdivided into millions of small neighborhoods (crypts) that are maintained by small numbers of stem cells. To explain the SI cancer paradox, four ...
Source: Current Pathobiology Reports - July 16, 2018 Category: Laboratory Medicine Source Type: research

Effects of Partial Gravity on the Function and Particle Handling of the Human Lung
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe challenges presented to the lung by the space environment are the effects of prolonged absence of gravity, the challenges of decompression stress associated with spacewalking, and the changes in the deposition of inhaled particulate matter.Recent FindingsAlthough there are substantial changes in the function of the lung in partial gravity, the lung is largely unaffected by sustained exposure, returning rapidly to a normal state after return to 1G. Provided there is adequate denitrogenation prior to a spacewalk, avoiding the development of venous gas emboli, the lung copes well with the low-pres...
Source: Current Pathobiology Reports - July 13, 2018 Category: Laboratory Medicine Source Type: research

Vestibular and Sensorimotor Dysfunction During Space Flight
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis paper aims to review dysfunctions in spatial orientation, cognition, gaze stabilization, and posture and locomotor control recently documented in astronauts during and immediately after both short- and long-duration space flights.Recent FindingsThe spatial disorientation and cognitive deficits experienced by astronauts in microgravity are similar to those observed in individuals with vestibular disorders on Earth. After space flight, astronauts take more time to acquire visual targets while moving their head. Balance and locomotion control are impaired for approximately 15  days after long-du...
Source: Current Pathobiology Reports - July 3, 2018 Category: Laboratory Medicine Source Type: research

Correction to: Emerging Imaging Modalities in Regenerative Medicine
The article Emerging Imaging Modalities in Regenerative Medicine, written by Mitchel R. Stacy and Albert J. Sinusas, was originally published electronically on the publisher ’s internet portal (currently SpringerLink) on 28 January 2015 without open access. (Source: Current Pathobiology Reports)
Source: Current Pathobiology Reports - June 5, 2018 Category: Laboratory Medicine Source Type: research

Clinical Applications of Bone Tissue Engineering in Orthopedic Trauma
AbstractPurpose of ReviewOrthopedic trauma is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although many fractures tend to heal if treated appropriately either by non-operative or operative methods, delayed or failed healing, as well as infections, can lead to devastating complications. Tissue engineering is an exciting, emerging field with much scientific and clinical relevance in potentially overcoming the current limitations in the treatment of orthopedic injuries.Recent FindingsWhile direct translation of bone tissue engineering technologies to clinical use remains challenging, considerable research has been don...
Source: Current Pathobiology Reports - June 1, 2018 Category: Laboratory Medicine Source Type: research

A New Paradigm for Tissue Diagnostics: Tools and Techniques to Standardize Tissue Collection, Transport, and Fixation
AbstractPurpose of ReviewStudying and developing preanalytical tools and technologies for the purpose of obtaining high-quality samples for histological assays is a growing field. Currently, there does not exist a standard practice for collecting, fixing, and monitoring these precious samples. There has been some advancement in standardizing collection for the highest profile tumor types, such as breast, where HER2 testing drives therapeutic decisions. This review examines the area of tissue collection, transport, and monitoring of formalin diffusion and details a prototype system that could be used to help standardize tis...
Source: Current Pathobiology Reports - June 1, 2018 Category: Laboratory Medicine Source Type: research

Molecular Pathology and Pre-Analytic Variables: Impact on Clinical Practice From a Breast Pathology Perspective
AbstractPurpose of ReviewCancer therapy is increasingly becoming dependent on the ability to target specific molecular pathways that drive disease progression. Consequently, the identification of specific molecular pathways requires the use of companion diagnostic assays that are accurate and reproducible. This review will discuss the data and concerns surrounding pre-analytic variables in the evaluation of breast cancer tissue.Recent FindingsAlthough ASCO/CAP guidelines offer recommendations for the collection and preservation of diagnostic clinical tissues, standard clinical practice has paid little attention to the suit...
Source: Current Pathobiology Reports - June 1, 2018 Category: Laboratory Medicine Source Type: research

Targeting Pericytes to Improve Wound Healing Outcomes
AbstractPurpose of ReviewRecently, pericytes, a mesenchymal stem-like cell population, has been of great interest due to its plasticity and for its role in different pathologies. This review will focus on the contributions of pericytes specifically to wound healing and the potential to manipulate this specific cell population for better healing outcome.Recent FindingsSeveral studies point towards the capability of pericytes to regulate inflammation, angiogenesis and the remodeling phase of healing. Interestingly, findings also show that the source from which pericytes are isolated has differential and varied effects during...
Source: Current Pathobiology Reports - June 1, 2018 Category: Laboratory Medicine Source Type: research

The Pro-reparative Engine: Stem Cells Aid Healing by Dampening Inflammation
AbstractPurpose of ReviewStem cells have been proposed as sources for tissue replacement when healing does not occur. These cells could contribute directly to skin structures via differentiation, or via producing trophic factors that would ‘educate’ the microenvironment to encourage tissue repair. Studies in animals have supported both mechanisms, but translation to humans has been challenged by poor cell survival after transplantation. However, the improvement noted with even transient existence suggests another new possibility, that of suppressing the inflammatory response that limits regenerative healing. Herein, we...
Source: Current Pathobiology Reports - June 1, 2018 Category: Laboratory Medicine Source Type: research

Molecular Pathology and Pre-Analytic Variables: Impact on Clinical Practice From a Breast Pathology Perspective
AbstractPurpose of ReviewCancer therapy is increasingly becoming dependent on the ability to target specific molecular pathways that drive disease progression. Consequently, the identification of specific molecular pathways requires the use of companion diagnostic assays that are accurate and reproducible. This review will discuss the data and concerns surrounding pre-analytic variables in the evaluation of breast cancer tissue.Recent FindingsAlthough ASCO/CAP guidelines offer recommendations for the collection and preservation of diagnostic clinical tissues, standard clinical practice has paid little attention to the suit...
Source: Current Pathobiology Reports - May 11, 2018 Category: Laboratory Medicine Source Type: research

A New Paradigm for Tissue Diagnostics: Tools and Techniques to Standardize Tissue Collection, Transport, and Fixation
AbstractPurpose of ReviewStudying and developing preanalytical tools and technologies for the purpose of obtaining high-quality samples for histological assays is a growing field. Currently, there does not exist a standard practice for collecting, fixing, and monitoring these precious samples. There has been some advancement in standardizing collection for the highest profile tumor types, such as breast, where HER2 testing drives therapeutic decisions. This review examines the area of tissue collection, transport, and monitoring of formalin diffusion and details a prototype system that could be used to help standardize tis...
Source: Current Pathobiology Reports - April 25, 2018 Category: Laboratory Medicine Source Type: research

Clinical Applications of Bone Tissue Engineering in Orthopedic Trauma
AbstractPurpose of ReviewOrthopedic trauma is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although many fractures tend to heal if treated appropriately either by non-operative or operative methods, delayed or failed healing, as well as infections, can lead to devastating complications. Tissue engineering is an exciting, emerging field with much scientific and clinical relevance in potentially overcoming the current limitations in the treatment of orthopedic injuries.Recent FindingsWhile direct translation of bone tissue engineering technologies to clinical use remains challenging, considerable research has been don...
Source: Current Pathobiology Reports - April 19, 2018 Category: Laboratory Medicine Source Type: research

The Pro-reparative Engine: Stem Cells Aid Healing by Dampening Inflammation
AbstractPurpose of ReviewStem cells have been proposed as sources for tissue replacement when healing does not occur. These cells could contribute directly to skin structures via differentiation, or via producing trophic factors that would ‘educate’ the microenvironment to encourage tissue repair. Studies in animals have supported both mechanisms, but translation to humans has been challenged by poor cell survival after transplantation. However, the improvement noted with even transient existence suggests another new possibility, that of suppressing the inflammatory response that limits regenerative healing. Herein, we...
Source: Current Pathobiology Reports - March 20, 2018 Category: Laboratory Medicine Source Type: research