[Pathological and immunohistochemical analysis of giant cells of pancreas].

PubMed

Miyake, T; Suda, K; Yamamura, A; Tada, Y

1997-10-01

Multinucleated giant cells in the pancreas (five giant cell carcinomas, a mucinous cystadenocarcinoma attended with many osteoclast-like giant cells, 42 invasive ductal carcinomas and 29 chronic pancreatitises) were examined. Three types of multinucleated giant cell were identified: epithelial type, coexpressive type, mesenchymal type. Epithelial type expressed epithelial markers, such as keratin and EMA in 23 ductal carcinomas. Coexpressive type expressed both epithelial markers and mesenchymal marker vimentin was in four ductal carcinomas. Mesenchymal type expressed mesenchymal markers, vimentin and CD68 in four osteoclastoid type giant cell carcinomas, the mucinous cystadenocarcinoma, six ductal carcinomas and ten chronic pancreatitises. Epithelial and coexpressive type were considered to be epithelial neoplastic origin, those had bizarre appearance and transitional area from definite adenocarcinoma area. Vimentin expression is associated with sarcomatous proliferation. Mesenchymal type was considered to be nonneoplastic and a certain type of macrophage polykaryons.

Multifocal tenosynovial giant cell tumors in a child with Noonan syndrome.

PubMed

Meyers, Arthur B; Awomolo, Agboola O; Szabo, Sara

2017-03-01

Noonan syndrome is a genetic disorder with variable expression of distinctive facial features, webbed neck, chest deformity, short stature, cryptorchidism and congenital heart disease. The association of Noonan syndrome and giant cell granulomas of the mandible is widely reported. However, Noonan syndrome may also be associated with single or multifocal tenosynovial giant cell tumors, also referred to as pigmented villonodular synovitis. We report a child with Noonan syndrome, giant cell granulomas of the mandible and synovial and tenosynovial giant cell tumors involving multiple joints and tendon sheaths who was initially misdiagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. It is important for radiologists to be aware of the association of Noonan syndrome and multifocal giant cell lesions, which can range from the more commonly described giant cell granulomas of the mandible to isolated or multifocal intra- or extra-articular tenosynovial giant cell tumors or a combination of all of these lesions.

Giant basal cell carcinoma of the face: surgical management and challenges for reconstruction.

PubMed

Maimaiti, A; Mijiti, A; Yarbag, A; Moming, A

2016-02-01

Giant basal cell carcinoma, in which the tumour measures 5 cm or greater in diameter, is a very rare skin malignancy that accounts for less than 1 per cent of all basal cell tumours. Very few studies have reported on the incidence, resection and reconstruction of this lesion worldwide. In total, 17 patients with giant basal cell carcinoma of the head and neck region underwent surgical excision and reconstruction at our hospital. Medical charts were retrospectively reviewed and analysed. The lesion was usually in the forehead, eyelid, lips or nasal-cheek region. The greatest diameter ranged from 5 to 11 cm, with 5-6 cm being the most common size at the time of presentation. All patients had their tumour resected and reconstructed in a single-stage procedure, mostly with a local advancement flap, and with no post-operative flap failure. Giant basal cell carcinoma of the head and neck can be successfully treated with a local flap in a single-stage approach.

[Clinicopathologic characteristics of hemangiopericytoma/solitary fibrous tumor with giant cells].

PubMed

Wang, Hai-yan; Fan, Qin-he; Gong, Qi-xing; Wang, Zheng

2009-03-01

To study the pathological characteristics, diagnosis and differential diagnoses of hemangiopericytoma-solitary fibrous tumor with giant cells. Pathological characteristics of seven cases of orbital and extraorbital hemangiopericytoma-solitary fibrous tumors with giant cells were evaluated by HE and immunohistochemistry (EnVision method). Two cases were located in the orbit, one of which had recurred. Five cases were located in the extraorbital regions. Histologically, the tumors were well-circumscribed and composed of non-atypical, round to spindle cells with collagen deposition in the stroma. The tumors had prominent vasculatures and in areas, pseudovascular spaces lined by multinucleated giant cells lining which were also present in the stroma. Immunohistochemically, both neoplastic cells and multinucleate giant cells expressed CD34. Seven patients underwent tumor excision and were well and without tumor recurrence upon the clinical follow-up. Hemangiopericytoma-solitary fibrous tumor with giant cells is an intermediate soft tissue tumor. It typically involves the orbital or extraorbital regions. Histologically, the tumor should be distinguished from giant cell fibroblastoma, pleomorphic hyalinzing angiectatic tumor of soft part and angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma.

Pulmonary giant cell carcinoma associated with pseudomyxoma peritonei.

PubMed

Goldin, Mark; Li, Jinghong; Amirrezvani, Ali; Riker, David

2012-01-01

Pulmonary giant cell carcinoma is a rare subtype of sarcomatoid carcinoma. Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare condition in which gelatinous material accumulates within the peritoneal cavity. It is believed PMP arises from a primary appendiceal mucinous neoplasm that perforates the gut, causing mucinous ascites. There are sporadic reports of PMP associated with neoplasms of other organs, rarely the lung. Here, we report on a 60-year-old woman with pulmonary giant cell carcinoma associated with PMP. She presented with progressive dyspnea and abdominal distention. Abdominal computed tomography revealed moderately dense ascites without an obvious mass. Chest computed tomography revealed a large, solitary right lower-lobe lung mass. She underwent transbronchial fine-needle aspiration of the mass, and was diagnosed with pulmonary giant cell carcinoma. The ascites showed scattered malignant cells in a background of mucin, confirming PMP. To our knowledge, this is the first report of pulmonary giant cell carcinoma associated with PMP.

TRAP-Positive Multinucleated Giant Cells Are Foreign Body Giant Cells Rather Than Osteoclasts: Results From a Split-Mouth Study in Humans.

PubMed

Lorenz, Jonas; Kubesch, Alica; Korzinskas, Tadas; Barbeck, Mike; Landes, Constantin; Sader, Robert A; Kirkpatrick, Charles J; Ghanaati, Shahram

2015-12-01

This study compared the material-specific tissue response to the synthetic, hydroxyapatite-based bone substitute material NanoBone (NB) with that of the xenogeneic, bovine-based bone substitute material Bio-Oss (BO). The sinus cavities of 14 human patients were augmented with NB and BO in a split-mouth design. Six months after augmentation, bone biopsies were extracted for histological and histomorphometric investigation prior to dental implant insertion. The following were evaluated: the cellular inflammatory pattern, the induction of multinucleated giant cells, vascularization, the relative amounts of newly formed bone, connective tissue, and the remaining bone substitute material. NB granules were well integrated in the peri-implant tissue and were surrounded by newly formed bone tissue. Multinucleated giant cells were visible on the surfaces of the remaining granules. BO granules were integrated into the newly formed bone tissue, which originated from active osteoblasts on their surface. Histomorphometric analysis showed a significantly higher number of multinucleated giant cells and blood vessels in the NB group compared to the BO group. No statistical differences were observed in regard to connective tissue, remaining bone substitute, and newly formed bone. The results of this study highlight the different cellular reactions to synthetic and xenogeneic bone substitute materials. The significantly higher number of multinucleated giant cells within the NB implantation bed seems to have no effect on its biodegradation. Accordingly, the multinucleated giant cells observed within the NB implantation bed have characteristics more similar to those of foreign body giant cells than to those of osteoclasts.

Infection and Proliferation of Giant Viruses in Amoeba Cells.

PubMed

Takemura, Masaharu

2016-01-01

Acanthamoeba polyphaga mimivirus, the first discovered giant virus with genome size and particle size much larger than previously discovered viruses, possesses several genes for translation and CRISPER Cas system-like defense mechanism against virophages, which co-infect amoeba cells with the giant virus and which inhibit giant virus proliferation. Mimiviruses infect amoeba cells by phagocytosis and release their DNA into amoeba cytoplasm through their stargate structure. After infection, giant virion factories (VFs) form in amoeba cytoplasm, followed by DNA replication and particle formation at peripheral regions of VF. Marseilleviruses, the smallest giant viruses, infect amoeba cells by phagocytosis or endocytosis, form larger VF than Mimivirus's VF in amoeba cytoplasm, and replicate their particles. Pandoraviruses found in 2013 have the largest genome size and particle size among all viruses ever found. Pandoraviruses infect amoeba cells by phagocytosis and release their DNA into amoeba cytoplasm through their mouth-like apical pores. The proliferation of Pandoraviruses occurs along with nucleus disruption. New virions form at the periphery of the region formerly occupied by the amoeba cell nucleus.

Giant calculus: review and report of a case.

PubMed

Woodmansey, Karl; Severine, Anthony; Lembariti, Bakari S

2013-01-01

Dental calculus is a common oral finding. The term giant calculus is used to describe unusually large deposits of dental calculus. Several extreme cases have been reported in the dental literature. The specific etiology of these cases remains uncertain. This paper reviews previously reported cases, and presents another extreme example of giant calculus.

Giant cell tumour of tendon sheath and synovial membrane: A review of 26 cases.

PubMed

Kant, Kumar Shashi; Manav, Ajoy Kumar; Kumar, Rakesh; Abhinav; Sinha, Vishvendra Kumar; Sharma, Akshat

2017-11-01

Aim of our study is to highlight the incidence and benign nature of Giant cell tumour of tendon sheath and need for complete removal, thus minimizing the chances of recurrence. A total of 26 cases of Giant cell tumour of tendon sheath operated in the department of Orthopaedics, Patna Medical College & Hospital, Patna from 2003 to 2010 were included in this study. The surgery was performed after clinical evaluation of the lesion and Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC). The tumour underwent en bloc marginal excision. The patients were followed up for minimum two year. Our study population consisted of 18 females and 8 males. The mean age at the time of surgery was 38.3 years (range, 18-62 years). Twenty three cases were found in the 3rd and 4th decade. Twenty two cases involved upper extremity and only 4 cases in lower extremity. MRI was done in 2 cases where diagnosis was in doubt. Bony indentation on X-ray film was found in 7 cases and thorough curettage of cortical shell was done. All the cases were treated by marginal excision. Three cases developed post-operative stiffness but regained full range of movement with physiotherapy. Sensory impairment was seen in 3 cases. Recurrence occurred in 2 case and they were treated by repeat marginal excision. Meticulous en-masse marginal excision of the giant cell tumour of tendon sheath in blood less field using magnification is the treatment of choice.

Intralesional corticosteroid injections in the treatment of central giant cell lesions of the jaws: A meta-analytic study

PubMed Central

Araújo, Phelype M.; de Souza-Carvalho, Abrahao C.; Cavalcante, Roberta B.; Sant’Ana, Eduardo; Nongueira, Renato L.

2013-01-01

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the response of treatment of central giant cell lesion to intralesional corticosteroid injections. Study Design: Review of articles indexed in PubMed on the topic between the years 1988 and 2011, and development of a descriptive meta-analysis of the results. Results: Sample of 41 patients primarily treated with intralesional corticosteroid injections was obtained, with a male female ratio of 1:0.95, being 23 aggressive and 18 non-aggressive central giant cell lesions. Triamcinolone acetonide and triamcinolone hexacetonide were the drugs used, and 78.0% cases were considered as good result, 14.6% were considered as moderate response and 7.3% were considered as negative result to treatment. Considering the aggressiveness, 88.9% of non-aggressive lesions presented a good response to treatment, in aggressive central giant cell lesions, 69.6% presented a good response to intralesional corticosteroid injections. Conclusion: In view of the results analyzed, intralesional corticosteroid injections could be considered as first treatment option for central giant cell lesion. Key words:Central giant cell lesion, corticosteroids injections, triamcinolone hexacetonide, triamcinolone acetonide. PMID:23385503

Giant Cell Tumor of Bone - An Overview

PubMed Central

Sobti, Anshul; Agrawal, Pranshu; Agarwala, Sanjay; Agarwal, Manish

2016-01-01

Giant Cell tumors (GCT) are benign tumors with potential for aggressive behavior and capacity to metastasize. Although rarely lethal, benign bone tumors may be associated with a substantial disturbance of the local bony architecture that can be particularly troublesome in peri-articular locations. Its histogenesis remains unclear. It is characterized by a proliferation of mononuclear stromal cells and the presence of many multi- nucleated giant cells with homogenous distribution. There is no widely held consensus regarding the ideal treatment method selection. There are advocates of varying surgical techniques ranging from intra-lesional curettage to wide resection. As most giant cell tumors are benign and are located near a joint in young adults, several authors favor an intralesional approach that preserves anatomy of bone in lieu of resection. Although GCT is classified as a benign lesion, few patients develop progressive lung metastases with poor outcomes. Treatment is mainly surgical. Options of chemotherapy and radiotherapy are reserved for selected cases. Recent advances in the understanding of pathogenesis are essential to develop new treatments for this locally destructive primary bone tumor. PMID:26894211

Literature review of giant gartersnake (Thamnophis gigas) biology and conservation

USGS Publications Warehouse

Halstead, Brian J.; Wylie, Glenn D.; Casazza, Michael L.

2015-08-03

This report reviews the available literature on giant gartersnakes (Thamnophis gigas) to compile existing information on this species and identify knowledge gaps that, if addressed, would help to inform conservation efforts for giant gartersnakes.  Giant gartersnakes comprise a species of semi-aquatic snake precinctive to wetlands in the Central Valley of California.  The diversion of surface water and conversion of wetlands to agricultural and other land uses resulted in the loss of more than 90 percent of natural giant gartersnake habitats.  Because of this habitat loss, giant gartersnakes are now listed by the United States and California Endangered Species Acts as Threatened.  Most extant populations occur in the rice-growing regions of the Sacramento Valley, which comprises the northern portion of the giant gartersnake’s former range.  The huge demand for water in California for agriculture, industry, recreation, and other human consumption, combined with periodic severe drought, places remaining giant gartersnake habitats at increased risk of degradation and loss.  This literature review summarizes the available information on giant gartersnake distribution, habitat relations, behavior, demography, and other aspects of its biology relevant to conservation.  This information is then compiled into a graphical conceptual model that indicates the importance of different aspects of giant gartersnake biology for maintaining positive population growth, and identifies those areas for which important information relevant for conservation is lacking.  Directing research efforts toward these aspects of giant gartersnake ecology will likely result in improvements to conserving this unique species while meeting the high demands for water in California.

Establishment and cryopreservation of a giant panda skeletal muscle-derived cell line.

PubMed

Yu, Fang-Jian; Zeng, Chang-Jun; Zhang, Yan; Wang, Cheng-Dong; Xiong, Tie-Yi; Fang, Sheng-Guo; Zhang, He-Min

2015-06-01

The giant panda Ailuropoda melanoleuca is an endangered species and is a symbol for wildlife conservation. Although efforts have been made to protect this rare and endangered species through breeding and conservative biology, the long-term preservation of giant panda genome resources (gametes, tissues, organs, genomic libraries, etc.) is still a practical option. In this study, the giant panda skeletal muscle-derived cell line was successfully established via primary explants culture and cryopreservation techniques. The population doubling time of giant panda skeletal cells was approximately 33.8 h, and this population maintained a high cell viability before and after cryopreservation (95.6% and 90.7%, respectively). The two skeletal muscle-specific genes SMYD1 and MYF6 were expressed and detected by RT-PCR in the giant panda skeletal muscle-derived cell line. Karyotyping analysis revealed that the frequencies of giant panda skeletal muscle cells showing a chromosome number of 2n=42 ranged from 90.6∼94.2%. Thus, the giant panda skeletal muscle-derived cell line provides a vital resource and material platform for further studies and is likely to be useful for the protection of this rare and endangered species.

Unilateral giant cell lesion of the jaw in Noonan syndrome.

PubMed

Eyselbergs, M; Vanhoenacker, F; Hintjens, J; Dom, M; Devriendt, K; Van Dijck, H

2014-01-01

Noonan syndrome (NS) is an etiologically heterogeneous disorder caused by mutations in the RAS-MAPK signaling pathway. Noonan-Like/Multiple Giant Cell Lesion (NL/MGCL) syndrome is initially described as the occurrence of multiple gnathic giant cell lesions in patients with phenotypic features of NS. Nowadays, NS/MGCL syndrome is considered a variant of the NS spectrum rather than a distinct entity. We report the case of a 14-year-old female patient carrying a SOS1 mutation with a unilateral giant cell lesion of the right mandible. Cross-sectional imaging such as CT and MRI are not specific for the diagnosis of oral giant cell lesions. Nonetheless, intralesional scattered foci of low SI on T2-WI, corresponding to hemosiderin deposits due to hemorrhage, can help the radiologist in narrowing down the differential diagnosis of gnathic lesions in patients with NS.

Giant cell tumour of tendon sheath: A 10-year study from a tertiary care centre.

PubMed

Kumar, R; Bharani, V; Gupta, N; Gupta, K; Dey, P; Srinivasan, R; Rajwanshi, A

2018-06-01

Cytology of giant cell tumour of tendon sheath (GCTTS) is often sufficient to diagnose this lesion and has been previously described in small series. The present study was undertaken to evaluate detailed cytomorphological features and differential diagnostic entities and pitfalls in the diagnosis. All the cases of GCTTS reported on FNAC were retrieved from July 2007 to June 2017. The cases were reviewed for various cytomorphological features, which were correlated with follow-up histopathology wherever available. A total of 72 cases of GCTTS were retrieved, follow-up histopathology was available in 20 cases. The common sites of involvement were fingers and palm followed by wrists, elbow, knee, ankle and shoulder. The characteristic cytomorphology consisted of mononuclear cells, multinucleated giant cells and pigment laden macrophages in variable numbers. There were four discordant cases that were confirmed on histopathology as sarcoidosis, melanoma, fibrous histiocytoma and eumycetoma. GCTTS can be confused cytologically with giant cell rich lesions of bone and soft tissue and pigment containing lesions including melanoma. Ladybird cell is a characteristic feature seen in this lesion. Proper clinicoradiological correlation is essential before offering a diagnosis of GCTTS on cytology. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Analyzing the spatial positioning of nuclei in polynuclear giant cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stange, Maike; Hintsche, Marius; Sachse, Kirsten; Gerhardt, Matthias; Valleriani, Angelo; Beta, Carsten

2017-11-01

How cells establish and maintain a well-defined size is a fundamental question of cell biology. Here we investigated to what extent the microtubule cytoskeleton can set a predefined cell size, independent of an enclosing cell membrane. We used electropulse-induced cell fusion to form giant multinuclear cells of the social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum. Based on dual-color confocal imaging of cells that expressed fluorescent markers for the cell nucleus and the microtubules, we determined the subcellular distributions of nuclei and centrosomes in the giant cells. Our two- and three-dimensional imaging results showed that the positions of nuclei in giant cells do not fall onto a regular lattice. However, a comparison with model predictions for random positioning showed that the subcellular arrangement of nuclei maintains a low but still detectable degree of ordering. This can be explained by the steric requirements of the microtubule cytoskeleton, as confirmed by the effect of a microtubule degrading drug.

The expression of ADAM12 (meltrin alpha) in human giant cell tumours of bone.

PubMed

Tian, B L; Wen, J M; Zhang, M; Xie, D; Xu, R B; Luo, C J

2002-12-01

To examine the expression of ADAM12 (meltrin alpha), a member of the disintegrin and metalloprotease (ADAM) family, in human giant cell tumours of the bone, skeletal muscle tissue from human embryos, and human adult skeletal muscle tissue. ADAM12 mRNA was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridisation. ADAM12 mRNA was detected in 14 of the 20 giant cell tumours of bone and in three of the six tumour cell cultures. The expression of ADAM12 in cells cultured from the tumour was linked to the presence of multinucleated giant cells. ADAM12 mRNA could not be detected in the five adult skeletal muscle tissue samples, although it was found in the two embryonic skeletal muscle tissue samples. ADAM12 mRNA was localised to the cytoplasm of multinucleated giant cells and some mononuclear stromal cells. These results indicate that multinucleated giant cells are formed by the cell fusion of mononuclear stromal cells in giant cell tumours of bone and that ADAM12 is involved in the cell fusion process.

Expression of CD 68, CD 45 and human leukocyte antigen-DR in central and peripheral giant cell granuloma, giant cell tumor of long bones, and tuberculous granuloma: An immunohistochemical study.

PubMed

Kumar, Anoop; Sherlin, Herald J; Ramani, Pratibha; Natesan, Anuja; Premkumar, Priya

2015-01-01

Multinucleated giant cells (MNCs) form an integral part of numerous bone and soft tissue tumors, tumor-like lesions and are often associated with granulomas of immunological and nonimmunological origin. The presence of various types of giant cells depends on the lesions in which they are present which are difficult to be diagnosed under routine histological techniques. Immunohistochemistry can be used for a better diagnosis and understanding of the origin of various giant cells using various markers of immune response like human leukocyte antigen-DR (HLA-DR) and those expressed on monocytes and macrophages like CD 68 and leukocyte common antigen (LCA). The study group consisted of 10 cases of giant cell tumor (GCT) of long bones, tuberculous granuloma, and giant cell granuloma to evaluate and analyze the expression pattern of LCA, CD 68, and HLA-DR in various giant cell lesions. Strong expression of CD 68 was observed in 80% of the lesions, strong and moderate expression of CD 45 observed in 70% of the lesions among and within the groups. In contrast, HLA-DR demonstrated negative expression in 80% of cases except for tuberculous granuloma where all the 10 cases showed moderate to strong immunoreactivity. CD 68 and CD 45 expression was found in central giant cell granuloma, peripheral giant cell granuloma and GCT, suggesting the origin from mononuclear phagocyte system and considering their clinical behavior of osteoclast type. High expressivity of HLA-DR in tuberculous granulomas which is an essential factor for presentation of the microbial antigen to CD 4 helper cells thus reassuring the fact that they are up-regulated in response to infection.

Ophthalmic presentation of giant cell arteritis in African-Americans

PubMed Central

Garrity, S T; Pistilli, M; Vaphiades, M S; Richards, N Q; Subramanian, P S; Rosa, P R; Lam, B L; Osborne, B J; Liu, G T; Duncan, K E; Shin, R K; Volpe, N J; Shindler, K S; Lee, M S; Moster, M L; Tracey, E H; Cuprill-Nilson, S E; Tamhankar, M A

2017-01-01

Purpose To determine the differences in the presentation of ophthalmic giant cell arteritis between African-Americans and Caucasians. Methods This was a multicenter retrospective case series comparing African-American patients with ophthalmic GCA to a previously published Caucasian cohort. Neuro-ophthalmic centers across the United States were contacted to provide data on African-American patients with biopsy-proven ophthalmic giant cell arteritis. The differences between African-American and Caucasian patients with respect to multiple variables, including age, sex, systemic and ophthalmic signs and symptoms, ocular ischemic lesions, and laboratory results were studied. Results The Caucasian cohort was slightly older (mean=76.1 years) than the African-American cohort (mean=72.6 years, P=0.03), and there was no difference in sex distribution between the two cohorts. Headache, neck pain, and anemia were more frequent, while jaw claudication was less frequent in African-Americans (P<0.01, <0.001, 0.02, and 0.03 respectively). Acute vision loss was the most common presentation of giant cell arteritis in both groups, though it was less common in African-Americans (78 vs 98% of Caucasians, P<0.001). Eye pain was more common in African-Americans (28 vs 8% of Caucasians, P<0.01). Conclusions The presenting features of ophthalmic giant cell arteritis in African-Americans and Caucasians are not markedly different, although a few significant differences exist, including higher rates of headache, neck pain, anemia, and eye pain, and lower rates of jaw claudication and acute vision loss in African-Americans. Persons presenting with suspicious signs and symptoms should undergo evaluation for giant cell arteritis regardless of race. PMID:27636230

SOCS3: an essential regulator of LIF receptor signaling in trophoblast giant cell differentiation

PubMed Central

Takahashi, Yutaka; Carpino, Nick; Cross, James C.; Torres, Miguel; Parganas, Evan; Ihle, James N.

2003-01-01

Suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) binds cytokine receptors and thereby suppresses cytokine signaling. Deletion of SOCS3 causes an embryonic lethality that is rescued by a tetraploid rescue approach, demonstrating an essential role in placental development and a non-essential role in embryo development. Rescued SOCS3-deficient mice show a perinatal lethality with cardiac hypertrophy. SOCS3-deficient placentas have reduced spongiotrophoblasts and increased trophoblast secondary giant cells. Enforced expression of SOCS3 in a trophoblast stem cell line (Rcho-1) suppresses giant cell differentiation. Conversely, SOCS3-deficient trophoblast stem cells differentiate more readily to giant cells in culture, demonstrating that SOCS3 negatively regulates trophoblast giant cell differentiation. Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) promotes giant cell differentiation in vitro, and LIF receptor (LIFR) deficiency results in loss of giant cell differentiation in vivo. Finally, LIFR deficiency rescues the SOCS3-deficient placental defect and embryonic lethality. The results establish SOCS3 as an essential regulator of LIFR signaling in trophoblast differentiation. PMID:12554639

Recent advances in our understanding of giant cell arteritis pathogenesis.

PubMed

Samson, Maxime; Corbera-Bellalta, Marc; Audia, Sylvain; Planas-Rigol, Ester; Martin, Laurent; Cid, Maria Cinta; Bonnotte, Bernard

2017-08-01

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a granulomatous vasculitis affecting large arteries, especially the aorta and the extracranial branches of the external carotid artery. Its exact pathogenesis is not fully understood but major progress has been made in recent years, leading to new therapeutic targets like inhibition of the interleukin-6 pathway or the modulation of immune checkpoints. The cause of GCA has not been clearly identified but it is thought that GCA occurs on a genetic background and is triggered by unknown environmental factors that could activate and lead to the maturation of dendritic cells localized in the adventitia of normal arteries. These activated dendritic cells then produce chemokines which trigger the recruitment of CD4 + T cells, which in turn become activated, proliferate and polarize into Th1 and Th17 cells, which produce IFN-γ and IL-17, respectively. Exposed to IFN-γ, endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells produce chemokines leading to the recruitment of further Th1 cells, CD8 + T cells and monocytes. The latter differentiate into macrophages, which, when persistently exposed to IFN-γ, form giant cells, the histological hallmark of GCA. With the contribution of vascular smooth muscle cells, immune cells then trigger the destruction and remodeling of the arterial wall, thus leading to the formation of a neo-intima resulting in progressive occlusion of the arterial lumen, which is responsible for the ischemic symptoms of GCA. In this paper, we review recent progress in our understanding of GCA pathogenesis in the fields of genetics, epigenetics, infections, immunology and vascular remodeling. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Oral Paracoccidioidomycosis Granulomas are Predominantly Populated by CD163+ Multinucleated Giant Cells.

PubMed

do Prado Gomes Pedreira, Renato; de Carli, Marina Lara; Beijo, Luiz Alberto; Nonogaki, Suely; Pereira, Alessandro Antônio Costa; Junior, Noé Vital Ribeiro; Sperandio, Felipe Fornias; Hanemann, João Adolfo Costa

2016-10-01

Multinucleated giant cells (MGC) are considered to be a hallmark of granulomatous inflammation; thus, they may play an essential role in the host response against pathogens, particularly Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. This study characterizes the MGC found in oral paracoccidioidomycosis and assesses the correlation of MGC with the amount of fungi within oral tissues. Twenty-six cases were included. They were classified as loose or dense granulomas, and the total MGC, including foreign-body and Langhans giant cells, besides the total and intracellular fungi, were taken into consideration. CD163 immunoexpression was performed, and CD163+ multinucleated giant cells were also quantified. Dense granulomas revealed more foreign-body type and total giant cells than loose granulomas (P < 0.05). Total giant cells showed a positive linear correlation with the CD163+ cells (P = 0.003; r = 0.56) and intracellular fungi quantification (P = 0.045; r = 0.40). Oral paracoccidioidomycosis lesions contain MGC that mainly belong to a CD163+ phenotype, also showing both Langhans and foreign-body arrangements. Additionally, the higher the presence of MGC, the higher the amount of phagocytized fungi.

Management of giant cell arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica.

PubMed

Meskimen, S; Cook, T D; Blake, R L

2000-04-01

Giant cell arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica are closely related disorders that affect persons more than 50 years of age and cause substantial morbidity. Patients with giant cell arteritis typically have a localized headache, nonspecific systemic symptoms, temporal artery tenderness and a high erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). The diagnosis is confirmed by characteristic pathologic findings on temporal artery biopsy. Patients with polymyalgia rheumatica usually have similar nonspecific systemic symptoms, proximal muscle pain and stiffness, and an elevated ESR. The diagnosis is based on the clinical findings. Both disorders are treated with corticosteroids: high dosages for giant cell arteritis (prednisone in a dosage of 40 to 60 mg per day) and lower dosages for polymyalgia rheumatica (prednisone in a dosage of 10 to 20 mg per day). Symptom relief in response to treatment is rapid and reinforces the diagnosis. After normalization of the ESR, the corticosteroid is tapered, with the patient monitored closely for symptom recurrence. Most patients require corticosteroid therapy for two to three years and experience one or more treatment complications.

Central giant cell granuloma in pediatric maxilla: surgical management.

PubMed

Faverani, Leonardo Perez; Ferreira, Sabrina; Ferreira, Gabriel Ramalho; Coléte, Juliana Zorzi; Aranega, Alessandra Marcondes; Garcia Júnior, Idelmo Rangel

2014-07-01

Central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) is an intraosseous lesion consisting of fibrous cellular tissue that contains multiple foci of hemorrhage, multinucleated giant cells, and occasional trabeculae of woven bone. An 8-year-old boy presented himself complaining of a painless swelling in the left maxilla that had started 1 year. Computed tomography (CT) scan confirmed a poorly defined multilocular radiolucent lesion in the left maxilla crossing the midline. The patient underwent enucleation through an intraoral approach of the lesion. The biopsy revealed multinucleated giant cells in a fibrous stroma. A CT was taken approximately 1 year postoperatively. There was no clinical or radiographic evidence of recurrence. Therefore, surgical treatment of CGCG can be performed, trying to preserve the surrounding anatomic structures, which can be maintained in case the lesion does not show an aggressive clinical behavior, avoiding large surgical defects which are undesirable in children.

Myiasis on a Giant Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Scalp: A Case Report and Review of Relevant Literature

PubMed Central

Biswas, Saptarshi; McNerney, Patrick

2016-01-01

Non-melanoma skin cancer is the most common malignancy amongst Caucasians worldwide with basal cell and squamous cell cancer being the most common. Giant skin cancers are a relatively rare type of skin cancer that are, by definition, greater than 5 cm. This subtype by itself is associated with a significantly increased risk of complications and mortality. Myiasis is defined as infestation of body tissues of humans by dipterous larvae. Myiasis is often associated with malignant skin conditions. We describe a rare case of cutaneous myiasis located on a giant squamous cell carcinoma of the scalp in an elderly female. Myiasis coupled with malignant skin conditions provides a unique surgical challenge. This is especially true if the malignancy is invasive, as in our case, often requiring a multidisciplinary multimodality treatment plan. PMID:28983361

[Giant-cell tumor of the patella with lung metastases: a case report].

PubMed

Bahri, I; Ben Yahia, N; Boudawara, T; Makni, S; Fakhfakh, B; Kechaou, S; Keskes, H; Jlidi, R

2003-06-01

Giant-cell tumors are an infrequent clinical, radiological, and pathological entity observed in 5% of primary bone tumors. They generally occur at the epiphysis of long bones, particularly in the knee area but patellar localization seems very rare. Despite their perfectly benign histological aspect, giant-cell tumors may be aggressive, leading to local recurrence or even distant metastasis to the lung. We report a case of benign giant-cell tumor of the patella with lung metastasis observed in a 23-year-old woman. The aggressive radiological image was suggestive of chondrosarcoma. Histologically the differential diagnosis with chondroblastoma was difficult. The tumor and lung metastasis were treated by surgical resection. Four years later there has been no recurrence. We present the anatomic and clinical aspects of giant-cell tumor of the bone together with the diagnostic approach and the clinical course.

Giant cell lesion of the jaw as a presenting feature of Noonan syndrome.

PubMed

Sinnott, Bridget P; Patel, Maya

2018-05-30

This is a case of a 20-year-old woman who presented with a left jaw mass which was resected and found to be a giant cell granuloma of the mandible. Her history and physical examination were suggestive for Noonan syndrome which was confirmed with genetic testing and the finding of a PTPN11 gene mutation which has rarely been associated with giant cell lesions of the jaw. Given her particular genetic mutation and the presence of a giant cell lesion, we present a case of Noonan-like/multiple giant cell lesion syndrome. © BMJ Publishing Group Ltd (unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Bilateral Posterior Scleritis Associated with Giant Cell Arteritis: A Case Report.

PubMed

Erdogan, Mehmet; Sayin, Nihat; Yıldız Ekinci, Dilbade; Bayramoglu, Sadik

2017-09-15

To report a case of bilateral posterior scleritis associated with giant cell arteritis Case Report: A 62-year-old female patient presented with bilateral progressive vision loss was diagnosed with bilateral posterior scleritis. According to clinical signs and symptoms and laboratory testing, Giant cell arteritis was also diagnosed. Within 8 weeks of the corticosteroid treatment, the serous retinal detachments completely resolved and choroidal thickness decreased in both eyes. Visual acuity increased, and the symtoms related to Giant cell arteritis improved. Posterior scleritis is an inflammatory disease that may be associated with many autoimmune systemic diseases. GCA should be thought of particularly in patients over the age of 50 with bilateral involvement, and a relevant detailed history should be obtained for early and correct diagnosis and treatment.

Giant midesophageal diverticulum presenting as food impaction: case report and review of the literature.

PubMed

Hadi, Usamah; Rameh, Charbel

2007-01-01

A giant midesophageal diverticulum is a medical rarity that is usually asymptomatic, and discovered incidentally. We report a case of a giant midesophageal diverticulum that revealed itself secondary to food impaction. A literature review on epidemiology, etiology, clinical presentation, investigations, and management of giant midesophageal diverticula will be highlighted.

Giant cell lung carcinoma in a man with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

PubMed

Kodama, Takahide; Miyazaki, Kunihiko; Satoh, Hiroaki; Hitomi, Shigemi; Ohtsuka, Morio

2009-01-01

A 66-year-old man, who was discovered to have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection 22 months previously and was treated with highly active antiretroviral (HAART) therapy, developed giant cell carcinoma of the lung. In English literature, this is the first case of such cell type of lung cancer during HAART therapy. Since giant cell carcinoma of the lung occurs mainly in elderly men who smoke heavily, there may not be a possibility that the HIV or HAART was causative in our patient.

Giant cell tumor of the sixth thoracic vertebra: case report.

PubMed

Ben Nsir, Atef; Said, Imed Ben; Badri, Mohamed; Boughamoura, Mohamed; Jemel, Hafedh

2015-01-01

Giant cell tumor is an uncommon but most aggressive benign tumour of the spine with unpredictable outcome and challenging treatment. Spinal giant cell tumors located above the sacrum are rare and treatment recommendations are still unclear. We report a rare case of this lesion in an adult and discuss the management and outcome of such uncommon tumors. A 31-year-old woman presented with progressive motor weakness of both lower limbs with back pain during the past month, associated with sphincter disturbances for the past two days. She was diagnosed with a lytic heterogeneously enhancing mass depending mainly on the T6 posterior arch with small vertebral body involvement. The tumor extent reached surrounding soft tissue and the spinal canal with marked spinal cord compression. A posterior approach was realized as an emergency. Histological examination showed evidence of a giant cell tumor and a complementary irradiation was used. The patient improved well post operatively. There was no recurrence or metastasis over 5 years of follow-up.

Florid cemento-osseous dysplasia and peripheral giant cell granuloma in a patient with neurofibromatosis 1.

PubMed

Sarmento, Dmitry José de Santana; Carvalho, Sérgio Henrique Gonçalves de; Araújo, José Cadmo Wanderley Peregrino de; Carvalho, Marianne de Vasconcelos; Silveira, Éricka Janine Dantas da

2017-01-01

We report a 35-year-old mulatto female patient with neurofibromatosis Type 1 who presented with facial asymmetry. The patient had two lesions: florid cemento-osseous dysplasia associated with peripheral giant cell granuloma. She was referred for surgical treatment of the peripheral giant cell granuloma and the florid cemento-osseous dysplasia was treated conservatively by a multidisciplinary team. So far, no changes have been observed in the patient's clinical status. We observed no recurrence of peripheral giant cell granuloma. To the best of our knowledge, the present case is the first report of a patient with neurofibromatosis Type 1 associated with a giant cell lesion and florid cemento-osseous dysplasia.

Characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells isolated from bone marrow of giant panda.

PubMed

Liu, Yuliang; Liu, Yang; Yie, Shangmian; Lan, Jingchao; Pi, Jinkui; Zhang, Zhihe; Huang, He; Cai, Zhigang; Zhang, Ming; Cai, Kailai; Wang, Hairui; Hou, Rong

2013-09-01

In present study, we report on bone marrow (BM) mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that are isolated from giant pandas. Cells were collected from the BM of two stillborn giant pandas. The cells were cultured and expanded in 10% fetal bovine serum medium. Cell morphology was observed under an inverted microscopy, and the proliferation potential of the cells was evaluated by counting cell numbers for eight consecutive days. Differentiation potentials of the cells were determined by using a variety of differentiation protocols for osteocytes, adipocytes, neuron cells, and cardiomyocytes. Meanwhile, the specific gene expressions for MSCs or differentiated cells were analyzed by RT-PCR. The isolated cells exhibited a fibroblast-like morphology; expressed mesenchymal specific markers such as cluster of differentiation 73 (CD73), SRY (sex determining region Y)-box 2 (SOX-2), guanine nucleotide-binding protein-like 3 (GNL3), and stem cell factor receptor (SCFR); and could be differentiated into osteocytes and adipocytes that were characterized by Alizarin Red and Oil Red O staining. Under appropriate induction conditions, these cells were also able to differentiate into neuroglial-like or myocardial-like cells that expressed specific myocardial markers such as GATA transcription factors 4 (GATA-4), cardiac troponin T (cTnT), and myosin heavy chain 7B (MYH7B), or neural specific markers such as Nestin and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). This study demonstrated stem cells recovery and growth from giant pandas. The findings suggest that cells isolated from the BM of giant pandas have a high proliferative capacity and multiple differentiation potential in vitro which might aid conservation efforts.

Florid cemento-osseous dysplasia and peripheral giant cell granuloma in a patient with neurofibromatosis 1*

PubMed Central

Sarmento, Dmitry José de Santana; de Carvalho, Sérgio Henrique Gonçalves; de Araújo Filho, José Cadmo Wanderley Peregrino; Carvalho, Marianne de Vasconcelos; da Silveira, Éricka Janine Dantas

2017-01-01

We report a 35-year-old mulatto female patient with neurofibromatosis Type 1 who presented with facial asymmetry. The patient had two lesions: florid cemento-osseous dysplasia associated with peripheral giant cell granuloma. She was referred for surgical treatment of the peripheral giant cell granuloma and the florid cemento-osseous dysplasia was treated conservatively by a multidisciplinary team. So far, no changes have been observed in the patient's clinical status. We observed no recurrence of peripheral giant cell granuloma. To the best of our knowledge, the present case is the first report of a patient with neurofibromatosis Type 1 associated with a giant cell lesion and florid cemento-osseous dysplasia. PMID:28538890

[Giant dermatofibroma: case report and review of the literature].

PubMed

Hueso, L; Sanmartín, O; Alfaro-Rubio, A; Serra-Guillén, C; Martorell, A; Llombart, B; Requena, C; Nagore, E; Botella-Estrada, R; Guillén, C

2007-03-01

Dermatofibroma is a very frequent lesion that usually appears as a slowly growing nodule in the dermis, and preferentially involves the lower extremities of women. Several clinical variants have been described. Giant dermatofibroma has been defined as a rare variant of dermatofibroma measuring more than 5 cm that presents typical histological features and a benign biological behavior. We report the case of a 52-year-old man that presented a giant dermatofibroma with a diameter of 6 cm in the right shoulder and we review the few cases of this variant that have been described in the literature.

Omental leiomyosarcoma with unusual giant cells in a Beagle dog - Short communication.

PubMed

Sasaki, Jun; Toyoshima, Megumi; Okamura, Yasuhiko; Goryo, Masanobu

2016-06-01

A 10-year-old castrated male Beagle dog was presented with a 2-month history of intermittent vomiting and abdominal pain. The dog was referred to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Iwate University for further evaluation, and a splenic tumour was suspected on the basis of ultrasonography and computed tomography. Surgery identified a large, solid, light-pink mass on the greater omentum with blood-coloured ascites in the abdominal cavity, and resection was performed. Microscopically, the mass comprised spindle-shaped tumour cells and scattered osteoclast-like giant cells. Most spindle-shaped cells were positive for vimentin, desmin, and smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), whereas osteoclast-like giant cells were positive only for vimentin. On the basis of histopathological and immunohistochemical findings, a diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma was made. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the first report of leiomyosarcoma associated with osteoclast-like giant cells developing from the greater omentum in a dog.

Giant cell myocarditis with cardiac tamponade: a rare combination.

PubMed

Murty, O P

2008-09-01

Giant cell myocarditis (GCM) is a rare but fatal disease of idiopathic origin. It results in focal necrosis of myocardium. This is a case report of middle aged Malaysian Indian female who died due to cardiac tamponade due to rupture myocardium and tear in the root of aorta. On naked eye examination, it simply resembled as recent as well as old fibrotic areas of myocardial infarction. She was clinically diagnosed as a case of obstructive cardiomyopathy with atrioventricular block, and was on pace maker. There was subendocardial fibrosis and left ventricular transmural infarction in the left ventricle. On histopathology, this was diagnosed as GCM, there were widespread areas of inflammatory cellular infiltration within the myocardium with multinucleated giant cells and granulomas interspersed with lymphocytes. Microscopic field showed up to 10 multinucleated giant cells. In this case, there were focal areas at multiple locations and caused uneven thickness in the left ventricle wall. Idiopathic GCM is very rare and causation of hemopericardium is the unique feature of this case. In this case the direct link of GCM with aortitis and rupture of left ventricle wall resulting in hemopericardium is shown. This case is documented through macroscopic as well as microscopic photographs in H&E, Ziel-Nelson, and GMS staining.

Nonsmall Cell Lung Carcinoma with Giant Cell Features Expressing Programmed Death-Ligand 1: A Report of a Patient Successfully Treated with Pembrolizumab

PubMed Central

Nakayama, Shingo; Sasaki, Mamoru; Morinaga, Shojiroh

2018-01-01

Giant cell carcinoma, a rare variant of nonsmall cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), is characterized by aggressive progression and poor response to conventional chemotherapy. This report is the first to describe a patient with NSCLC and giant cell features who was successfully treated with pembrolizumab, an antibody targeting programmed death-1 (PD-1). A 69-year-old woman was diagnosed with NSCLC with multiple brain metastases. Histological evaluation of lung biopsy specimens revealed proliferation of pleomorphic giant tumor cells with poor cohesiveness, findings consistent with giant cell carcinoma. Immunostaining showed that a high proportion of the tumor cells were positive for expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1). The patient received stereotactic radiotherapy for the brain metastases, followed by administration of pembrolizumab. Treatment with pembrolizumab resulted in the rapid regression of the primary lung nodule, with the progression-free period maintained for at least four treatment cycles. Immunotherapy targeting PD-1/PD-L1 may be an option for patients with PD-L1-positive NSCLC with giant cell features. PMID:29736285

Nonsmall Cell Lung Carcinoma with Giant Cell Features Expressing Programmed Death-Ligand 1: A Report of a Patient Successfully Treated with Pembrolizumab.

PubMed

Nakayama, Shingo; Sasaki, Mamoru; Morinaga, Shojiroh; Minematsu, Naoto

2018-01-01

Giant cell carcinoma, a rare variant of nonsmall cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), is characterized by aggressive progression and poor response to conventional chemotherapy. This report is the first to describe a patient with NSCLC and giant cell features who was successfully treated with pembrolizumab, an antibody targeting programmed death-1 (PD-1). A 69-year-old woman was diagnosed with NSCLC with multiple brain metastases. Histological evaluation of lung biopsy specimens revealed proliferation of pleomorphic giant tumor cells with poor cohesiveness, findings consistent with giant cell carcinoma. Immunostaining showed that a high proportion of the tumor cells were positive for expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1). The patient received stereotactic radiotherapy for the brain metastases, followed by administration of pembrolizumab. Treatment with pembrolizumab resulted in the rapid regression of the primary lung nodule, with the progression-free period maintained for at least four treatment cycles. Immunotherapy targeting PD-1/PD-L1 may be an option for patients with PD-L1-positive NSCLC with giant cell features.

Giant Cornu Cutaneum Superimposed on Basal Cell Carcinoma.

PubMed

Agirgol, S; Mansur, A T; Bozkurt, K; Azakli, H N; Babacan, A; Dikmen, A

2015-09-01

Cornu cutaneum (CC) is a clinical term that describes the horn-like keratotic lesions extending vertically from the skin. Benign, premalignant or malignant lesions may be present at the base of CC. Seborrhoeic keratosis and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are the most commonly reported benign and malignant forms, respectively. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) at the base is rare. Here, we report on an 85-year old female patient having multiple CC lesions, one being giant on her face and two of the lesions diagnosed with BCC at the base. This case is of significance due to the presence of giant and multiple CC and detection of BCC at the base of more than one lesion. This present case indicates the need for the treatment of possible malignant lesions underlying CC in the elderly by total surgical excision.

Immunohistochemical expression of mast cell tryptase in giant cell fibroma and inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia of the oral mucosa.

PubMed

Santos, Pedro Paulo de Andrade; Nonaka, Cassiano Francisco Weege; Pinto, Leão Pereira; de Souza, Lélia Batista

2011-03-01

This study analysed the immunohistochemical expression of mast cell tryptase in giant cell fibromas (GCFs). In addition, the possible interaction of mast cells with stellate giant cells, as well as their role in fibrosis and tumour progression, was investigated. For this purpose, the results were compared with cases of inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia (IFH) and normal oral mucosa. Thirty cases of GCF, 30 cases of IFH and 10 normal mucosa specimens used as control were selected. Immunoreactivity of mast cells to the anti-tryptase antibody was analysed quantitatively in the lining epithelium and in connective tissue. In the epithelial component (p=0.250) and connective tissue (p=0.001), the largest mean number of mast cells was observed in IFHs and the smallest mean number in GCFs. In connective tissue, the mean percentage of degranulated mast cells was higher in GCFs than in IFHs and normal mucosa specimens (p<0.001). Analysis of the percentage of degranulated mast cells in areas of fibrosis and at the periphery of blood vessels also showed a larger mean number in GCFs compared to IFHs and normal mucosa specimens (p<0.001). The percent interaction between mast cells and stellate giant cells in GCFs was 59.62%. In conclusion, although mast cells were less numerous in GCFs, the cells exhibited a significant interaction with stellate giant cells present in these tumours. In addition, the results suggest the involvement of mast cells in the induction of fibrosis and modulation of endothelial cell function in GCFs. Crown Copyright © 2010. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The early history of giant cell arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica: first descriptions to 1970.

PubMed

Hunder, Gene G

2006-08-01

Giant cell arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica were described separately more than 100 years ago. However, the original reports of both conditions were neglected for many years. After the article by Horton et al on giant cell arteritis in the 1930s and studies published by others in the 1940s, giant cell arteritis began to be recognized as a specific disease. In the 1950s and 1960s, many of the numerous presentations and complications of giant cell arteritis were recorded. In a somewhat similar fashion, physicians became cognizant of polymyalgia rheumatica only after several independent descriptions in the 1940s and 1950s. The rapid response of both syndromes to glucocorticoid therapy was discovered shortly after cortisone's effect on rheumatoid arthritis was described. The origin of the proximal aching and stiffness in polymyalgia rheumatica was more difficult to understand. The relatively minor findings in the joints on physical examination seemed insufficient to account for the severe discomfort. As the link between polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis became apparent, some thought the aching in polymyalgia rheumatica was related to vasculitis. The debate about whether proximal synovitis or vasculitis was the cause of the symptoms continued after 1970. Although the reason these 2 conditions were associated was not considered by 1970, the establishment of the syndromes as clinically linked entities provided the groundwork for further progress in the next decades.

Histochemical analysis of collagen fibers in giant cell fibroma and inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia.

PubMed

Schmidt, Mônica Jarema; Tschoeke, André; Noronha, Lúcia; Moraes, Rafaela Scariot de; Mesquita, Ricardo Alves; Grégio, Ana Maria Trindade; Alanis, Luciana Reis Azevedo; Ignácio, Sérgio Aparecido; Santos, Jean Nunes Dos; Lima, Antonio Adilson Soares de; Luiz, Teixeira Suelen; Michels, Arielli Carine; Aguiar, Maria Cássia Ferreira; Johann, Aline Cristina Batista Rodrigues

2016-06-01

The aim was to investigate collagen fibers in giant cell fibroma, inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia, and oral normal mucosa. Sixty-six cases were stained with picrosirius red. The slides were observed under polarization, followed by the measurement of the area and the percentage of the type I and type III collagens. The age and gender were obtained from the clinical records. No differences could be observed in both the area and percentage of the type I and type III collagens within the categories of lesions and normal mucosa. In the giant cells fibroma, a greater area and percentage of type I collagen could be identified in individuals of less than 41.5 years (p<0.05). The distribution of type I and type III collagen fibers in the studied lesions followed a similar pattern to that observed in the normal mucosa, indicating a normal collagen maturation process of type III to I. The study supports that multinucleated and stellate cells of the giant cell fibroma appear to be functional within collagen types III and I turnover. The greater amount of type I collagen identified in giant cell fibroma in individuals of less than 41.5 years reinforce the neoplastic nature of lesion. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

[«Man-in-the-barrel» syndrome: atypical manifestation of giant cell arteritis].

PubMed

Calle-Lopez, Y; Fernandez-Ramirez, A F; Franco-Dager, E; Gomez-Lopera, J G; Vanegas-Garcia, A L

2018-06-01

«Man-in-the-barrel» syndrome refers to diplegia of the upper extremities in which mobility of the head and lower limbs is preserved. Brachial plexitis that presents as «man-in-the-barrel» syndrome is an unusual manifestation of giant cell arteritis. We report a case of C5-C6 plexitis as part of the clinical features of a patient with giant cell arteritis. A 70-year-old male with a two-month history of weight loss, headache, facial pain and jaw claudication, associated with a persistent elevation of acute phase reactants and bilateral brachial plexopathy, with no evidence of neck or brain injuries or occult neoplasm and with negative autoimmunity tests. Results of the biopsy study of the temporal artery were compatible with giant cell arteritis, and the positron emission tomography scan revealed extensive vascular involvement of the aorta and its branches. Although the typical clinical manifestations of giant cell arteritis are headache, jaw claudication, loss of sight, constitutional symptoms and polymyalgia rheumatica, its presence must be suspected in patients over the age of 50 who manifest alterations affecting the peripheral nerve, including brachial diplegia with no other demonstrable cause.

Giant Steps in Cefalù

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jeffery, David J.; Mazzali, Paolo A.

2007-08-01

Giant steps is a technique to accelerate Monte Carlo radiative transfer in optically-thick cells (which are isotropic and homogeneous in matter properties and into which astrophysical atmospheres are divided) by greatly reducing the number of Monte Carlo steps needed to propagate photon packets through such cells. In an optically-thick cell, packets starting from any point (which can be regarded a point source) well away from the cell wall act essentially as packets diffusing from the point source in an infinite, isotropic, homogeneous atmosphere. One can replace many ordinary Monte Carlo steps that a packet diffusing from the point source takes by a randomly directed giant step whose length is slightly less than the distance to the nearest cell wall point from the point source. The giant step is assigned a time duration equal to the time for the RMS radius for a burst of packets diffusing from the point source to have reached the giant step length. We call assigning giant-step time durations this way RMS-radius (RMSR) synchronization. Propagating packets by series of giant steps in giant-steps random walks in the interiors of optically-thick cells constitutes the technique of giant steps. Giant steps effectively replaces the exact diffusion treatment of ordinary Monte Carlo radiative transfer in optically-thick cells by an approximate diffusion treatment. In this paper, we describe the basic idea of giant steps and report demonstration giant-steps flux calculations for the grey atmosphere. Speed-up factors of order 100 are obtained relative to ordinary Monte Carlo radiative transfer. In practical applications, speed-up factors of order ten and perhaps more are possible. The speed-up factor is likely to be significantly application-dependent and there is a trade-off between speed-up and accuracy. This paper and past work suggest that giant-steps error can probably be kept to a few percent by using sufficiently large boundary-layer optical depths while still

Giant cell arteritis: diagnostic accuracy of MR imaging of superficial cranial arteries in initial diagnosis-results from a multicenter trial.

PubMed

Klink, Thorsten; Geiger, Julia; Both, Marcus; Ness, Thomas; Heinzelmann, Sonja; Reinhard, Matthias; Holl-Ulrich, Konstanze; Duwendag, Dirk; Vaith, Peter; Bley, Thorsten Alexander

2014-12-01

To assess the diagnostic accuracy of contrast material-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of superficial cranial arteries in the initial diagnosis of giant cell arteritis ( GCA giant cell arteritis ). Following institutional review board approval and informed consent, 185 patients suspected of having GCA giant cell arteritis were included in a prospective three-university medical center trial. GCA giant cell arteritis was diagnosed or excluded clinically in all patients (reference standard [final clinical diagnosis]). In 53.0% of patients (98 of 185), temporal artery biopsy ( TAB temporal artery biopsy ) was performed (diagnostic standard [ TAB temporal artery biopsy ]). Two observers independently evaluated contrast-enhanced T1-weighted MR images of superficial cranial arteries by using a four-point scale. Diagnostic accuracy, involvement pattern, and systemic corticosteroid ( sCS systemic corticosteroid ) therapy effects were assessed in comparison with the reference standard (total study cohort) and separately in comparison with the diagnostic standard TAB temporal artery biopsy ( TAB temporal artery biopsy subcohort). Statistical analysis included diagnostic accuracy parameters, interobserver agreement, and receiver operating characteristic analysis. Sensitivity of MR imaging was 78.4% and specificity was 90.4% for the total study cohort, and sensitivity was 88.7% and specificity was 75.0% for the TAB temporal artery biopsy subcohort (first observer). Diagnostic accuracy was comparable for both observers, with good interobserver agreement ( TAB temporal artery biopsy subcohort, κ = 0.718; total study cohort, κ = 0.676). MR imaging scores were significantly higher in patients with GCA giant cell arteritis -positive results than in patients with GCA giant cell arteritis -negative results ( TAB temporal artery biopsy subcohort and total study cohort, P < .001). Diagnostic accuracy of MR imaging was high in patients without and with sCS systemic

MMP-1 and MMP-8 expression in giant-cell fibroma and inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia.

PubMed

de Oliveira, Henrique Climeck; Tschoeke, André; da Cruz, Gabriele Claudino; Noronha, Lúcia; de Moraes, Rafaela Scariot; Mesquita, Ricardo Alves; de Aguiar, Maria Cássia Ferreira; Caldeira, Patrícia Carlos; de Oliveira Ribas, Marina; Grégio, Ana Maria Trindade; Alanis, Luciana Reis Azevedo; Ignácio, Sérgio Aparecido; Dos Santos, Jean Nunes; de Lima, Antonio Adilson Soares; Johann, Aline Cristina Batista Rodrigues

2016-12-01

The aim of this study is to compare the immunoexpression of metalloproteinases 1 and 8 in giant-cell fibroma, inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia and normal mucosa. Twenty-two cases of giant-cell fibroma, inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia and oral mucosa (control) each were subjected to immunohistochemistry using anti-metalloproteinase-1 and anti-metalloproteinase-8 antibodies. Eight images of each case were captured and analysed through the a) application of a count grid to count the number of positive neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes, plasma cells, fibroblasts and blood vessels to obtain the percentage of staining and b) semi-automated segmentation quantifying the stained area in square micrometres. Statistical tests included ANOVA Two-way, Kruskal Wallis and Games-Howell, with a significance level of 5%. An increased percentage of metalloproteinase-1-immunopositive blood vessels were observed in giant-cell fibroma (26.6±22.4; p=0.02) and inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia (34.3±31.5; p=0.01) compared with the control group (19.6±9.2). No significant differences in inflammatory cells, fibroblasts and total area of metalloproteinase-1 and -8 were noted among the three groups. Metalloproteinase-1 apparently acts within the pathogenesis of giant-cell fibroma and inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Unusual echocardiographic features seen in a case of giant cell myocarditis

PubMed Central

Kochar, Minisha; López-Candales, Angel; Ramani, Gautam; Rajagopalan, Navin; Edelman, Kathy

2008-01-01

The case of an 18-year-old college football player with a recent history of streptococcal pharyngitis who was experiencing progressive disabling dyspnea on exertion with easy fatigability and lack of stamina, and was taken to the hospital after a syncopal episode is described. The patient was initially diagnosed with heart failure and treated accordingly. However, because of a fulminant clinical deterioration, an endomyocardial biopsy was recommended, which showed focal giant cell transformation consistent with giant cell myocarditis. Treatment with methylprednisolone and cyclosporine was promptly initiated. Several apical clots were noted during treatment, but the patient attained full recovery with treatment. PMID:18987760

Unusual echocardiographic features seen in a case of giant cell myocarditis.

PubMed

Kochar, Minisha; López-Candales, Angel; Ramani, Gautam; Rajagopalan, Navin; Edelman, Kathy

2008-11-01

The case of an 18-year-old college football player with a recent history of streptococcal pharyngitis who was experiencing progressive disabling dyspnea on exertion with easy fatigability and lack of stamina, and was taken to the hospital after a syncopal episode is described. The patient was initially diagnosed with heart failure and treated accordingly. However, because of a fulminant clinical deterioration, an endomyocardial biopsy was recommended, which showed focal giant cell transformation consistent with giant cell myocarditis. Treatment with methylprednisolone and cyclosporine was promptly initiated. Several apical clots were noted during treatment, but the patient attained full recovery with treatment.

Treatment of central giant cell lesions using bisphosphonates with intralesional corticosteroid injections

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Central giant cell lesions are benign intraosseous proliferative lesions that have considerable local aggressiveness. Nonsurgical treatment methods, such as intralesional corticosteroid injections, systemic calcitonin and interferon have been reported. Recently, bisphosphonates have been used to treat central giant cell lesions. A case of a 36-year-old male with a central giant cell lesion crossing the mandibular midline was treated with intralesional corticosteroids combined with alendronate sodium for the control of systemic bone resorption. The steroid injections and the use of bisphosphonates were stopped after seven months when further needle penetration into the lesion was not possible due to new bone formation. After two years, the bony architecture was near normal, and only minimal radiolucency was present around the root apices of the involved teeth. The patient was followed up for four years, and panoramic radiography showed areas of new bone formation. Thus far, neither recurrence nor side effects of the medication have been detected. PMID:22913518

Tenosynovial giant cell tumors of the temporomandibular joint and lateral skull base: Review of 11 cases.

PubMed

Carlson, Matthew L; Osetinsky, L Mariel; Alon, Eran E; Inwards, Carrie Y; Lane, John I; Moore, Eric J

2017-10-01

To elucidate the clinical behavior, treatment, and outcomes of tenosynovial giant cell tumors (TGCT) involving the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and adjacent temporal bone. Retrospective case series with histopathologic review. A retrospective chart review was performed identifying and collecting data from all cases of TGCT involving the TMJ and adjacent temporal bone that were treated at the authors' center between January 1960 and December 2015. Eleven histopathologically confirmed cases met inclusion criteria. The median age at diagnosis was 49 years, eight patients were men, and the median follow-up was 116 months. Computed tomographic (CT) imaging revealed a lytic expansile mass centered on the TMJ. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) most commonly exhibited hypointense signal on precontrast T1- and T2-weighted sequences and variable postcontrast enhancement. The median delay in diagnosis was 24 months, and the most common presenting symptoms were hearing loss and pain. All patients underwent surgical resection, eight receiving gross total removal, one receiving near total removal, and two patients from early in the series receiving subtotal resection with neoadjuvant or adjuvant radiation. Histopathological review of surgical specimens revealed chondroid metaplasia in seven tumors. Eight of nine cases receiving gross total or near total resection have no evidence of recurrence to date. TGCT of the TMJ and temporal bone are rare and locally aggressive tumors that commonly present with nonspecific symptoms. A careful review of CT and MRI followed by early biopsy is critical in establishing an accurate diagnosis and facilitating appropriate treatment. TGCT of the TMJ more commonly contain chondroid metaplasia when compared to TGCT at other anatomic locations. Gross total resection is achievable in most cases and offers long-term cure. Radiation may be considered for recurrent disease or adjuvant therapy following subtotal resection. 4. Laryngoscope, 127

The activation pattern of macrophages in giant cell (temporal) arteritis and primary angiitis of the central nervous system.

PubMed

Mihm, Bernhard; Bergmann, Markus; Brück, Wolfgang; Probst-Cousin, Stefan

2014-06-01

To determine if the pattern of macrophage activation reflects differences in the pathogenesis and clinical presentation of giant cell arteritis and primary angiitis of the central nervous system, specimens of 10 patients with giant cell arteritis and five with primary angiitis of the central nervous system were immunohistochemically studied and the expression of the macrophage activation markers 27E10, MRP14, MRP8 and 25F9 was determined in the vasculitic infiltrates. Thus, a partly different expression pattern of macrophage activation markers in giant cell arteritis and primary angiitis of the central nervous system was observed. The group comparison revealed that giant cell arteritis cases had significantly higher numbers of acute activated MRP14-positive macrophages, whereas primary angiitis of the central nervous system is characterized by a tendency toward more MRP8-positive intermediate/late activated macrophages. Furthermore, in giant cell arteritis comparably fewer CD8-positive lymphocytes were observed. These observations suggest, that despite their histopathological similarities, giant cell arteritis and primary angiitis of the central nervous system appear to represent either distinct entities within the spectrum of granulomatous vasculitides or different stages of similar disease processes. Their discrete clinical presentation is reflected by different activation patterns of macrophages, which may characterize giant cell arteritis as a more acute process and primary angiitis of the central nervous system as a more advanced inflammatory process. © 2013 Japanese Society of Neuropathology.

Diversity of multinucleated giant cells by microstructures of hydroxyapatite and plasma components in extraskeletal implantation model.

PubMed

Morishita, Kota; Tatsukawa, Eri; Shibata, Yasuaki; Suehiro, Fumio; Kamitakahara, Masanobu; Yokoi, Taishi; Ioku, Koji; Umeda, Masahiro; Nishimura, Masahiro; Ikeda, Tohru

2016-07-15

Foreign body giant cells (FBGCs) and osteoclasts are multinucleated giant cells (MNGCs), both of which are formed by the fusion of macrophage-derived mononuclear cells. Osteoclasts are distinct from FBGCs due to their bone resorption ability; however, not only morphological, but also functional similarities may exist between these cells. The characterization and diversity of FBGCs that appear in an in vivo foreign body reaction currently remain incomplete. In the present study, we investigated an in vivo foreign body reaction using an extraskeletal implantation model of hydroxyapatite (HA) with different microstructures. The implantation of HA granules in rat subcutaneous tissue induced a foreign body reaction that was accompanied by various MNGCs. HA granules composed of rod-shaped particles predominantly induced cathepsin K (CTSK)-positive FBGCs, whereas HA granules composed of globular-shaped particles predominantly induced CTSK-negative FBGCs. Plasma, which was used as the binder of ceramic granules, stimulated the induction of CTSK-positive FBGCs more strongly than purified fibrin. Furthermore, the implantation of HA composed of rod-shaped particles with plasma induced tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive MNGCs in contrast to HA composed of globular-shaped particles with purified fibrin, which predominantly induced CTSK-negative and TRAP-negative typical FBGCs. These results suggest that CTSK-positive, TRAP-positive, and CTSK- and TRAP-negative MNGCs are induced in this subcutaneous implantation model in a manner that is dependent on the microstructure of HA and presence or absence of plasma. We attempted to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for the foreign body reaction induced by the implantation of hydroxyapatite granules with different microstructures in rat subcutaneous tissue with or without plasma components as the binder of ceramic granules. By analyzing the expression of two reliable osteoclast markers, we detected tartrate

Glucocorticoid and calcitonin receptor expression in central giant cell lesions: implications for therapy.

PubMed

Nogueira, R L M; Faria, M H G; Osterne, R L V; Cavalcante, R B; Ribeiro, R A; Rabenhorst, S H B

2012-08-01

Central giant cell lesion is an uncommon benign jaw lesion, with uncertain aetiology, and variable clinical behaviour. Studies of molecular markers may help to understand the nature and behaviour of this lesion, and eventually may represent a target for pharmacological approaches to treatment. The aim of this study was to analyse the expression of glucocorticoid and calcitonin receptors in central giant cell lesions before and after treatment with intralesional steroid. Paraffin-embedded blocks from patients who underwent treatment with intralesional triamcinolone hexacetonide injections were stained immunohistochemically. Biological material from patients who underwent a surgical procedure after treatment were tested immunohistochemically. 18 cases (9 aggressive and 9 non-aggressive) were included. The difference in calcitonin receptor expression was not statistically significant between the aggressive and non-aggressive lesions and between the patients with a good response and those with a moderate/negative response to treatment. Glucocorticoid receptor expression in the multinucleated giant cells was higher in patients with a good response. It can be postulated that immunohistochemical staining for glucocorticoid receptors may provide a tool for selecting the therapeutic strategy. An H-score greater than 48 for glucocorticoid receptors in multinucleated giant cells predicted a good response in this study. Copyright © 2012 International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Invasive squamous cell carcinoma originating from a giant penile condyloma.

PubMed

Sir, Emin; Gungor, Melike; Ucer, Oktay; Kebat, Tulu

2017-05-01

In this case study, we present an unusual case with squamous cell carcinoma originating from a giant condyloma acuminata completely surrounding the penis. A 57-year-old circumcised heterosexual male patient presented with a penile lesion existing for 20 years. Incisional biopsy revealed acanthosis of the squamous epithelium. The patient was operated on under spinal anaesthesia. The lesion was resected circumferentially with macroscopic clearance, resulting in complete degloving of the penile shaft. Neurovascular bundles were preserved. The penile skin was constructed with a split thickness skin graft. Histopathological analysis of the lesion revealed an invasive and well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma arising on a condyloma, and the surgical margins were free from tumour. The patient was staged as G2 T1 N0 M0 and was followed for one year. He did not have any erectile dysfunction and could engage in intercourse. Pelvic tomographic and physical examination findings did not reveal any episode of recurrence or metastasis. When encountering patients with giant condyloma acuminata, it should not be forgotten that it may be accompanied by squamous cell carcinoma. In addition, tissue excision should be as extensive as possible while keeping in mind the importance of the function. This is the first case of a penile-degloving surgery for giant penile condyloma, supporting conservative and preserving penile surgery for such tumours.

Giant cell myositis responsive to combined corticosteroids and immunoglobulin.

PubMed

Shah, A; Pace, A; Hilton, D; Househam, E; Weatherby, S

2015-12-01

A 70-year-old man presented with respiratory distress and proximal muscle weakness shortly after biopsy of a left forearm mass. The biopsy showed giant cell myositis, and serological investigations identified a grossly elevated serum creatine kinase level, suggesting skeletal muscle damage. Serum troponin T was also high, but troponin I was normal. Serum antiacetylcholine receptor antibodies were positive, and imaging showed a thymoma. He recovered well following intravenous immunoglobulin and corticosteroids, and later underwent thymectomy. He is currently in sustained remission, with no clinically detectable myasthenia, but subsequently, developed hypogammaglobulinaemia. Neurologists should remember giant cell myositis/myocarditis can occur in patients who have myasthenia gravis with thymoma, as it is potentially fatal, but may respond to immunosuppression. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

Characteristics of cerebrovascular accidents at time of diagnosis in a series of 98 patients with giant cell arteritis.

PubMed

Zenone, Thierry; Puget, Marie

2013-12-01

The objective of this study was to determine the characteristics of cerebrovascular accidents at time of diagnosis in patients with giant cell arteritis. Retrospective data were collected from 98 patients at a single hospital with giant cell arteritis (according to the American College of Rheumatology classification criteria) diagnosed between October 1999 and January 2012. Cerebrovascular accident was found at initial presentation in 6 patients (6.1 %, 95 % CIs 2.3-12.9). Most of them had other symptoms of giant cell arteritis when the disease began. Signs reflecting the involvement of vertebro-basilar territory were present in 3 cases. No other case of cerebrovascular accident was described during the follow-up of patient; particularly no case of cerebrovascular accident occurred once corticosteroid therapy for the treatment of giant cell arteritis had been initiated. No differences in the epidemiologic, clinical and laboratory features at the time of diagnosis between patients who had cerebrovascular accidents and the rest of the giant cell arteritis patients were observed. Prognosis was good in our survey. However, there was no case of bilateral vertebral artery occlusion, a condition associated with poor prognosis. The present study confirms that cerebrovascular accidents may be the initial manifestation of giant cell arteritis, an argument in favor of a direct effect of the vasculitis in the development of cerebrovascular accidents rather than a complication of the corticosteroid therapy. The diagnosis of giant cell arteritis should always be considered in an elderly patient with stroke and an unexplained elevation of inflammatory biomarkers.

Giant Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) Buccal Mucosa Tissue as a Source of Multipotent Progenitor Cells.

PubMed

Prescott, Hilary M A; Manning, Craig; Gardner, Aaron; Ritchie, William A; Pizzi, Romain; Girling, Simon; Valentine, Iain; Wang, Chengdong; Jahoda, Colin A B

2015-01-01

Since the first mammal was cloned, the idea of using this technique to help endangered species has aroused considerable interest. However, several issues limit this possibility, including the relatively low success rate at every stage of the cloning process, and the dearth of usable tissues from these rare animals. iPS cells have been produced from cells from a number of rare mammalian species and this is the method of choice for strategies to improve cloning efficiency and create new gametes by directed differentiation. Nevertheless information about other stem cell/progenitor capabilities of cells from endangered species could prove important for future conservation approaches and adds to the knowledge base about cellular material that can be extremely limited. Multipotent progenitor cells, termed skin-derived precursor (SKP) cells, can be isolated directly from mammalian skin dermis, and human cheek tissue has also been shown to be a good source of SKP-like cells. Recently we showed that structures identical to SKPs termed m-SKPs could be obtained from monolayer/ two dimensional (2D) skin fibroblast cultures. Here we aimed to isolate m-SKPs from cultured cells of three endangered species; giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca); red panda (Ailurus fulgens); and Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica). m-SKP-like spheres were formed from the giant panda buccal mucosa fibroblasts; whereas dermal fibroblast (DF) cells cultured from abdominal skin of the other two species were unable to generate spheres. Under specific differentiation culture conditions giant panda spheres expressed neural, Schwann, adipogenic and osteogenic cell markers. Furthermore, these buccal mucosa derived spheres were shown to maintain expression of SKP markers: nestin, versican, fibronectin, and P75 and switch on expression of the stem cell marker ABCG2. These results demonstrate that giant panda cheek skin can be a useful source of m-SKP multipotent progenitors. At present lack of sample numbers

Giant Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) Buccal Mucosa Tissue as a Source of Multipotent Progenitor Cells

PubMed Central

Prescott, Hilary M. A.; Manning, Craig; Gardner, Aaron; Ritchie, William A.; Pizzi, Romain; Girling, Simon; Valentine, Iain; Wang, Chengdong; Jahoda, Colin A. B.

2015-01-01

Since the first mammal was cloned, the idea of using this technique to help endangered species has aroused considerable interest. However, several issues limit this possibility, including the relatively low success rate at every stage of the cloning process, and the dearth of usable tissues from these rare animals. iPS cells have been produced from cells from a number of rare mammalian species and this is the method of choice for strategies to improve cloning efficiency and create new gametes by directed differentiation. Nevertheless information about other stem cell/progenitor capabilities of cells from endangered species could prove important for future conservation approaches and adds to the knowledge base about cellular material that can be extremely limited. Multipotent progenitor cells, termed skin-derived precursor (SKP) cells, can be isolated directly from mammalian skin dermis, and human cheek tissue has also been shown to be a good source of SKP-like cells. Recently we showed that structures identical to SKPs termed m-SKPs could be obtained from monolayer/ two dimensional (2D) skin fibroblast cultures. Here we aimed to isolate m-SKPs from cultured cells of three endangered species; giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca); red panda (Ailurus fulgens); and Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica). m-SKP-like spheres were formed from the giant panda buccal mucosa fibroblasts; whereas dermal fibroblast (DF) cells cultured from abdominal skin of the other two species were unable to generate spheres. Under specific differentiation culture conditions giant panda spheres expressed neural, Schwann, adipogenic and osteogenic cell markers. Furthermore, these buccal mucosa derived spheres were shown to maintain expression of SKP markers: nestin, versican, fibronectin, and P75 and switch on expression of the stem cell marker ABCG2. These results demonstrate that giant panda cheek skin can be a useful source of m-SKP multipotent progenitors. At present lack of sample numbers

Treatment of Annular Elastolytic Giant Cell Granuloma With Topical Tretinoin.

PubMed

Wagenseller, Aubrey; Larocca, Cecilia; Vashi, Neelam A

2017-07-01

Annular elastolytic giant cell granuloma, also known as actinic granuloma, is a rare skin condition with a chronic course that is often resistant to treatment. Literature is sparse, and only a handful of case reports are available to guide treatment decisions. Typical first line treatment options include topical and intralesional steroids, topical pimecrolimus, and cryotherapy. Resistant cases have been treated with cyclosporine, systemic steroids, antimalarials, and oral retinoids. In particular, acitretin and isotretinoin have shown success in three cases. However, these medications can have side effects and require frequent lab monitoring. We present a case of a 47-year-old woman with bilateral forearm lesions consistent with annular elastolytic giant cell granuloma who was successfully treated with topical tretinoin.

J Drugs Dermatol. 2017;16(7):699-700.

Focal giant cell cardiomyopathy with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome.

PubMed

Kapur, S; Kuehl, K S; Midgely, F M; Chandra, R S

1985-01-01

Cardiac involvement in Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome is mostly limited to mild cardiomegaly. Although these patients have visceromegaly, macroglossia, gigantism, and adrenal cytomegaly, no significant myocardial changes have been described. An infant with dysmorphic features of this syndrome had supraventricular tachycardia since birth. Nodular lesions were present in the right atrium. Morphologically these lesions were composed of hypertrophic myocardial fibers admixed with multinucleated giant cells of myogenic origin. The exact nature of these lesions remains undetermined. It is postulated that hypertrophic myocardial cells may represent cardiac cytomegaly as a manifestation of the accelerated growth potential of cells seen with this syndrome.

Giant cell tumor of distal phalanx in an adolescent with Goltz-Gorlin syndrome.

PubMed

Borgers, A; Peters, S; Sciot, R; De Smet, L

2014-01-01

We report on a unique case of a young female patient with the Goltz-Gorlin syndrome who developed a giant cell tumor of bone in the distal phalanx of the thumb. This case is noteworthy because of the combination of some unusual features. Firstly, it is only the fifth case report on the association of giant cell tumor of bone and the Goltz-Gorlin syndrome. Also the localization of the lesion in the bones of the hand and the presentation at adolescent age is rarely seen.

Connexin 43 expression of foreign body giant cells after implantation of nanoparticulate hydroxyapatite.

PubMed

Herde, Katja; Hartmann, Sonja; Brehm, Ralph; Kilian, Olaf; Heiss, Christian; Hild, Anne; Alt, Volker; Bergmann, Martin; Schnettler, Reinhard; Wenisch, Sabine

2007-11-01

In bone a role of connexin 43 has been implicated with the fusion of mononuclear precursors of the monocyte/macrophage lineage into multinucleated cells. In order to investigate the putative role of connexin 43 in formation of bone osteoclast-like foreign body giant cells which are formed in response to implantation of biomaterials, nanoparticulate hydroxyapatite had been implanted into defects of minipig femura. After 20 days the defect areas were harvested and connexin 43 expression and synthesis were investigated by using immunohistochemistry, Western Blot, and in situ hybridization within macrophages and osteoclast-like foreign body giant cells. Morphological analysis of gap junctions is performed ultrastructurally. As shown on protein and mRNA level numerous connexin 43 positive macrophages and foreign body giant cells (FBGC) were localized within the granulation tissue and along the surfaces of the implanted hydroxyapatite (HA). Besides, the formation of FBGC by fusion of macrophages could be shown ultrastructurally. Connexin 43 labeling observed on the protein and mRNA level could be attributed to gap junctions identified ultrastructurally between macrophages, between FBGC, and between FBGC and macrophages. Annular gap junctions in the cytoplasm of FBGC pointed to degradation of the channels, and the ubiquination that had occurred in the course of degradation was confirmed by Western blot analysis. All in all, the presently observed pattern of connexin 43 labeling refers to an functional role of gap junctional communication in the formation of osteoclast-like foreign body giant cells formed in response to implantation of the nanoparticulate HA.

Dedifferentiation into blastomere-like cancer stem cells via formation of polyploid giant cancer cells

PubMed Central

Niu, N; Mercado-Uribe, I; Liu, J

2017-01-01

Our recent perplexing findings that polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs) acquired embryonic-like stemness and were capable of tumor initiation raised two important unanswered questions: how do PGCCs acquire such stemness, and to which stage of normal development do PGCCs correspond. Intriguingly, formation of giant cells due to failed mitosis/cytokinesis is common in the blastomere stage of the preimplantation embryo. However, the relationship between PGCCs and giant blastomeres has never been studied. Here, we tracked the fate of single PGCCs following paclitaxel-induced mitotic failure. Morphologically, early spheroids derived from PGCCs were indistinguishable from human embryos at the blastomere, polyploid blastomere, compaction, morula and blastocyst-like stages by light, scanning electron or three-dimensional confocal scanning microscopy. Formation of PGCCs was associated with activation of senescence, while budding of daughter cells was associated with senescence escape. PGCCs showed time- and space-dependent activation of expression of the embryonic stem cell markers OCT4, NANOG, SOX2 and SSEA1 and lacked expression of Xist. PGCCs acquired mesenchymal phenotype and were capable of differentiation into all three germ layers in vitro. The embryonic-like stemness of PGCCs was associated with nuclear accumulation of YAP, a key mediator of the Hippo pathway. Spheroids derived from single PGCCs grew into a wide spectrum of human neoplasms, including germ cell tumors, high-grade and low-grade carcinomas and benign tissues. Daughter cells derived from PGCCs showed attenuated capacity for invasion and increased resistance to paclitaxel. We also observed formation of PGCCs and dedifferentiation in ovarian cancer specimens from patients treated with chemotherapy. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that PGCCs represent somatic equivalents of blastomeres, the most primitive cancer stem cells reported to date. Thus, our studies reveal an evolutionarily conserved

Ultrastructural findings in Hashimoto's thyroiditis and focal lymphocytic thyroiditis with reference to giant cell formation.

PubMed

Knecht, H; Hedinger, C E

1982-09-01

Ultrastructural findings in two cases of Hashimoto's disease and two cases of focal lymphocytic thyroiditis are reported. Stimulated thyrocytes, oncocytes and degenerating thyrocytes were observed in all cases. Multinucleated thyrocytes and epithelial pseudogiant cells were identified in Hashimoto's disease only. Infiltrating lymphocytes, plasma cells, monocytes and macrophages were present in all cases. The ultrastructure of germinal centres was similar to that seen in lymphatic organs. Giant cells of both intra- and extrafollicular localization were seen in Hashimoto's disease. Most of the giant cells were macrophage-derived. Two different ways of giant cell formation were identified: besides the familiar dissolution of plasma membranes of adjacent macrophages, another mechanism of fusion was observed. At sites of contact, peculiar membrane structures were developed and disintegration of plasma membranes occurred in parts adjacent to these structures. These are not identical to desmosomes and are different from Langerhans' granules. They probably represent special organelles for the initiation of cellular fusion.

Multiple Cranial Nerve Palsies in Giant Cell Arteritis.

PubMed

Ross, Michael; Bursztyn, Lulu; Superstein, Rosanne; Gans, Mark

2017-12-01

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a systemic vasculitis of medium and large arteries often with ophthalmic involvement, including ischemic optic neuropathy, retinal artery occlusion, and ocular motor cranial nerve palsies. This last complication occurs in 2%-15% of patients, but typically involves only 1 cranial nerve. We present 2 patients with biopsy-proven GCA associated with multiple cranial nerve palsies.

GIANT CELL AORTITIS DIAGNOSED WITH PET/CT - PARANEOPLASTIC SYNDROME?

PubMed

Bakula, Marija; Cerovec, Mislav; Mayer, Miroslav; Huić, Dražen; Anić, Branimir

2016-05-01

Vasculitides are heterogenic group of autoimmune connective tissue diseases which often present difficulties in early diagnosing. Giant cell arteritis is vasculitis of large and medium arteries. It predominantly presents with symptoms of affection of the external carotid artery branches. Furthermore, the only symptoms can be constitutional. In clinical practice, vasculitides are sometimes considered as paraneoplastic, but no definite association with malignancies has been established and the mechanisms are still debated. The gold standard for diagnosing giant cell arteritis is a positive temporal artery biopsy, but the results can often be false negative. Additionally, more than half of the patients have aorta and its main branches affected. Considering aforementioned, imaging studies are essential in confirming large-vessel vasculitis, amongst which is highly sensitive PET/CT. We present the case of a 70-year-old female patient with constitutional symptoms and elevated sedimentation rate. After extensive diagnostic tests, she was admitted to our Rheumatology unit. Aortitis of the abdominal aorta has been confirmed by PET/CT and after the introduction of glucocorticoids the disease soon went into clinical and laboratory remission. Shortly after aortitis has been diagnosed, lung carcinoma was revealed of which the patient died. At the time of the comprehensive diagnostics, there was no reasonable doubt for underlying malignoma. To the best of our knowledge, there are no recent publications concerning giant cell arteritis and neoplastic processes in the context of up-to-date non-invasive diagnostic methods (i.e. PET/CT). In the light of previous research results, we underline that the sensitivity of PET/CT is not satisfactory when estimating cancer dissemination in non-enlarged lymph nodes and that its value can at times be overestimated.

Apoptosis triggered by pyropheophorbide-α methyl ester-mediated photodynamic therapy in a giant cell tumor in bone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, K.-T.; Zhang, J.; Duan, Q.-Q.; Bi, Y.; Bai, D.-Q.; Ou, Y.-S.

2014-06-01

A giant cell tumor in bone is the common primary bone tumor with aggressive features, occurring mainly in young adults. Photodynamic therapy is a new therapeutic technique for tumors. In this study, we investigated the effects of Pyropheophorbide-α methyl ester (MPPa)-mediated photodynamic therapy on the proliferation of giant cell tumor cells and its mechanism of action. Cell proliferation was evaluated using an MTT assay. Cellular apoptosis was detected by Hoechst nuclear staining, and flow cytometric assay. Mitochondrial membrane potential changes and cytochrome c, caspase-9, caspase-3, and Bcl-2 expression was assessed. Finally, we found that MPPa-mediated photodynamic therapy could effectively suppress the proliferation of human giant cell tumor cells and induce apoptosis. The mitochondrial pathway was involved in the MPPa-photodynamic therapy-induced apoptosis.

Varicella zoster virus in the temporal artery of a patient with giant cell arteritis.

PubMed

Nagel, Maria A; Khmeleva, Nelly; Boyer, Philip J; Choe, Alexander; Bert, Robert; Gilden, Don

2013-12-15

We recently detected varicella zoster virus (VZV) in the temporal arteries (TA) of 5/24 patients with clinically suspect giant cell arteritis (GCA) whose TAs were GCA-negative pathologically; in those GCA-negative, VZV+TAs, virus antigen predominated in the arterial adventitia, but without medial necrosis and multinucleated giant cells. During our continuing search for VZV antigen in GCA-negative TAs, in the TA of one subject, we found abundant VZV antigen, as well as VZV DNA, in multiple regions (skip areas) of the TA spanning 350 μm, as well as in skeletal muscle adjacent to the infected TA. Additional pathological analysis of sections adjacent to those containing viral antigen revealed inflammation involving the arterial media and abundant multinucleated giant cells characteristic of GCA. Detection of VZV in areas of the TA with pathological features of GCA warrants further correlative pathological-virological analysis of VZV in GCA. © 2013.

Management of peri-anal giant condyloma acuminatum--a case report and literature review.

PubMed

Safi, Farouk; Bekdache, Omar; Al-Salam, Suhail; Alashari, Mouied; Mazen, Taha; El-Salhat, Haytham

2013-01-01

Giant condyloma acuminatum (GCA), originally described by Buschke and Loewenstein in 1925 as a lesion of the penis, is more rarely seen in the anorectum and is characterized by clinical malignancy in the face of histologic benignity; however, malignant transformation to frankly invasive squamous-cell carcinoma has been described in about one-third of patients. In addition, malignant transformation has been reported in patients with "ordinary" condylomata acuminata. Human papillomavirus, known to cause condylomata acuminata, is also known to induce these tumors and was found in 96% of 63 cases reviewed in the last 10 years. These lesions have a propensity for recurrence and a likelihood of malignant transformation, and lead to significant mortality. Therefore, early and radical R0 excision, along with vigilant follow-up, provides the hope for cure. Conservative and/or multimodal therapy has been reported in a few cases, but its effect is not yet proved. The authors report one case of GCA; in addition, they reviewed the literature over the last 10 years and compared with previous reviews. Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Cytoskeletal protein transformation in HIV-1-infected macrophage giant cells.

PubMed

Kadiu, Irena; Ricardo-Dukelow, Mary; Ciborowski, Pawel; Gendelman, Howard E

2007-05-15

The mechanisms linking HIV-1 replication, macrophage biology, and multinucleated giant cell formation are incompletely understood. With the advent of functional proteomics, the characterization, regulation, and transformation of HIV-1-infected macrophage-secreted proteins can be ascertained. To these ends, we performed proteomic analyses of culture fluids derived from HIV-1 infected monocyte-derived macrophages. Robust reorganization, phosphorylation, and exosomal secretion of the cytoskeletal proteins profilin 1 and actin were observed in conjunction with productive viral replication and giant cell formation. Actin and profilin 1 recruitment to the macrophage plasma membrane paralleled virus-induced cytopathicity, podosome formation, and cellular fusion. Poly-l-proline, an inhibitor of profilin 1-mediated actin polymerization, inhibited cytoskeletal transformations and suppressed, in part, progeny virion production. These data support the idea that actin and profilin 1 rearrangement along with exosomal secretion affect viral replication and cytopathicity. Such events favor the virus over the host cell and provide insights into macrophage defense mechanisms used to contain viral growth and how they may be affected during progressive HIV-1 infection.

Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Stimulates the Proliferation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Giant Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca).

PubMed

Wang, Jun-Jie; Liu, Yu-Liang; Sun, Yuan-Chao; Ge, Wei; Wang, Yong-Yong; Dyce, Paul W; Hou, Rong; Shen, Wei

2015-01-01

It has been widely known that the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is one of the most endangered species in the world. An optimized platform for maintaining the proliferation of giant panda mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is very necessary for current giant panda protection strategies. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), a member of the FGF family, is widely considered as a growth factor and differentiation inducer within the stem cell research field. However, the role of bFGF on promoting the proliferation of MSCs derived from giant panda bone marrow (BM) has not been reported. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of bFGF on the proliferation of BM-MSCs derived from giant panda. MSCs were cultured for cell proliferation analysis at 24, 48 and 72 hrs following the addition of bFGF. With increasing concentrations of bFGF, cell numbers gradually increased. This was further demonstrated by performing 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) cell proliferation assay, 5-Bromo-2-deoxyUridine (BrdU) labeling and cell cycle testing. Furthermore, the percentage of MSCs that were OCT4 positive increased slightly following treatment with 5 ng/ml bFGF. Moreover, we demonstrated that the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway may play an important role in the proliferation of panda MSCs stimulated by bFGF. In conclusion, this study suggests that giant panda BM-MSCs have a high proliferative capacity with the addition of 5 ng/ml bFGF in vitro.

Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Stimulates the Proliferation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Giant Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)

PubMed Central

Wang, Jun-Jie; Liu, Yu-Liang; Sun, Yuan-Chao; Ge, Wei; Wang, Yong-Yong; Dyce, Paul W.; Hou, Rong; Shen, Wei

2015-01-01

It has been widely known that the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is one of the most endangered species in the world. An optimized platform for maintaining the proliferation of giant panda mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is very necessary for current giant panda protection strategies. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), a member of the FGF family, is widely considered as a growth factor and differentiation inducer within the stem cell research field. However, the role of bFGF on promoting the proliferation of MSCs derived from giant panda bone marrow (BM) has not been reported. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of bFGF on the proliferation of BM-MSCs derived from giant panda. MSCs were cultured for cell proliferation analysis at 24, 48 and 72 hrs following the addition of bFGF. With increasing concentrations of bFGF, cell numbers gradually increased. This was further demonstrated by performing 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) cell proliferation assay, 5-Bromo-2-deoxyUridine (BrdU) labeling and cell cycle testing. Furthermore, the percentage of MSCs that were OCT4 positive increased slightly following treatment with 5 ng/ml bFGF. Moreover, we demonstrated that the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway may play an important role in the proliferation of panda MSCs stimulated by bFGF. In conclusion, this study suggests that giant panda BM-MSCs have a high proliferative capacity with the addition of 5 ng/ml bFGF in vitro. PMID:26375397

Giant cell lesions with a Noonan-like phenotype: a case report.

PubMed

Cancino, Claudia Marcela H; Gaião, Léonilson; Sant'Ana Filho, Manoel; Oliveira, Flavio Augusto Marsiaj

2007-05-01

The purpose of this article is to describe a case of multiple giant cell lesions of the mandible that occurred in a 14-year-old girl with phenotypic characteristics associated with Noonan Syndrome (NS). NS is a dysmorphic disorder characterized by hypertelorism, short stature, congenital heart defects, short and webbed neck, skeletal anomalies, and bleeding diathesis. A 14-year-old girl with a previous diagnosis of NS (sporadic case) presented with multiple radiolucent lesions in the body and ramus of her mandible. In terms of clinical behavior and the described radiographic characteristics, giant cells lesions with Noonan-like phenotype can be considered a form of cherubism. Therefore, surgical intervention is not necessary, but radiographic follow-up and observation is very important during the control and gradual regression of the lesions.

Syncytial giant-cell hepatitis due to autoimmune hepatitis type II (LKM1+) presenting as subfulminant hepatitis.

PubMed

Ben-Ari, Z; Broida, E; Monselise, Y; Kazatsker, A; Baruch, J; Pappo, O; Skappa, E; Tur-Kaspa, R

2000-03-01

Giant cell hepatitis (GCH) in adults is a rare event. The diagnosis of GCH is based on findings of syncytial giant hepatocytes. It is commonly associated with either viral infection or autoimmune hepatitis type I. A patient with GCH due to autoimmune hepatitis type II (LKM1+) is described, a combination that has not been previously reported. Corticosteroid therapy was effective in decreasing serum liver enzymes; however, the patient deteriorated rapidly and developed subfulminant hepatic failure. Although an emergency orthotopic liver transplantation was performed, the patient died because of reperfusion injury. Interestingly, only a few giant hepatocytes were noted in the explanted liver. This case stresses the association of GCH with autoimmune disorders, the possible immune mechanism involved in the formation of giant cell hepatocytes, and illustrates the rapidly progressive course and unfavorable prognosis that these patients can develop.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix associated with osteoclast-like giant cells: A case report and review of the literature.

PubMed

Yu, Guohua; Lin, Chunhua; Wang, Wei; Han, Yekun; Qu, Guimei; Zhang, Tingguo

2014-10-01

Squamous cell carcinoma is a common malignant tumor of the uterine cervix. The present study reports the case of squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix with osteoclast-like giant cells (OGCs) in an 84-year-old female who had suffered from irregular vaginal bleeding for one month. Colposcopy was performed and a cauliflower-like mass was identified in the front lip of the uterine cervix. Biopsy was then performed, and the tumor was found to be composed of epithelial cell nests, ranging in size. The neoplastic cells exhibited unclear boundaries and eosinophilic cytoplasm. Additionally, the nuclei were atypical and mitosis was observed. Among the epithelial nests, there were numerous OGCs with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm, as well as multinucleation with bland nuclei. By immunohistochemical staining, the epithelial cells were positive for cytokeratin, while negative for CD68 and vimentin. By contrast, the immunophenotype of the OGCs was the exact opposite. Based on the histological characters, a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix associated with OGCs was made. Considering the age of the patient, radiotherapy was administered. The patient succumbed to brain metastasis of the tumor after eight months of follow-up.

Techniques in the management of juxta-articular aggressive and recurrent giant cell tumors around the knee.

PubMed

Vidyadhara, S; Rao, S K

2007-03-01

Juxta-articular aggressive and recurrent giant cell tumors around the knee pose difficulties in management. This article reviews current problems and options in the management of these giant cell tumors. A systematic search was performed on juxta-articular aggressive and recurrent giant cell tumor. Additional information was retrieved from hand searching the literature and from relevant congress proceedings. We addressed the following issues: general consensus on early diagnosis and techniques in its management. In particular, we describe our results with resection arthrodesis performed combining the benefits of both interlocking intramedullary nail and Ilizarov fixator in the management of these tumors around the knee. Mean operative age of the 22 patients undergoing resection arthrodesis was 35.63 years. Seven lesions were in the tibia and fifteen in the femur. Mean length of the bone defect was 12.34 cm. The mean external fixator index was 7.44 days/cm and the distraction index was 7.88 days/cm. Mean period of follow-up for the patients was 64.5 months. The function of the affected limb was rated excellent in 10 and good and fair in six patients each as per Enneking criteria. No local recurrence of tumor was seen. Seven complications occurred in five patients. Two-ring construct, bifocal bone transport, and early definite plate osteosynthesis with additional bone grafting of the docking site at the end of distraction even before consolidation of the regenerate helps to reduce the problems of pin tract infections drastically. Thin-diameter long intramedullary nail in addition to preserving the endosteal blood supply also prevents mal-alignment of the regenerate. Thus resection arthrodesis using interlocking intramedullary nail and bone transport using Ilizarov fixator is cost effective and effective in achieving the desired goals of reconstruction with least complications in selected patients with specific indications.

Cytologic Features of Malignant Melanoma with Osteoclast-Like Giant Cells.

PubMed

Jiménez-Heffernan, José A; Adrados, Magdalena; Muñoz-Hernández, Patricia; Fernández-Rico, Paloma; Ballesteros-García, Ana I; Fraga, Javier

2018-01-01

Malignant melanoma showing numerous osteoclast-like giant cells (OGCs) is an uncommon morphologic phenomenon, rarely mentioned in the cytologic literature. The few reported cases seem to have an aggressive clinical behavior. Although most findings support monocyte/macrophage differentiation, the exact nature of OGCs is not clear. A 57-year-old woman presented with an inguinal lymphadenopathy. Sixteen years before, cutaneous malignant melanoma of the lower limb had been excised. Needle aspiration revealed abundant neoplastic single cells as well as numerous multinucleated OGCs. Occasional neoplastic giant cells were also present. Nuclei of OGCs were monomorphic with oval morphology and were smaller than those of melanoma cells. The immunophenotype of OGCs (S100-, HMB45-, Melan-A-, SOX10-, Ki67-, CD163-, BRAF-, CD68+, MiTF+, p16+) was the expected for reactive OGCs of monocyte/macrophage origin. The tumor has shown an aggressive behavior with further metastases to the axillary lymph nodes and oral cavity. Numerous OGCs are a rare and relevant finding in malignant melanoma. Their presence should not induce confusion with other tumors rich in osteoclastic cells. Since a relevant number of OGCs in melanoma may mean a more aggressive behavior, and patients may benefit from specific treatments, their presence should be mentioned in the pathologic report. © 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Giant cell angiofibroma of the scalp: A benign rare neoplasm with bone destruction

PubMed Central

Arifin, Muhammad Z.; Tjahjono, Firman P.; Faried, Ahmad; Gill, Arwinder S.; Cahyadi, Alexander; Hernowo, Bethy S.

2013-01-01

Background: The incidence of extraorbital giant cell angiofibroma (GCA) is rare, with only one case located in the scalp reported in the literature. The morphological hallmark is histopathological examination showing richly vascularized pattern-less spindle cell proliferation containing pseudovascular spaces and floret-like multinucleate giant cells. Case Description: We report a case of a 30-year-old female with a primary complaint of a painless solitary nodule arising on the left parietal region of the scalp. Complete tumor removal through surgical intervention was achieved, and the postoperative period was uneventful. Conclusion: Diagnosing a highly vascularized tumor in the head and neck is challenging. Our case is unique in that it is presented as a GCA of the scalp, which is an extremely rare clinical entity, and also demonstrated bone destruction. PMID:24231802

Isolation of measles virus in primary rhesus monkey cells from a child with acute interstitial pneumonia who cytologically had giant-cell pneumonia without a rash.

PubMed

Siegel, C; Johnston, S; Adair, S

1990-10-01

The isolation of measles virus in primary Rhesus monkey kidney cells (PRMK) in patients with documented giant-cell pneumonia who have presented without a rash is limited. The diagnosis usually is made by cytologic examination of nasal or bronchial secretions in which characteristic multinucleated giant cells with intranuclear and intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies are observed. The diagnosis of giant-cell pneumonia has been associated with measles virus but not exclusively. Canine distemper, herpes group viruses, and parainfluenza infections have been associated with these cells. In addition, vitamin A deficiency also has been cytologically associated with multinucleated giant cells. The authors describe the isolation of measles virus from bronchial washing and sputum in PRMK cells at 4 days from an 11-year-old child with acute interstitial pneumonia who was in remission for acute lymphocytic leukemia. Classic cytopathologic effect (CPE) consisting of syncytial and hole formation on the PRMK monolayer was apparent. In addition, a foamy appearance of the monolayer was noted in an otherwise clean lot of monkey cells. Confirmatory testing with measles antibody of the infected areas of the monolayer by indirect immunofluorescence (IFA) was positive for measles antigen and negative for mumps, parainfluenza (types I, II, and III) and influenza A and B virus. Serologic studies for measles antibody revealed an IFA IgG titer of greater than 1:10,240, and an IgM titer of 1:128. Cytologic examination of the same bronchial fluid revealed the typical giant cells with characteristic inclusions associated with measles virus. Because this disease usually is severe, and often fatal, prompt recognition of this virus is essential, not only to the patient, who can be treated with immunoglobulin and/or antiviral therapy, but also to prevent the spread of the virus to other patients and medical personnel. These findings also support direct evidence for the etiologic role of measles virus

Systematic review of giant gastric lipomas reported since 1980 and report of two new cases in a review of 117110 esophagogastroduodenoscopies

PubMed Central

Cappell, Mitchell S; Stevens, Charlton E; Amin, Mitual

2017-01-01

AIM To systematically review the syndrome of giant gastric lipomas, report 2 new illustrative cases. METHODS Literature systematically reviewed using PubMed for publications since 1980 with following medical subject heading/keywords: (“giant lipoma”) AND (“gastric”) OR [(“lipoma”) and (“gastric”) and (“bleeding”)]. Two authors independently reviewed literature, and decided by consensus which articles to incorporate. Computerized review of pathology/endoscopy records at William Beaumont Hospitals, Royal Oak and Troy, Michigan, January 2005-December 2015, revealed 2 giant gastric lipomas among 117110 consecutive esophagogastroduodenoscopies (EGDs), which were thoroughly reviewed, including re-review of original endoscopic photographs, radiologic images, and pathologic slides. RESULTS Giant gastric lipomas are extremely rare: 32 cases reported since 1980, and 2 diagnosed among 117110 consecutive EGDs. Average patient age = 54.5 ± 17.0 years old (males = 22, females = 10). Maximal lipoma dimension averaged 7.9 cm ± 4.1 cm. Ulcerated mass occurred in 21 patients. Lipoma locations: antrum-17, body-and-antrum-4, antrum-intussuscepting-into-small-intestine-3, body-2, fundus-1, and unspecified-5. Intramural locations included submucosal-22, subserosal-2, and unspecified-8. Presentations included: acute upper gastrointestinal (UGI) bleeding-19, abdominal pain-5, nausea/vomiting-5, and asymptomatic-3. Symptoms among patients with UGI bleeding included: weakness/fatigue-6, abdominal pain-4, nausea/vomiting-4, early-satiety-3, dizziness-2, and other-1. Their hemoglobin on admission averaged 7.5 g/dL ± 2.8 g/dL. Patients with GI bleeding had significantly more frequently ulcers than other patients. EGD was extremely helpful diagnostically (n = 31 patients), based on characteristic endoscopic findings, including yellowish hue, well-demarcated margins, smooth overlying mucosa, and endoscopic cushion, tenting, or naked-fat signs. However, endoscopic mucosal

Kuiper Prize: Giant Planet Atmospheres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ingersoll, Andrew P.

2007-10-01

The study of giant planet atmospheres is near and dear to me, for several reasons. First, the giant planets are photogenic; the colored clouds are great tracers, and one can make fantastic movies of the atmosphere in motion. Second, the giant planets challenge us with storms that last for hundreds of years and winds that blow faster the farther you go from the sun. Third, they remind us of Earth with their hurricanes, auroras, and lightning, but they also are the link to the 200 giant planets that have been discovered around other stars. This talk will cover the past, present, and future (one hopes) of giant planet research. I will review the surprises of the Voyager and Galileo eras, and will discuss what we are learning now from the Cassini orbiter. I will review the prospects for answering the outstanding questions like: Where's the water? What is providing the colors of the clouds? How deep do the features extend? Where do the winds get their energy? What is the role of the magnetic field? Finally, I will briefly discuss how extrasolar giant planets compare with objects in our own solar system.

Giant morphea-form basal cell carcinoma of the umbilicus: Successful debulking with vismodegib.

PubMed

Orduz Robledo, Mariana; Lebas, Eve; Reginster, Marie-Annick; Baghaie, Mahmoud; Groves, Sabine; Nikkels, Arjen F

2018-01-01

Basal cell carcinoma of the umbilicus is very rare. The nodular subtype is the main representative. Giant basal cell carcinomas represent around 1% of all basal cell carcinomas. The hedgehog pathway inhibitor vismodegib is indicated for advanced basal cell carcinoma and CD56-negative immunostaining seems indicative for successful treatment. A 54-year-old man presented a 10 cm × 14 cm large and 4.5 cm deep morphea-form basal cell carcinoma with faint immunohistochemical CD56 expression arising from the umbilicus. A sequential treatment was initiated with debulking using vismodegib 150 mg per day for 4 months, followed by reconstructive surgery. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a giant basal cell carcinoma of the morphea-form type of the umbilicus. The sequential treatment plan reduces the duration of vismodegib inherent adverse effects and significantly reduces the tumor mass prior to surgery. Besides increasing adherence to vismodegib treatment, this approach facilitates the surgical technique and improves cosmetic outcome.

Biological treatments in giant cell arteritis & Takayasu arteritis.

PubMed

Samson, Maxime; Espígol-Frigolé, Georgina; Terrades-García, Nekane; Prieto-González, Sergio; Corbera-Bellalta, Marc; Alba-Rovira, Roser; Hernández-Rodríguez, José; Audia, Sylvain; Bonnotte, Bernard; Cid, Maria C

2018-04-01

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) and Takayasu arteritis (TAK) are the two main large vessel vasculitides. They share some similarities regarding their clinical, radiological and histological presentations but some pathogenic processes in GCA and TAK are activated differently, thus explaining their different sensitivity to biological therapies. The treatment of GCA and TAK essentially relies on glucocorticoids. However, thanks to major progress in our understanding of their pathogenesis, the role of biological therapies in the treatment of these two vasculitides is expanding, especially in relapsing or refractory diseases. In this review, the efficacy, the safety and the limits of the main biological therapies ever tested in GCA and TAK are discussed. Briefly, anti TNF-α agents appear to be effective in treating TAK but not GCA. Recent randomized placebo-controlled trials have reported on the efficacy and safety of abatacept and mostly tocilizumab in inducing and maintaining remission of GCA. Abatacept was not effective in TAK and robust data are still lacking to draw any conclusions concerning the use of tocilizumab in TAK. Furthermore, ustekinumab appears promising in relapsing/refractory GCA whereas rituximab has been reported to be effective in only a few cases of refractory TAK patients. If a biological therapy is indicated, and in light of the data discussed in this review, the first choice would be tocilizumab in GCA and anti-TNF-α agents (mainly infliximab) in TAK. Copyright © 2017 European Federation of Internal Medicine. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Giant Lysosomes as a Chemotherapy Resistance Mechanism in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells.

PubMed

Colombo, Federico; Trombetta, Elena; Cetrangolo, Paola; Maggioni, Marco; Razini, Paola; De Santis, Francesca; Torrente, Yvan; Prati, Daniele; Torresani, Erminio; Porretti, Laura

2014-01-01

Despite continuous improvements in therapeutic protocols, cancer-related mortality is still one of the main problems facing public health. The main cause of treatment failure is multi-drug resistance (MDR: simultaneous insensitivity to different anti-cancer agents), the underlying molecular and biological mechanisms of which include the activity of ATP binding cassette (ABC) proteins and drug compartmentalisation in cell organelles. We investigated the expression of the main ABC proteins and the role of cytoplasmic vacuoles in the MDR of six hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines, and confirmed the accumulation of the yellow anti-cancer drug sunitinib in giant (four lines) and small cytoplasmic vacuoles of lysosomal origin (two lines). ABC expression analyses showed that the main ABC protein harboured by all of the cell lines was PGP, whose expression was not limited to the cell membrane but was also found on lysosomes. MTT assays showed that the cell lines with giant lysosomes were more resistant to sorafenib treatment than those with small lysosomes (p<0.01), and that verapamil incubation can revert this resistance, especially if it is administered after drug pre-incubation. The findings of this study demonstrate the involvement of PGP-positive lysosomes in drug sequestration and MDR in HCC cell lines. The possibility of modulating this mechanism using PGP inhibitors could lead to the development of new targeted strategies to enhance HCC treatment.

RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW OF MORTALITY IN GIANT PACIFIC OCTOPUS (ENTEROCTOPUS DOFLEINI).

PubMed

Seeley, Kathryn E; Clayton, Leigh A; Hadfield, Catherine A; Muth, Dillon; Mankowski, Joseph L; Kelly, Kathleen M

2016-03-01

The giant Pacific octopus (Enteroctopus dofleini) is a popular exhibit species in public display aquaria, but information on health and disease is limited. This retrospective review evaluates time in collection and describes antemortem clinical signs and pathology of giant Pacific octopuses in an aquarium setting. Between March 2004 and December 2013, there were 19 mortalities: eight males, 10 females, and one individual whose sex was not recorded. Average time spent in collection for all octopuses was 375 ± 173 days (males 351 ± 148 days, females 410 ± 196 days). Ten (52.6%) of the octopuses were sexually mature at the time of death, six (31.6%) were not sexually mature, and reproductive status could not be determined in three octopuses (15.8%). Minimal changes were noted on gross necropsy but branchitis was histologically evident in 14 octopuses, often in conjunction with amoeboid or flagellate parasites. Senescence, parasitism, and husbandry were all important contributors to mortality and should be considered when caring for captive octopuses.

Quantification and Correlation of Angiogenesis with Macrophages by Histomorphometric Method in Central and Peripheral Giant Cell Granuloma: An Immunohistochemical Analysis.

PubMed

Kumar, Varsha Vimal; Krishanappa, Savita Jangal; Prakash, Smitha Gowdra; Channabasaviah, Girish Hemdal; Murgod, Sanjay; Pujari, Ravikumar; Kamat, Mamata Sharad

2016-03-01

Angiogenesis is a fundamental process that affects physiologic reactions and pathological processes such as tumour development and metastasis. It is the process of formation of new microvessel from the preexisting vessels. The purpose of this study was to evaluate angiogenesis, macrophage index and correlate the impact of macrophages on angiogenesis in the central and peripheral giant cell granulomas by evaluating immunohistochemically microvessel density, microvessel perimeter and macrophage index. Immunohistochemical analysis was carried on 20 cases of central and peripheral giant cell granulomas each for CD34 and CD68 proteins expression. Inferential statistical analysis was performed using Independent student t-test to assess the microvessel density, microvessel perimeter and macrophage index on continuous scale between Group I and Group II. Level of significance was determined at 5%. Further bivariate analysis using Pearson correlation test was carried out to see the relationship between microvessel density and macrophage index in each group. Microvessel density, micro vessel perimeter and macrophage index was higher in central giant cell granuloma compared to that of peripheral giant cell granuloma. Correlation between microvessel density and macrophage index among these two lesions was statistically insignificant. Angiogenesis as well as the number of macrophages appeared to increase in Central Giant Cell Granuloma in present study. These findings suggest that macrophages may up regulate the angiogenesis in these giant cell granulomas and angiogenesis do have a role in clinical behaviour. However, we could not establish a positive correlation between microvessel density and macrophage index as the values were statistically insignificant. This insignificance may be presumed due to fewer samples taken for study.

Giant juvenile fibroadenoma: a systematic review with diagnostic and treatment recommendations

PubMed Central

Pulcrano, Marisa; Feldman, Elizabeth D.; Patel, Ketan M.; Nahabedian, Maurice Y.; Weissler, Jason M.; Rodriguez, Eduardo D.

2015-01-01

Background Currently, there is a lack of clear guidelines regarding evaluation and management of giant juvenile fibroadenomas. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review of giant juvenile fibroadenomas and to evaluate the most common diagnostic and therapeutic modalities. Methods A systematic literature search of PubMed and MEDLINE databases was conducted in February 2014 to identify articles related to giant juvenile fibroadenomas. Pooled outcomes are reported. Results Fifty-two articles (153 patients) met inclusion criteria. Mean age was 16.7 years old, with a mean lesion size of 11.2 cm. Most patients (86%) presented with a single breast mass. Imaging modalities included ultrasound in 72.5% and mammography in 26.1% of cases. Tissue diagnosis was obtained using a core needle biopsy in 18.3% of cases, fine-needle aspiration (FNA) in 25.5%, and excisional biopsy in 11.1% of patients. Surgical treatment was implemented in 98.7% of patients (mean time to treatment of 9.5 months, range, 3 days to 7 years). Surgical intervention included excision in all cases, of which four were mastectomies. Breast reconstruction was completed in 17.6% of cases. There were no postoperative complications. Conclusions Diagnosis and treatment of giant juvenile fibroadenoma is heterogeneous. There is a paucity of data to support observation and non-operative treatment. The most common diagnostic modalities include core needle or excisional biopsy. The mainstay of treatment is complete excision with an emphasis on preserving the developing breast parenchyma and nipple areolar complex. Breast reconstruction is uncommon, but may be necessary in certain cases. PMID:26312217

Coexistence of giant cell fibroblastoma and encephalocele

PubMed Central

Afroz, Nishat; Shamim, Nida; Jain, Anshu; Soni, Mayank

2014-01-01

Giant cell fibroblastoma (GCF) is a rare soft tissue tumour that occurs almost exclusively in children younger than 10 years of age and is mostly located in the superficial soft tissues of the back and thighs. We present a rare case of GCF with encephalocele in a 1.5-year-old boy who presented with a swelling in the occipital area of the scalp since birth. CT scan suggested encephalocele without any suspicion of a mass lesion. On histopathology, an ill-defined proliferation of fibroblasts in a heavily collagenised and focally myxoid stroma was seen containing numerous multinucleated cells having a floret-like appearance along with mature glial tissue bordering a cystic space. Immunohistochemically, the stromal cells were positive for both, vimentin (diffuse) and CD34 (focal) thereby confirming the histological diagnosis of GCF. This case highlights the unusual coexistence of GCF with congenital defects and its histogenetic resemblance to dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. PMID:24728899

Unusual Giant Prostatic Urethral Calculus

PubMed Central

Bello, A.; Maitama, H. Y.; Mbibu, N. H.; Kalayi, G. D.; Ahmed, A.

2010-01-01

Giant vesico-prostatic urethral calculus is uncommon. Urethral stones rarely form primarily in the urethra, and they are usually associated with urethral strictures, posterior urethral valve or diverticula. We report a case of a 32-year-old man with giant vesico-prostatic (collar-stud) urethral stone presenting with sepsis and bladder outlet obstruction. The clinical presentation, management, and outcome of the giant prostatic urethral calculus are reviewed. PMID:22091328

Trial of Tocilizumab in Giant-Cell Arteritis.

PubMed

Stone, John H; Tuckwell, Katie; Dimonaco, Sophie; Klearman, Micki; Aringer, Martin; Blockmans, Daniel; Brouwer, Elisabeth; Cid, Maria C; Dasgupta, Bhaskar; Rech, Juergen; Salvarani, Carlo; Schett, Georg; Schulze-Koops, Hendrik; Spiera, Robert; Unizony, Sebastian H; Collinson, Neil

2017-07-27

Giant-cell arteritis commonly relapses when glucocorticoids are tapered, and the prolonged use of glucocorticoids is associated with side effects. The effect of the interleukin-6 receptor alpha inhibitor tocilizumab on the rates of relapse during glucocorticoid tapering was studied in patients with giant-cell arteritis. In this 1-year trial, we randomly assigned 251 patients, in a 2:1:1:1 ratio, to receive subcutaneous tocilizumab (at a dose of 162 mg) weekly or every other week, combined with a 26-week prednisone taper, or placebo combined with a prednisone taper over a period of either 26 weeks or 52 weeks. The primary outcome was the rate of sustained glucocorticoid-free remission at week 52 in each tocilizumab group as compared with the rate in the placebo group that underwent the 26-week prednisone taper. The key secondary outcome was the rate of remission in each tocilizumab group as compared with the placebo group that underwent the 52-week prednisone taper. Dosing of prednisone and safety were also assessed. Sustained remission at week 52 occurred in 56% of the patients treated with tocilizumab weekly and in 53% of those treated with tocilizumab every other week, as compared with 14% of those in the placebo group that underwent the 26-week prednisone taper and 18% of those in the placebo group that underwent the 52-week prednisone taper (P<0.001 for the comparisons of either active treatment with placebo). The cumulative median prednisone dose over the 52-week period was 1862 mg in each tocilizumab group, as compared with 3296 mg in the placebo group that underwent the 26-week taper (P<0.001 for both comparisons) and 3818 mg in the placebo group that underwent the 52-week taper (P<0.001 for both comparisons). Serious adverse events occurred in 15% of the patients in the group that received tocilizumab weekly, 14% of those in the group that received tocilizumab every other week, 22% of those in the placebo group that underwent the 26-week taper, and 25% of

Generation of erythroid cells from polyploid giant cancer cells: re-thinking about tumor blood supply.

PubMed

Yang, Zhigang; Yao, Hong; Fei, Fei; Li, Yuwei; Qu, Jie; Li, Chunyuan; Zhang, Shiwu

2018-04-01

During development and tumor progression, cells need a sufficient blood supply to maintain development and rapid growth. It is reported that there are three patterns of blood supply for tumor growth: endothelium-dependent vessels, mosaic vessels, and vasculogenic mimicry (VM). VM was first reported in highly aggressive uveal melanomas, with tumor cells mimicking the presence and function of endothelial cells forming the walls of VM vessels. The walls of mosaic vessels are randomly lined with both endothelial cells and tumor cells. We previously proposed a three-stage process, beginning with VM, progressing to mosaic vessels, and eventually leading to endothelium-dependent vessels. However, many phenomena unique to VM channel formation remain to be elucidated, such as the origin of erythrocytes before VM vessels connect with endothelium-dependent vessels. In adults, erythroid cells are generally believed to be generated from hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow. In contrast, embryonic tissue obtains oxygen through formation of blood islands, which are largely composed of embryonic hemoglobin with a higher affinity with oxygen, in the absence of mature erythrocytes. Recent data from our laboratory suggest that embryonic blood-forming mechanisms also exist in cancer tissue, particularly when these tissues are under environmental stress such as hypoxia. We review the evidence from induced pluripotent stem cells in vitro and in vivo to support this previously underappreciated cell functionality in normal and cancer cells, including the ability to generate erythroid cells. We will also summarize the current understanding of tumor angiogenesis, VM, and our recent work on polyploid giant cancer cells, with emphasis on their ability to generate erythroid cells and their association with tumor growth under hypoxia. An alternative embryonic pathway to obtain oxygen in cancer cells exists, particularly when they are under hypoxic conditions.

Management of giant omphaloceles: A systematic review of methods of staged surgical vs. nonoperative delayed closure.

PubMed

Bauman, Brent; Stephens, Daniel; Gershone, Hannah; Bongiorno, Connie; Osterholm, Erin; Acton, Robert; Hess, Donavon; Saltzman, Daniel; Segura, Bradley

2016-10-01

Despite the numerous methods of closure for giant omphaloceles, uncertainty persists regarding the most effective option. Our purpose was to review the literature to clarify the current methods being used and to determine superiority of either staged surgical procedures or nonoperative delayed closure in order to recommend a standard of care for the management of the giant omphalocele. Our initial database search resulted in 378 articles. After de-duplification and review, we requested 32 articles relevant to our topic that partially met our inclusion criteria. We found that 14 articles met our criteria; these 14 studies were included in our analysis. 10 studies met the inclusion criteria for nonoperative delayed closure, and 4 studies met the inclusion criteria for staged surgical management. Numerous methods for managing giant omphaloceles have been described. Many studies use topical therapy secondarily to failed surgical management. Primary nonoperative delayed management had a cumulative mortality of 21.8% vs. 23.4% in the staged surgical group. Time to initiation of full enteric feedings was lower in the nonoperative delayed group at 14.6days vs 23.5days. Despite advances in medical and surgical therapies, giant omphaloceles are still associated with a high mortality rate and numerous morbidities. In our analysis, we found that nonoperative delayed management with silver therapy was associated with lower mortality and shorter duration to full enteric feeding. We recommend that nonoperative delayed management be utilized as the primary therapy for the newborn with a giant omphalocele. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Immunohistochemical features of giant cell ependymoma of the filum terminale with unusual clinical and radiological presentation.

PubMed

Candanedo-Gonzalez, Fernando; Ortiz-Arce, Cindy Sharon; Rosales-Perez, Samuel; Remirez-Castellanos, Ana Lilia; Cordova-Uscanga, Candelaria; Gamboa-Dominguez, Armando

2017-01-14

Giant cell ependymoma of the filum terminale is a rare variant, generally manifested as a well-circunscribed intradural mass with an indolent biological behavior. We describe the case of a 48-year-old Mexican female who non-relevant past medical history, that developed a GCE of the filum terminale. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography revealed the presence of an intra-axial tumor extending from L3 to L5 with extra-medullary invasion. Therefore the tumor was considered unresectable and only incisional biopsy was obtained, establishing the tentative diagnosis of a poorly differentiated neoplasia. A second evaluation of the case revealed the presence of numerous non-cohesive pleomorphic giant cells with intranuclear inclusions and broad eosinophilic cytoplasm, alternating with intermediate size cells with round, hyperchromatic nuclei and forming a perivascular pseudo-rosettes pattern. The ependymal phenotype was supported by light microscopy and corroborated by immunohistochemistry analysis. The patient was subsequently treated with radiotherapy 54Gy. She is alive after a 27-month follow-up, with residual disease, difficulty ambulating and pain. GCE of filum terminale may have an atypical clinical and radiological presentation, albeit with invasive characteristics and anaplasia on histologic analysis. However, its biological behavior is indolent and associated to longer survival. Due to the presence of giant cells, the differential diagnosis of other primary neoplasias at that site were considered, including paraganglioma, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors as well as metastatic malignant melanoma, adrenal carcinoma, thyroid gland carcinoma and urothelial carcinoma, that may all harbor giant cells.

A giant testicular mixed germ cell tumour.

PubMed

Reekhaye, A; Harris, A; Nagarajan, S; Chadwick, D

2016-11-01

We present a case that we believe to be the largest mixed germ cell testicular tumour reported in the United Kingdom. A 23-year-old male was admitted to our urology department with a large scrotal swelling. The patient was found to have a giant left testicular tumour and a solitary lung metastasis at presentation. He underwent an emergency radical orchidectomy and subsequently received four cycles of bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin chemotherapy. Four months after starting treatment, the tumour markers had normalised and a repeat staging computed tomography showed no active disease. The tumour reached that size because of the patient's failure to seek medical attention due to fear and embarrassment.

[Giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath: characteristic findings of the bone scintigraphy and correlation with MRI].

PubMed

Mena, E; Martín-Miramon, J C; Bernà, L; Veintemillas, M; Marín, A; Valls, R; Melloni, P

2009-01-01

We report 3 cases of an unusual tumor, that is, the giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath. The patients consulted due to the appearance of a well-defined, painless, soft tissue mass with mild-to-moderate inflammation located in the thumbs or toes. These clinical data, together with the bone scan findings, oriented the diagnostic suspicion that was confirmed by a pathology study of the tumor after resection. This work has aimed to review the characteristics of the bone scan (BS) image of this tumor and its correlation with the conventional X-ray imaging and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Csf2 null mutation alters placental gene expression and trophoblast glycogen cell and giant cell abundance in mice.

PubMed

Sferruzzi-Perri, Amanda N; Macpherson, Anne M; Roberts, Claire T; Robertson, Sarah A

2009-07-01

Genetic deficiency in granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (CSF2, GM-CSF) results in altered placental structure in mice. To investigate the mechanism of action of CSF2 in placental morphogenesis, the placental gene expression and cell composition were examined in Csf2 null mutant and wild-type mice. Microarray and quantitative RT-PCR analyses on Embryonic Day (E) 13 placentae revealed that the Csf2 null mutation caused altered expression of 17 genes not previously known to be associated with placental development, including Mid1, Cd24a, Tnfrsf11b, and Wdfy1. Genes controlling trophoblast differentiation (Ascl2, Tcfeb, Itgav, and Socs3) were also differentially expressed. The CSF2 ligand and the CSF2 receptor alpha subunit were predominantly synthesized in the placental junctional zone. Altered placental structure in Csf2 null mice at E15 was characterized by an expanded junctional zone and by increased Cx31(+) glycogen cells and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1C (CDKN1C(+), P57(Kip2+)) giant cells, accompanied by elevated junctional zone transcription of genes controlling spongiotrophoblast and giant cell differentiation and secretory function (Ascl2, Hand1, Prl3d1, and Prl2c2). Granzyme genes implicated in tissue remodeling and potentially in trophoblast invasion (Gzmc, Gzme, and Gzmf) were downregulated in the junctional zone of Csf2 null mutant placentae. These data demonstrate aberrant placental gene expression in Csf2 null mutant mice that is associated with altered differentiation and/or functional maturation of junctional zone trophoblast lineages, glycogen cells, and giant cells. We conclude that CSF2 is a regulator of trophoblast differentiation and placental development, which potentially influences the functional capacity of the placenta to support optimal fetal growth in pregnancy.

Isolated (localized) idiopathic granulomatous (giant cell) vasculitis in an intramuscular lipoma.

PubMed

Fernando Val-Bernal, J; Val, Daniel; Calvo, Ignacio; Francisca Garijo, M

2006-01-01

Isolated (localized) idiopathic granulomatous vasculitis (IGV) is an uncommon, heterogeneous, and poorly defined group of disorders characterized by infiltration of the arterial wall caused by compactly grouped mononuclear phagocytes, with or without giant cells, in segmental distribution. We report on a 55-year-old woman with IGV limited to an intramuscular lipoma of the left thigh. The vasculitis was identified incidentally upon microscopic examination of the removed tumor. The IGV was centered on two medium-sized arteries, accompanied by narrowing of the lumens, and not associated with secondary changes such as infart or postinfart fibrosis. The inflammatory infiltrate was rich in T-lymphocytes and macrophages, with the presence of giant cells. The patient was asymptomatic and well in a follow-up period of 2 months, during which she was not treated. To our knowledge, this is the first report of lipoma involvement in localized IGV. It is important to distinguish cases of isolated intratumorous IGV from systemic disease, because the latter implies a poor prognosis and requires an aggressive treatment.

Tocilizumab for giant cell arteritis with corticosteroid-resistant progressive anterior ischemic optic neuropathy.

PubMed

Vionnet, Julien; Buss, Guillaume; Mayer, Cédric; Sokolov, Arseny A; Borruat, François-Xavier; Spertini, François

2017-10-01

Giant cell arteritis is an inflammatory disorder of the medium- and large-size arteries. Permanent visual loss related to arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy is among the most serious complications of this disease and initial treatment usually consists of high dose corticosteroids. There is no consensus in the literature concerning the optimal therapeutic approach in giant cell arteritis patients with corticosteroid-resistant arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. A 73-year-old Caucasian female with biopsy-proven giant cell arteritis developed an acute visual loss of the right eye due to arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. Despite 5 daily methylprednisolone pulses, systemic symptoms persisted and rapid involvement of the controlateral eye was documented. Therefore, tocilizumab (humanised monoclonal antibody binding the human interleukin-6 receptor) was introduced as a potential salvage therapy with a swift consecutive resolution of the systemic symptoms and stabilization of the ophthalmic lesions. Although a late effect of steroids pulses cannot be formally ruled out in this dramatic situation, tocilizumab likely offered a decisive effect in preventing bilateral blindness and may have contributed to steroid tapering. Tocilizumab may represent a new early effective second-line treatment option in corticosteroid-resistant anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. More data are needed to confirm this observation and to evaluate the safety profile of this treatment. Copyright © 2017 Société française de rhumatologie. Published by Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.

Resection arthrodesis for giant cell tumors around the knee

PubMed Central

Kapoor, Sudhir K; Tiwari, Akshay

2007-01-01

Background: Giant cell tumors (GCTs) of bone are aggressive benign tumors. Wide resection is reserved for a small subset of patients with biologically more aggressive, recurrent and extensive tumors. As the patients affected with GCT are young or middle-aged adults with a normal life expectancy, arthrodesis is an attractive option for reconstruction in these patients. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six patients of mean age 33.1 years with Campanacci Grade III giant cell tumors around the knee (20 distal femoral and 16 proximal tibial) were treated with wide resection and arthrodesis from January 1996 through January 2006. Arthrodesis was performed using plating with free fibular graft (n = 18), IM nail with free fibular graft (n = 8) and IM nail combined with ring fixator using bone transport (n = 10). Results: Fusion after the first surgery was achieved in 77.7%, 75% and 90% of the patients in the three groups respectively. Local recurrence was seen in two patients and repeat surgery for nonunion/ graft fracture had to be done in four patients and two patients in the plating and nailing groups respectively. Conclusion: Wide resection and arthrodesis in aggressive GCTs around the knee is a good treatment option. IM nail combined with a ring fixator seems to be a good method of arthrodesis with high fusion rates, least shortening and early rehabilitation. PMID:21139764

Resection arthrodesis for giant cell tumors around the knee.

PubMed

Kapoor, Sudhir K; Tiwari, Akshay

2007-04-01

Giant cell tumors (GCTs) of bone are aggressive benign tumors. Wide resection is reserved for a small subset of patients with biologically more aggressive, recurrent and extensive tumors. As the patients affected with GCT are young or middle-aged adults with a normal life expectancy, arthrodesis is an attractive option for reconstruction in these patients. Thirty-six patients of mean age 33.1 years with Campanacci Grade III giant cell tumors around the knee (20 distal femoral and 16 proximal tibial) were treated with wide resection and arthrodesis from January 1996 through January 2006. Arthrodesis was performed using plating with free fibular graft (n = 18), IM nail with free fibular graft (n = 8) and IM nail combined with ring fixator using bone transport (n = 10). Fusion after the first surgery was achieved in 77.7%, 75% and 90% of the patients in the three groups respectively. Local recurrence was seen in two patients and repeat surgery for nonunion/ graft fracture had to be done in four patients and two patients in the plating and nailing groups respectively. Wide resection and arthrodesis in aggressive GCTs around the knee is a good treatment option. IM nail combined with a ring fixator seems to be a good method of arthrodesis with high fusion rates, least shortening and early rehabilitation.

Fluctuations of the transcription factor ATML1 generate the pattern of giant cells in the Arabidopsis sepal

PubMed Central

Meyer, Heather M; Teles, José; Formosa-Jordan, Pau; Refahi, Yassin; San-Bento, Rita; Ingram, Gwyneth; Jönsson, Henrik; Locke, James C W; Roeder, Adrienne H K

2017-01-01

Multicellular development produces patterns of specialized cell types. Yet, it is often unclear how individual cells within a field of identical cells initiate the patterning process. Using live imaging, quantitative image analyses and modeling, we show that during Arabidopsis thaliana sepal development, fluctuations in the concentration of the transcription factor ATML1 pattern a field of identical epidermal cells to differentiate into giant cells interspersed between smaller cells. We find that ATML1 is expressed in all epidermal cells. However, its level fluctuates in each of these cells. If ATML1 levels surpass a threshold during the G2 phase of the cell cycle, the cell will likely enter a state of endoreduplication and become giant. Otherwise, the cell divides. Our results demonstrate a fluctuation-driven patterning mechanism for how cell fate decisions can be initiated through a random yet tightly regulated process. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.19131.001 PMID:28145865

Analysis of Giant-nucleated Cell Formation Following X-ray and Proton Irradiations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Almahwasi, Ashraf Abdu

Radiation-induced genetic instability has been observed in survivors of irradiated cancerous and normal cells in vitro and in vivo and has been determined in different forms, such as delayed cell death, chromosomal aberration or mutation. A well defined and characterized normal human-diploid AG1522 fibroblast cell line was used to study giant-nucleated cell (GCs) formation as the ultimate endpoint of this research. The average nuclear cross-sectional areas of the AG1522 cells were measured in mum2. The doubling time required by the AG1522 cells to divide was measured. The potential toxicity of the Hoechst dye at a working concentration on the live AG1522 cells was assessed. The yield of giant cells was determined at 7, 14 and 21 days after exposure to equivalent clinical doses of 0.2, 1 or 2 Gy of X-ray or proton irradiation. Significant differences were found to exist between X-ray or proton irradiation when compared with sham-irradiated control populations. The frequency of GCs induced by X-rays was also compared to those formed in proton irradiated cultures. The results confirm that 1 Gy X-rays are shown to induce higher rates of mitotically arrested GCs, increasing continually over time up to 21 days post-irradiation. The yield of GCs was significantly greater (10%) compared to those formed in proton populations (2%) 21 days postirradiation. The GCs can undergo a prolonged mitotic arrest that significantly increases the length of cell cycle. The arrest of GCs at the mitotic phase for longer periods of time might be indicative of a strategy for cell survival, as it increases the time available for DNA repair and enables an alternative route to division for the cells. However, the reduction in their formation 21 days after both types of radiation might favour GCs formation, ultimately contributing to carcinogenesis or cancer therapy resistance. The X-ray experiments revealed a dose-dependent increase in the GCs up to 14 days after irradiation. Although the proton

Osteoclasts and giant cells: macrophage–macrophage fusion mechanism

PubMed Central

Vignery, Agnès

2000-01-01

Membrane fusion is a ubiquitous event that occurs in a wide range of biological processes. While intracellular membrane fusion mediating organelle trafficking is well understood, much less is known about cell–cell fusion mediating sperm cell–oocyte, myoblast–myoblast and macrophage–macrophage fusion. In the case of mononuclear phagocytes, their fusion is not only associated with the differentiation of osteoclasts, cells which play a key role in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis, but also of giant cells that are present in chronic inflammatory reactions and in tumours. Despite the biological and pathophysiological importance of intercellular fusion events, the actual molecular mechanism of macrophage fusion is still unclear. One of the main research themes in my laboratory has been to investigate the molecular mechanism of mononuclear phagocyte fusion. Our hypothesis has been that macrophage–macrophage fusion, similar to virus–cell fusion, is mediated by specific cell surface proteins. But, in contrast with myoblasts and sperm cells, macrophage fusion is a rare event that occurs in specific instances. To test our hypothesis, we established an in vitro cell–cell fusion assay as a model system which uses alveolar macrophages. Upon multinucleation, these macrophages acquire the osteoclast phenotype. This indicates that multinucleation of macrophages leads to a specific and novel functional phenotype in macrophages. To identify the components of the fusion machinery, we generated four monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) which block the fusion of alveolar macrophages and purified the unique antigen recognized by these mAbs. This led us to the cloning of MFR (Macrophage Fusion Receptor). MFR was cloned simultaneously as P84/SHPS-1/SIRPα/BIT by other laboratories. We subsequently showed that the recombinant extracellular domain of MFR blocks fusion. Most recently, we identified a lower molecular weight form of MFR that is missing two extracellular immunoglobulin (Ig

Asymmetric Hybrid Polymer-Lipid Giant Vesicles as Cell Membrane Mimics.

PubMed

Peyret, Ariane; Ibarboure, Emmanuel; Le Meins, Jean-François; Lecommandoux, Sebastien

2018-01-01

Lipid membrane asymmetry plays an important role in cell function and activity, being for instance a relevant signal of its integrity. The development of artificial asymmetric membranes thus represents a key challenge. In this context, an emulsion-centrifugation method is developed to prepare giant vesicles with an asymmetric membrane composed of an inner monolayer of poly(butadiene)- b -poly(ethylene oxide) (PBut- b -PEO) and outer monolayer of 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl- sn -glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC). The formation of a complete membrane asymmetry is demonstrated and its stability with time is followed by measuring lipid transverse diffusion. From fluorescence spectroscopy measurements, the lipid half-life is estimated to be 7.5 h. Using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching technique, the diffusion coefficient of 1,2-dioleoyl- sn -glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine- N -(lissamine rhodamine B sulfonyl) (DOPE-rhod, inserted into the POPC leaflet) is determined to be about D = 1.8 ± 0.50 μm 2 s -1 at 25 °C and D = 2.3 ± 0.7 μm 2 s -1 at 37 °C, between the characteristic values of pure POPC and pure polymer giant vesicles and in good agreement with the diffusion of lipids in a variety of biological membranes. These results demonstrate the ability to prepare a cell-like model system that displays an asymmetric membrane with transverse and translational diffusion properties similar to that of biological cells.

A large giant cell tumor of the sacrum. Advantage of an abdomino-sacral approach.

PubMed

Alla, Abubakr H; Mahadi, Seif I; Elhassan, Ahmed M; Ahmed, Mohamed E

2005-01-01

We report a case of giant cell tumor of the sacrum, presenting with sacral pain, swelling, and change of bowel habits. Rectal examination revealed a huge retrorectal mass fixed to the sacrum but not to the wall of the rectum. Abdominal ultrasonography, computed tomography CT scan, and magnetic resonance imaging MRI showed a huge pelvic mass invading the sacrum. Exploration via posterior sacral approach was not successful due to both, extensive bleeding and difficult accessibility. Re-exploration was carried out 2 days later with the patient in lithotomy position. Using abdomino-sacral approach the mass together with part of the sacrum and the whole coccyx were excised. Histopathology reported giant cell tumor of the sacrum with no evidence of mitosis. The patient was symptomless 12 months after surgery and on follow up.

Differential expression of the metastasis suppressor KAI1 in decidual cells and trophoblast giant cells at the feto-maternal interface.

PubMed

Koo, Tae Bon; Han, Min-Su; Tadashi, Yamashita; Seong, Won Joon; Choi, Je-Yong

2013-10-01

Invasion of trophoblasts into maternal uterine tissue is essential for establishing mature feto-maternal circulation. The trophoblast invasion associated with placentation is similar to tumor invasion. In this study, we investigated the role of KAI1, an antimetastasis factor, at the maternal-fetal interface during placentation. Mouse embryos were obtained from gestational days 5.5 (E5.5) to E13.5. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that KAI1 was expressed on decidual cells around the track made when a fertilized ovum invaded the endometrium, at days E5.5 and E7.5, and on trophoblast giant cells, along the central maternal artery of the placenta at E9.5. KAI1 in trophoblast giant cells was increased at E11.5, and then decreased at E13.5. Furthermore, KAI1 was upregulated during the forskolin-mediated trophoblastic differentiation of BeWo cells. Collectively, these results indicate that KAI1 is differentially expressed in decidual cells and trophoblasts at the maternal-fetal interface, suggesting that KAI1 prevents trophoblast invasion during placentation.

Giant cell tumor of the spenoid bone.

PubMed

Gupta, O P; Samant, H C; Bhatia, P L; Agarwal, A K; Pant, G C

1975-01-01

The clinical features of the giant cell tumor of the sphenoid bone have been discussed and a case report has been added to the fourteen cases reported in the literature. Such cases may first report to an ophthalmologist, an otolaryngologist, a neurologist, or an internist. They should consider this condition in a patient who complains of headache, ocular symptoms such as diplopia, and diminution of vision progressing to complete blindness. The presence of multiple cranial nerve palsies involving II, III, IV, V, and VI nerves in various combinations and the sellar erosion in the lateral x-ray of the skull are quite suggestive of this tumor which should be confirmed by biopsy. The telecobalt therapy appears to give the best results.

Peripheral giant cell granuloma of the mandibular condyle presenting as a preauricular mass.

PubMed

Ozcan, Cengiz; Apaydin, F Demir; Görür, Kemal; Apa, Duygu Düşmez

2005-03-01

Preauricular mass is a common symptom for patients presenting to the otorhinolaryngologist with parotid disease. Some rare extraparotid lesions, originating from the temporomandibular joint and the mandible itself, also share the same localization and therefore are to be taken into consideration for the differential diagnosis with parotid lesions. Giant cell granuloma (GCG) was first described by Jaffe in 1953. Peripheral GCG (PGCG) is an exophytic soft tissue lesion originating from the periodontal ligament and periosteum. It is located only within the oral cavity. Central GCG (CGCG) is an uncommon benign fibro-osseous lesion generally presenting as an expansible mass with cortical bone defect. It is generally located in the mandible. The brown tumor of hyperparathyroidism and giant cell tumor must be ruled out because of the microscopic similarities of these lesions. The first case of PGCG of the mandible condyle is presented, and attention is drawn to mandibular diseases for the differential diagnosis of the preauricular mass.

Clival giant cell tumor - A rare case report and review of literature with respect to current line of management

PubMed Central

Patibandla, Mohana Rao; Thotakura, Amit Kumar; Rao, Marabathina Nageswara; Addagada, Gokul Chowdary; Nukavarapu, Manisha Chowdary; Panigrahi, Manas Kumar; Uppin, Shantiveer; Challa, Sundaram; Dandamudi, Srinivas

2017-01-01

Giant-cell tumor (GCT) involving the skull base is rare. Sphenoid bone is the most commonly involved bone followed by petrous temporal bone. Histopathology and radiological features of these lesions are similar to GCT involving bone elsewhere. Unlike other sites, skull base is not an ideal site for the radical surgery. Hence adjuvant treatment has pivotal role. Radiation therapy with intensity-modulated radiation therapy, stereotactic radiosurgery or chemotherapy with adriamycin are promising as described in some case reports. Bisphosphonates showed good control in local recurrence. In vitro studies with Zolendronate loaded bone cement and phase 2 trials of Denosumab showed hopeful results, may be useful in future. PMID:28413541

Everolimus Alleviates Obstructive Hydrocephalus due to Subependymal Giant Cell Astrocytomas.

PubMed

Moavero, Romina; Carai, Andrea; Mastronuzzi, Angela; Marciano, Sara; Graziola, Federica; Vigevano, Federico; Curatolo, Paolo

2017-03-01

Subependymal giant cell astrocytomas (SEGAs) are low-grade tumors affecting up to 20% of patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). Early neurosurgical resection has been the only standard treatment until few years ago when a better understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of TSC led to the use of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors. Surgical resection of SEGAs is still considered as the first line treatment in individuals with symptomatic hydrocephalus and intratumoral hemorrhage. We describe four patients with symptomatic or asymptomatic hydrocephalus who were successfully treated with the mTOR inhibitor everolimus. We collected the clinical data of four consecutive patients presenting with symptomatic or asymptomatic hydrocephalus due to a growth of subependymal giant cell atrocytomas and who could not undergo surgery for different reasons. All patients experienced a clinically significant response to everolimus and an early shrinkage of the SEGA with improvement in ventricular dilatation. Everolimus was well tolerated by all individuals. Our clinical series demonstrate a possible expanding indication for mTOR inhibition in TSC, which can be considered in patients with asymptomatic hydrocephalus or even when the symptoms already appeared. It offers a significant therapeutic alternative to individuals that once would have undergone immediate surgery. Everolimus might also allow postponement of a neurosurgical resection, making it elective with an overall lower risk. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Malignant giant pheochromocytoma: a case report and review of the literature

PubMed Central

Arcos, Cristina Torres; Luque, Virgilio Ruiz; Luque, José Aguilar; García, Pablo Martínez; Jiménez, Antonia Brox; Muñoz, Macarena Márquez

2009-01-01

Malignant pheochromocytoma is a rare disease and surgical resection is the only curative treatment. There are no definitive histological or cytological criteria of malignancy, as it is impossible to determine this condition in the absence of advanced locoregional disease or metastases. We report a case of a patient with a giant retroperitoneal tumour, the second largest to be published, which was diagnosed as a malignant pheochromocytoma; it was treated with surgery. The literature is reviewed to evaluate tumour features and criteria to distinguish between benign and malignant pheochromocytomas. PMID:20019963

Giants among larges: how gigantism impacts giant virus entry into amoebae.

PubMed

Rodrigues, Rodrigo Araújo Lima; Abrahão, Jônatas Santos; Drumond, Betânia Paiva; Kroon, Erna Geessien

2016-06-01

The proposed order Megavirales comprises the nucleocytoplasmic large DNA viruses (NCLDV), infecting a wide range of hosts. Over time, they co-evolved with different host cells, developing various strategies to penetrate them. Mimiviruses and other giant viruses enter cells through phagocytosis, while Marseillevirus and other large viruses explore endocytosis and macropinocytosis. These differing strategies might reflect the evolution of those viruses. Various scenarios have been proposed for the origin and evolution of these viruses, presenting one of the most enigmatic issues to surround these microorganisms. In this context, we believe that giant viruses evolved independently by massive gene/size gain, exploring the phagocytic pathway of entry into amoebas. In response to gigantism, hosts developed mechanisms to evade these parasites. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fast inactivation of delayed rectifier K conductance in squid giant axon and its cell bodies.

PubMed

Mathes, C; Rosenthal, J J; Armstrong, G M; Gilly, W F

1997-04-01

Inactivation of delayed rectifier K conductance (gk) was studied in squid giant axons and in the somata of giant fiber lobe (GFL) neurons. Axon measurements were made with an axial wire voltage clamp by pulsing to VK (approximately -10 mV in 50-70 mM external K) for a variable time and then assaying available gK with a strong, brief test pulse. GFL cells were studied with whole-cell patch clamp using the same prepulse procedure as well as with long depolarizations. Under our experimental conditions (12-18 degrees C, 4 mM internal MgATP) a large fraction of gK inactivates within 250 ms at -10 mV in both cell bodies and axons, although inactivation tends to be more complete in cell bodies. Inactivation in both preparations shows two kinetic components. The faster component is more temperature-sensitive and becomes very prominent above 12 degrees C. Contribution of the fast component to inactivation shows a similar voltage dependence to that of gK, suggesting a strong coupling of this inactivation path to the open state. Omission of internal MgATP or application of internal protease reduces the amount of fast inactivation. High external K decreases the amount of rapidly inactivating IK but does not greatly alter inactivation kinetics. Neither external nor internal tetraethylammonium has a marked effect on inactivation kinetics. Squid delayed rectifier K channels in GFL cell bodies and giant axons thus share complex fast inactivation properties that do not closely resemble those associated with either C-type or N-type inactivation of cloned Kvl channels studied in heterologous expression systems.

Fast Inactivation of Delayed Rectifier K Conductance in Squid Giant Axon and Its Cell Bodies

PubMed Central

Mathes, Chris; Rosenthal, Joshua J.C.; Armstrong, Clay M.; Gilly, William F.

1997-01-01

Inactivation of delayed rectifier K conductance (gK) was studied in squid giant axons and in the somata of giant fiber lobe (GFL) neurons. Axon measurements were made with an axial wire voltage clamp by pulsing to VK (∼−10 mV in 50–70 mM external K) for a variable time and then assaying available gK with a strong, brief test pulse. GFL cells were studied with whole-cell patch clamp using the same prepulse procedure as well as with long depolarizations. Under our experimental conditions (12–18°C, 4 mM internal MgATP) a large fraction of gK inactivates within 250 ms at −10 mV in both cell bodies and axons, although inactivation tends to be more complete in cell bodies. Inactivation in both preparations shows two kinetic components. The faster component is more temperature-sensitive and becomes very prominent above 12°C. Contribution of the fast component to inactivation shows a similar voltage dependence to that of gK, suggesting a strong coupling of this inactivation path to the open state. Omission of internal MgATP or application of internal protease reduces the amount of fast inactivation. High external K decreases the amount of rapidly inactivating IK but does not greatly alter inactivation kinetics. Neither external nor internal tetraethylammonium has a marked effect on inactivation kinetics. Squid delayed rectifier K channels in GFL cell bodies and giant axons thus share complex fast inactivation properties that do not closely resemble those associated with either C-type or N-type inactivation of cloned Kv1 channels studied in heterologous expression systems. PMID:9101403

SOS1 and PTPN11 mutations in five cases of Noonan syndrome with multiple giant cell lesions.

PubMed

Beneteau, Claire; Cavé, Hélène; Moncla, Anne; Dorison, Nathalie; Munnich, Arnold; Verloes, Alain; Leheup, Bruno

2009-10-01

We report five cases of multiple giant cell lesions in patients with typical Noonan syndrome. Such association has frequently been referred to as Noonan-like/multiple giant cell (NL/MGCL) syndrome before the molecular definition of Noonan syndrome. Two patients show mutations in PTPN11 (p.Tyr62Asp and p.Asn308Asp) and three in SOS1 (p.Arg552Ser and p.Arg552Thr). The latter are the first SOS1 mutations reported outside PTPN11 in NL/MGCL syndrome. MGCL lesions were observed in jaws ('cherubism') and joints ('pigmented villonodular synovitis'). We show through those patients that both types of MGCL are not PTPN11-specific, but rather represent a low penetrant (or perhaps overlooked) complication of the dysregulated RAS/MAPK signaling pathway. We recommend discarding NL/MGCL syndrome from the nosology, as this presentation is neither gene-nor allele-specific of Noonan syndrome; these patients should be described as Noonan syndrome with MGCL (of the mandible, the long bone...). The term cherubism should be used only when multiple giant cell lesions occur without any other clinical and molecular evidence of Noonan syndrome, with or without mutations of the SH3BP2 gene.

Giant kidney worms in a patient with renal cell carcinoma

PubMed Central

Kuehn, Jemima; Lombardo, Lindsay; Janda, William M; Hollowell, Courtney M P

2016-01-01

Dioctophyma renale (D. renale), or giant kidney worms, are the largest nematodes that infect mammals. Approximately 20 cases of human infection have been reported. We present a case of a 71-year-old man with a recent history of unintentional weight loss and painless haematuria, passing elongated erythematous tissue via his urethra. CT revealed a left renal mass with pulmonary nodules and hepatic lesions. On microscopy, the erythematous tissue passed was identified as D. renale. On subsequent renal biopsy, pathology was consistent with renal cell carcinoma. This is the first reported case of concomitant D. renale infection and renal cell carcinoma, and the second reported case of D. renale infection of the left kidney alone. PMID:26952087

The fate of radiation induced giant-nucleated cells of human skin fibroblasts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Almahwasi, A. A.; Jeynes, J. C.; Bradley, D. A.; Regan, P. H.

2017-11-01

Radiation-induced giant-nucleated cells (GCs) have been observed to occur within survivors of irradiated cancerous and within healthy cells, both in vivo and in vitro. The expression of such morphological alterations is associated with genomic instability. This study was designed to investigate the fate of GCs induced in a normal human fibroblast cell line (AG1522) after exposure to 0.2, 1 or 2 Gy of X-ray or proton irradiation. The total of 79 individual AG1522 GCs present at 7, 14 or 21 days after each dose point were analysed from fluorescence microscopy images captured over approximately 120 h. The GCs were identified at the beginning of the observation period for each time point post-irradiation and the area of the cell nucleus was measured (μm2) using a cell-recognition MATLAB code. The results demonstrate that the majority of GCs had undergone a prolonged mitotic arrest, which might be an indication of the survival strategy. The live cell microscopy confirms that a giant-nucleated cell formed 14 days after exposure to 0.2 Gy of proton irradiation was divided into two asymmetrical normal-sized cells. These results suggest that a small fraction of GCs can proliferate and form progeny. Some of GCs had disappeared from the microscopy fields. The rate of their loss was decreased as the dose increased but there remains the potential for them to have progeny that could continue to proliferate, ultimately contributing to development of cancer risk. This important method to access delayed effects in normal tissues could act as a potential radioprotective assay for a dose-limiting parameter when applying radiotherapy. These results might have important implications in evaluating risk estimates for patients during radiation therapy treatment.

Chemical and physical effects on the adhesion, maturation, and survival of monocytes, macrophages, and foreign body giant cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Collier, Terry Odell, III

Injury caused by biomedical device implantation initiates inflammatory and wound healing responses. Cells migrate to the site of injury to degrade bacteria and toxins, create new vasculature, and form new and repair injured tissue. Blood-proteins rapidly adsorb onto the implanted material surface and express adhesive ligands which mediate cell adhesion on the material surface. Monocyte-derived macrophages and multi-nucleated foreign body giant cells adhere to the surface and degrade the surface of the material. Due to the role of macrophage and foreign body giant cell on material biocompatibility and biostability, the effects of surface chemistry, surface topography and specific proteins on the maturation and survival of monocytes, macrophages and foreign body giant cells has been investigated. Novel molecularly designed materials were used to elucidate the dynamic interactions which occur between inflammatory cells, proteins and surfaces. The effect of protein and protein adhesion was investigated using adhesive protein depleted serum conditions on RGD-modified and silane modified surfaces. The effects of surface chemistry were investigated using temperature responsive surfaces of poly (N-isopropylacrylamide) and micropatterned surfaces of N-(2 aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane regions on an interpenetrating polymer network of polyacrylamide and poly(ethylene glycol). The physical effects were investigated using polyimide scaffold materials and polyurethane materials with surface modifying end groups. The depletion of immunoglobulin G caused decreased levels of macrophage adhesion, foreign body giant cell formation and increased levels of apoptosis. The temporal nature of macrophage adhesion was observed with changing effectiveness of adherent cell detachment with time, which correlated to increased expression of beta1 integrin receptors on detached macrophages with time. The limited ability of the micropatterned surface, polyimide scaffold and surface

Unusual intraconal localization of orbital giant cell angiofibroma.

PubMed

Ekin, Meryem Altin; Ugurlu, Seyda Karadeniz; Cakalagaoglu, Fulya

2018-01-01

Giant cell angiofibroma (GCA) is a recently reported rare soft-tissue tumor that can develop in various sites including orbit. Orbital GCAs were mainly located in the eyelid or extraconal regions such as lacrimal gland and conjunctiva. We report an atypical case of a GCA arising in the intraconal area of the orbit in a 65-year-old male patient. The tumor was excised in total by lateral orbitotomy. Histological and immunohistochemical features were consistent with the diagnosis of GCA. No recurrence was observed during the follow-up of over 2 years. GCA is a rare tumor that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intraconal orbital tumors. Complete surgical removal is the current optimal treatment option.

Management of Giant Splenic Artery Aneurysm: Comprehensive Literature Review.

PubMed

Akbulut, Sami; Otan, Emrah

2015-07-01

To provide an overview of the medical literature on giant splenic artery aneurysm (SAA).The PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, and Google databases were searched using keywords to identify articles related to SAA. Keywords used were splenic artery aneurysm, giant splenic artery aneuryms, huge splenic artery aneurysm, splenic artery aneurysm rupture, and visceral artery aneurysm. SAAs with a diameter ≥5 cm are considered as giant and included in this study. The language of the publication was not a limitation criterion, and publications dated before January 15, 2015 were considered.The literature review included 69 papers (62 fulltext, 6 abstract, 1 nonavailable) on giant SAA. A sum of 78 patients (50 males, 28 females) involved in the study with an age range of 27-87 years (mean ± SD: 55.8 ± 14.0 years). Age range for male was 30-87 (mean ± SD: 57.5 ± 12.0 years) and for female was 27-84 (mean ± SD: 52.7 ± 16.6 years). Most frequent predisposing factors were acute or chronic pancreatitis, atherosclerosis, hypertension, and cirrhosis. Aneurysm dimensions were obtained for 77 patients with a range of 50-300 mm (mean ± SD: 97.1 ± 46.0 mm). Aneurysm dimension range for females was 50-210 mm (mean ± SD: 97.5 ± 40.2 mm) and for males was 50-300 mm (mean ± SD: 96.9 ± 48.9 mm). Intraperitoneal/retroperitoneal rupture was present in 15, among which with a lesion dimension range of 50-180 mm (mean ± SD; 100 ± 49.3 mm) which was range of 50-300 mm (mean ± SD: 96.3 ± 45.2 mm) in cases without rupture. Mortality for rupture patients was 33.3%. Other frequent complications were gastrosplenic fistula (n = 3), colosplenic fistula (n = 1), pancreatic fistula (n = 1), splenic arteriovenous fistula (n = 3), and portosplenic fistula (n = 1). Eight of the patients died in early postoperative period while 67 survived. Survival status of the remaining 3 patients is

Management of giant intermuscular lipoma of hips: A case report and review of literature

PubMed Central

LIU, DA-REN; LI, CHAO; CHEN, LI

2013-01-01

Intermuscular lipomas are rare soft tissue tumors of mesenchymal origin. They are closely correlated with other benign and malign mesenchymal tumors in clinical presentation and imaging, causing problems in diagnosis and treatment. This study examined a rare giant intermuscular lipoma of the hip and its management, allowing clinicians to become familiar with this lesion. Furthermore, the clinical data of 13 patients with pathologically confirmed giant intermuscular lipomas (1 case treated by the authors, the remaining 12 cases reported in the Chinese literature during the period from January, 1992 to May, 2012) were also reviewed and analyzed. Based on the review, intermuscular lipomas were found to be more common in males and usually presented with an asymptomatic mass, with an average patient age of 39.7 years (range, 11–70), while symptom duration was between 1 month and 10 years. The most common tumor origin sites were the thigh and forearm and the option of treatment was surgical excision. The present study showed that it is crucial for the surgeon to consider infiltrating lipomas when dealing with deep soft tissue masses, while complete removal of the lesion was vital to avoid recurrence. PMID:24649177

Large granulation cells on the surface of the giant star π1 Gruis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paladini, C.; Baron, F.; Jorissen, A.; Le Bouquin, J.-B.; Freytag, B.; van Eck, S.; Wittkowski, M.; Hron, J.; Chiavassa, A.; Berger, J.-P.; Siopis, C.; Mayer, A.; Sadowski, G.; Kravchenko, K.; Shetye, S.; Kerschbaum, F.; Kluska, J.; Ramstedt, S.

2018-01-01

Convection plays a major part in many astrophysical processes, including energy transport, pulsation, dynamos and winds on evolved stars, in dust clouds and on brown dwarfs. Most of our knowledge about stellar convection has come from studying the Sun: about two million convective cells with typical sizes of around 2,000 kilometres across are present on the surface of the Sun—a phenomenon known as granulation. But on the surfaces of giant and supergiant stars there should be only a few large (several tens of thousands of times larger than those on the Sun) convective cells, owing to low surface gravity. Deriving the characteristic properties of convection (such as granule size and contrast) for the most evolved giant and supergiant stars is challenging because their photospheres are obscured by dust, which partially masks the convective patterns. These properties can be inferred from geometric model fitting, but this indirect method does not provide information about the physical origin of the convective cells. Here we report interferometric images of the surface of the evolved giant star π1 Gruis, of spectral type S5,7. Our images show a nearly circular, dust-free atmosphere, which is very compact and only weakly affected by molecular opacity. We find that the stellar surface has a complex convective pattern with an average intensity contrast of 12 per cent, which increases towards shorter wavelengths. We derive a characteristic horizontal granule size of about 1.2 × 1011 metres, which corresponds to 27 per cent of the diameter of the star. Our measurements fall along the scaling relations between granule size, effective temperature and surface gravity that are predicted by simulations of stellar surface convection.

Large granulation cells on the surface of the giant star π1 Gruis.

PubMed

Paladini, C; Baron, F; Jorissen, A; Le Bouquin, J-B; Freytag, B; Van Eck, S; Wittkowski, M; Hron, J; Chiavassa, A; Berger, J-P; Siopis, C; Mayer, A; Sadowski, G; Kravchenko, K; Shetye, S; Kerschbaum, F; Kluska, J; Ramstedt, S

2018-01-18

Convection plays a major part in many astrophysical processes, including energy transport, pulsation, dynamos and winds on evolved stars, in dust clouds and on brown dwarfs. Most of our knowledge about stellar convection has come from studying the Sun: about two million convective cells with typical sizes of around 2,000 kilometres across are present on the surface of the Sun-a phenomenon known as granulation. But on the surfaces of giant and supergiant stars there should be only a few large (several tens of thousands of times larger than those on the Sun) convective cells, owing to low surface gravity. Deriving the characteristic properties of convection (such as granule size and contrast) for the most evolved giant and supergiant stars is challenging because their photospheres are obscured by dust, which partially masks the convective patterns. These properties can be inferred from geometric model fitting, but this indirect method does not provide information about the physical origin of the convective cells. Here we report interferometric images of the surface of the evolved giant star π 1 Gruis, of spectral type S5,7. Our images show a nearly circular, dust-free atmosphere, which is very compact and only weakly affected by molecular opacity. We find that the stellar surface has a complex convective pattern with an average intensity contrast of 12 per cent, which increases towards shorter wavelengths. We derive a characteristic horizontal granule size of about 1.2 × 10 11 metres, which corresponds to 27 per cent of the diameter of the star. Our measurements fall along the scaling relations between granule size, effective temperature and surface gravity that are predicted by simulations of stellar surface convection.

Pleomorphic lipoma: A gentle giant of pathology

PubMed Central

Sakhadeo, Uma; Mundhe, Rajesh; DeSouza, Maria A; Chinoy, Roshan F

2015-01-01

Pleomorphic lipoma is a relatively rare adipocytic neoplasm, occurring predominantly in elderly males in the subcutaneous tissues of the neck or shoulder. To the best of our knowledge, only five cases have been reported in which the lesion was intramuscular. We hereby report a case of a 60-year-old female patient, presenting with an intramuscular, posterior shoulder mass. The aspirate showed a giant cell-rich lesion, admixed with short, plump-looking, spindly cells. There was no overt evidence of malignancy; however, the cell cytology was sufficiently atypical to warrant concern. Subsequent excision revealed a classical pleomorphic lipoma on histology with no evidence of malignancy. CD34 staining by immunohistochemistry further supported the diagnosis. Differential diagnosis and the cytological diagnostic pitfalls of pleomorphic lipomas have been discussed with a review of the literature. PMID:26729985

Pleomorphic lipoma: A gentle giant of pathology.

PubMed

Sakhadeo, Uma; Mundhe, Rajesh; DeSouza, Maria A; Chinoy, Roshan F

2015-01-01

Pleomorphic lipoma is a relatively rare adipocytic neoplasm, occurring predominantly in elderly males in the subcutaneous tissues of the neck or shoulder. To the best of our knowledge, only five cases have been reported in which the lesion was intramuscular. We hereby report a case of a 60-year-old female patient, presenting with an intramuscular, posterior shoulder mass. The aspirate showed a giant cell-rich lesion, admixed with short, plump-looking, spindly cells. There was no overt evidence of malignancy; however, the cell cytology was sufficiently atypical to warrant concern. Subsequent excision revealed a classical pleomorphic lipoma on histology with no evidence of malignancy. CD34 staining by immunohistochemistry further supported the diagnosis. Differential diagnosis and the cytological diagnostic pitfalls of pleomorphic lipomas have been discussed with a review of the literature.

Giant kidney worms in a patient with renal cell carcinoma.

PubMed

Kuehn, Jemima; Lombardo, Lindsay; Janda, William M; Hollowell, Courtney M P

2016-03-07

Dioctophyma renale (D. renale), or giant kidney worms, are the largest nematodes that infect mammals. Approximately 20 cases of human infection have been reported. We present a case of a 71-year-old man with a recent history of unintentional weight loss and painless haematuria, passing elongated erythematous tissue via his urethra. CT revealed a left renal mass with pulmonary nodules and hepatic lesions. On microscopy, the erythematous tissue passed was identified as D. renale. On subsequent renal biopsy, pathology was consistent with renal cell carcinoma. This is the first reported case of concomitant D. renale infection and renal cell carcinoma, and the second reported case of D. renale infection of the left kidney alone. 2016 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.

Intralesional injection of triamcinolone hexacetonide as an alternative treatment for central giant-cell granuloma in 21 cases.

PubMed

Nogueira, R L M; Teixeira, R C; Cavalcante, R B; Ribeiro, R A; Rabenhosrt, S H B

2010-12-01

Central giant-cell granulomas are benign, but occasionally aggressive, lesions that traditionally have been treated surgically. 21 cases of central giant-cell granuloma of the jaw were treated with intralesional injection of corticosteroids. The treatment protocol adopted was intralesional injection of 20mg/ml triamcinolone hexacetonide diluted in an anaesthetic solution of 2% lidocaine/epinephrine 1:200,000 in the proportion 1:1; 1.0ml of the solution was infiltrated for every 1cm(3) of radiolucid area of the lesion, totalling 6 biweekly applications. Ten patients had aggressive lesions and 11 nonaggressive. Two patients showed a negative response to the treatment and underwent surgical resection, 4 showed a moderate response and 15 a good response. 8 of the 19 who had a moderate-to-good response to the drug treatment underwent osteoplasty to reestablish facial aesthetics. In these cases, only mature or dysplastic bone was observed, with the presence or absence of rare giant multinucleated cells. The advantages of this therapy are its less-invasive nature, the probable lower cost to the patient, lower risk and the ability to treat the lesion surgically in the future, if necessary. Copyright © 2010 International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Giant gastrointestinal stromal tumour of rare sarcomatoid epithelioid subtype: Case study and literature review

PubMed Central

Lech, Gustaw; Korcz, Wojciech; Kowalczyk, Emilia; Guzel, Tomasz; Radoch, Marcin; Krasnodębski, Ireneusz Wojciech

2015-01-01

Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumours of the gastrointestinal tract, but they represent less than 3% of all gastrointestinal tract malignancies. This is a detailed case study of a 52-year-old male patient treated for very uncommon histological subtype of gastric GIST with atypical clinical presentation, asymptomatic progress and late diagnosis. The resected tumour, giant in diameters, was confirmed to represent the most rare histopathologic subtype of GISTs - sarcomatoid epithelioid GIST. We report this case and review the literature with a special focus on pathomorphological evaluation, biological aggressiveness and prognostic factors. To our knowledge this is the first report of giant GIST of very uncommon sarcomatoid epithelioid subtype. It is concluded that clinicians should pay attention to the fact that initial diagnosis may be delayed due to mildly asymptomatic and non-specific clinical presentation. Asymptomatic tumours diagnosed at a late stage, which is often the case, can be large on presentation. Prognosis for patients diagnosed with GIST depend on tumour size, mitotic rate, histopathologic subtype and tumour location. That is why early diagnosis and R0 resection, which is usually feasible and safe even in giant gastric sarcomatoid epithelioid subtype of GISTs, are the key factors for further treatment and good prognosis. PMID:25805949

Unusual intraconal localization of orbital giant cell angiofibroma

PubMed Central

Ekin, Meryem Altin; Ugurlu, Seyda Karadeniz; Cakalagaoglu, Fulya

2018-01-01

Giant cell angiofibroma (GCA) is a recently reported rare soft-tissue tumor that can develop in various sites including orbit. Orbital GCAs were mainly located in the eyelid or extraconal regions such as lacrimal gland and conjunctiva. We report an atypical case of a GCA arising in the intraconal area of the orbit in a 65-year-old male patient. The tumor was excised in total by lateral orbitotomy. Histological and immunohistochemical features were consistent with the diagnosis of GCA. No recurrence was observed during the follow-up of over 2 years. GCA is a rare tumor that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intraconal orbital tumors. Complete surgical removal is the current optimal treatment option. PMID:29283151

Reconstruction of the Midfoot Using a Free Vascularized Fibular Graft After En Bloc Excision for Giant Cell Tumor of the Tarsal Bones: A Case Report.

PubMed

Hara, Hitomi; Kawamoto, Teruya; Onishi, Yasuo; Fujioka, Hiroyuki; Nishida, Kotaro; Kuroda, Ryosuke; Kurosaka, Masahiro; Akisue, Toshihiro

2016-01-01

We report the case of a 32-year-old Japanese female with a giant cell tumor of bone involving multiple midfoot bones. Giant cell tumors of bone account for approximately 5% of all primary bone tumors and most often arise at the ends of long bones. The small bones, such as those of the hands and feet, are rare sites for giant cell tumors. Giant cell tumors of the small bones tend to exhibit more aggressive clinical behavior than those of the long bones. The present patient underwent en bloc tumor excision involving multiple tarsals and metatarsals. We reconstructed the longitudinal arch of the foot with a free vascularized fibular graft. At the 2-year follow-up visit, bony union had been achieved, with no tumor recurrence. Copyright © 2016 American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A Rare Case of Giant Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Abdominal Wall: Excision and Immediate Reconstruction with a Pedicled Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator (DIEP) Flap

PubMed Central

Di Lorenzo, Sara; Zabbia, Giovanni; Corradino, Bartolo; Tripoli, Massimiliano; Pirrello, Roberto; Cordova, Adriana

2017-01-01

Patient: Female, 82 Final Diagnosis: Giant basal cell carcinoma Symptoms: Anemia Medication: — Clinical Procedure: — Specialty: Plastic Surgery Objective: Rare disease Background: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) greater than 5 cm in diameter is called giant basal cell carcinoma (GBCC), or super giant basal cell carcinoma if it has a diameter larger than 20 cm. Giant BCC only accounts for 0.5% of BCCs and super giant BCC is exceedingly rare. On account of their rarity, there are no established guidelines for GBCC treatment. Case Report: We describe a peculiar case of an 82-year-old woman with a GBCC carcinoma of the lower abdominal wall. The tumor was surgically removed with ipsilateral inguinal lymph nodes and the abdominal wall was reconstructed immediately with a pedicled deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap. Conclusions: Treatment of giant basal cell carcinoma is often difficult, especially in elderly patients with poor general health and multiple pathologies. The pedicled DIEP flap is rotated to cover the loss of substance without tension, and it is easy to harvest and transfer. This flap allowed a good result without local or systemic complication. We present this report as a reminder of the occasional occurrence of extremely aggressive BCCs. We believe that, especially for rare tumors like these, it is very useful for the entire scientific community to publish these cases and the therapeutic strategies used to treat them. PMID:29199268

Recurrent Temporal Bone Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumor with Chondroid Metaplasia: the Use of Imaging to Assess Recurrence

PubMed Central

Pina, Sofia; Fernandez, Maria; Maya, Silvia; Garcia, Roberto A.; Noor, Ali; Pawha, Puneet S.; Som, Peter M.

2014-01-01

Summary Tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TGCT) is a benign proliferative lesion of unclear etiology. It is predominantly monoarticular and involves the synovium of the joint, tendon sheath, and bursa. TGCT of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is rare and aggressive resulting in destruction of surrounding structures. The diagnosis may be suggested by imaging, mainly by the MR features and PET/CT, and confirmed by histopathology. We describe the case of a 50-year-old man who presented with right-sided hearing loss, tinnitus and TMJ pain. Pathology revealed tenosynovial giant cell tumor with chondroid metaplasia. Six years later he developed a recurrence, which was documented to our knowledge for the first time with CT, MR and FDG PET/CT imaging. PMID:24571839

[Meta-analysis of risk factors of recurrence in patients with giant cell tumor on extremities].

PubMed

Li, Rongrui; Hu, Yongcheng

2014-12-23

To explore the risk factors of giant cell tumor on extremities for patients with postoperative recurrence. The literature reports published before June 2014 were searched in the electronic databases of CBM, CNKI, PUBNED, MEDLINE and EMBASE. Meta-analysis was performed by software Review Manager (Version 5.3). The odds ratios (OR) of gender, age, tumor site, Campanacci Classification, pathological fracture, selection of treatment and soft tissue invasion were analyzed with heterogeneity test. Publication bias were tested by funnel plot and fail-safe number.Sensitivity analysis was performed to assess the stability. A total of 15 case-control studies were identified. Age, location and type of surgery were associated with tumor recurrence. The combined OR (95%CI) was 1.83 (1.04-3.24) P = 0.04 for aged <20 years, 0.52(0.31-0.86) P = 0.01 for aged >40 years, 1.60 (1.06-2.42) P = 0.02 for distal radius, 0.35 (0.14-0.90) P = 0.03 for proximal humerus, 3.64 (1.88-7.04) P = 0.0001 for curettage,0.56 (0.35-0.91) P = 0.02 for curettage with PMMA, 1.79 (1.11-2.88) P = 0.02 for curettage with bone graft and adjuvant and 0.29 (0.12-0.66) P = 0.003 for resection respectively. There were not significant relationship between tumor recurrence and gender, tumor location (distal femur, proximal femur, distal tibia, proximal tibia), Jaffe staging, Campanacci classification,Enneking classification, pathological fracture, soft tissue invasion, extensive curettage, curettage with bone graft, curettage with polymethylmethacrylate and adjuvant (P > 0.05). Youth (aged <20 years), distal radius, curettage and curettage with bone graft and adjuvant are the risk factors for recurrence of giant cell tumor.However, advanced age (aged >40 years), proximal tibia, curettage with PMMA and resection appear to have lower risks for tumor recurrence.

Amoebae, Giant Viruses, and Virophages Make Up a Complex, Multilayered Threesome

PubMed Central

Diesend, Jan; Kruse, Janis; Hagedorn, Monica; Hammann, Christian

2018-01-01

Viral infection had not been observed for amoebae, until the Acanthamoeba polyphaga mimivirus (APMV) was discovered in 2003. APMV belongs to the nucleocytoplasmatic large DNA virus (NCLDV) family and infects not only A. polyphaga, but also other professional phagocytes. Here, we review the Megavirales to give an overview of the current members of the Mimi- and Marseilleviridae families and their structural features during amoebal infection. We summarize the different steps of their infection cycle in A. polyphaga and Acanthamoeba castellani. Furthermore, we dive into the emerging field of virophages, which parasitize upon viral factories of the Megavirales family. The discovery of virophages in 2008 and research in recent years revealed an increasingly complex network of interactions between cell, giant virus, and virophage. Virophages seem to be highly abundant in the environment and occupy the same niches as the Mimiviridae and their hosts. Establishment of metagenomic and co-culture approaches rapidly increased the number of detected virophages over the recent years. Genetic interaction of cell and virophage might constitute a potent defense machinery against giant viruses and seems to be important for survival of the infected cell during mimivirus infections. Nonetheless, the molecular events during co-infection and the interactions of cell, giant virus, and virophage have not been elucidated, yet. However, the genetic interactions of these three, suggest an intricate, multilayered network during amoebal (co-)infections. Understanding these interactions could elucidate molecular events essential for proper viral factory activity and could implicate new ways of treating viruses that form viral factories. PMID:29376032

Giant-cell interstitial pneumonia in a gas station worker.

PubMed

Lee, S M; Moon, C H; Oh, Y B; Kim, H Y; Ahn, Y; Ko, E J; Joo, J E

1998-10-01

Giant-cell interstitial Pneumonia (GIP) is a very uncommon respiratory disease. The majority of cases of GIP are caused by exposure to cobalt, tungsten and other hard metals. In this report, we describe GIP in a patient who worked in gas station and dealt in propane gas vessels. He presented with clinical features of chronic interstitial lung disease and underwent an open lung biopsy that showed DIP-like reaction with large numbers of intra-alveolar macrophages and numerous large, multinucleated histiocytes which were admixed with the macrophages. Analysis of lung tissue for hard metals was done. Cobalt was the main component of detected hard metals. Corticosteroid therapy was started and he recovered fully.

A Rare Case of Giant Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Abdominal Wall: Excision and Immediate Reconstruction with a Pedicled Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator (DIEP) Flap.

PubMed

Di Lorenzo, Sara; Zabbia, Giovanni; Corradino, Bartolo; Tripoli, Massimiliano; Pirrello, Roberto; Cordova, Adriana

2017-12-04

BACKGROUND Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) greater than 5 cm in diameter is called giant basal cell carcinoma (GBCC), or super giant basal cell carcinoma if it has a diameter larger than 20 cm. Giant BCC only accounts for 0.5% of BCCs and super giant BCC is exceedingly rare. On account of their rarity, there are no established guidelines for GBCC treatment. CASE REPORT We describe a peculiar case of an 82-year-old woman with a GBCC carcinoma of the lower abdominal wall. The tumor was surgically removed with ipsilateral inguinal lymph nodes and the abdominal wall was reconstructed immediately with a pedicled deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap. CONCLUSIONS Treatment of giant basal cell carcinoma is often difficult, especially in elderly patients with poor general health and multiple pathologies. The pedicled DIEP flap is rotated to cover the loss of substance without tension, and it is easy to harvest and transfer. This flap allowed a good result without local or systemic complication. We present this report as a reminder of the occasional occurrence of extremely aggressive BCCs. We believe that, especially for rare tumors like these, it is very useful for the entire scientific community to publish these cases and the therapeutic strategies used to treat them.

[Giant prostatic calculus with neurogenic bladder disease and prostate diverticulum: a case report and review of the literature].

PubMed

Li, Xiao-Shi; Quan, Chang-Yi; Li, Gang; Cai, Qi-Liang; Hu, Bin; Wang, Jiu-Wei; Niu, Yuan-Jie

2013-02-01

To study the etiology, clinical manifestation, diagnosis and treatment of giant prostatic calculus with neurogenic bladder disease and prostate diverticulum. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of a case of giant prostatic calculus with neurogenic bladder disease and prostate diverticulum and reviewed the relevant literature. The patient was a 37-year-old man, with urinary incontinence for 22 years and intermittent dysuria with frequent micturition for 9 years, aggravated in the past 3 months. He had received surgery for spina bifida and giant vesico-prostatic calculus. The results of preoperative routine urinary examination were as follows: WBC 17 -20/HPF, RBC 12 - 15/HPF. KUB, IVU and pelvic CT revealed spina bifida occulta, neurogenic bladder and giant prostatic calculus. The patient underwent TURP and transurethral lithotripsy with holmium-YAG laser. The prostatic calculus was carbonate apatite in composition. Urinary dynamic images at 2 weeks after surgery exhibited significant improvement in the highest urine flow rate and residual urine volume. Seventeen months of postoperative follow-up showed dramatically improved urinary incontinence and thicker urine stream. Prostate diverticulum with prostatic giant calculus is very rare, and neurogenic bladder may play a role in its etiology. Cystoscopy is an accurate screening method for its diagnosis. For the young patients and those who wish to retain sexual function, TURP combined with holmium laser lithotripsy can be employed, and intraoperative rectal examination should be taken to ensure complete removal of calculi.

Surgical management of giant posterior communicating artery aneurysms.

PubMed

Velat, Gregory J; Zabramski, Joseph M; Nakaji, Peter; Spetzler, Robert F

2012-09-01

Giant posterior communicating artery (PCoA) aneurysms (> 25 mm) are rare lesions associated with a poor prognosis and high rates of morbidity and mortality. To review the clinical results of giant PCoA aneurysms surgically treated at our institution, focusing on operative nuances. All cases of giant PCoA aneurysms treated surgically at our institution were identified from a prospectively maintained patient database. Patient demographic factors, medical comorbidities, rupture status, neurological presentation, clinical outcomes, and surgical records were critically reviewed. From 1989 to 2010, 11 patients (10 women) underwent surgical clipping of giant PCoA aneurysms. Presenting signs and symptoms included cranial nerve palsies, diminished mental status, headache, visual changes, and seizures. Five aneurysms were ruptured on admission. All aneurysms were clipped primarily except 1, which was treated by parent artery sacrifice and extracranial-to-intracranial bypass after intraoperative aneurysm rupture. Perioperative morbidity and mortality rates were 36% (4 of 11) and 18.3% (2 of 11), respectively. Excellent or good clinical outcomes, defined as modified Rankin Scale scores ≤ 2, were achieved in 86% (5 of 6) of patients available for long-term clinical follow-up (mean, 12.5 ± 13.6 months). Giant PCoA aneurysms are rare vascular lesions that may present with a variety of neurological signs and symptoms. These lesions can be successfully managed surgically with satisfactory morbidity and mortality rates. To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest surgical series of giant PCoA aneurysms published to date.

GIANT 2.0: genome-scale integrated analysis of gene networks in tissues.

PubMed

Wong, Aaron K; Krishnan, Arjun; Troyanskaya, Olga G

2018-05-25

GIANT2 (Genome-wide Integrated Analysis of gene Networks in Tissues) is an interactive web server that enables biomedical researchers to analyze their proteins and pathways of interest and generate hypotheses in the context of genome-scale functional maps of human tissues. The precise actions of genes are frequently dependent on their tissue context, yet direct assay of tissue-specific protein function and interactions remains infeasible in many normal human tissues and cell-types. With GIANT2, researchers can explore predicted tissue-specific functional roles of genes and reveal changes in those roles across tissues, all through interactive multi-network visualizations and analyses. Additionally, the NetWAS approach available through the server uses tissue-specific/cell-type networks predicted by GIANT2 to re-prioritize statistical associations from GWAS studies and identify disease-associated genes. GIANT2 predicts tissue-specific interactions by integrating diverse functional genomics data from now over 61 400 experiments for 283 diverse tissues and cell-types. GIANT2 does not require any registration or installation and is freely available for use at http://giant-v2.princeton.edu.

Glucocorticoids for Management of Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis.

PubMed

Matteson, Eric L; Buttgereit, Frank; Dejaco, Christian; Dasgupta, Bhaskar

2016-02-01

Diagnosis of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and giant cell arteritis (GCA) is based on typical clinical, histologic, and laboratory features. Ultrasonographic imaging in PMR with assessment especially of subdeltoid bursitis can aid in diagnosis and in following response to treatment. In GCA, diagnosis and disease activity are supported with ultrasonographic, MRI, or [(18)F]fluorodeoxyglucose PET evaluation of large vessels. Glucocorticoids are the primary therapy for PMR and GCA. Methotrexate may be used in patients at high risk for glucocorticoid adverse effects and patients with frequent relapse or needing protracted therapy. Other therapeutic approaches including interleukin 6 antagonists are under evaluation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Giant cell tumor of the spine.

PubMed

Ozaki, Toshifumi; Liljenqvist, Ulf; Halm, Henry; Hillmann, Axel; Gosheger, Georg; Winkelmann, Winfried

2002-08-01

Six patients with giant cell tumor of the spine had surgery between 1981 and 1995. Three lesions were located in the scrum, two lesions were in the thoracic spine, and one lesion was in the lumbar spine. Preoperatively, all patients had local pain and neurologic symptoms. Two patients had cement implanted after curettage or intralesional excision of the sacral tumor; one patient had a local relapse. After the second curettage and cement implantation, the tumor was controlled. One patient with a sacral lesion had marginal excision and spondylodesis; no relapse developed. Two patients with thoracic lesions had planned marginal excision and spondylodesis; the margins finally became intralesional, but no relapse developed. One patient with a lumbar lesion had incomplete removal of the tumor and received postoperative irradiation. At the final followup (median, 69 months), five of six patients were disease-free and one patient died of disease progression. Two of the five surviving patients had pain after standing or neurologic problems. Although some contamination occurred, planning a marginal excision of the lesion seems beneficial for vertebral lesions above the sacrum. Total sacrectomy of a sacral lesion seems to be too invasive when cement implantation can control the lesion.

Laughing headache with giant pacchionian granulations.

PubMed

Giraud, Pierric; Segal, Olivier; Chauvet, Sylvie

2013-04-01

Laughing is recognized as a provoking factor for headache, certainly underestimated among the general population and few cases have been published to date. We report a single case of severe headache, provoked almost exclusively by outbursts of laughing, where venous magnetic resonance imaging revealed the presence of giant Pacchioni granulations in both right and transverse sinuses. Reviewing published cases of laughing headache, we discuss possible mechanisms of pain and the role of giant Pacchionian granulations. © 2013 American Headache Society.

Giant condyloma acuminata: Incidence among cases diagnosed as carcinoma of the penis

PubMed Central

Davies, Sylvia W.

1965-01-01

Twenty-four cases of giant condyloma acuminata were found among 100 cases diagnosed as carcinoma of the penis. One of the 24 tumours showed early malignant change. The characteristic histological pattern of giant condyloma consists of broad processes composed of prickle cells associated with little keratinization. The malignant condylomas show, in comparison, a loss of prickle cell preponderance, increased basal cell activity and frequent keratinization, or may present as a solid papillary epithelioma forming broad sheets of uniform cells with many mitoses. The incidence of malignant change in the giant condyloma and the relationship between the benign and malignant tumours are discussed. Images PMID:14276146

Giant congenital melanocytic nevus*

PubMed Central

Viana, Ana Carolina Leite; Gontijo, Bernardo; Bittencourt, Flávia Vasques

2013-01-01

Giant congenital melanocytic nevus is usually defined as a melanocytic lesion present at birth that will reach a diameter ≥ 20 cm in adulthood. Its incidence is estimated in <1:20,000 newborns. Despite its rarity, this lesion is important because it may associate with severe complications such as malignant melanoma, affect the central nervous system (neurocutaneous melanosis), and have major psychosocial impact on the patient and his family due to its unsightly appearance. Giant congenital melanocytic nevus generally presents as a brown lesion, with flat or mammilated surface, well-demarcated borders and hypertrichosis. Congenital melanocytic nevus is primarily a clinical diagnosis. However, congenital nevi are histologically distinguished from acquired nevi mainly by their larger size, the spread of the nevus cells to the deep layers of the skin and by their more varied architecture and morphology. Although giant congenital melanocytic nevus is recognized as a risk factor for the development of melanoma, the precise magnitude of this risk is still controversial. The estimated lifetime risk of developing melanoma varies from 5 to 10%. On account of these uncertainties and the size of the lesions, the management of giant congenital melanocytic nevus needs individualization. Treatment may include surgical and non-surgical procedures, psychological intervention and/or clinical follow-up, with special attention to changes in color, texture or on the surface of the lesion. The only absolute indication for surgery in giant congenital melanocytic nevus is the development of a malignant neoplasm on the lesion. PMID:24474093

Involvement and prognosis value of CD8(+) T cells in giant cell arteritis.

PubMed

Samson, Maxime; Ly, Kim Heang; Tournier, Benjamin; Janikashvili, Nona; Trad, Malika; Ciudad, Marion; Gautheron, Alexandrine; Devilliers, Hervé; Quipourt, Valérie; Maurier, François; Meaux-Ruault, Nadine; Magy-Bertrand, Nadine; Manckoundia, Patrick; Ornetti, Paul; Maillefert, Jean-Francis; Besancenot, Jean-François; Ferrand, Christophe; Mesturoux, Laura; Labrousse, François; Fauchais, Anne-Laure; Saas, Philippe; Martin, Laurent; Audia, Sylvain; Bonnotte, Bernard

2016-08-01

CD8(+) T cells participate in the pathogenesis of some vasculitides. However, little is known about their role in Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA). This study was conducted to investigate CD8(+) T cell involvement in the pathogenesis of GCA. Analyses were performed at diagnosis and after 3 months of glucocorticoid treatment in 34 GCA patients and 26 age-matched healthy volunteers. Percentages of CD8(+) T-cell subsets, spectratype analysis of the TCR Vβ families of CD8(+) T cells, levels of cytokines and chemokines and immunohistochemistry of temporal artery biopsies (TAB) were assessed. Among total CD8(+) T cells, percentages of circulating cytotoxic CD8 T lymphocytes (CTL, CD3(+)CD8(+)perforin(+)granzymeB(+)), Tc17 (CD3(+)CD8(+)IL-17(+)), CD63(+)CD8(+) T cells and levels of soluble granzymes A and B were higher in patients than in controls, whereas the percentage of Tc1 cells (CD3(+)CD8(+)IFN-γ(+)) was similar. Moreover, CD8(+) T cells displayed a restricted TCR repertoire in GCA patients. Percentages of circulating CTL, Tc17 and soluble levels of granzymes A and B decreased after treatment. CXCR3 expression on CD8(+) T cells and its serum ligands (CXCL9, -10, -11) were higher in patients. Analyses of TAB revealed high expression of CXCL9 and -10 associated with infiltration by CXCR3(+)CD8(+) T cells expressing granzyme B and TiA1. The intensity of the CD8 T-cell infiltrate in TAB was predictive of the severity of the disease. This study demonstrates the implication and the prognostic value of CD8(+) T-cells in GCA and suggests that CD8(+) T-cells are recruited within the vascular wall through an interaction between CXCR3 and its ligands. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Squid Giant Axon Contains Neurofilament Protein mRNA but does not Synthesize Neurofilament Proteins.

PubMed

Gainer, Harold; House, Shirley; Kim, Dong Sun; Chin, Hemin; Pant, Harish C

2017-04-01

When isolated squid giant axons are incubated in radioactive amino acids, abundant newly synthesized proteins are found in the axoplasm. These proteins are translated in the adaxonal Schwann cells and subsequently transferred into the giant axon. The question as to whether any de novo protein synthesis occurs in the giant axon itself is difficult to resolve because the small contribution of the proteins possibly synthesized intra-axonally is not easily distinguished from the large amounts of the proteins being supplied from the Schwann cells. In this paper, we reexamine this issue by studying the synthesis of endogenous neurofilament (NF) proteins in the axon. Our laboratory previously showed that NF mRNA and protein are present in the squid giant axon, but not in the surrounding adaxonal glia. Therefore, if the isolated squid axon could be shown to contain newly synthesized NF protein de novo, it could not arise from the adaxonal glia. The results of experiments in this paper show that abundant 3H-labeled NF protein is synthesized in the squid giant fiber lobe containing the giant axon's neuronal cell bodies, but despite the presence of NF mRNA in the giant axon no labeled NF protein is detected in the giant axon. This lends support to the glia-axon protein transfer hypothesis which posits that the squid giant axon obtains newly synthesized protein by Schwann cell transfer and not through intra-axonal protein synthesis, and further suggests that the NF mRNA in the axon is in a translationally repressed state.

Response evaluation of giant-cell tumor of bone treated by denosumab: Histogram and texture analysis of CT images.

PubMed

Yi, Jisook; Lee, Young Han; Kim, Sang Kyum; Kim, Seung Hyun; Song, Ho-Taek; Shin, Kyoo-Ho; Suh, Jin-Suck

2018-05-01

This study aimed to compare computed tomography (CT) features, including tumor size and textural and histogram measurements, of giant-cell tumors of bone (GCTBs) before and after denosumab treatment and determine their applicability in monitoring GCTB response to denosumab treatment. This retrospective study included eight patients (male, 3; female, 5; mean age, 33.4 years) diagnosed with GCTB, who had received treatment by denosumab and had undergone pre- and post-treatment non-contrast CT between January 2010 and December 2016. This study was approved by the institutional review board. Pre- and post-treatment size, histogram, and textural parameters of GCTBs were compared by the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Pathological findings of five patients who underwent surgery after denosumab treatment were evaluated for assessment of treatment response. Relative to the baseline values, the tumor size had decreased, while the mean attenuation, standard deviation, entropy (all, P = 0.017), and skewness (P = 0.036) of the GCTBs had significantly increased post-treatment. Although the difference was statistically insignificant, the tumors also exhibited increased kurtosis, contrast, and inverse difference moment (P = 0.123, 0.327, and 0.575, respectively) post-treatment. Histologic findings revealed new bone formation and complete depletion or decrease in the number of osteoclast-like giant cells. The histogram and textural parameters of GCTBs changed significantly after denosumab treatment. Knowledge of the tendency towards increased mean attenuation and heterogeneity but increased local homogeneity in post-treatment CT histogram and textural features of GCTBs might aid in treatment planning and tumor response evaluation during denosumab treatment. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Giant Cell Tumor of Cervical Spine Presenting as Acute Asphyxia: Successful Surgical Resection After Down-Staging With Denosumab.

PubMed

Kumar, Rajendra; Meis, Jeanne M; Amini, Behrang; McEnery, Kevin W; Madewell, John E; Rhines, Laurence D; Benjamin, Robert S

2017-05-15

Case report and literature review. To describe treatment of a unique case of acute airway obstruction by a large C7 giant cell tumor (GCT) with preoperative denosumab followed by surgical resection, and review the literature on this rare entity. Standard treatment for GCTs includes surgical resection or curettage and packing. Large lesions in the spine may require preoperative therapy with denosumab, a human monoclonal antibody to RANKL, to facilitate surgery. It is highly unusual for GCT arising in cervical spine to present with acute asphyxia (requiring tracheostomy). We report a patient with large C7 GCT that caused tracheal compression with almost complete airway obstruction requiring emergency intubation. The tumor responded to subcutaneously administered denosumab with marked decrease in size and relief of symptoms. Increased tumor mineralization in response to therapy facilitated subsequent successful surgical tumor resection. The patient remains symptom-free 2 years after surgery without tumor recurrence. Denosumab can shrink the size of large GCTs, providing symptom relief before surgery and facilitate tumor resection. 5.

A novel approach to juxta-articular aggressive and recurrent giant cell tumours: resection arthrodesis using bone transport over an intramedullary nail

PubMed Central

Rao, Sharath K.

2006-01-01

Aggressive juxta-articular giant cell tumours of the lower limbs occurring in young patients are a challenge to the average orthopaedic surgeon. Although it is the treatment of choice for these tumours, wide resection creates a problem for the reconstruction of large bone gaps. We describe our results after resection arthrodesis of such tumours using the technique of bone transport over a long intramedullary nail in 27 patients. This is the first and largest study of its kind in the management of giant cell tumours in the literature. All our patients fared well with this mode of treatment, and none had recurrence or major complications. PMID:16724184

A novel approach to juxta-articular aggressive and recurrent giant cell tumours: resection arthrodesis using bone transport over an intramedullary nail.

PubMed

Vidyadhara, S; Rao, Sharath K

2007-04-01

Aggressive juxta-articular giant cell tumours of the lower limbs occurring in young patients are a challenge to the average orthopaedic surgeon. Although it is the treatment of choice for these tumours, wide resection creates a problem for the reconstruction of large bone gaps. We describe our results after resection arthrodesis of such tumours using the technique of bone transport over a long intramedullary nail in 27 patients. This is the first and largest study of its kind in the management of giant cell tumours in the literature. All our patients fared well with this mode of treatment, and none had recurrence or major complications.

Foreign body giant cells selectively covering haptics of intraocular lens implants: indicators of poor toleration?

PubMed

Wolter, J R

1983-10-01

A Sputnik lens implant removed after five years because of bullous keratopathy exhibits a dense covering of its Supramid anterior staves with large foreign body giant cells, while its Prolene loops and Polymethylmethacrylate optics have attracted only few of these cell units. The glass-membrane-like component of the reactive membrane also shows significant differences on the different parts of this implant. The use of observation of the components of reactive membranes on lens implants as indicators of toleration in the eye is suggested.

Giant Cells Osseous Tumor in the Tarsal Canal after Lateral Ankle Sprain

PubMed Central

Lughi, Marcello

2018-01-01

Ankle sprain can cause injuries to the anatomic structures surrounding the tibiotarsal joint. A possible extra-articular pathology is to be hypothesized and diagnosed as early as possible. The subtalar joint, for anatomical and functional reasons, is one of the most damaged joints following an ankle sprain. In spite of this, its involvement is often underestimated. The clinical case presented in the present article is referred to a giant cells osseous tumor in the tarsal canal that was diagnosed 2 months after an inversion ankle sprain. PMID:29675509

Signet-ring cell lymphoma of T-cell origin. An immunocytochemical and ultrastructural study relating giant vacuole formation to cytoplasmic sequestration of surface membrane.

PubMed

Grogan, T M; Richter, L C; Payne, C M; Rangel, C S

1985-09-01

In contrast to previous accounts of signet-ring lymphoma as a B-cell neoplasm, we report a case of signet-ring, large-cell lymphoma of T-cell lineage. Immunologic and ultrastructural studies were performed on a subcutaneous mass noted initially, as well as on an enlarged lymph node that developed later, in a 69-year-old man. Immunologic assessment indicated strong expression of T-helper antigen (Leu 3a + b), universal T-antigens (Leu 1, 5), and Ia. There was an absence of T-suppressor/cytotoxic antigen (Leu 2a), universal T-antigens (Leu 4, 9), and immunoglobulin light and heavy chains. Collectively, these findings indicate a mature T-cell lymphoma of T-helper type in an activated (Ia+) state. In contrast to previous reports of T-cell and Ia occurring solely as surface antigens, we demonstrated pools of cytoplasmic Leu 1, 3, 5 and Ia that displaced the nucleus. The ultrastructure of the giant cytoplasmic vacuoles was identical to the microvesicle-containing vacuoles reported in signet-ring cell lymphomas of B-cell lineage. In our case of T-cell lineage, we found substantial evidence of endocytosis by the neoplastic cells and numerous giant multivesicular bodies. The pools of cytoplasmic T and Ia antigens may result from abnormal internalization of surface T-antigens or the sequestration of T-antigen-containing Golgi-derived vesicles. Our combined immunologic and ultrastructural findings suggest that aberrant membrane recycling may be the common denominator of signet-ring formation in both B- and T-cell signet-ring lymphomas.

[Giant intradiploic infratentorial epidermoid cyst].

PubMed

Alberione, F; Caire, F; Fischer-Lokou, D; Gueye, M; Moreau, J J

2007-10-01

Epidermoid cysts are benign, uncommon lesions (1% of all intracranial tumors). Their localization is intradiploic in 25% of cases, and exceptionally subtentorial. We report here a rare case of giant intradiploic infratentorial epidermoid cyst. A 74-year old patient presented with recent diplopia and sindrome cerebellar. CT scan and MR imaging revealed a giant osteolytic extradural lesion of the posterior fossa (5.2 cm x 3.8 cm) with a small area of peripheral enhancement after contrast injection. Retrosigmoid suboccipital craniectomy allowed a satisfactory removal of the tumor, followed by an acrylic cranioplasty. The outcome was good. Neuropathological examination confirmed an epidermoid cyst. We review the literature and discuss our case.

[Tissular expansion in giant congenital nevi treatment].

PubMed

Nguyen Van Nuoi, V; Francois-Fiquet, C; Diner, P; Sergent, B; Zazurca, F; Franchi, G; Buis, J; Vazquez, M-P; Picard, A; Kadlub, N

2014-08-01

Surgical management of giant melanotic naevi remains a surgical challenge. Tissue expansion provides tissue of the same quality for the repair of defects. The aim of this study is to review tissular expansion for giant melanotic naevi. We conducted a retrospective study from 2000 to 2012. All children patients who underwent a tissular expansion for giant congenital naevi had been included. Epidemiological data, surgical procedure, complication rate and results had been analysed. Thirty-tree patients had been included; they underwent 61 procedures with 79 tissular-expansion prosthesis. Previous surgery, mostly simple excision had been performed before tissular expansion. Complete naevus excision had been performed in 63.3% of the cases. Complications occurred in 45% of the cases, however in 50% of them were minor. Iterative surgery increased the complication rate. Tissular expansion is a valuable option for giant congenital naevus. However, complication rate remained high, especially when iterative surgery is needed. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

The Central Bright Spot Sign: A Potential New MR Imaging Sign for the Early Diagnosis of Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy due to Giant Cell Arteritis.

PubMed

Remond, P; Attyé, A; Lecler, A; Lamalle, L; Boudiaf, N; Aptel, F; Krainik, A; Chiquet, C

2017-07-01

A rapid identification of the etiology of anterior ischemic optic neuropathy is crucial because it determines therapeutic management. Our aim was to assess MR imaging to study the optic nerve head in patients referred with anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, due to either giant cell arteritis or the nonarteritic form of the disease, compared with healthy subjects. Fifteen patients with giant cell arteritis-related anterior ischemic optic neuropathy and 15 patients with nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy from 2 medical centers were prospectively included in our study between August 2015 and May 2016. Fifteen healthy subjects and patients had undergone contrast-enhanced, flow-compensated, 3D T1-weighted MR imaging. The bright spot sign was defined as optic nerve head enhancement with a 3-grade ranking system. Two radiologists and 1 ophthalmologist independently performed blinded evaluations of MR imaging sequences with this scale. Statistical analysis included interobserver agreement. MR imaging scores were significantly higher in patients with giant cell arteritis-related anterior ischemic optic neuropathy than in patients with nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy ( P ≤ .05). All patients with giant cell arteritis-related anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (15/15) and 7/15 patients with nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy presented with the bright spot sign. No healthy subjects exhibited enhancement of the anterior part of the optic nerve. There was a significant relationship between the side of the bright spot and the side of the anterior ischemic optic neuropathy ( P ≤ .001). Interreader agreement was good for observers (κ = 0.815). Here, we provide evidence of a new MR imaging sign that identifies the acute stage of giant cell arteritis-related anterior ischemic optic neuropathy; patients without this central bright spot sign always had a nonarteritic pathophysiology and therefore did not require emergency corticosteroid

Driving Solar Giant Cells through the Self-organization of Near-surface Plumes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nelson, Nicholas J.; Featherstone, Nicholas A.; Miesch, Mark S.; Toomre, Juri

2018-06-01

Global 3D simulations of solar giant-cell convection have provided significant insight into the processes which yield the Sun’s observed differential rotation and cyclic dynamo action. However, as we move to higher-resolution simulations a variety of codes have encountered what has been termed the convection conundrum. As these simulations increase in resolution and hence the level of turbulence achieved, they tend to produce weak or even anti-solar differential rotation patterns associated with a weak rotational influence (high Rossby number) due to large convective velocities. One potential culprit for this convection conundrum is the upper boundary condition applied in most simulations, which is generally impenetrable. Here we present an alternative stochastic plume boundary condition which imposes small-scale convective plumes designed to mimic near-surface convective downflows, thus allowing convection to carry the majority of the outward solar energy flux up to and through our simulated upper boundary. The use of a plume boundary condition leads to significant changes in the convective driving realized in the simulated domain and thus to the convective energy transport, the dominant scale of the convective enthalpy flux, and the relative strength of the strongest downflows, the downflow network, and the convective upflows. These changes are present even far from the upper boundary layer. Additionally, we demonstrate that, in spite of significant changes, giant cell morphology in the convective patterns is still achieved with self-organization of the imposed boundary plumes into downflow lanes, cellular patterns, and even rotationally aligned banana cells in equatorial regions. This plume boundary presents an alternative pathway for 3D global convection simulations where driving is non-local and may provide a new approach toward addressing the convection conundrum.

Surgical Treatment, Oral Rehabilitation, and Orthognathic Surgery After Failure of Pharmacologic Treatment of Central Giant Cell Lesion: A Case Report.

PubMed

Maia Nogueira, Renato Luiz; Osterne, Rafael Lima Verde; Cavalcante, Roberta Barroso; Abreu, Ricardo Teixeira

2016-12-01

Although pharmacologic treatments for central giant cell lesions have gained much emphasis, these treatment modalities do not always have successful outcomes, and surgical treatment may be necessary. The purpose of the present study was to report a case of aggressive central giant cell lesion initially treated by nonsurgical methods without satisfactory results, necessitating segmental mandibular resection for definitive treatment and oral rehabilitation. A 20-year-old woman was diagnosed with an aggressive central giant cell lesion in the mandible. The patient was first treated with intralesional corticosteroid injections. Subsequently, the lesion increased in size. Therefore, a second pharmacologic treatment was proposed with salmon calcitonin nasal spray, but no signs of a treatment response were noted. Because of the lack of response, surgical excision was performed, and a mandibular reconstruction plate was installed. At 12 months after surgical resection, the patient underwent mandibular reconstruction with bone grafts. After 6 months, 7 dental implants were installed, and fixed prostheses were made. After installation of the prostheses, the patient experienced persistent mandibular laterognathism, and a mandibular orthognathic surgery was performed to correct the laterognathia. The follow-up examination 4 years after orthognathic surgery showed no signs of recurrence and good facial symmetry. Copyright © 2016 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Medial longitudinal fasciculus (MLF) syndrome in a patient with giant cell arteritis].

PubMed

Uenaka, Takeshi; Hamaguchi, Hirotoshi; Sekiguchi, Kenji; Kowa, Hisatomo; Kanda, Fumio; Toda, Tatsushi

2015-01-01

A 76-year-old female was referred to our department because of diplopia for two months and intermittent claudication for five months. She showed medial longitudinal fasciculus (MLF) syndrome. Brain MRI (T2WI) showed multiple infarctions in the right pontine tegmentum and left paramedian midbrain. A biopsy of superficial temporal artery showed the characteristic findings of glanulomatous inflammation indicative of giant cell arteritis. We thought the mechanism of this cerebral infarction as artery to artery embolization or intracranial arteritis. Treatment with oral prednisolone (1 mg/kg/day) improved her limb claudication and normalized serum C-reactive protein level.

A case of hypersensitivity pneumonitis with giant cells in a female dental technician.

PubMed

Kim, Yong-Hyun; Chung, Yun Kyung; Kim, Changhwan; Nam, Eun Suk; Kim, Hyun-Jun; Joo, Youngsu

2013-10-04

Dental technicians are exposed to methyl methacrylate(MMA) and hard metal dusts while working, and several cases of hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by the exposure have been reported. The authors experienced a case of hypersensitivity pneumonitis in a female dental technician who had 10 years' work experience and report the case with clinical evidence. The patient's work, personal, social, and past and present medical histories were investigated based on patient questioning and medical records. Furthermore, the workplace conditions and tools and materials the patient worked with were also evaluated. Next, the pathophysiology and risk factors of pneumonitis were studied, and studies on the relationship between hypersensitivity pneumonitis and a dental technician's exposure to dust were reviewed. Any changes in the clinical course of her disease were noted for evaluation of the work-relatedness of the disease. The patient complained of cough and sputum for 1 year. In addition, while walking up the stairs, the patient was not able to ascend without resting due to dyspnea. She visited our emergency department due to epistaxis, and secondary hypertension was incidentally suspected. Laboratory tests including serologic, electrolyte, and endocrinologic tests and a simple chest radiograph showed no specific findings, but chest computed tomography revealed a centrilobular ground-glass pattern in both lung fields. A transbronchial biopsy was performed, and bronchoalveolar washing fluid was obtained. Among the findings of the laboratory tests, microcalcification, noncaseating granuloma containing foreign body-type giant cells, and metal particles within macrophages were identified histologically. Based on these results, hypersensitivity pneumonitis was diagnosed. The patient stopped working due to admission, and she completely quit her job within 2 months of restarting work due to reappearance of the symptoms. In this study, the patient did not have typical radiologic

[Giant paraovarian cyst in childhood - Case report].

PubMed

Torres, Janina P; Íñiguez, Rodrigo D

2015-01-01

Paraovarian cysts are very uncommon in children To present a case of giant paraovarian cyst case in a child and its management using a modified laparoscopic-assisted technique A 13-year-old patient with a 15 day-history of intermittent abdominal pain, located in the left hemiabdomen and associated with progressive increase in abdominal volume. Diagnostic imaging was inconclusive, describing a giant cystic formation that filled up the abdomen, but without specifying its origin. Laboratory tests and tumor markers were within normal range. Video-assisted transumbilical cystectomy, a modified laparoscopic procedure with diagnostic and therapeutic intent, was performed with a successful outcome. The histological study reported giant paraovarian cyst. Cytology results were negative for tumor cells. The patient remained asymptomatic during the postoperative follow-up. The video-assisted transumbilical cystectomy is a safe procedure and an excellent diagnostic and therapeutic alternative for the treatment of giant paraovarian cysts. Copyright © 2015. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U.

Directly Imaged Giant Planets: What Do We Hope to Learn?

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marley, Mark

2015-01-01

As we move into an era when GPI and SPHERE are (hopefully) discovering and characterizing new young giant planets, it is worthwhile to step back and review our science goals for young giant planets. Of course for individual planets we ideally would hope to measure mass, radius, atmospheric composition, temperature, and cloud properties, but how do these characteristics fit into our broader understanding of planetary system origin and evolution theories? In my presentation I will review both the specifics of what we hope to learn from newly discovered young worlds as well as how these characteristics inform our broader understanding of giant planets and planetary systems. Finally I will consider the limitations realistic datasets will place on our ability to understand newly discovered planets, illustrating with data from any new such worlds that are available by the conference date.

Treatment of giant cell tumor of bone: Current concepts.

PubMed

Puri, Ajay; Agarwal, Manish

2007-04-01

Giant cell tumor (GCT) of bone though one of the commonest bone tumors encountered by an orthopedic surgeon continues to intrigue treating surgeons. Usually benign, they are locally aggressive and may occasionally undergo malignant transformation. The surgeon needs to strike a balance during treatment between reducing the incidence of local recurrence while preserving maximal function.Differing opinions pertaining to the use of adjuvants for extension of curettage, the relative role of bone graft or cement to pack the defect and the management of recurrent lesions are some of the issues that offer topics for eternal debate.Current literature suggests that intralesional curettage strikes the best balance between controlling disease and preserving optimum function in the majority of the cases though there may be occasions where the extent of the disease mandates resection to ensure adequate disease clearance.An accompanying treatment algorithm helps outline the management strategy in GCT.

What is the impact of giant cell arteritis on patients’ lives? A UK qualitative study

PubMed Central

Liddle, Jennifer; Bartlam, Roisin; Mallen, Christian D; Mackie, Sarah L; Prior, James A; Helliwell, Toby; Richardson, Jane C

2017-01-01

Objectives Clinical management of giant cell arteritis (GCA) involves balancing the risks and burdens arising from the disease with those arising from treatment, but there is little research on the nature of those burdens. We aimed to explore the impact of giant cell arteritis (GCA) and its treatment on patients’ lives. Methods UK patients with GCA participated in semi-structured telephone interviews. Inductive thematic analysis was employed. Results 24 participants were recruited (age: 65–92 years, time since diagnosis: 2 months to >6 years). The overarching themes from analysis were: ongoing symptoms of the disease and its treatment; and ‘life-changing’ impacts. The overall impact of GCA on patients’ lives arose from a changing combination of symptoms, side effects, adaptations to everyday life and impacts on sense of normality. Important factors contributing to loss of normality were glucocorticoid-related treatment burdens and fear about possible future loss of vision. Conclusions The impact of GCA in patients’ everyday lives can be substantial, multifaceted and ongoing despite apparent control of disease activity. The findings of this study will help doctors better understand patient priorities, legitimise patients’ experiences of GCA and work with patients to set realistic treatment goals and plan adaptations to their everyday lives. PMID:28838902

Centrosome Clustering in the Development of Bovine Binucleate Trophoblast Giant Cells.

PubMed

Klisch, Karl; Schraner, Elisabeth M; Boos, Alois

2017-01-01

Binucleate trophoblast giant cells (BNC) are the characteristic feature of the ruminant placenta. During their development, BNC pass through 2 acytokinetic mitoses and become binucleate with 2 tetraploid nuclei. In this study, we investigate the number and location of centrosomes in bovine BNC. Centrosomes typically consist of 2 centrioles surrounded by electron-dense pericentriolar material. Duplication of centrosomes is tightly linked to the cell cycle, which ensures that the number of centrosomes remains constant in proliferating diploid cells. Alterations of the cell cycle, which affect the number of chromosome sets, also affect the number of centrosomes. In this study, we use placentomal tissue from pregnant cows (gestational days 80-230) for immunohistochemical staining of γ-tubulin (n = 3) and transmission electron microscopy (n = 3). We show that mature BNC have 4 centrosomes with 8 centrioles, clustered in the angle between the 2 cell nuclei. During the second acytokinetic mitosis, the centrosomes must be clustered to form the poles of a bipolar spindle. In rare cases, centrosome clustering fails and tripolar mitosis leads to the formation of trinucleate "BNC". Generally, centrosome clustering occurs in polyploid tumor cells, which have an increased number of centrioles, but it is absent in proliferating diploid cells. Thus, inhibition of centrosome clustering in tumor cells is a novel promising strategy for cancer treatment. BNC are a cell population in which centrosome clustering occurs as part of the normal life history. Thus, they might be a good model for the study of the molecular mechanisms of centrosome clustering. © 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Melorheostosis and central giant cell granuloma of the mandible in a 15-year-old girl.

PubMed

Anderson, K M; Shintaku, W H; Rosebush, M S; Rawal, Y B; Woodard, E S

2013-11-01

Melorheostosis is a nonhereditary bone dysplasia primarily affecting the appendicular skeleton. Because clinical and histologic features are often nonspecific, the diagnosis is often based on the radiographic presentation. Involvement of the craniofacial skeleton is rare. We describe a case of a 15-year-old girl with appendicular and craniofacial melorheostosis with adjacent central giant cell granuloma. We discuss the possible significance of this previously unreported finding. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Morphological Characterization of Basally Located Uninucleate Trophoblast Cells as Precursors of Bovine Binucleate Trophoblast Giant Cells.

PubMed

Attiger, Jeannette; Boos, Alois; Klisch, Karl

2018-06-20

Binucleate trophoblast giant cells (TGCs) are one characteristic feature of the ruminant placenta. In cows, the frequency of TGCs remains constant for most of the duration of pregnancy. As TGCs are depleted by their fusion with uterine epithelial cells, they need to be constantly formed. It is still unclear whether they develop from stem cells within the trophectoderm or whether they can arise from any uninucleate trophoblast cell (UTC). Within the latter, generally accepted theory, a basally located uninucleate cell (BUC) without contact to the feto-maternal interface would represent a transient cell between a UTC and a TGC. So far, no evidence for the existence of such transient cells or for the presence of stem cells has been shown. The aim of the present study is to morphologically characterize the early stages of TGC development. Placentomal tissue of 6 pregnant cows from different gestational stages (gestational days 51-214) was examined for BUCs, UTCs, and TGCs either in serial sections (light and transmission electron microscopy, TEM, n = 3), in single sections (TEM, n = 2), or by serial block face-scanning electron microscopy (n = 1). These investigations revealed the occurrence of BUCs, as well as young TGCs showing contact with the basement membrane (BM), but without apical contact to the feto-maternal interface. The study morphologically defines these 2 cell types as early stages of TGC development and shows that binucleation of TGCs can precede detachment from the BM. © 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Giant cell angiofibroma misdiagnosed as a vascular malformation and treated with absolute alcohol for one year: a case report and review of the literature

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Purpose To present the clinical, imaging, pathological and immunohistochemical features of giant cell angiofibroma (GCA). Case presentation In this paper we report an atypical case of a GCA extending from the parotid to the parapharyngeal space. The lesion was being treated as a vascular malformation for one year prior to surgical removal. We summarize the clinical manifestations, imaging, pathological and molecular features of this rare disease. After complete surgical removal of the tumor, immunohistochemical analysis revealed strong positivity for the mesenchymal markers vimentin, CD34, CD31 and CD99 in neoplastic cells. Tumor proliferation antigen marker Ki67 was partly positive (<5% of cells). Tumor cells were negative for muscle-specific actin, epithelial membrane antigen, smooth muscle actin, cytokeratin pan, S100, desmin, glial fibrillary acidic protein, myogenin, MyoD1 and F8. The morphological and immunohistochemical profile was consistent with the diagnosis of GCA. Conclusion GCA is a rare soft tissue tumor that can easily be misdiagnosed in the clinical preoperative setting. In view of the clinical, pathological and molecular features of the tumor, complete surgical removal is the current optimal treatment option, providing accurate diagnosis and low to minimal recurrence rate. PMID:24758544

Giant cell angiofibroma misdiagnosed as a vascular malformation and treated with absolute alcohol for one year: a case report and review of the literature.

PubMed

He, Yue; Zhang, Chenping; Liu, Guanglong; Tian, Zhuowei; Wang, Lizhen; Kalfarentzos, Evagelos

2014-04-24

To present the clinical, imaging, pathological and immunohistochemical features of giant cell angiofibroma (GCA). In this paper we report an atypical case of a GCA extending from the parotid to the parapharyngeal space. The lesion was being treated as a vascular malformation for one year prior to surgical removal. We summarize the clinical manifestations, imaging, pathological and molecular features of this rare disease.After complete surgical removal of the tumor, immunohistochemical analysis revealed strong positivity for the mesenchymal markers vimentin, CD34, CD31 and CD99 in neoplastic cells. Tumor proliferation antigen marker Ki67 was partly positive (<5% of cells). Tumor cells were negative for muscle-specific actin, epithelial membrane antigen, smooth muscle actin, cytokeratin pan, S100, desmin, glial fibrillary acidic protein, myogenin, MyoD1 and F8. The morphological and immunohistochemical profile was consistent with the diagnosis of GCA. GCA is a rare soft tissue tumor that can easily be misdiagnosed in the clinical preoperative setting. In view of the clinical, pathological and molecular features of the tumor, complete surgical removal is the current optimal treatment option, providing accurate diagnosis and low to minimal recurrence rate.

Tumorigenic Properties of Drosophila Epithelial Cells Mutant for lethal giant larvae.

PubMed

Calleja, Manuel; Morata, Ginés; Casanova, Jordi

2016-08-01

Mutations in Drosophila tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) lead to the formation of invasive tumors in the brain and imaginal discs. Here we studied the tumorigenic properties of imaginal discs mutant for the TSG gene lethal giant larvae (lgl). lgl mutant cells display the characteristic features of mammalian tumor cells: they can proliferate indefinitely, induce additional tracheogenesis (an insect counterpart of vasculogenesis) and invade neighboring tissues. Lgl mutant tissues exhibit high apoptotic levels, which lead to the activation of the Jun-N-Terminal Kinase (JNK) pathway. We propose that JNK is a key factor in the acquisition of these tumorigenic properties; it promotes cell proliferation and induces high levels of Mmp1 and confers tumor cells capacity to invade wild-type tissue. Noteworthy, lgl RNAi-mediated down-regulation does not produce similar transformations in the central nervous system (CNS), thereby indicating a fundamental difference between the cells of developing imaginal discs and those of differentiated organs. We discuss these results in the light of the "single big-hit origin" of some human pediatric or developmental cancers. Down-regulation of lgl in imaginal discs is sufficient to enhance tracheogenesis and to promote invasion and colonization of other larval structures including the CNS. Developmental Dynamics 245:834-843, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Giant Viruses of Amoebas: An Update

PubMed Central

Aherfi, Sarah; Colson, Philippe; La Scola, Bernard; Raoult, Didier

2016-01-01

During the 12 past years, five new or putative virus families encompassing several members, namely Mimiviridae, Marseilleviridae, pandoraviruses, faustoviruses, and virophages were described. In addition, Pithovirus sibericum and Mollivirus sibericum represent type strains of putative new giant virus families. All these viruses were isolated using amoebal coculture methods. These giant viruses were linked by phylogenomic analyses to other large DNA viruses. They were then proposed to be classified in a new viral order, the Megavirales, on the basis of their common origin, as shown by a set of ancestral genes encoding key viral functions, a common virion architecture, and shared major biological features including replication inside cytoplasmic factories. Megavirales is increasingly demonstrated to stand in the tree of life aside Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya, and the megavirus ancestor is suspected to be as ancient as cellular ancestors. In addition, giant amoebal viruses are visible under a light microscope and display many phenotypic and genomic features not found in other viruses, while they share other characteristics with parasitic microbes. Moreover, these organisms appear to be common inhabitants of our biosphere, and mimiviruses and marseilleviruses were isolated from human samples and associated to diseases. In the present review, we describe the main features and recent findings on these giant amoebal viruses and virophages. PMID:27047465

Giant plasma membrane vesicles: models for understanding membrane organization.

PubMed

Levental, Kandice R; Levental, Ilya

2015-01-01

The organization of eukaryotic membranes into functional domains continues to fascinate and puzzle cell biologists and biophysicists. The lipid raft hypothesis proposes that collective lipid interactions compartmentalize the membrane into coexisting liquid domains that are central to membrane physiology. This hypothesis has proven controversial because such structures cannot be directly visualized in live cells by light microscopy. The recent observations of liquid-liquid phase separation in biological membranes are an important validation of the raft hypothesis and enable application of the experimental toolbox of membrane physics to a biologically complex phase-separated membrane. This review addresses the role of giant plasma membrane vesicles (GPMVs) in refining the raft hypothesis and expands on the application of GPMVs as an experimental model to answer some of key outstanding problems in membrane biology. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Primary hyperparathyroidism associated with a giant cell tumor: One case in the distal radius.

PubMed

Ouzaa, M R; Bennis, A; Iken, M; Abouzzahir, A; Boussouga, M; Jaafar, A

2015-10-01

Hyperparathyroidism can present itself as brown tumors (or osteolytic expansive lesions) that usually disappear after normalization of calcium and phosphate levels. It rarely occurs simultaneously with a giant cell tumor. The authors report one case of a localized form at the distal radius in a patient being followed for primary hyperparathyroidism. The diagnostic challenges related to the clinical and radiological similarities of these two pathological entities are discussed, as they can lead to delays in therapeutic management. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Mycobacteria exploit nitric oxide-induced transformation of macrophages into permissive giant cells.

PubMed

Gharun, Kourosh; Senges, Julia; Seidl, Maximilian; Lösslein, Anne; Kolter, Julia; Lohrmann, Florens; Fliegauf, Manfred; Elgizouli, Magdeldin; Vavra, Martina; Schachtrup, Kristina; Illert, Anna L; Gilleron, Martine; Kirschning, Carsten J; Triantafyllopoulou, Antigoni; Henneke, Philipp

2017-12-01

Immunity to mycobacteria involves the formation of granulomas, characterized by a unique macrophage (MΦ) species, so-called multinucleated giant cells (MGC). It remains unresolved whether MGC are beneficial to the host, that is, by prevention of bacterial spread, or whether they promote mycobacterial persistence. Here, we show that the prototypical antimycobacterial molecule nitric oxide (NO), which is produced by MGC in excessive amounts, is a double-edged sword. Next to its antibacterial capacity, NO propagates the transformation of MΦ into MGC, which are relatively permissive for mycobacterial persistence. The mechanism underlying MGC formation involves NO-induced DNA damage and impairment of p53 function. Moreover, MGC have an unsurpassed potential to engulf mycobacteria-infected apoptotic cells, which adds a further burden to their antimycobacterial capacity. Accordingly, mycobacteria take paradoxical advantage of antimicrobial cellular efforts by driving effector MΦ into a permissive MGC state. © 2017 The Authors.

Giant mitochondria do not fuse and exchange their contents with normal mitochondria

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Navratil, Marian; Terman, Alexei; Arriaga, Edgar A.

2008-01-01

Giant mitochondria accumulate within aged or diseased postmitotic cells as a consequence of insufficient autophagy, which is normally responsible for mitochondrial degradation. We report that giant mitochondria accumulating in cultured rat myoblasts due to inhibition of autophagy have low inner membrane potential and do not fuse with each other or with normal mitochondria. In addition to the low inner mitochondrial membrane potential in giant mitochondria, the quantity of the OPA1 mitochondrial fusion protein in these mitochondria was low, but the abundance of mitofusin-2 (Mfn2) remained unchanged. The combination of these factors may explain the lack of mitochondrial fusion in giantmore » mitochondria and imply that the dysfunctional giant mitochondria cannot restore their function by fusing and exchanging their contents with fully functional mitochondria. These findings have important implications for understanding the mechanisms of accumulation of age-related mitochondrial damage in postmitotic cells.« less

[Free microvascular fibula graft for skeletal reconstruction of the distal radius: 5 years follow-up after en-bloc resection of a giant cell tumour].

PubMed

Franz, T; Krawczyk, T; Eggli, S; Wartburg, U von

2010-10-01

A giant cell tumour of the distal radius or of the carpal bones, verified by incisional biopsies, should be approached as a low-grade malignancy. Lesions that arise in the bones of the hand or the wrist have a greater propensity to metastasise, and have a higher risk of local recurrence. In this case report we describe a 54-year-old women with a giant cell tumour of the distal radius (Campanacci grade III lesion), having a follow-up of five years without signs of local recurrence or metastatic disease. The general principles of and options for surgical treatment are discussed. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Thalidomide prevents formation of multinucleated giant cells (Langhans-type cells) from cultured monocytes: possible pharmaceutical applications for granulomatous disorders.

PubMed

Yasui, K; Yashiro, M; Nagaoka, Y; Manki, A; Wada, T; Tsuge, M; Kondo, Y; Morishima, T

2009-01-01

Thalidomide is an effective drug for chronic inflammatory diseases, but the mechanism underlying its immunomodulatory action remains uncertain. Thalidomide has been reported to clinically improve chronic inflammatory granulomatous disorders. In such disorders, the granulomas consist of epithelioid cells, scattered lymphocytes and multinucleated giant cells (MNGC; Langhans-type cells). The present experimental approach permitted the reproduction of MNGC formation from peripheral blood monocytes and examination of thalidomides effect on it. MNGC can be effectively generated from monocytes cultured in the presence of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and macrophage colony-stimulating factor(M-CSF) for 14 days. Thalidomide can inhibit the formation of MNGC in a dose-dependent manner. MNGC formation was partly inhibited by the presence of neutralizing TNF-alpha antibody in the responses induced by IL-4 and M-CSF. Autocrinal TNF-alpha production and modulation of cadhelin expression to regulate cell adhesion might be involved in this inhibitory action of thalidomide. Our results support thalidomides clinical efficacy in the treatment of chronic granulomatous disorders (granulomatosis).

Hemoadsorption in cardiac shock with biventricular failure and giant-cell myocarditis: A case report.

PubMed

Dogan, Günes; Hanke, Jasmin; Puntigam, Jakob; Haverich, Axel; Schmitto, Jan D

2018-05-01

Giant-cell myocarditis represents a rare and often fatal autoimmune disorder. Despite extracorporeal life support being a valid treatment option, alternatives to control the underlying inflammatory response remain sparse. A new hemoadsorption device (CytoSorb) has recently been introduced to treat patients with an excessive inflammatory response. A 57-year-old patient developed fulminant right heart failure, respiratory insufficiency, hemodynamic instability, and oliguric-anuric renal failure. An extracorporeal life support together with an Impella was implanted for circulatory support. Due to non-pulsatility, acontractility of the left ventricle and a heavily reduced right ventricular function, a left ventricular assist device implantation and change from extracorporeal life support to veno-pulmonary arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was performed. Since adequate hemodynamic stabilization could not be achieved and due to increasing inflammatory mediators and bilirubin levels, the decision was made to additionally integrate a CytoSorb hemoadsorber into the system. The combined treatment resulted in a clear and steady improvement in hemodynamics and the inflammatory condition with marked reductions in all measured parameters throughout the treatment period. Metabolic acidosis resolved and liver function improved. Extracorporeal life support therapy represents a bridging approach to heart transplantation or to cardiac recovery and can be complemented by CytoSorb as an independent therapeutic option. The patient described herein with giant-cell myocarditis and fulminant cardiac failure who received substantial extracorporeal support in combination with CytoSorb hemoadsorption therapy benefited in terms of an improvement of organ function and his inflammatory situation.

Photoinduced Giant Dielectric Constant in Lead Halide Perovskite Solar Cells.

PubMed

Juarez-Perez, Emilio J; Sanchez, Rafael S; Badia, Laura; Garcia-Belmonte, Germá; Kang, Yong Soo; Mora-Sero, Ivan; Bisquert, Juan

2014-07-03

Organic-inorganic lead trihalide perovskites have emerged as an outstanding photovoltaic material that demonstrated a high 17.9% conversion efficiency of sunlight to electricity in a short time. We have found a giant dielectric constant (GDC) phenomenon in these materials consisting on a low frequency dielectric constant in the dark of the order of ε0 = 1000. We also found an unprecedented behavior in which ε0 further increases under illumination or by charge injection at applied bias. We observe that ε0 increases nearly linearly with the illumination intensity up to an additional factor 1000 under 1 sun. Measurement of a variety of samples of different morphologies, compositions, and different types of contacts shows that the GDC is an intrinsic property of MAPbX3 (MA = CH3NH3(+)). We hypothesize that the large dielectric response is induced by structural fluctuations. Photoinduced carriers modify the local unit cell equilibrium and change the polarizability, assisted by the freedom of rotation of MA. The study opens a way for the understanding of a key aspect of the photovoltaic operation of high efficiency perovskite solar cells.

Multiple Giant Cell Tumor of Tendon Sheath Involving Both Flexor and Extensor Tendons in a Single Digit: A Case Report and Review of the Literatures.

PubMed

Min, Hak Jin; Kim, Jeong Hwan; Kim, Jae Woo; Yeom, Jae Woo

2018-06-01

Giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath (GCTTS) is a common neoplasm of the hand. This tumor is usually solitary. Multi focal origin of the tumor is considered unusual and very few cases of multiple GCTTS have been reported. We report a 48-year-old female patient who presented with three separate painless nodules in same index finger since three years. The two masses located on dorsal aspect, and the other one located on volar aspect. The imaging studies revealed three separated masses without any connection. We performed excisional biopsy and found multiple tumors, attached to flexor and extensor tendon. The final histopathologic diagnosis was GCTTS.

The compression-mode giant resonances and nuclear incompressibility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garg, Umesh; Colò, Gianluca

2018-07-01

The compression-mode giant resonances, namely the isoscalar giant monopole and isoscalar giant dipole modes, are examples of collective nuclear motion. Their main interest stems from the fact that one hopes to extrapolate from their properties the incompressibility of uniform nuclear matter, which is a key parameter of the nuclear Equation of State (EoS). Our understanding of these issues has undergone two major jumps, one in the late 1970s when the Isoscalar Giant Monopole Resonance (ISGMR) was experimentally identified, and another around the turn of the millennium since when theory has been able to start giving reliable error bars to the incompressibility. However, mainly magic nuclei have been involved in the deduction of the incompressibility from the vibrations of finite nuclei. The present review deals with the developments beyond all this. Experimental techniques have been improved, and new open-shell, and deformed, nuclei have been investigated. The associated changes in our understanding of the problem of the nuclear incompressibility are discussed. New theoretical models, decay measurements, and the search for the evolution of compressional modes in exotic nuclei are also discussed.

Congenital giant epulis obstructing oral cavity: newborn emergency.

PubMed

Gnassingbe, Komla; Mihluedo-Agbolan, Komlan A; Bissa, Harefetéguéna; Amegbor, Koffi; Noumedem, Nguefack Blanchard; Egbohou, Pilakimwe; Mama, Wakatou; Akakpo-Numado, Gamedzi K; Tekou, Hubert

2014-01-01

The congenital epulis is a benign congenital granular cell tumor arising most often of the alveolar ridge of the jawbone. When giant, it is source of digestive discomfort disabling feeding. We report the case of a newborn female, vaginal delivery, presented with a giant intraoral tumor. Tumor obstructing the mouth of the newborn and prevent the attachment and feeding. The treatment consisted of excision of the tumor under general anesthesia. The histology of the tumor was revealed that it was an epulis.

Subependymal giant cell astrocytoma: clinical and neuroimaging features of four cases.

PubMed

Nishio, S; Morioka, T; Suzuki, S; Kira, R; Mihara, F; Fukui, M

2001-01-01

The clinical history, neuroimaging features, treatments, and outcome of 4 patients with histologically verified subependymal giant cell astrocytomas (SEGA) were retrospectively reviewed. The average age at the time of surgery was 13.3 years. Headache related to raised intracranial pressure was the first and only sign in 2 patients, with the remaining 2 being admitted because of sequential neuroimaging studies over several years revealing the growth of 'subependymal nodules' into intraventricular tumours. In each case the tumour was in the region of Monro's foramen and was associated with ventricular dilatation. On computed tomography (CT), multiple subependymal nodules were found in 3 patients, and these well circumscribed isodense SEGAs were markedly enhanced by contrast medium. On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which was obtained in 3 patients, 2 SEGAs were isointense with the cerebral cortex and one with the white matter on T1-weighted images, and on T2-weighted images, 2 were isointense with the cortex and one with the white matter. At surgery the tumours appeared to originate from the inferolateral wall of the lateral ventricle in the region of the head of the caudate nuclei. Total macroscopic removal was achieved in 3 patients, and subtotal removal in one patient. Follow up ranged from 4.6 to 13.2 years, and all patients have exhibited similar physical and mental conditions to preoperative. So far there has been no evidence of any recurrences. The diagnosis and the surgical indications for SEGA are discussed, with periodic monitoring with neuroimaging studies being recommended even for asymptomatic patients with 'subependymal nodules'.

Allometry indicates giant eyes of giant squid are not exceptional.

PubMed

Schmitz, Lars; Motani, Ryosuke; Oufiero, Christopher E; Martin, Christopher H; McGee, Matthew D; Gamarra, Ashlee R; Lee, Johanna J; Wainwright, Peter C

2013-02-18

The eyes of giant and colossal squid are among the largest eyes in the history of life. It was recently proposed that sperm whale predation is the main driver of eye size evolution in giant squid, on the basis of an optical model that suggested optimal performance in detecting large luminous visual targets such as whales in the deep sea. However, it is poorly understood how the eye size of giant and colossal squid compares to that of other aquatic organisms when scaling effects are considered. We performed a large-scale comparative study that included 87 squid species and 237 species of acanthomorph fish. While squid have larger eyes than most acanthomorphs, a comparison of relative eye size among squid suggests that giant and colossal squid do not have unusually large eyes. After revising constants used in a previous model we found that large eyes perform equally well in detecting point targets and large luminous targets in the deep sea. The eyes of giant and colossal squid do not appear exceptionally large when allometric effects are considered. It is probable that the giant eyes of giant squid result from a phylogenetically conserved developmental pattern manifested in very large animals. Whatever the cause of large eyes, they appear to have several advantages for vision in the reduced light of the deep mesopelagic zone.

A giant mesentery malignant solitary fibrous tumor recurring as dedifferentiated liposarcoma- a report of a very rare case and literature review.

PubMed

Liu, Yang; Ishibashi, Haruaki; Sako, Shozou; Takeshita, Kazuyoshi; Li, Yan; Elnemr, Ayman; Yonemura, Yutaka

2013-11-01

We report a case of a 59-year-old woman with a very rare giant mesentery malignant solitary fibrous tumor that recurred as dedifferentiated liposarcoma. The woman was admitted to the hospital because of low abdominal pain. Radiological and biopsy findings revealed a multi-lobulated giant malignant solitary fibrous tumor that had invaded the inferior vena cava, abdominal aorta, and superior mesentery vessels. The tumor was completely removed during the first cytoreductive surgery. Histopathologically, tumor had a heterogeneous cell population, composed of spindle cells with fibrous collagen proliferation. The spindle cells were not arranged in a specific pattern. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the tumor cells were positive for CD34, CD99, Bcl-2, and smooth muscle actin( SMA) and negative for CD117, epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), CAM5.7, S100, desmin, and caldesmon. The tumor recurred 9 months after surgery, and another cytoreductive surgery was then performed. The postoperative histopathological appearance of the invaded area indicated a well-differentiated liposarcoma. Formation of tumorous bone was also noted in the same area, in addition to atypical mesenchymal cells and multi-vacuolated lipoblasts in the area of the well-differentiated liposarcoma. Proliferated spindle cells arranged in a storiform pattern were found in the area adjacent to the tumor. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the tumors cells were positive for SMA, HHF-35, and caldesmon and negative for CD117, CD34, and S100. A diagnosis of dedifferentiated liposarcoma was made.

Parasites of the Giant Panda: A Risk Factor in the Conservation of a Species.

PubMed

Wang, Tao; Xie, Yue; Zheng, Youle; Wang, Chengdong; Li, Desheng; Koehler, Anson V; Gasser, Robin B

2018-01-01

The giant panda, with an estimated population size of 2239 in the world (in 2015), is a global symbol of wildlife conservation that is threatened by habitat loss, poor reproduction and limited resistance to some infectious diseases. Of these factors, some diseases caused by parasites are considered as the foremost threat to its conservation. However, there is surprisingly little published information on the parasites of the giant panda, most of which has been disseminated in the Chinese literature. Herein, we review all peer-reviewed publications (in English or Chinese language) and governmental documents for information on parasites of the giant pandas, with an emphasis on the intestinal nematode Baylisascaris schroederi (McIntosh, 1939) as it dominates published literature. The purpose of this chapter is to: (i) review the parasites recorded in the giant panda and describe what is known about their biology; (ii) discuss key aspects of the pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment and control of key parasites that are reported to cause clinical problems and (iii) conclude by making some suggestions for future research. This chapter shows that we are only just 'scratching the surface' when it comes to parasites and parasitological research of the giant panda. Clearly, there needs to be a concerted research effort to support the conservation of this iconic species. © 2018 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved.

Congenital giant epulis obstructing oral cavity: newborn emergency

PubMed Central

Gnassingbe, Komla; Mihluedo-Agbolan, Komlan A; Bissa, Harefetéguéna; Amegbor, Koffi; Noumedem, Nguefack Blanchard; Egbohou, Pilakimwe; Mama, Wakatou; Akakpo-Numado, Gamedzi K; Tekou, Hubert

2014-01-01

The congenital epulis is a benign congenital granular cell tumor arising most often of the alveolar ridge of the jawbone. When giant, it is source of digestive discomfort disabling feeding. We report the case of a newborn female, vaginal delivery, presented with a giant intraoral tumor. Tumor obstructing the mouth of the newborn and prevent the attachment and feeding. The treatment consisted of excision of the tumor under general anesthesia. The histology of the tumor was revealed that it was an epulis. PMID:25396021

Management of giant paraesophageal hernia.

PubMed

Awais, O; Luketich, J D

2009-04-01

Management of giant paraesophageal hernia remains one of the most difficult challenges faced by surgeons treating complex benign esophageal disorders. These large hernias are acquired disorders; therefore, they invariably present in elderly patients. The dilemma that surgeons faced in the open surgical era was the risk of open surgery in this elderly, sick patient population versus the life threatening catastrophic complications, nearly 30% in some series, observed with medical management. During the 1990s, it was clearly recognized that laparoscopic surgery led to decreased morbidity with a quicker recovery. This has lead to a 6-fold increase in the surgical management of giant paraesophageal hernias over the last decade compared to a period of five decades of open surgery; however, this has not necessarily translated into better outcomes. One of the major issues with giant paraesophageal hernias is recognizing short esophagus and performing a lengthening procedure, if needed. Open series which report liberal use of Collis gastroplasty leading to a tension-free intraabdominal fundoplication have shown the best anatomic and clinical outcomes. As we duplicate the open experience laparoscopically, the principle of identifying a shortened esophagus and constructing a neo-esophagus must be honored for the success of the operation. The benefits of laparoscopy are obvious but should not come at the cost of a lesser operation. This review will illustrate that laparoscopic repair of giant paraesophageal hernia at experienced centers can be performed safely with similar outcomes to open series when the fundamental principles of the operation are maintained.

Giant hydatid liver cyst. Management of residual cavity.

PubMed

Salemis, Nikolaos S

2008-01-01

The management of the residual cavity during surgical intervention for giant hydatid liver cysts is often a challenging problem. Herein, is described the case of a 55-year-old female patient who was diagnosed with a giant hydatid cyst occupying almost the entire left lobe of the liver. After partial cystectomy, the residual cavity was managed by combination of suture obliteration with omentoplasty. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course and was discharged eight days later. The clinical presentation, diagnostic work-up and surgical management of the patient are discussed, along with a review of the literature.

Multiple giant cell lesions in patients with Noonan syndrome and cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome.

PubMed

Neumann, Thomas E; Allanson, Judith; Kavamura, Ines; Kerr, Bronwyn; Neri, Giovanni; Noonan, Jacqueline; Cordeddu, Viviana; Gibson, Kate; Tzschach, Andreas; Krüger, Gabriele; Hoeltzenbein, Maria; Goecke, Timm O; Kehl, Hans Gerd; Albrecht, Beate; Luczak, Klaudiusz; Sasiadek, Maria M; Musante, Luciana; Laurie, Rohan; Peters, Hartmut; Tartaglia, Marco; Zenker, Martin; Kalscheuer, Vera

2009-04-01

Noonan syndrome (NS) and cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome (CFCS) are related developmental disorders caused by mutations in genes encoding various components of the RAS-MAPK signaling cascade. NS is associated with mutations in the genes PTPN11, SOS1, RAF1, or KRAS, whereas CFCS can be caused by mutations in BRAF, MEK1, MEK2, or KRAS. The NS phenotype is rarely accompanied by multiple giant cell lesions (MGCL) of the jaw (Noonan-like/MGCL syndrome (NL/MGCLS)). PTPN11 mutations are the only genetic abnormalities reported so far in some patients with NL/MGCLS and in one individual with LEOPARD syndrome and MGCL. In a cohort of 75 NS patients previously tested negative for mutations in PTPN11 and KRAS, we detected SOS1 mutations in 11 individuals, four of whom had MGCL. To explore further the relevance of aberrant RAS-MAPK signaling in syndromic MGCL, we analyzed the established genes causing CFCS in three subjects with MGCL associated with a phenotype fitting CFCS. Mutations in BRAF or MEK1 were identified in these patients. All mutations detected in these seven patients with syndromic MGCL had previously been described in NS or CFCS without apparent MGCL. This study demonstrates that MGCL may occur in NS and CFCS with various underlying genetic alterations and no obvious genotype-phenotype correlation. This suggests that dysregulation of the RAS-MAPK pathway represents the common and basic molecular event predisposing to giant cell lesion formation in patients with NS and CFCS rather than specific mutation effects.

Multiple giant cell lesions in patients with Noonan syndrome and cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome

PubMed Central

Neumann, Thomas E; Allanson, Judith; Kavamura, Ines; Kerr, Bronwyn; Neri, Giovanni; Noonan, Jacqueline; Cordeddu, Viviana; Gibson, Kate; Tzschach, Andreas; Krüger, Gabriele; Hoeltzenbein, Maria; Goecke, Timm O; Kehl, Hans Gerd; Albrecht, Beate; Luczak, Klaudiusz; Sasiadek, Maria M; Musante, Luciana; Laurie, Rohan; Peters, Hartmut; Tartaglia, Marco; Zenker, Martin; Kalscheuer, Vera

2009-01-01

Noonan syndrome (NS) and cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome (CFCS) are related developmental disorders caused by mutations in genes encoding various components of the RAS-MAPK signaling cascade. NS is associated with mutations in the genes PTPN11, SOS1, RAF1, or KRAS, whereas CFCS can be caused by mutations in BRAF, MEK1, MEK2, or KRAS. The NS phenotype is rarely accompanied by multiple giant cell lesions (MGCL) of the jaw (Noonan-like/MGCL syndrome (NL/MGCLS)). PTPN11 mutations are the only genetic abnormalities reported so far in some patients with NL/MGCLS and in one individual with LEOPARD syndrome and MGCL. In a cohort of 75 NS patients previously tested negative for mutations in PTPN11 and KRAS, we detected SOS1 mutations in 11 individuals, four of whom had MGCL. To explore further the relevance of aberrant RAS-MAPK signaling in syndromic MGCL, we analyzed the established genes causing CFCS in three subjects with MGCL associated with a phenotype fitting CFCS. Mutations in BRAF or MEK1 were identified in these patients. All mutations detected in these seven patients with syndromic MGCL had previously been described in NS or CFCS without apparent MGCL. This study demonstrates that MGCL may occur in NS and CFCS with various underlying genetic alterations and no obvious genotype–phenotype correlation. This suggests that dysregulation of the RAS-MAPK pathway represents the common and basic molecular event predisposing to giant cell lesion formation in patients with NS and CFCS rather than specific mutation effects. PMID:18854871

Fast track pathway reduces sight loss in giant cell arteritis: results of a longitudinal observational cohort study.

PubMed

Patil, P; Williams, M; Maw, W W; Achilleos, K; Elsideeg, S; Dejaco, C; Borg, F; Gupta, S; Dasgupta, B

2015-01-01

To investigate the effectiveness of a fast track pathway (FTP) on sight loss in patients with suspected giant cell arteritis (GCA). A longitudinal observational cohort study was conducted in the secondary care rheumatology department. One hundred and thirty-five newly referred suspected GCA patients seen via the FTP (Jan. 2012-Dec. 2013) were compared to 81 patients seen through the conventional referral and review system (Jan. 2009-Dec. 2011). The FTP resulted in significant reduction in irreversible sight loss from 37.0% (as seen in the historical cohort 2009-2011) to 9.0 % (2012-2013, OR 0.17, p=0.001). Adjustment for clinical and demographic parameters including known risk factors for GCA associated blindness did not significantly change the primary result (OR 0.08, p=0.001). FTP resulted in a reduction of time from symptom onset to diagnosis, particularly by reduction of time from general practitioner's (GP) referral to the rheumatology review (79% of FTP patients were seen within one working day compared to 64.6 % in the conventional pathway, p=0.023). The FTP has seen a reduction in number of GP appointments. There was a significant reduction of permanent sight loss with a fast track GCA pathway. The effect may be due to multiple factors including better GP education and reduction in delayed diagnosis. These results need verification at other sites.

Single step modified ink staining for Tzanck test: quick detection of herpetic giant cells in Tzanck smear.

PubMed

Mizutani, Hitoshi; Akeda, Tomoko; Yamanaka, Kei-Ichi; Isoda, Kenichi; Gabazza, Esteban C

2012-02-01

Tzanck test has been recently re-evaluated as a method for the diagnosis of herpes virus infection. Giemsa staining for the Tzanck test is time-consuming and laborious. There is a need to develop simple and quick staining methods for bedside diagnosis of this disease. We report a single step and quick method for staining herpes giant cells in Tzanck smears using routinely available inks and physiological saline. A keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) was cultured on a slide glass and stained with various commercially available blue, blue-black and black inks serially diluted with physiological saline. Clinical smear samples from herpes lesions were also stained with these solutions without specific pretreatment. The nuclei of HaCaT were clearly stained showing high contrast with the cytoplasm using 5% Parker-Quink blue-black ink saline solution. Concentration of ink solution higher or lower than 5% resulted in less contrast. Blue or black inks or other manufacturers' inks can also be used, but staining of the cultured keratinocytes was less clear. Smear of clinical samples from herpes lesions were also stained with 5% ink solution. The nuclei of the multinucleated giant cells were clearly stained, and the sample could be immediately used for microscopic examination. One step staining of Tzanck smear using this diluted ink solution is an inexpensive and a convenient bedside diagnostic tool for the dermatologist. © 2011 Japanese Dermatological Association.

Articular Reconstruction using Subchondral Cementation and Threaded Kirschner-wires in Giant Cell Tumor: A Novel Technique

PubMed Central

Vora, Padmanabh H; Musa, Rameez; Bhavsar, Neel M; Shah, Darshan

2017-01-01

Introduction: Giant Cell Tumor(GCT) is one of an infrequently encountered tumor by orthopaedic surgeons in clinical practice. It is described as ‘locally malignant’ tumor found in epimetaphyseal region of long bones, peculiarly around knee. We present a case of a solitary, benign Campanacci Grade 2 GCT in right lateral femoral condyle in 38 year old female and our treatment. Case Report: A 38 year old female presented to our outpatient department with chief complaint of constant, moderate pain in right knee increasing in duration since 3 months. No history of precedent trauma. Radiological imaging with radiographs showed suspicious lytic lesion in lateral femoral condyle. MRI scan was done.On biopsy, histopathological evaluation showed presence of characteristic multinucleated giant-cells. After confirmation, tumor en bloc resection was done, followed by chemical cauterization with 5 % phenol. Articular margins were realigned under direct vision and fixed with 1.8 mm threaded K wires. PMMA cementing in bone defect was done after achieving adequate hemostasis. At two years follow-up, patient had good result in terms of pain, knee range of motion and weight bearing. Conclusion: Combination treatment of radical curettage, phenol irrigation, electrocautery and cementation is effective in preventing local recurrence. This can replace en bloc resection with a wide margin. Using subchondral threaded Kirschner wires to maintain articular margins is cheap alternative to costly implants in economically underprivileged patients. PMID:29181359

A Vision for Ice Giant Exploration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hofstadter, M.; Simon, A.; Atreya, S.; Banfield, D.; Fortney, J.; Hayes, A.; Hedman, M.; Hospodarsky, G.; Mandt, K.; Masters, A.;

Embolization of a True Giant Splenic Artery Aneurysm Using NBCA Glue - Case Report and Literature Review.

PubMed

Guziński, Maciej; Kurcz, Jacek; Kukulska, Monika; Neska, Małgorzata; Garcarek, Jerzy

2015-01-01

Although splenic artery aneurysms (SAAs) are common, their giant forms (more than 10 cm in diameter) are rare. Because of the variety of forms and locations of these aneurysms, there are a lot of therapeutic methods to choose. In our case of a giant true aneurysm we performed an endovascular embolization with N-butyl-cyano-acrylate (NBCA) glue. To our knowledge it is the first reported case of this method of treatment of true giant SAA. A 74-year-old male patient with symptomatic giant SAA (13 cm) was urgently admitted to our hospital for the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Due to the general health condition, advanced age and the large size of the aneurysm we decided to perform an endovascular treatment with N-butyl-cyano-acrylate (NBCA) glue. The preaneurysmal part of splenic artery was occluded completely with exclusion of the aneurysm. No splenectomy was needed. The patient was discharged in good general condition Embolization with NBCA can be an efficient method to treat the giant SAA.

A giant dumbbell shaped vesico-prostatic urethral calculus: a case report and review of literature.

PubMed

Prabhuswamy, Vinod Kumar; Tiwari, Rahul; Krishnamoorthy, Ramakrishnan

2013-01-01

Calculi in the urethra are an uncommon entity. Giant calculi in prostatic urethra are extremely rare. The decision about treatment strategy of calculi depends upon the size, shape, and position of the calculus and the status of the urethra. If the stone is large and immovable, it may be extracted via the perineal or the suprapubic approach. In most of the previous reported cases, giant calculi were extracted via the transvesical approach and external urethrotomy. A 38-year-old male patient presented with complaints of lower urinary tract symptoms. Further investigations showed a giant urethral calculus secondary to stricture of bulbo-membranous part of the urethra. Surgical removal of calculus was done via transvesical approach. Two calculi were found and extracted. One was a huge dumbbell calculus and the other was a smaller round calculus. This case was reported because of the rare size and the dumbbell nature of the stone. Giant urethral calculi are better managed by open surgery.

A Giant Dumbbell Shaped Vesico-Prostatic Urethral Calculus: A Case Report and Review of Literature

PubMed Central

Prabhuswamy, Vinod Kumar; Tiwari, Rahul; Krishnamoorthy, Ramakrishnan

2013-01-01

Calculi in the urethra are an uncommon entity. Giant calculi in prostatic urethra are extremely rare. The decision about treatment strategy of calculi depends upon the size, shape, and position of the calculus and the status of the urethra. If the stone is large and immovable, it may be extracted via the perineal or the suprapubic approach. In most of the previous reported cases, giant calculi were extracted via the transvesical approach and external urethrotomy. A 38-year-old male patient presented with complaints of lower urinary tract symptoms. Further investigations showed a giant urethral calculus secondary to stricture of bulbo-membranous part of the urethra. Surgical removal of calculus was done via transvesical approach. Two calculi were found and extracted. One was a huge dumbbell calculus and the other was a smaller round calculus. This case was reported because of the rare size and the dumbbell nature of the stone. Giant urethral calculi are better managed by open surgery. PMID:23762742

Activation of professional antigen presenting cells by acharan sulfate isolated from giant African snail, Achatina fulica.

PubMed

Kim, Hyun-Sun; Lee, Young-Hee; Lee, Young-Ran; Im, Sun-A; Lee, Jae-Kwon; Kim, Yeong Shik; Sim, Joon-Soo; Choi, Hyung Seok; Lee, Chong-Kil

2007-07-01

Acharan sulfate isolated from the giant African snail, Achatina fulica, has been reported to have antitumor activity in vivo. In an effort to determine the mechanisms of its antitumor activity, we examined the effects of acharan sulfate on professional antigen presenting cells (APCs). Acharan sulfate increased the phagocytic activity, the production of cytokines such as TNF-alpha and IL-1beta, and the release of nitric oxide on a macrophage cell line, Raw 264.7 cells. In addition, acharan sulfate induced phenotypic and functional maturation of immature dendritic cells (DCs). Immature DCs cultured with acharan sulfate expressed higher levels of class II MHC molecules and major co-stimulatory molecules such as B7-1, B7-2, and CD40. Functional maturation of immature DCs cultured in the presence of acharan sulfate was confirmed by the increased allostimulatory capacity and IL-12 production. These results suggest that the antitumor activity of acharan sulfate is partly due to the activation of professional antigen presenting cells.

[Treatment of giant acoustic neuromas].

PubMed

Samprón, Nicolás; Altuna, Xabier; Armendáriz, Mikel; Urculo, Enrique

2014-01-01

To analyze the treatment modality and outcome of a series of patients with giant acoustic neuromas, a particular type of tumour characterised by their size (extracanalicular diameter of 4cm or more) and high morbidity and mortality. This was a retrospective unicentre study of patients with acoustic neuromas treated in a period of 12 years. In our institutional series of 108 acoustic neuromas operated on during that period, we found 13 (12%) cases of giant acoustic neuromas. We reviewed the available data of these cases, including presentation and several clinical, anatomical, and microsurgical aspects. All patients were operated on by the same neurosurgeon and senior author (EU) using the suboccipital retrosigmoid approach and complete microsurgical removal was achieved in 10 cases. In one case, near total removal was deliberately performed, in another case a CSF shunt was placed as the sole treatment measure, and in the remaining case no direct treatment was given. One patient died in the immediate postoperative period. One year after surgery, 4 patients showed facial nerve function of iii or more in the House-Brackman scale. The 4 most important prognostic characteristics of giant acoustic neuromas are size, adhesion to surrounding structures, consistency and vascularity. Only the first of these is evident in neuroimaging. Giant acoustic neuromas are characterised by high morbidity at presentation as well as after treatment. Nevertheless, the objective of complete microsurgical removal with preservation of cranial nerve function is attainable in some cases through the suboccipital retrosigmoid approach. Copyright © 2014 Sociedad Española de Neurocirugía. Published by Elsevier España. All rights reserved.

Axon Termination, Pruning, and Synaptogenesis in the Giant Fiber System of Drosophila melanogaster Is Promoted by Highwire.

PubMed

Borgen, Melissa; Rowland, Kimberly; Boerner, Jana; Lloyd, Brandon; Khan, Aruna; Murphey, Rodney

2017-03-01

The ubiquitin ligase Highwire has a conserved role in synapse formation. Here, we show that Highwire coordinates several facets of central synapse formation in the Drosophila melanogaster giant fiber system, including axon termination, axon pruning, and synaptic function. Despite the similarities to the fly neuromuscular junction, the role of Highwire and the underlying signaling pathways are distinct in the fly's giant fiber system. During development, branching of the giant fiber presynaptic terminal occurs and, normally, the transient branches are pruned away. However, in highwire mutants these ectopic branches persist, indicating that Highwire promotes axon pruning. highwire mutants also exhibit defects in synaptic function. Highwire promotes axon pruning and synaptic function cell-autonomously by attenuating a mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway including Wallenda, c-Jun N-terminal kinase/Basket, and the transcription factor Jun. We also show a novel role for Highwire in non-cell autonomous promotion of synaptic function from the midline glia. Highwire also regulates axon termination in the giant fibers, as highwire mutant axons exhibit severe overgrowth beyond the pruning defect. This excessive axon growth is increased by manipulating Fos expression in the cells surrounding the giant fiber terminal, suggesting that Fos regulates a trans -synaptic signal that promotes giant fiber axon growth. Copyright © 2017 by the Genetics Society of America.

Titan cells in Cryptococcus neoformans: Cells with a giant impact

PubMed Central

Zaragoza, Oscar; Nielsen, Kirsten

2013-01-01

Cryptococcus neoformans is a pathogenic yeast that commonly infects immunocompromised individuals, yet has developed multiple adaptation mechanisms to the host. Several virulence factors (capsule and melanin) have been known for many years. However, this yeast also possesses a morphogenetic program that is still not well characterized. Cryptococcus neoformans has the ability to dramatically enlarge its size during infection to form “titan cells” that can reach up to 100 microns in cell body diameter, in contrast to typical size cells of 5-7 microns. These titan cells pose a problem for the host because they contribute to fungal survival, dissemination to the central nervous system, and possibly even latency. In this review, we will provide an overview of these cells, covering current knowledge about their phenotypic features, mechanism of formation, and their significance during infection. PMID:23588027

[Expression of neuropeptide Y and long leptin receptor in gastrointestinal tract of giant panda].

PubMed

Luo, Qihui; Tang, Xiuying; Chen, Zhengli; Wang, Kaiyu; Wang, Chengdong; Li, Desheng; Li, Caiwu

2015-08-01

To study the expression and distribution of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and long leptin receptor (OB-Rb) in the gastrointestinal tract of giant panda, samples of three animals were collected from the key laboratory for reproduction and conservation genetics of endangered wildlife of Sichuan province, China conservation and research center for the giant panda. Paraffin sections of giant panda gastrointestinal tissue samples were observed using hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE) and strept actividin-biotin complex immunohistochemical staining (IHC). The results show that the intestinal histology of three pandas was normal and no pathological changes, and there were rich single-cell and multi-cell mucous glands, long intestinal villi and thick muscularis mucosa and muscle layer. Positive cells expressing NPY and OB-Rb were widely detected in the gastrointestinal tract by IHC methods. NPY positive nerve fibers and neuronal cell were widely distributed in submucosal plexus and myenteric plexus, especially in the former. They were arranged beaded or point-like shape. NPY positive cells were observed in the shape of ellipse and polygon and mainly located in the mucous layer and intestinal glands. OB-Rb positive cells were mainly distributed in the mucous layer and the laminae propria, especially the latter. These results confirmed that NPY and OB-Rb are widely distributed in the gut of the giant panda, which provide strong reference for the research between growth and development, digestion and absorption, and immune function.

Fungal cell gigantism during mammalian infection.

PubMed

Zaragoza, Oscar; García-Rodas, Rocío; Nosanchuk, Joshua D; Cuenca-Estrella, Manuel; Rodríguez-Tudela, Juan Luis; Casadevall, Arturo

2010-06-17

The interaction between fungal pathogens with the host frequently results in morphological changes, such as hyphae formation. The encapsulated pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans is not considered a dimorphic fungus, and is predominantly found in host tissues as round yeast cells. However, there is a specific morphological change associated with cryptococcal infection that involves an increase in capsule volume. We now report another morphological change whereby gigantic cells are formed in tissue. The paper reports the phenotypic characterization of giant cells isolated from infected mice and the cellular changes associated with giant cell formation. C. neoformans infection in mice resulted in the appearance of giant cells with cell bodies up to 30 microm in diameter and capsules resistant to stripping with gamma-radiation and organic solvents. The proportion of giant cells ranged from 10 to 80% of the total lung fungal burden, depending on infection time, individual mice, and correlated with the type of immune response. When placed on agar, giant cells budded to produce small daughter cells that traversed the capsule of the mother cell at the speed of 20-50 m/h. Giant cells with dimensions that approximated those in vivo were observed in vitro after prolonged culture in minimal media, and were the oldest in the culture, suggesting that giant cell formation is an aging-dependent phenomenon. Giant cells recovered from mice displayed polyploidy, suggesting a mechanism by which gigantism results from cell cycle progression without cell fission. Giant cell formation was dependent on cAMP, but not on Ras1. Real-time imaging showed that giant cells were engaged, but not engulfed by phagocytic cells. We describe a remarkable new strategy for C. neoformans to evade the immune response by enlarging cell size, and suggest that gigantism results from replication without fission, a phenomenon that may also occur with other fungal pathogens.

Fungal Cell Gigantism during Mammalian Infection

PubMed Central

Zaragoza, Oscar; García-Rodas, Rocío; Nosanchuk, Joshua D.; Cuenca-Estrella, Manuel; Rodríguez-Tudela, Juan Luis; Casadevall, Arturo

2010-01-01

The interaction between fungal pathogens with the host frequently results in morphological changes, such as hyphae formation. The encapsulated pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans is not considered a dimorphic fungus, and is predominantly found in host tissues as round yeast cells. However, there is a specific morphological change associated with cryptococcal infection that involves an increase in capsule volume. We now report another morphological change whereby gigantic cells are formed in tissue. The paper reports the phenotypic characterization of giant cells isolated from infected mice and the cellular changes associated with giant cell formation. C. neoformans infection in mice resulted in the appearance of giant cells with cell bodies up to 30 µm in diameter and capsules resistant to stripping with γ-radiation and organic solvents. The proportion of giant cells ranged from 10 to 80% of the total lung fungal burden, depending on infection time, individual mice, and correlated with the type of immune response. When placed on agar, giant cells budded to produce small daughter cells that traversed the capsule of the mother cell at the speed of 20–50 m/h. Giant cells with dimensions that approximated those in vivo were observed in vitro after prolonged culture in minimal media, and were the oldest in the culture, suggesting that giant cell formation is an aging-dependent phenomenon. Giant cells recovered from mice displayed polyploidy, suggesting a mechanism by which gigantism results from cell cycle progression without cell fission. Giant cell formation was dependent on cAMP, but not on Ras1. Real-time imaging showed that giant cells were engaged, but not engulfed by phagocytic cells. We describe a remarkable new strategy for C. neoformans to evade the immune response by enlarging cell size, and suggest that gigantism results from replication without fission, a phenomenon that may also occur with other fungal pathogens. PMID:20585557

A Review of the Low-Frequency Waves in the Giant Magnetospheres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Delamere, P. A.

2016-02-01

The giant magnetospheres harbor a plethora of low-frequency waves with both internal (i.e., moons) and external (i.e., solar wind) source mechanisms. This chapter summarizes the observation of low-frequency waves at Jupiter and Saturn and postulates the underlying physics based on our understanding of magnetodisc generation mechanisms. The source mechanisms of ULF pulsations at the giant magnetospheres are numerous. The satellite-magnetosphere interactions and mass loading of corotational flows generate many low-frequency waves. Observations of low-frequency bursts of radio emissions serve as an excellent diagnostic for understanding satellite-magnetosphere interactions. The outward radial transport of plasma through the magnetodisc and related magnetic flux circulation is a significant source of ULF pulsations; however, it is uncertain how the radial transport mechanism compares with solar wind induced perturbations.

THE REDSHIFT DISTRIBUTION OF GIANT ARCS IN THE SLOAN GIANT ARCS SURVEY

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bayliss, Matthew B.; Gladders, Michael D.; Koester, Benjamin P.

2011-01-20

We measure the redshift distribution of a sample of 28 giant arcs discovered as a part of the Sloan Giant Arcs Survey. Gemini/GMOS-North spectroscopy provides precise redshifts for 24 arcs, and 'redshift desert' constrains for the remaining 4 arcs. This is a direct measurement of the redshift distribution of a uniformly selected sample of bright giant arcs, which is an observable that can be used to inform efforts to predict giant arc statistics. Our primary giant arc sample has a median redshift z = 1.821 and nearly two-thirds of the arcs, 64%, are sources at z {approx}> 1.4, indicating thatmore » the population of background sources that are strongly lensed into bright giant arcs resides primarily at high redshift. We also analyze the distribution of redshifts for 19 secondary strongly lensed background sources that are not visually apparent in Sloan Digital Sky Survey imaging, but were identified in deeper follow-up imaging of the lensing cluster fields. Our redshift sample for the secondary sources is not spectroscopically complete, but combining it with our primary giant arc sample suggests that a large fraction of all background galaxies that are strongly lensed by foreground clusters reside at z {approx}> 1.4. Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests indicate that our well-selected, spectroscopically complete primary giant arc redshift sample can be reproduced with a model distribution that is constructed from a combination of results from studies of strong-lensing clusters in numerical simulations and observational constraints on the galaxy luminosity function.« less

Modelling giant radio halos. Doctoral Thesis Award Lecture 2012

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Donnert, J. M. F.

2013-06-01

We review models for giant radio halos in clusters of galaxies, with a focus on numerical and theoretical work. After summarising the most important observations of these objects, we present an introduction to the theoretical aspects of hadronic models. We compare these models with observations using simulations and find severe problems for hadronic models. We give a short introduction to reacceleration models and show results from the first simulation of CRe reacceleration in cluster mergers. We find that in-line with previous theoretical work, reacceleration models are able to elegantly explain main observables of giant radio halos.

A Postmenopausal Woman with Giant Ovarian Serous Cyst Adenoma: A Case Report with Brief Literature Review

PubMed Central

Mubarak Al Badi, Muna

2018-01-01

Giant (>10 cm) ovarian cyst is a rare finding. In the literature, a few cases of giant ovarian cysts have been mentioned sporadically, especially in elderly patients. We report a 57-year-old postmenopausal woman with a giant left ovarian cyst measuring 43 × 15 × 9 cm. She was referred to us from the local health center in view of palpable pelvic mass for six-month period. Considering the age and menopausal state, we performed a total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy with excision of the giant left ovarian cyst intact and successfully without any significant complication. On histopathological examination, the cyst was confirmed as benign serous cystadenoma of the ovary. During the management of these high-risk cases of multidisciplinary approach, intraoperative and postoperative strict vigilance is necessary to avoid unwanted complications. PMID:29850314

Simultaneous Presentation of Giant Cell Arteritis and Myelodysplastic Syndrome in an Elderly Japanese Man.

PubMed

Senjo, Hajime; Higuchi, Takakazu; Morimoto, Masaya; Koyamada, Ryosuke; Yanaoka, Chisun; Okada, Sadamu

2018-05-18

An 81-year-old Japanese man presented with constitutional symptoms and anemia and was diagnosed with giant cell arteritis (GCA) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) simultaneously. His symptoms and anemia improved promptly with steroids; however, the MDS rapidly progressed to overt leukemia. While MDS patients are at an increased risk of autoimmune diseases, an association with GCA has rarely been reported. This case illustrates the importance of considering GCA as a cause of anemia in elderly patients if MDS is already diagnosed, even in countries where the prevalence of GCA is very low. The simultaneous development of GCA and MDS suggests a common pathogenetic link between these two diseases.

GIANT API: an application programming interface for functional genomics

PubMed Central

Roberts, Andrew M.; Wong, Aaron K.; Fisk, Ian; Troyanskaya, Olga G.

2016-01-01

GIANT API provides biomedical researchers programmatic access to tissue-specific and global networks in humans and model organisms, and associated tools, which includes functional re-prioritization of existing genome-wide association study (GWAS) data. Using tissue-specific interaction networks, researchers are able to predict relationships between genes specific to a tissue or cell lineage, identify the changing roles of genes across tissues and uncover disease-gene associations. Additionally, GIANT API enables computational tools like NetWAS, which leverages tissue-specific networks for re-prioritization of GWAS results. The web services covered by the API include 144 tissue-specific functional gene networks in human, global functional networks for human and six common model organisms and the NetWAS method. GIANT API conforms to the REST architecture, which makes it stateless, cacheable and highly scalable. It can be used by a diverse range of clients including web browsers, command terminals, programming languages and standalone apps for data analysis and visualization. The API is freely available for use at http://giant-api.princeton.edu. PMID:27098035

Surface Magnetic Fields on Giants and Supergiants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lebre, Agnès

2018-04-01

After a short introduction to spectropolarimetry and the tecnics allowing for the detection of surface fields, I will review the numerous and various detections of magnetic fields at the surface of giant and supergiant stars. On Betelgeuse, the prototype of Red Supergiants, I will present recent results collected after a 10 years long spectropolarimetric survey.

Microsurgical reconstruction in limb salvage due to a giant cell tumor of the distal radius. Case report.

PubMed

Sánchez-Torres, L J; de la Parra-Márquez, M L; Cruz-Escalante, A M; Ramírez-Barroso, R; Espinoza-Velazco, A

2017-01-01

The giant cell tumor of bone is one of the most controversial neoplasms due to growth patterns that may present. The case reported shows a very aggressive tumor in a classic location, but key to hand function. Rather than treat with radical surgery, was planned and performed a wide resection with an ulnar-carpus arthrodesis and microsurgical reconstruction of the defect throught an anterolateral thigh flap. The multidisciplinary approach of bone neoplasms produce a positive impact on patients.

Explaining intermediate filament accumulation in giant axonal neuropathy

PubMed Central

Opal, Puneet; Goldman, Robert D.

2013-01-01

Giant axonal neuropathy (GAN)1 is a rare autosomal recessive neurological disorder caused by mutations in the GAN gene that encodes gigaxonin, a member of the BTB/Kelch family of E3 ligase adaptor proteins.1 This disease is characterized by the aggregation of Intermediate Filaments (IF)—cytoskeletal elements that play important roles in cell physiology including the regulation of cell shape, motility, mechanics and intra-cellular signaling. Although a range of cell types are affected in GAN, neurons display the most severe pathology, with neuronal intermediate filament accumulation and aggregation; this in turn causes axonal swellings or “giant axons.” A mechanistic understanding of GAN IF pathology has eluded researchers for many years. In a recent study1 we demonstrate that the normal function of gigaxonin is to regulate the degradation of IF proteins via the proteasome. Our findings present the first direct link between GAN mutations and IF pathology; moreover, given the importance of IF aggregations in a wide range of disease conditions, our findings could have wider ramifications. PMID:25003002

Percutaneous CT-Guided Cryoablation as an Alternative Treatment for an Extensive Pelvic Bone Giant Cell Tumor.

PubMed

Panizza, Pedro Sergio Brito; de Albuquerque Cavalcanti, Conrado Furtado; Yamaguchi, Nise Hitomi; Leite, Claudia Costa; Cerri, Giovanni Guido; de Menezes, Marcos Roberto

2016-02-01

A giant cell tumor (GCT) is an intermediate grade, locally aggressive neoplasia. Despite advances in surgical and clinical treatments, cases located on the spine and pelvic bones remain a significant challenge. Failure of clinical treatment with denosumab and patient refusal of surgical procedures (hemipelvectomy) led to the use of cryoablation. We report the use of percutaneous CT-guided cryoablation as an alternative treatment, shown to be a minimally invasive, safe, and effective option for a GCT with extensive involvement of the pelvic bones and allowed structural and functional preservation of the involved bones.

Percutaneous CT-Guided Cryoablation as an Alternative Treatment for an Extensive Pelvic Bone Giant Cell Tumor

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Panizza, Pedro Sergio Brito; Albuquerque Cavalcanti, Conrado Furtado de; Yamaguchi, Nise Hitomi

2016-02-15

A giant cell tumor (GCT) is an intermediate grade, locally aggressive neoplasia. Despite advances in surgical and clinical treatments, cases located on the spine and pelvic bones remain a significant challenge. Failure of clinical treatment with denosumab and patient refusal of surgical procedures (hemipelvectomy) led to the use of cryoablation. We report the use of percutaneous CT-guided cryoablation as an alternative treatment, shown to be a minimally invasive, safe, and effective option for a GCT with extensive involvement of the pelvic bones and allowed structural and functional preservation of the involved bones.

Giant cell arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica: current challenges and opportunities.

PubMed

Dejaco, Christian; Brouwer, Elisabeth; Mason, Justin C; Buttgereit, Frank; Matteson, Eric L; Dasgupta, Bhaskar

2017-10-01

The fields of giant cell arteritis (GCA) and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) have advanced rapidly, resulting in a new understanding of these diseases. Fast-track strategies and improved awareness programmes that prevent irreversible sight loss through early diagnosis and treatment are a notable advance. Ultrasonography and other imaging techniques have been introduced into routine clinical practice and there have been promising reports on the efficacy of biologic agents, particularly IL-6 antagonists such as tocilizumab, in treating these conditions. Along with these developments, which should improve outcomes in patients with GCA and PMR, new questions and unmet needs have emerged; future research should address which pathogenetic mechanisms contribute to the different phases and clinical phenotypes of GCA, what role imaging has in the early diagnosis and monitoring of GCA and PMR, and in which patients and phases of these diseases novel biologic drugs should be used. This article discusses the implications of recent developments in our understanding of GCA and PMR, as well as the unmet needs concerning epidemiology, pathogenesis, imaging and treatment of these diseases.

Painless giant cell thyroiditis diagnosed by fine needle aspiration and associated with intense thyroidal uptake of gallium

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sanders, L.R.; Moreno, A.J.; Pittman, D.L.

1986-05-01

A 52-year-old woman presented with fever, goiter, and no evidence of pain or tenderness in the thyroid. A diagnosis of silent thyroiditis was made after obtaining evidence of biochemical thyrotoxicosis, intense gallium-67 citrate thyroidal localization, and cytologic thyroiditis. Fine needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid revealed numerous giant cells in all areas of the thyroid, typical of subacute thyroiditis. This is believed to be the first time painless thyroiditis is reported with the classic cytologic feature of painful subacute thyroiditis.

Molecular Cytogenetic Characterization of Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumors

PubMed Central

Brandal, Petter; Bjerkehagen, Bodil; Heim, Sverre

2004-01-01

Abstract Tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TSGCT) is a disease of disputed etiology and pathogenesis. Some investigations indicate a neoplastic origin of the tumors; others indicate that they are polyclonal and inflammatory. The cytogenetic and molecular genetic features of TSGCTs are largely unknown, as only some 20 localized and 30 diffuse tumors with cytogenetic aberrations have been reported. The most common karyotypic aberrations have been trisomy for chromosomes 5 and 7 and translocations involving chromosomal area 1p11-13. We decided to screen the genomes of TSGCTs by comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) to perform interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (IP-FISH), looking for numerical aberrations of chromosomes 1, 5, and 7, and to analyze the tumors for microsatellite instability. Except for two diffuse TSGCTs that came fresh to us, and which, by karyotyping, exhibited t(1;22)(p13;q12) and a t(1;1)(q21;p11) and +7, respectively, all studies had to be performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded material. DNA was extracted from 51 localized and nine diffuse TSGCTs. CGH was successful for 24 tumors, but none of them showed copy number changes. The IP-FISH studies showed trisomy 7 in 56% of the tumors (15/27), whereas chromosomes 1 and 5 seemed to be disomic in all TSGCTs. All informative tumors were wild-type by microsatellite instability analysis. PMID:15548367

Some Observations on the Fine Structure of the Giant Nerve Fibers of the Earthworm, Eisenia foetida

PubMed Central

Hama, Kiyoshi

1959-01-01

Sectioned dorsal giant fibers of the earthworm Eisenia foetida have been studied with the electron microscope. The giant axon is surrounded by a Schwannian sheath in which the lamellae are arranged spirally. They can be traced from the outer surface of the Schwann cell to the axon-Schwann membranes. Irregularities in the spiral arrangement are frequently observed. Desmosome-like attachment areas occur on the giant fiber nerve sheath. These structures appear to be arranged bilaterally in columns which are oriented slightly obliquely to the long axis of the giant fiber and aligned linearly from the axon to the periphery of the sheath. At these sites they bind together apposing portions of Schwann cell membrane comprising the sheath. Longitudinal or oblique sections of the nerve sheath attachment areas are reminiscent of the Schmidt-Lantermann clefts of vertebrate peripheral nerve. Septa of the giant fibers have been examined. They are symmetrical or non-polarized and consist of the two plasma membranes of adjacent nerve units. Characteristic vesicular and tubular structures are associated with both cytoplasmic surfaces of these septa. PMID:13673048

Giant Planet Formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

D'Angelo, G.; Durisen, R. H.; Lissauer, J. J.

2010-12-01

Gas giant planets play a fundamental role in shaping the orbital architecture of planetary systems and in affecting the delivery of volatile materials to terrestrial planets in the habitable zones. Current theories of gas giant planet formation rely on either of two mechanisms: the core accretion model and the disk instability model. In this chapter, we describe the essential principles upon which these models are built and discuss the successes and limitations of each model in explaining observational data of giant planets orbiting the Sun and other stars.

AC-electric field dependent electroformation of giant lipid vesicles.

PubMed

Politano, Timothy J; Froude, Victoria E; Jing, Benxin; Zhu, Yingxi

2010-08-01

Giant vesicles of larger than 5 microm, which have been of intense interest for their potential as drug delivery vehicles and as a model system for cell membranes, can be rapidly formed from a spin-coated lipid thin film under an electric field. In this work, we explore the AC-field dependent electroformation of giant lipid vesicles in aqueous media over a wide range of AC-frequency from 1 Hz to 1 MHz and peak-to-peak field strength from 0.212 V/mm to 40 V/mm between two parallel conducting electrode surfaces. By using fluorescence microscopy, we perform in-situ microscopic observations of the structural evolution of giant vesicles formed from spin-coated lipid films under varied uniform AC-electric fields. The real-time observation of bilayer bulging from the lipid film, vesicle growth and fusing further examine the critical role of AC-induced electroosmotic flow of surrounding fluids for giant vesicle formation. A rich AC-frequency and field strength phase diagram is obtained experimentally to predict the AC-electroformation of giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) of l-alpha-phosphatidylcholine, where a weak dependence of vesicle size on AC-frequency is observed at low AC-field voltages, showing decreased vesicle size with a narrowed size distribution with increased AC-frequency. Formation of vesicles was shown to be constrained by an upper field strength of 10 V/mm and an upper AC-frequency of 10 kHz. Within these parameters, giant lipid vesicles were formed predominantly unilamellar and prevalent across the entire electrode surfaces. Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Tumor-induced Osteomalacia in a 3-Year-Old With Unresectable Central Giant Cell Lesions.

PubMed

Crossen, Stephanie S; Zambrano, Eduardo; Newman, Beverley; Bernstein, Jonathan A; Messner, Anna H; Bachrach, Laura K; Twist, Clare J

2017-01-01

Tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) is a rare cause of hypophosphatemia involving overproduction of fibroblast growth factor 23. TIO has been described largely in adults with small mesenchymal tumors. We report a case of TIO in a child who presented with knee pain and radiographic findings concerning for rickets, and was found to have maxillomandibular giant cell lesions. The patient was treated with oral phosphorus and calcitriol, surgical debulking, and intralesional corticosteroids, which resulted in tumor regression and normalization of serum fibroblast growth factor 23 and phosphorus. This case illustrates the occurrence of this rare paraneoplastic syndrome in children and adds to our knowledge about clinical manifestations and pathologic findings associated with pediatric TIO.

Flares in Biopsy-Proven Giant Cell Arteritis in Northern Italy

PubMed Central

Restuccia, Giovanna; Boiardi, Luigi; Cavazza, Alberto; Catanoso, Mariagrazia; Macchioni, Pierluigi; Muratore, Francesco; Cimino, Luca; Aldigeri, Raffaella; Crescentini, Filippo; Pipitone, Nicolò; Salvarani, Carlo

2016-01-01

Abstract This study evaluated the frequency, timing, and characteristics of flares in a large cohort of Italian patients with biopsy-proven giant cell arteritis (GCA) and to identify factors at diagnosis able to predict the occurrence of flares. We evaluated 157 patients with biopsy-proven transmural GCA diagnosed and followed at the Rheumatology Unit of Reggio Emilia Hospital (Italy) for whom sufficient information was available from the time of diagnosis until at least 4 years of follow-up. Fifty-seven patients (36.5%) experienced ≥1 flares. Fifty-one (46.4%) of the 110 total flares (88 relapses and 22 recurrences) were experienced during the first 2 years after diagnosis. The majority of relapses occurred with doses of prednisone ≤ 10 mg/day (82.9%), whereas only 3.4% of relapses occurred for doses ≥ 25 mg/day. Polymyalgia rheumatica (46.5%) and cranial symptoms (41.9%) were the most frequent manifestations at the time of the first relapse. Cumulative prednisone dose during the first year and total cumulative prednisone dose were significantly higher in flaring patients compared with those without flares (7.8 ± 2.4 vs 6.7 ± 2.4 g, P = 0.02; 15.5 ± 8.9 vs 10.0 ± 9.2 g, P = 0.0001, respectively). The total duration of prednisone treatment was longer in flaring patients (58 ± 44 vs 30 ± 30 months, P = 0.0001). Patients with disease flares had at diagnosis more frequently systemic manifestations (P = 0.02) and fever ≥ 38°C (P = 0.02), significantly lower hemoglobin levels (P = 0.05), more frequent presence at temporal artery biopsy (TAB) specimens of giant cells (P = 0.04) and intraluminal acute thrombosis (P = 0.007), and more moderate/severe arterial inflammation (P = 0.009) compared with those without flares. In the multivariate model fever ≥ 38 °C (hazard ratio 2.14; 95% confidence interval, 1.06–4.32, P = 0.03) and the severity of inflammatory infiltrate

GIANT API: an application programming interface for functional genomics.

PubMed

Roberts, Andrew M; Wong, Aaron K; Fisk, Ian; Troyanskaya, Olga G

2016-07-08

GIANT API provides biomedical researchers programmatic access to tissue-specific and global networks in humans and model organisms, and associated tools, which includes functional re-prioritization of existing genome-wide association study (GWAS) data. Using tissue-specific interaction networks, researchers are able to predict relationships between genes specific to a tissue or cell lineage, identify the changing roles of genes across tissues and uncover disease-gene associations. Additionally, GIANT API enables computational tools like NetWAS, which leverages tissue-specific networks for re-prioritization of GWAS results. The web services covered by the API include 144 tissue-specific functional gene networks in human, global functional networks for human and six common model organisms and the NetWAS method. GIANT API conforms to the REST architecture, which makes it stateless, cacheable and highly scalable. It can be used by a diverse range of clients including web browsers, command terminals, programming languages and standalone apps for data analysis and visualization. The API is freely available for use at http://giant-api.princeton.edu. © The Author(s) 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Nucleic Acids Research.

Limited arthrodesis of the wrist for treatment of giant cell tumor of the distal radius.

PubMed

Flouzat-Lachaniette, Charles-Henri; Babinet, Antoine; Kahwaji, Antoine; Anract, Philippe; Biau, David-Jean

2013-08-01

To present the functional results of a technique of radiocarpal arthrodesis and reconstruction with a structural nonvascularized autologous bone graft after en bloc resection of giant cell tumors of the distal radius. A total of 13 patients with a mean age of 37 years with aggressive giant cell tumor (Campanacci grade III) of distal radius were managed with en bloc resection and reconstruction with a structural nonvascularized bone graft. The primary outcome measure was the disability evaluated by the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society rating score of limb salvage. Secondary outcomes included survival of the reconstruction measured from the date of the operation to revision procedure for any reason (mechanical, infectious, or oncologic). Other outcomes included active wrist motion and ability to resume work. Mean follow-up period was 6 years (range, 2-14 y). The median arc of motion at the midcarpal joint was 40°, median wrist flexion was 20°, and median extension was 10°. The median Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score based on the analysis of factors pertinent to the patient as a whole (pain, functional activities, and emotional acceptance) and specific to the upper limb (positioning of the hand, manual dexterity, and lifting ability) was 86%. Five patients underwent a second surgical procedure. The cumulative probability of reoperation for mechanical reason was 31% at similar follow-up times at 2, 5, and 10 years. This technique provided a stable wrist and partially restored wrist motion with limited pain. However, further surgical procedures may be necessary to reach this goal. Therapeutic IV. Copyright © 2013 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Selective Amplification of the Genome Surrounding Key Placental Genes in Trophoblast Giant Cells.

PubMed

Hannibal, Roberta L; Baker, Julie C

2016-01-25

While most cells maintain a diploid state, polyploid cells exist in many organisms and are particularly prevalent within the mammalian placenta [1], where they can generate more than 900 copies of the genome [2]. Polyploidy is thought to be an efficient method of increasing the content of the genome by avoiding the costly and slow process of cytokinesis [1, 3, 4]. Polyploidy can also affect gene regulation by amplifying a subset of genomic regions required for specific cellular function [1, 3, 4]. This mechanism is found in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, where polyploid ovarian follicle cells amplify genomic regions containing chorion genes, which facilitate secretion of eggshell proteins [5]. Here, we report that genomic amplification also occurs in mammals at selective regions of the genome in parietal trophoblast giant cells (p-TGCs) of the mouse placenta. Using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) of mouse p-TGCs, we identified five amplified regions, each containing a gene family known to be involved in mammalian placentation: the prolactins (two clusters), serpins, cathepsins, and the natural killer (NK)/C-type lectin (CLEC) complex [6-12]. We report here the first description of amplification at selective genomic regions in mammals and present evidence that this is an important mode of genome regulation in placental TGCs. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Contemporary adjuvant polymethyl methacrylate cementation optimally limits recurrence in primary giant cell tumor of bone patients compared to bone grafting: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Reports of recurrence following restructuring of primary giant cell tumor (GCT) defects using polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) bone cementation or allogeneic bone graft with and without adjuvants for intralesional curettage vary widely. Systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to investigate efficacy of PMMA bone cementation and allogeneic bone grafting following intralesional curettage for GCT. Methods Medline, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases were searched for studies reporting GCT of bone treatment with PMMA cementation and/or bone grafting with or without adjuvant therapy following intralesional curettage of primary GCTs. Pooled risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for local recurrence risks were calculated by fixed-effects methods. Results Of 1,690 relevant titles, 6 eligible studies (1,293 patients) spanning March 2008 to December 2011 were identified in published data. Treatment outcomes of PMMA-only (n = 374), bone graft-only (n = 436), PMMA with or without adjuvant (PMMA + adjuvant; n = 594), and bone graft filling with or without adjuvant (bone graft + adjuvant; n = 699) were compared. Bone graft-only patients exhibited higher recurrence rates than PMMA-treated patients (RR 2.09, 95% CI (1.64, 2.66), Overall effect: Z = 6.00; P <0.001), and bone graft + adjuvant patients exhibited higher recurrence rates than PMMA + adjuvant patients (RR 1.66, 95% CI (1.21, 2.28), Overall effect: Z = 3.15, P = 0.002). Conclusions Local recurrence was minimal in PMMA cementation patients, suggesting that PMMA is preferable for routine clinical restructuring in eligible GCT patients. Relationships between tumor characteristics, other modern adjuvants, and recurrence require further exploration. PMID:23866921

MOLECULAR CLONING, SEQUENCING, EXPRESSION AND BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF GIANT PANDA (AILUROPODA MELANOLEUCA) INTERFERON-GAMMA.

PubMed

Zhu, Hui; Wang, Wen-Xiu; Wang, Bao-Qin; Zhu, Xiao-Fu; Wu, Xu-Jin; Ma, Qing-Yi; Chen, De-Kun

2012-06-29

The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is an endangered species and indigenous to China. Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) is the only member of type □ IFN and is vital for the regulation of host adapted immunity and inflammatory response. Little is known aboutthe FN-γ gene and its roles in giant panda.In this study, IFN-γ gene of Qinling giant panda was amplified from total blood RNA by RT-CPR, cloned, sequenced and analysed. The open reading frame (ORF) of Qinling giant panda IFN-γ encodes 152 amino acidsand is highly similar to Sichuan giant panda with an identity of 99.3% in cDNA sequence. The IFN-γ cDNA sequence was ligated to the pET32a vector and transformed into E. coli BL21 competent cells. Expression of recombinant IFN-γ protein of Qinling giant panda in E. coli was confirmed by SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis. Biological activity assay indicated that the recombinant IFN-γ protein at the concentration of 4-10 µg/ml activated the giant panda peripheral blood lymphocytes,while at 12 µg/mlinhibited. the activation of the lymphocytes.These findings provide insights into the evolution of giant panda IFN-γ and information regarding amino acid residues essential for their biological activity.

What made discy galaxies giant?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saburova, A. S.

2018-01-01

I studied giant discy galaxies with optical radii more than 30 kpc. The comparison of these systems with discy galaxies of moderate sizes revealed that they tend to have higher rotation velocities, B-band luminosities, H I masses and dark-to-luminous mass ratios. The giant discs follow the trend log (M_{H I})(R_{25}) found for normal sized galaxies. It indicates the absence of the peculiarities of evolution of star formation in these galaxies. The H I mass-to-luminosity ratio of giant galaxies appears not to differ from that of normal-sized galaxies, giving evidence in favour of similar star formation efficiency. I also found that the bars and rings occur more frequently among giant discs. I performed mass modelling of the subsample of 18 giant galaxies with available rotation curves and surface photometry data and constructed χ2 maps for the parameters of their dark matter haloes. These estimates indicate that giant discs tend to be formed in larger more massive and rarified dark haloes in comparison to moderate-sized galaxies. However, giant galaxies do not deviate significantly from the relations between the optical sizes and dark halo parameters for moderate-sized galaxies. These findings can rule out the catastrophic scenario of the formation of at least most of giant discs, since they follow the same relations as normal discy galaxies. The giant sizes of the discs can be due to the high radial scale of the dark matter haloes in which they were formed.

Design solutions for dome and main structure (mount) of giant telescopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murga, Gaizka; Bilbao, Armando; de Bilbao, Lander; Lorentz, Thomas E.

2016-07-01

During the last recent years, designs for several giant telescopes ranging from 20 to 40m in diameter are being developed: European Extremely Large Telescope Telescope (TMT). (E-ELT), Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT) and Thirty Meter It is evident that simple direct up-scaling of solutions that were more or less successful in the 8 to 10m class telescopes can not lead to viable designs for the future giant telescopes. New solutions are required to provide adequate load sharing, to cope with the large-scale derived deflections and to provide the required compliance, or to respond to structure-mechanism control interaction issues, among others. From IDOM experience in the development of the Dome and Main Structure of the European Extremely Large Telescope and our participation in some other giant telescopes, this paper reviews several design approaches for the main mechanisms and key structural parts of enclosures and mounts/main structures for giant telescopes, analyzing pros and cons of the different alternatives and outlining the preferred design schemes. The assessment is carried out mainly from a technical and performance-based angle but it also considers specific logistical issues for the assembly of these large telescopes in remote and space-limited areas, together with cost and schedule related issues.

Erythrocytosis caused by giant chromophobe renal cell carcinoma: a case report indicating a 9-year misdiagnosis of polycythemia vera.

PubMed

Guo, Renbo; Liang, Yiran; Yan, Lei; Xu, Zhonghua; Ren, Juchao

2017-09-06

Erythrocytosis, a rare paraneoplastic syndrome, generally occurs in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma and has never been reported in patients with chromophobe renal cell carcinoma. We report a case of a young man suffering from a giant (22-cm) mass on his left kidney. Because of a history of polycythemia vera, the patient had been treated for the condition for 9 years. Radical nephrectomy was successfully performed, and the postoperative pathologic examination confirmed a diagnosis of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma. Unexpectedly, the symptom of erythrocytosis disappeared after the surgery. Further examination and analysis were performed, and we finally attributed his erythrocytosis to chromophobe renal cell carcinoma. Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma could cause erythrocytosis, but the clear-cut mechanism needs further research. Secondary erythrocytosis such as those related with renal tumors should be taken into consideration during the diagnosis of polycythemia vera.

Mismatch between the eye and the optic lobe in the giant squid.

PubMed

Liu, Yung-Chieh; Liu, Tsung-Han; Yu, Chun-Chieh; Su, Chia-Hao; Chiao, Chuan-Chin

2017-07-01

Giant squids ( Architeuthis ) are a legendary species among the cephalopods. They live in the deep sea and are well known for their enormous body and giant eyes. It has been suggested that their giant eyes are not adapted for the detection of either mates or prey at distance, but rather are best suited for monitoring very large predators, such as sperm whales, at distances exceeding 120 m and at a depth below 600 m (Nilsson et al. 2012 Curr. Biol. 22 , 683-688. (doi:10.1016/j.cub.2012.02.031)). However, it is not clear how the brain of giant squids processes visual information. In this study, the optic lobe of a giant squid ( Architeuthis dux , male, mantle length 89 cm), which was caught by local fishermen off the northeastern coast of Taiwan, was scanned using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging in order to examine its internal structure. It was evident that the volume ratio of the optic lobe to the eye in the giant squid is much smaller than that in the oval squid ( Sepioteuthis lessoniana ) and the cuttlefish ( Sepia pharaonis ). Furthermore, the cell density in the cortex of the optic lobe is significantly higher in the giant squid than in oval squids and cuttlefish, with the relative thickness of the cortex being much larger in Architeuthis optic lobe than in cuttlefish. This indicates that the relative size of the medulla of the optic lobe in the giant squid is disproportionally smaller compared with these two cephalopod species. This morphological study of the giant squid brain, though limited only to the optic lobe, provides the first evidence to support that the optic lobe cortex, the visual information processing area in cephalopods, is well developed in the giant squid. In comparison, the optic lobe medulla, the visuomotor integration centre in cephalopods, is much less developed in the giant squid than other species. This finding suggests that, despite the giant eye and a full-fledged cortex within the optic lobe, the brain of giant

Regulation and Biological Significance of Formation of Osteoclasts and Foreign Body Giant Cells in an Extraskeletal Implantation Model

PubMed Central

Ahmed, Gazi Jased; Tatsukawa, Eri; Morishita, Kota; Shibata, Yasuaki; Suehiro, Fumio; Kamitakahara, Masanobu; Yokoi, Taishi; Koji, Takehiko; Umeda, Masahiro; Nishimura, Masahiro; Ikeda, Tohru

2016-01-01

The implantation of biomaterials induces a granulomatous reaction accompanied by foreign body giant cells (FBGCs). The characterization of multinucleated giant cells (MNGCs) around bone substitutes implanted in bone defects is more complicated because of healing with bone admixed with residual bone substitutes and their hybrid, and the appearance of two kinds of MNGCs, osteoclasts and FBGCs. Furthermore, the clinical significance of osteoclasts and FBGCs in the healing of implanted regions remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to characterize MNGCs around bone substitutes using an extraskeletal implantation model and evaluate the clinical significance of osteoclasts and FBGCs. Beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) granules were implanted into rat subcutaneous tissue with or without bone marrow mesenchymal cells (BMMCs), which include osteogenic progenitor cells. We also compared the biological significance of plasma and purified fibrin, which were used as binders for implants. Twelve weeks after implantation, osteogenesis was only detected in specimens implanted with BMMCs. The expression of two typical osteoclast markers, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and cathepsin-K (CTSK), was analyzed, and TRAP-positive and CTSK-positive osteoclasts were only detected beside bone. In contrast, most of the MNGCs in specimens without the implantation of BMMCs were FBGCs that were negative for TRAP, whereas the degradation of β-TCP was detected. In the region implanted with β-TCP granules with plasma, FBGCs tested positive for CTSK, and when β-TCP granules were implanted with purified fibrin, FBGCs tested negative for CTSK. These results showed that osteogenesis was essential to osteoclastogenesis, two kinds of FBGCs, CTSK-positive and CTSK-negative, were induced, and the expression of CTSK was plasma-dependent. In addition, the implantation of BMMCs was suggested to contribute to osteogenesis and the replacement of implanted β-TCP granules to bone. PMID

Early surgical management for giant omphalocele: Results and prognostic factors.

PubMed

Roux, Nathalie; Jakubowicz, Déborah; Salomon, Laurent; Grangé, Gilles; Giuseppi, Agnès; Rousseau, Véronique; Khen-Dunlop, Naziha; Beaudoin, Sylvie

2018-05-23

Giant omphalocele often represents a major surgical challenge and is reported with high mortality and morbidity rates. The aim of this study was to assess the outcome of neonates with giant omphalocele managed with early operative surgical treatment, and subsequently to identify possible factors that could alter the prognosis. We reviewed the medical records of 29 consecutive newborns with prenatally diagnosed giant omphalocele. In these cases one of two procedures had been performed: either staged closure after silo, or immediate closure with a synthetic patch. The cases were separated into 2 groups: Isolated giant omphalocele (IO group) and giant omphalocele associated with malformation (NIO group). Infants in the IO group had a lower size of the omphalocele (p<0,001), a shorter hospital stay (95 days [45-915] vs. 41.5 days [10-110] p= 0, 02), and a shorter median ventilation length (10 days [1-33] vs. 27, 5 [6-65] p = 0, 05). In the NIO group, 5 cases displayed a significantly more difficult course than the others. They were compared to the remaining cases for prenatal and anatomic features. Four factors associated with greater morbidity were identified: CONCLUSIONS: Isolated omphalocele, even containing the whole liver, has a very good prognosis with early surgical treatment. Without associated anomalies, 95% of giant omphaloceles can be discharged with a median of 41.5 days in hospital. However, associated anomalies (especially cardiopathies) may burden the prognosis and should be both carefully assessed during pregnancy and taken into account in parental information. Retrospective Study LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

CNO isotopes in red giant stars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wannier, P. G.

1985-01-01

Observational data on CNO abundance ratios in red giants and the interstellar medium (ISM) are analyzed for the implications for the production and distribution of CNO nuclides. The data included isotope abundance measurements for the atmospheres and recent ejecta of cool giants, e.g., carbon stars, S-type stars, red supergiants and oxygen-rich giants beginning an ascent of the giant branch. The contribution of intermediate-mass stars to galactic nuclear evolution is discussed after comparing red giant abundances with ISM abundances, particularly the isotopes O-16, -17 and -18. The O-12/O-18 ratios of red giants are distinctly different from those in interstellar molecular clouds. The CNO values also vary widely from the values found in the solar system.

CNO isotopes in red giant stars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wannier, P. G.

1985-01-01

The production and distribution of the CNO nuclides is discussed in light of observed abundance ratios in red giants and in the interstellar medium. Isotope abundances have been measured in the atmospheres and in the recent ejecta of cool giants, including carbon stars, S-type stars and red supergiants as well as in oxygen-rich giants making their first ascent of the giant branch. Several of the observations suggest revision of currently accepted nuclear cross-sections and of the mixing processes operating in giant envelopes. By comparing red giant abundances with high-quality observations of the interstellar medium, conclusions are reached about the contribution of intermediate-mass stars to galactic nuclear evolution. The three oxygen isotopes, O-16, -17 and -18, are particularly valuable for such comparison because they reflect three different stages of stellar nucleosynthesis. One remarkable result comes from observations of O-17/O-18 in several classes of red giant stars. The observed range of values for red giants excludes the entire range of values seen in interstellar molecular clouds. Furthermore, both the observations of stars and interstellar clouds exclude the isotopic ratio found in the solar system.

Giant cell tumour 2nd metatarsal-Result with en-bloc excision and autologous fibular grafting.

PubMed

Agarwal, Saurabh; Chawla, Sumit; Agarwal, Sippy; Agarwal, Puneet

2015-12-01

Giant cell tumour (GCT) of the small bones is relatively uncommon tumour. It occurs most commonly in the distal portions of femur and radius and proximal end of tibia. GCT of small bones presents at advanced stages with major bony destruction. These tumours represent more aggressive course; associated with increased local recurrence rates (40%) and metastasis. Various treatment modalities like en-bloc resection, cryosurgery, intralesional curettage with burring/phenolization or bone cement are available. In our case en-bloc resection with reconstruction using nonvascular autogenous fibular strut graft was used in patient of 2nd metatarsal GCT and a favourable functional outcome was observed. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Telocytes in pancreas of the Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus).

PubMed

Zhang, Hui; Yu, Pengcheng; Zhong, Shengwei; Ge, Tingting; Peng, Shasha; Guo, Xiaoquan; Zhou, Zuohong

2016-11-01

Telocytes (TCs), novel interstitial cells, have been identified in various organs of many mammals. However, information about TCs of lower animals remains rare. Herein, pancreatic TCs of the Chinese giant salamanders (Andrias davidianus) were identified by CD34 immunohistochemistry (IHC) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The IHC micrographs revealed CD34 + TCs with long telopodes (Tps) that were located in the interstitium of the pancreas. CD34 + TCs/Tps were frequently observed between exocrine acinar cells and were close to blood vessels. The TEM micrographs also showed the existence of TCs in the interstitium of the pancreas. TCs had distinctive ultrastructural features, such as one to three very long and thin Tps with podoms and podomers, caveolae, dichotomous branching, neighbouring exosomes and vesicles. The Tps and exosomes were found in close proximity to exocrine acinar cells and α cells. It is suggested that TCs may play a role in the regeneration of acinar cells and α cells. In conclusion, our results demonstrated the presence of TCs in the pancreas of the Chinese giant salamander. This finding will assist us in a better understanding of TCs functions in the amphibian pancreas. © 2016 The Authors. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd and Foundation for Cellular and Molecular Medicine.

Imaging of oxygen gradients in giant umbrella cells: an ex vivo PLIM study.

PubMed

Zhdanov, A V; Golubeva, A V; Okkelman, I A; Cryan, J F; Papkovsky, D B

2015-10-01

O2 plays a pivotal role in aerobic metabolism and regulation of cell and tissue function. Local differences and fluctuations in tissue O2 levels are well documented; however, the physiological significance of O2 microgradients, particularly at the subcellular level, remains poorly understood. Using the cell-penetrating phosphorescent O2 probe Pt-Glc and confocal fluorescence microscopy, we visualized O2 distribution in individual giant (>100-μm) umbrella cells located superficially in the urinary bladder epithelium. We optimized conditions for in vivo phosphorescent staining of the inner surface of the mouse bladder and subsequent ex vivo analysis of excised live tissue. Imaging experiments revealed significant (≤85 μM) and heterogeneous deoxygenation within respiring umbrella cells, with radial O2 gradients of up to 40 μM across the cell, or ∼0.6 μM/μm. Deeply deoxygenated (5-15 μM O2) regions were seen to correspond to the areas enriched with polarized mitochondria. Pharmacological activation of mitochondrial respiration decreased oxygenation and O2 gradients in umbrella cells, while inhibition with antimycin A dissipated the gradients and caused gradual reoxygenation of the tissue to ambient levels. Detailed three-dimensional maps of O2 distribution potentially can be used for the modeling of intracellular O2-dependent enzymatic reactions and downstream processes, such as hypoxia-inducible factor signaling. Further ex vivo and in vivo studies on intracellular and tissue O2 gradients using confocal imaging can shed light on the molecular mechanisms regulating O2-dependent (patho)physiological processes in the bladder and other tissues. Copyright © 2015 the American Physiological Society.

TGF-β induced PAR-1 expression promotes tumor progression and osteoclast differentiation in giant cell tumor of bone.

PubMed

Wang, Ting; Jiao, Jian; Zhang, Hao; Zhou, Wang; Li, Zhenxi; Han, Shuai; Wang, Jing; Yang, Xinghai; Huang, Quan; Wu, Zhipeng; Yan, Wangjun; Xiao, Jianru

2017-10-15

Although protease activated receptor-1 (PAR-1) has been confirmed as an oncogene in many cancers, the role of PAR-1 in giant cell tumor (GCT) of bone has been rarely reported. The mechanism of PAR-1 in tumor-induced osteoclastogenesis still remains unclear. In the present study, we detected that PAR-1 was significantly upregulated in GCT of bone compared to normal tissues, while TGF-β was also overexpressed in GCT tissues and could promote the expression of PAR-1 in a dose and time dependent manner. Using the luciferase reporter assay, we found that two downstreams of TGF-β, Smad3 and Smad4, could activate the promoter of PAR-1, which might explain the mechanism of TGF-β induced PAR-1 expression. Meanwhile, PAR-1 was also overexpressed in microvesicles from stromal cells of GCT (GCTSCs), and might be transported from GCTSCs to monocytes through microvesicles. In addition, knockout of PAR-1 by TALENs in GCTSCs inhibited tumor growth, angiogenesis and osteoclastogenesis in GCT in vitro. Using the chick CAM models, we further showed that inhibition of PAR-1 suppressed tumor growth and giant cell formation in vivo. Using microarray assay, we detected a number of genes involved in osteoclastogenesis as the possible downstreams of PAR-1, which may partly explain the mechanism of PAR-1 in GCT. In brief, for the first time, these results reveal an upstream regulatory role of TGF-β in PAR-1 expression, and PAR-1 expression promotes tumor growth, angiogenesis and osteoclast differentiation in GCT of bone. Hence, PAR-1 represents a novel potential therapeutic target for GCT of bone. © 2017 UICC.

Giant mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of ovary: A case report and review of literature

PubMed Central

Katke, Rajshree Dayanand

2016-01-01

Giant cystadenocarcinomas of the ovary are rarely described. Huge ovarian masses are mostly benign, but malignancy should be ruled out by investigations and clinical assessment. Giant cysts require resection because of compressive symptoms or risk of malignancy and their management invariably requires laparotomy to prevent perforation and spillage of the cyst fluid into peritoneal cavity. Here, we present a case of a 42-year-old female with severe and rapidly growing abdominal distension operated for exploratory laparotomy for cystic mass excision. On histology, mass was found to be metastatic mucinous cystadenocarcinoma with omental metastasis. The diagnostic and management challenges posed by this unexpected and unusual presentation of an ovarian cystadenocarcinoma are discussed. The main aim of this report is to draw attention to huge ovarian epithelial cysts with unsuspected presentation contributing to a decrease in any underdiagnosis, misdiagnosis, and mismanagement that might occur. PMID:27134482

[Non traumatic giant aneurysm of middle meningeal artery. Case report and review of the literature].

PubMed

Vilalta, Jordi; Martínez-Ricarte, Francisco; Martínez-Sáez, Elena A; Gándara, Darío; Arikan, Fuat

2017-12-29

A case of a non-traumatic giant aneurysm of the middle meningeal artery is presented in a 59-year-old patient with a history of liver transplantation, liver cirrhosis and hepatocarcinoma, chronic renal disease, hypertension and chronic bronchitis who presented with tonic-clonic seizures. CT and MRI showed a lesion suggestive of metastasis without ruling out a glial type tumor. He was operated through a left FT craniotomy. During the surgery there was an arterial hemorrhage. The histological sample oriented toward an aneurysmal origin that was confirmed with ARM and angiography. A second intervention allowed the removal of a giant middle meningeal aneurysm partially thrombosed. Aneurysms of the middle meningeal artery are rare and generally present a traumatic history. No case of giant aneurysm has been found in the medical literature. Copyright © 2017 Sociedad Española de Neurocirugía. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

[Methuosis: a novel type of cell death].

PubMed

Cai, Hongbing; Liu, Jinkun; Fan, Qin; Li, Xin

2013-12-01

Cell death is a major physiological or pathological phenomenon in life activities. The classic forms of cell death include apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy. Recently, a novel type of cell death has been observed and termed as methuosis, in which excessive stimuli can induce cytoplasmic uptake and accumulation of small bubbles that gradually merge into giant vacuoles, eventually leading to decreased cellular metabolic activity, cell membrane rupture and cell death. In this article, we describe the nomenclature, morphological characteristics and underlying mechanisms of methuosis, compare methuosis with autophagy, oncosis and paraptosis, and review the related researches.

Reversible Morphological Control of Tubulin-Encapsulating Giant Liposomes by Hydrostatic Pressure.

PubMed

Hayashi, Masahito; Nishiyama, Masayoshi; Kazayama, Yuki; Toyota, Taro; Harada, Yoshie; Takiguchi, Kingo

2016-04-19

Liposomes encapsulating cytoskeletons have drawn much recent attention to develop an artificial cell-like chemical-machinery; however, as far as we know, there has been no report showing isothermally reversible morphological changes of liposomes containing cytoskeletons because the sets of various regulatory factors, that is, their interacting proteins, are required to control the state of every reaction system of cytoskeletons. Here we focused on hydrostatic pressure to control the polymerization state of microtubules (MTs) within cell-sized giant liposomes (diameters ∼10 μm). MT is the cytoskeleton formed by the polymerization of tubulin, and cytoskeletal systems consisting of MTs are very dynamic and play many important roles in living cells, such as the morphogenesis of nerve cells and formation of the spindle apparatus during mitosis. Using real-time imaging with a high-pressure microscope, we examined the effects of hydrostatic pressure on the morphology of tubulin-encapsulating giant liposomes. At ambient pressure (0.1 MPa), many liposomes formed protrusions due to tubulin polymerization within them. When high pressure (60 MPa) was applied, the protrusions shrank within several tens of seconds. This process was repeatedly inducible (around three times), and after the pressure was released, the protrusions regenerated within several minutes. These deformation rates of the liposomes are close to the velocities of migrating or shape-changing living cells rather than the shortening and elongation rates of the single MTs, which have been previously measured. These results demonstrate that the elongation and shortening of protrusions of giant liposomes is repeatedly controllable by regulating the polymerization state of MTs within them by applying and releasing hydrostatic pressure.

Giant pandas are not an evolutionary cul-de-sac: evidence from multidisciplinary research.

PubMed

Wei, Fuwen; Hu, Yibo; Yan, Li; Nie, Yonggang; Wu, Qi; Zhang, Zejun

2015-01-01

The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is one of the world's most endangered mammals and remains threatened by environmental and anthropogenic pressure. It is commonly argued that giant pandas are an evolutionary cul-de-sac because of their specialized bamboo diet, phylogenetic changes in body size, small population, low genetic diversity, and low reproductive rate. This notion is incorrect, arose from a poor understanding or appreciation of giant panda biology, and is in need of correction. In this review, we summarize research across morphology, ecology, and genetics to dispel the idea, once and for all, that giant pandas are evolutionary dead-end. The latest and most advanced research shows that giant pandas are successful animals highly adapted to a specialized bamboo diet via morphological, ecological, and genetic adaptations and coadaptation of gut microbiota. We also debunk misconceptions around population size, population growth rate, and genetic variation. During their evolutionary history spanning 8 My, giant pandas have survived diet specialization, massive bamboo flowering and die off, and rapid climate oscillations. Now, they are suffering from enormous human interference. Fortunately, continued conservation effort is greatly reducing impacts from anthropogenic interference and allowing giant panda populations and habitat to recover. Previous ideas of a giant panda evolutionary cul-de-sac resulted from an unsystematic and unsophisticated understanding of their biology and it is time to shed this baggage and focus on the survival and maintenance of this high-profile species. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Molecular Biology and Evolution. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Multiple Giant Coronary Artery Aneurysms

PubMed Central

Marla, Rammohan; Ebel, Rachel; Crosby, Marcus; Almassi, G. Hossein

2009-01-01

Coronary artery aneurysms are rare, and giant coronary artery aneurysms are even rarer. We describe a patient who had giant coronary aneurysms of the right, left circumflex, and left anterior descending coronary arteries. The aneurysms were successfully treated with surgical intervention. To the best of our knowledge, ours is the 1st report of giant aneurysms involving all 3 major coronary arteries. PMID:19568397

Giant right coronary artery aneurysm in an adult male patient with non-ST myocardial infarction.

PubMed

Halapas, Antonios; Lausberg, Henning; Gehrig, Thomas; Friedrich, Ivar; Hauptmann, Karl E

2013-01-01

The combination of a giant coronary aneurysm with multiple coronary aneurysms in adults is an extremely rare entity--especially in atherosclerotic patients, since it is most commonly associated with Kawasaki disease in children. We report an interesting case of a 59-year-old male patient with multiple atherosclerotic aneurysms of the left coronary system and a giant aneurysm of the right coronary artery. The patient was admitted to our hospital because of a non-ST myocardial infarction. Diagnosis was established by echocardiography, computed tomography angiogram, and coronary angiography. In view of the clinical symptoms and the extent of the giant right coronary aneurysm, with the associated risk of rupture, the patient was successfully treated with urgent surgical intervention. We also present a review of the current literature on this anomaly and a statistical analysis of all atherosclerotic giant coronary artery aneurysms previously reported.

Giant planet magnetospheres

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bagenal, Fran

1992-01-01

The classification of the giant planet magnetospheres into two varieties is examined: the large symmetric magnetospheres of Jupiter and Saturn and the smaller irregular ones of Uranus and Neptune. The characteristics of the plasma and the current understanding of the magnetospheric processes are considered for each planet. The energetic particle populations, radio emissions, and remote sensing of magnetospheric processes in the giant planet magneotospheres are discussed.

Sodium in weak G-band giants

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Drake, Jeremy J.; Lambert, David L.

1994-01-01

Sodium abundances have been determined for eight weak G-band giants whose atmospheres are greatly enriched with products of the CN-cycling H-burning reactions. Systematic errors are minimized by comparing the weak G-band giants to a sample of similar but normal giants. If, further, Ca is selected as a reference element, model atmosphere-related errors should largely be removed. For the weak-G-band stars (Na/Ca) = 0.16 +/- 0.01, which is just possibly greater than the result (Na/Ca) = 0.10 /- 0.03 from the normal giants. This result demonstrates that the atmospheres of the weak G-band giants are not seriously contaminated with products of ON cycling.

Interferon-gamma of the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca): complementary DNA cloning, expression, and phylogenetic analysis.

PubMed

Tao, Yaqiong; Zeng, Bo; Xu, Liu; Yue, Bisong; Yang, Dong; Zou, Fangdong

2010-01-01

Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) is the only member of type II IFN and is vital in the regulation of immune and inflammatory responses. Herein we report the cloning, expression, and sequence analysis of IFN-gamma from the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). The open reading frame of this gene is 501 base pair in length and encodes a polypeptide consisting of 166 amino acids. All conserved N-linked glycosylation sites and cysteine residues among carnivores were found in the predicted amino acid sequence of the giant panda. Recombinant giant panda IFN-gamma with a V5 epitope and polyhistidine tag was expressed in HEK293 host cells and confirmed by Western blotting. Phylogenetic analysis of mammalian IFN-gamma-coding sequences indicated that the giant panda IFN-gamma was closest to that of carnivores, then to ungulates and dolphin, and shared a distant relationship with mouse and human. These results represent a first step into the study of IFN-gamma in giant panda.

Surgical management of giant Brunner's gland hamartoma: case report and literature review

PubMed Central

Stewart, Zoe A; Hruban, Ralph H; Fishman, Elliot F; Wolfgang, Christopher L

2009-01-01

Brunner's gland hamartomas (BGH) are uncommon benign tumors of the duodenum forming mature Brunner's glands. We report here an unusual case of a giant BGH that was not amenable to endoscopic or surgical local resection thus requiring a pancreaticoduodenectomy for extirpation. The relevant literature is discussed. PMID:19725968

Central circuitry in the jellyfish Aglantha. II: The ring giant and carrier systems

PubMed

Mackie; Meech

1995-01-01

1. The ring giant axon in the outer nerve ring of the jellyfish Aglantha digitale is a multinucleate syncytium 85 % of which is occupied by an electron-dense fluid-filled vacuole apparently in a Gibbs­Donnan equilibrium with the surrounding band of cytoplasmic cortex. Micropipette recordings show small (-15 to -25 mV) and large (-62 to -66 mV) resting potentials. Low values, obtained with a high proportion of the micropipette penetrations, are assumed to be from the central vacuole; high values from the cytoplasmic cortex. Background electrical activity includes rhythmic oscillations and synaptic potentials representing hair cell input caused by vibration. 2. After the ring giant axon has been cut, propagating action potentials evoked by stimulation are conducted past the cut and re-enter the axon on the far side. The system responsible (the carrier system) through-conducts at a velocity approximately 25 % of that of the ring giant axon and is probably composed of small neurones running in parallel with it. Numerous small neurones are seen by electron microscopy, some making one-way and some two-way synapses with the ring giant. 3. Despite their different conduction velocities, the two systems normally appear to fire in synchrony and at the velocity of the ring giant axon. We suggest that, once initiated, ring giant spikes propagate rapidly around the margin, firing the carrier neurones through serial synapses and giving them, in effect, the same high conduction velocity. Initiation of ring giant spikes can, however, require input from the carrier system. The spikes are frequently seen to be mounted on slow positive potentials representing summed carrier postsynaptic potentials. 4. The carrier system fires one-for-one with the giant axons of the tentacles and may mediate impulse traffic between the latter and the ring giant axon. We suggest that the carrier system may also provide the pathways from the ring giant to the motor giant axons used in escape swimming

Venous Thromboembolism and Cerebrovascular Events in Patients with Giant Cell Arteritis: A Population-Based Retrospective Cohort Study

PubMed Central

Crowson, Cynthia S.; Makol, Ashima; Ytterberg, Steven R.; Saitta, Antonino; Salvarani, Carlo; Matteson, Eric L.; Warrington, Kenneth J.

2016-01-01

Objective To investigate the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and cerebrovascular events in a community-based incidence cohort of patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA) compared to the general population. Methods A population-based inception cohort of patients with incident GCA between January 1, 1950 and December 31, 2009 in Olmsted County, Minnesota and a cohort of non-GCA subjects from the same population were assembled and followed until December 31, 2013. Confirmed VTE and cerebrovascular events were identified through direct medical record review. Results The study population included 244 patients with GCA with a mean ± SD age at diagnosis of 76.2 ± 8.2 years (79% women) and an average length of follow-up of 10.2 ± 6.8 years. Compared to non-GCA subjects of similar age and sex, patients diagnosed with GCA had a higher incidence (%) of amaurosis fugax (cumulative incidence ± SE: 2.1 ± 0.9 versus 0, respectively; p = 0.014) but similar rates of stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), and VTE. Among patients with GCA, neither baseline characteristics nor laboratory parameters at diagnosis reliably predicted risk of VTE or cerebrovascular events. Conclusion In this population-based study, the incidence of VTE, stroke and TIA was similar in patients with GCA compared to non-GCA subjects. PMID:26901431

A Student's Guide to Giant Viruses Infecting Small Eukaryotes: From Acanthamoeba to Zooxanthellae.

PubMed

Wilhelm, Steven W; Bird, Jordan T; Bonifer, Kyle S; Calfee, Benjamin C; Chen, Tian; Coy, Samantha R; Gainer, P Jackson; Gann, Eric R; Heatherly, Huston T; Lee, Jasper; Liang, Xiaolong; Liu, Jiang; Armes, April C; Moniruzzaman, Mohammad; Rice, J Hunter; Stough, Joshua M A; Tams, Robert N; Williams, Evan P; LeCleir, Gary R

2017-03-17

The discovery of infectious particles that challenge conventional thoughts concerning "what is a virus" has led to the evolution a new field of study in the past decade. Here, we review knowledge and information concerning "giant viruses", with a focus not only on some of the best studied systems, but also provide an effort to illuminate systems yet to be better resolved. We conclude by demonstrating that there is an abundance of new host-virus systems that fall into this "giant" category, demonstrating that this field of inquiry presents great opportunities for future research.

Is intimal hyperplasia a marker of neuro-ophthalmic complications of giant cell arteritis?

PubMed

Makkuni, D; Bharadwaj, A; Wolfe, K; Payne, S; Hutchings, A; Dasgupta, B

2008-04-01

The ischaemic complications of giant cell arteritis (GCA) such as blindness and stroke may result from luminal narrowing of the affected arteries. This study focuses on the association between the severity of intimal proliferation on temporal artery biopsy (TAB) histology and neuro-ophthalmic complications (NOCs) of GCA. We identified 30 cases of biopsy-proven temporal arteritis. One histopathologist (blinded to the clinical details) evaluated the TAB specimens and categorized the degree of maximum stenosis due to intimal hyperplasia into four grades: grade 1 is <50% luminal occlusion due to intimal hyperplasia, grade 2 is 50-75%, grade 3 is >75% and grade 4 is complete luminal occlusion. A second histopathologist (also blinded to the clinical details) independently evaluated the TAB specimens using the same grading system. The NOCs in these patients were noted after a case record review. Of the 30 patients, 12 had NOC-10 with eye complications (complete visual loss, anterior ischaemic neuropathy, visual field defects), one patient had cerebral infarcts and one had both cerebral infarcts and vision loss. There was evidence for a statistically significant trend of NOC associated with higher intimal hyperplasia scores (P = 0.001). The scores of the histopathologists agreed for 23 (77%) patients and differed by 1 category for the remaining 7 (kappa-statistic 0.88). Our study suggests that the degree of intimal hyperplasia on TAB histology (routinely available to all hospital units) seems to be closely associated with NOCs of GCA. The study highlights the possible prognostic as well as diagnostic role of the biopsy. We feel that intimal hyperplasia noted in biopsy specimens may help us in the risk stratification of GCA patients and targeting of appropriate and novel therapies.

ORIGIN OF LITHIUM ENRICHMENT IN K GIANTS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kumar, Yerra Bharat; Reddy, Bacham E.; Lambert, David L.

In this Letter, we report on a low-resolution spectroscopic survey for Li-rich K giants among 2000 low-mass (M {<=} 3 M{sub sun}) giants spanning the luminosity range from below to above the luminosity of the clump. Fifteen new Li-rich giants including four super Li-rich K giants (log {epsilon}(Li) {>=}3.2) were discovered. A significant finding is that there is a concentration of Li-rich K giants at the luminosity of the clump or red horizontal branch. This new finding is partly a consequence of the fact that our low-resolution survey is the first large survey to include giants well below and abovemore » the red giant branch (RGB) bump and clump locations in the H-R diagram. Origin of the lithium enrichment may be plausibly attributed to the conversion of {sup 3}He via {sup 7}Be to {sup 7}Li by the Cameron-Fowler mechanism but the location for the onset of the conversion is uncertain. Two possible opportunities to effect this conversion are discussed: the bump in the first ascent of the RGB and the He-core flash at the tip of the RGB. The finite luminosity spread of the Li-rich giants serves to reject the idea that Li enhancement is, in general, a consequence of a giant swallowing a large planet.« less

Docetaxel-Loaded Nanoparticles Assembled from β-Cyclodextrin/Calixarene Giant Surfactants: Physicochemical Properties and Cytotoxic Effect in Prostate Cancer and Glioblastoma Cells.

PubMed

Gallego-Yerga, Laura; Posadas, Inmaculada; de la Torre, Cristina; Ruiz-Almansa, Jesús; Sansone, Francesco; Ortiz Mellet, Carmen; Casnati, Alessandro; García Fernández, José M; Ceña, Valentín

2017-01-01

Giant amphiphiles encompassing a hydrophilic β-cyclodextrin (βCD) component and a hydrophobic calix[4]arene (CA 4 ) module undergo self-assembly in aqueous media to afford core-shell nanospheres or nanocapsules, depending on the nanoprecipitation protocol, with high docetaxel (DTX) loading capacity. The blank and loaded nanoparticles have been fully characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), ζ-potential measurements and cryo-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM). The data are compatible with the distribution of the drug between the nanoparticle core and the shell, where it is probably anchored by inclusion of the DTX aromatic moieties in βCD cavities. Indeed, the release kinetics profiles evidenced an initial fast release of the drug, which likely accounts for the fraction hosted on the surface, followed by a slow and sustained release rate, corresponding to diffusion of DTX in the core, which can be finely tuned by modification of the giant amphiphile chemical structure. The ability of the docetaxel-loaded nanoparticles to induce cellular death in different prostate (human LnCap and PC3) and glioblastoma (human U87 and rat C6) cells was also explored. Giant amphiphile-based DTX formulations surpassing or matching the antitumoral activity of the free DTX formulation were identified in all cases with no need to employ any organic co-solvent, thus overcoming the DTX water solubility problems. Moreover, the presence of the βCD shell at the surface of the assemblies is intended to impart stealth properties against serum proteins while permitting nanoparticle surface decoration by supramolecular approaches, paving the way for a new generation of molecularly well-defined antitumoral drug delivery systems with improved specificity and efficiency. Altogether, the results provide a proof of concept of the suitability of the approach based on βCD-CA 4 giant amphiphiles to access DTX carriers with tunable properties.

A Phenotyping Method of Giant Cells from Root-Knot Nematode Feeding Sites by Confocal Microscopy Highlights a Role for CHITINASE-LIKE 1 in Arabidopsis.

PubMed

Cabrera, Javier; Olmo, Rocio; Ruiz-Ferrer, Virginia; Abreu, Isidro; Hermans, Christian; Martinez-Argudo, Isabel; Fenoll, Carmen; Escobar, Carolina

2018-02-01

Most effective nematicides for the control of root-knot nematodes are banned, which demands a better understanding of the plant-nematode interaction. Understanding how gene expression in the nematode-feeding sites relates to morphological features may assist a better characterization of the interaction. However, nematode-induced galls resulting from cell-proliferation and hypertrophy hinders such observation, which would require tissue sectioning or clearing. We demonstrate that a method based on the green auto-fluorescence produced by glutaraldehyde and the tissue-clearing properties of benzyl-alcohol/benzyl-benzoate preserves the structure of the nematode-feeding sites and the plant-nematode interface with unprecedented resolution quality. This allowed us to obtain detailed measurements of the giant cells' area in an Arabidopsis line overexpressing CHITINASE-LIKE-1 ( CTL1 ) from optical sections by confocal microscopy, assigning a role for CTL1 and adding essential data to the scarce information of the role of gene repression in giant cells. Furthermore, subcellular structures and features of the nematodes body and tissues from thick organs formed after different biotic interactions, i.e., galls, syncytia, and nodules, were clearly distinguished without embedding or sectioning in different plant species ( Arabidopsis , cucumber or Medicago ). The combination of this method with molecular studies will be valuable for a better understanding of the plant-biotic interactions.

The use of the color Doppler ultrasonography in the diagnosis and monitoring of an atypical case of giant-cell arteritis.

PubMed

Martins, N; Polido-Pereira, J; Rodrigues, A M; Soares, F; Batista, P; Pereira da Silva, J A

2016-01-01

Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) is a large vessels vasculitis that is typically characterised by headache, scalp tenderness, jaw claudication and visual disturbances. Temporal arteries color Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS) is a sensitive and non-invasive image technique used in the diagnosis of this disease. This work highlights the importance of CDUS in the diagnostic workup of GCA and also demonstrates it´s usefullness in the evaluation and documentation of the response to corticosteroids therapy in an atypical case of ACG.

Giant star seismology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hekker, S.; Christensen-Dalsgaard, J.

2017-06-01

The internal properties of stars in the red-giant phase undergo significant changes on relatively short timescales. Long near-uninterrupted high-precision photometric timeseries observations from dedicated space missions such as CoRoT and Kepler have provided seismic inferences of the global and internal properties of a large number of evolved stars, including red giants. These inferences are confronted with predictions from theoretical models to improve our understanding of stellar structure and evolution. Our knowledge and understanding of red giants have indeed increased tremendously using these seismic inferences, and we anticipate that more information is still hidden in the data. Unraveling this will further improve our understanding of stellar evolution. This will also have significant impact on our knowledge of the Milky Way Galaxy as well as on exo-planet host stars. The latter is important for our understanding of the formation and structure of planetary systems.

Pathologic Markers Determining Prognosis in Patients with Treated or Healing Giant Cell Arteritis.

PubMed

Sultan, Harris; Smith, Stacy V; Lee, Andrew G; Chévez-Barrios, Patricia

2018-06-08

To provide quantitative evidence linking the Cluster of Differentiation-68 (CD68)+ macrophage-marker found on temporal artery biopsies (TABs) with disease prognosis. Retrospective, cross-sectional study METHODS: We examined 42 consecutive patients who had undergone unilateral TABs at a single hospital in 2015. Clinical data, laboratory data, and histopathologic features of TABs were recorded. clinical diagnosis of giant cell arteritis (GCA) with TAB performed at the same center. CD68 immunohistochemistry was used to label macrophages in the TABs. multiple logistic regression and bivariate comparisons to measure the association between CD68+ cells per histologic section with placement on immunomodulatory therapy (IMT). Twenty seven patients were females (64%), with a mean age of 72 (standard deviation [S.D.] ±7.7). Eleven patients (26%) were placed on IMT, 17 (40%) had disease recurrence during steroid taper, and 25 (60%) were referred to rheumatology. Of 42 biopsies, 35 underwent staining with CD68 to confirm active inflammation in suspicious, but not diagnostic, specimens. Patients eventually placed on IMT had increased CD68+ cells/slice compared to those not on IMT (median 5.00 [25-75 th quartile 2.00-7.15] vs 1.21 [0.38-2.57], p=0.031, respectively). A receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve demonstrates that 2.17 CD68+ cells/slice predicts placement on IMT with an odds ratio of 1.54 (95% C.I. 1.02-2.33, p=0.038). Patients refractory to initial steroid tapers and those eventually placed on IMT had increased CD68 cells/section. CD68+ macrophages and their location on the internal elastic lamina may predict disease severity in patients with presumed GCA. Our results suggest that this marker may expedite patient triaging to alternate treatment to the usual steroid therapy. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Foreign Body Giant Cell Cannot Resorb Bone, But Dissolves Hydroxyapatite Like Osteoclasts.

PubMed

ten Harkel, Bas; Schoenmaker, Ton; Picavet, Daisy I; Davison, Noel L; de Vries, Teun J; Everts, Vincent

2015-01-01

Foreign body multinucleated giant cells (FBGCs) and osteoclasts share several characteristics, like a common myeloid precursor cell, multinuclearity, expression of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAcP) and dendritic cell-specific transmembrane protein (DC-STAMP). However, there is an important difference: osteoclasts form and reside in the vicinity of bone, while FBGCs form only under pathological conditions or at the surface of foreign materials, like medical implants. Despite similarities, an important distinction between these cell types is that osteoclasts can resorb bone, but it is unknown whether FBGCs are capable of such an activity. To investigate this, we differentiated FBGCs and osteoclasts in vitro from their common CD14+ monocyte precursor cells, using different sets of cytokines. Both cell types were cultured on bovine bone slices and analyzed for typical osteoclast features, such as bone resorption, presence of actin rings, formation of a ruffled border, and characteristic gene expression over time. Additionally, both cell types were cultured on a biomimetic hydroxyapatite coating to discriminate between bone resorption and mineral dissolution independent of organic matrix proteolysis. Both cell types differentiated into multinucleated cells on bone, but FBGCs were larger and had a higher number of nuclei compared to osteoclasts. FBGCs were not able to resorb bone, yet they were able to dissolve the mineral fraction of bone at the surface. Remarkably, FBGCs also expressed actin rings, podosome belts and sealing zones--cytoskeletal organization that is considered to be osteoclast-specific. However, they did not form a ruffled border. At the gene expression level, FBGCs and osteoclasts expressed similar levels of mRNAs that are associated with the dissolution of mineral (e.g., anion exchange protein 2 (AE2), carbonic anhydrase 2 (CAII), chloride channel 7 (CIC7), and vacuolar-type H+-ATPase (v-ATPase)), in contrast the matrix degrading enzyme

The Foreign Body Giant Cell Cannot Resorb Bone, But Dissolves Hydroxyapatite Like Osteoclasts

PubMed Central

ten Harkel, Bas; Schoenmaker, Ton; Picavet, Daisy I.; Davison, Noel L.; de Vries, Teun J.; Everts, Vincent

2015-01-01

Foreign body multinucleated giant cells (FBGCs) and osteoclasts share several characteristics, like a common myeloid precursor cell, multinuclearity, expression of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAcP) and dendritic cell-specific transmembrane protein (DC-STAMP). However, there is an important difference: osteoclasts form and reside in the vicinity of bone, while FBGCs form only under pathological conditions or at the surface of foreign materials, like medical implants. Despite similarities, an important distinction between these cell types is that osteoclasts can resorb bone, but it is unknown whether FBGCs are capable of such an activity. To investigate this, we differentiated FBGCs and osteoclasts in vitro from their common CD14+ monocyte precursor cells, using different sets of cytokines. Both cell types were cultured on bovine bone slices and analyzed for typical osteoclast features, such as bone resorption, presence of actin rings, formation of a ruffled border, and characteristic gene expression over time. Additionally, both cell types were cultured on a biomimetic hydroxyapatite coating to discriminate between bone resorption and mineral dissolution independent of organic matrix proteolysis. Both cell types differentiated into multinucleated cells on bone, but FBGCs were larger and had a higher number of nuclei compared to osteoclasts. FBGCs were not able to resorb bone, yet they were able to dissolve the mineral fraction of bone at the surface. Remarkably, FBGCs also expressed actin rings, podosome belts and sealing zones—cytoskeletal organization that is considered to be osteoclast-specific. However, they did not form a ruffled border. At the gene expression level, FBGCs and osteoclasts expressed similar levels of mRNAs that are associated with the dissolution of mineral (e.g., anion exchange protein 2 (AE2), carbonic anhydrase 2 (CAII), chloride channel 7 (CIC7), and vacuolar-type H+-ATPase (v-ATPase)), in contrast the matrix degrading enzyme

Lethal Giant Larvae 1 Tumour Suppressor Activity Is Not Conserved in Models of Mammalian T and B Cell Leukaemia

PubMed Central

Hawkins, Edwin D.; Oliaro, Jane; Ramsbottom, Kelly M.; Ting, Stephen B.; Sacirbegovic, Faruk; Harvey, Michael; Kinwell, Tanja; Ghysdael, Jacques; Johnstone, Ricky W.; Humbert, Patrick O.; Russell, Sarah M.

2014-01-01

In epithelial and stem cells, lethal giant larvae (Lgl) is a potent tumour suppressor, a regulator of Notch signalling, and a mediator of cell fate via asymmetric cell division. Recent evidence suggests that the function of Lgl is conserved in mammalian haematopoietic stem cells and implies a contribution to haematological malignancies. To date, direct measurement of the effect of Lgl expression on malignancies of the haematopoietic lineage has not been tested. In Lgl1−/− mice, we analysed the development of haematopoietic malignancies either alone, or in the presence of common oncogenic lesions. We show that in the absence of Lgl1, production of mature white blood cell lineages and long-term survival of mice are not affected. Additionally, loss of Lgl1 does not alter leukaemia driven by constitutive Notch, c-Myc or Jak2 signalling. These results suggest that the role of Lgl1 in the haematopoietic lineage might be restricted to specific co-operating mutations and a limited number of cellular contexts. PMID:24475281

Formation of the giant planets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lissauer, Jack J.

2006-01-01

The observed properties of giant planets, models of their evolution and observations of protoplanetary disks provide constraints on the formation of gas giant planets. The four largest planets in our Solar System contain considerable quantities of hydrogen and helium, which could not have condensed into solid planetesimals within the protoplanetary disk. All three (transiting) extrasolar giant planets with well determined masses and radii also must contain substantial amounts of these light gases. Jupiter and Saturn are mostly hydrogen and helium, but have larger abundances of heavier elements than does the Sun. Neptune and Uranus are primarily composed of heavier elements. HD 149026 b, which is slightly more massive than is Saturn, appears to have comparable quantities of light gases and heavy elements. HD 209458 b and TrES-1 are primarily hydrogen and helium, but may contain supersolar abundances of heavy elements. Spacecraft flybys and observations of satellite orbits provide estimates of the gravitational moments of the giant planets in our Solar System, which in turn provide information on the internal distribution of matter within Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. Atmospheric thermal structure and heat flow measurements constrain the interior temperatures of planets. Internal processes may cause giant planets to become more compositionally differentiated or alternatively more homogeneous; high-pressure laboratory .experiments provide data useful for modeling these processes. The preponderance of evidence supports the core nucleated gas accretion model. According to this model, giant planets begin their growth by the accumulation of small solid bodies, as do terrestrial planets. However, unlike terrestrial planets, the growing giant planet cores become massive enough that they are able to accumulate substantial amounts of gas before the protoplanetary disk dissipates. The primary questions regarding the core nucleated growth model is under what conditions

Intracellular Ca2+ regulation by the leech giant glial cell.

PubMed

Nett, W; Deitmer, J W

1998-02-15

1. We have measured the intracellular Ca2+ concentration, [Ca2+]i, and the intracellular Na+ concentration, [Na+]i, with the fluorescent dyes fura-2 (for Ca2+) and SBFI (for Na+) in situ in giant glial cells of the central nervous system of the leech Hirudo medicinalis. 2. The basal [Ca2+]i was 79 +/- 35 nM (n = 27) in cells voltage clamped at -70 to -80 mV, and 75 +/- 29 nM (mean +/- S.D., n = 82) in unclamped cells at a mean membrane potential of -67 +/- 6 mV. 3. Removal of external Na+ evoked a small reversible [Ca2+]i increase of 29 +/- 21 nM (n = 27) in cells voltage clamped at -70 to -80 mV, and of 35 +/- 18 nM (n = 37) in unclamped cells. This [Ca2+]i increase, and the time constant of the subsequent [Ca2+]i recovery after Na+ re-addition, did not change significantly with the holding potential between -110 and -60 mV. 4. The basal [Na+]i was 5.6 +/- 1.3 mM (n = 18). Increasing [Na+]i by inhibiting the Na+-K+ pump with 100 microM ouabain had no effect on the [Ca2+]i rise upon removal of external Na+. 5. The time course of recovery from a [Ca2+]i load mediated by voltage-dependent Ca2+ influx during depolarization in high K+ was unaffected by the removal of external Na+. 6. Cyclopiazonic acid (10 muM), an inhibitor of the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase, caused a transient increase in [Ca2+]i of 28 +/- 11 nM (n = 5), and significantly slowed the recovery from imposed [Ca2+]i loads. 7. Iontophoretic injection of orthovanadate, an inhibitor of P-type ATPases including the plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase, caused a persistent increase in the basal [Ca2+]i of 163 +/- 101 nM (n = 5) in standard saline, and of 427 +/- 338 nM in Na+-free saline (n = 5). Vanadate injection significantly slowed the recovery from [Ca2+]i loads. Removal of external Na+ during vanadate injection induced an additional, reversible [Ca2+]i increase of 254 +/- 64 nM (n = 3). 8. The results suggest that the low basal [Ca2+]i in these glial cells is predominantly maintained by a Ca2+-ATPase in

Chylous ascites after resection of giant adrenocortical carcinoma.

PubMed

Habibi, Mani; Karakoyun, Rojbin; Demirci, Erkan; Alikanoglu, Arsenal Sezgin

2016-12-01

Postoperative chylous ascites (PCA) is a rare clinical state that occurs during abdominal surgery. Despite its rarity, the need to diagnose and treat PCA is increasing in importance with the increased number of wide resections and lymph node dissections being performed and the serious consequences of treatment. Here we describe the PCA complications we observed after resection for treating a case of giant adrenocortical carcinoma and we have the brief review of the PCA complication.

Acanthamoeba polyphaga mimivirus and other giant viruses: an open field to outstanding discoveries

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

In 2003, Acanthamoeba polyphaga mimivirus (APMV) was first described and began to impact researchers around the world, due to its structural and genetic complexity. This virus founded the family Mimiviridae. In recent years, several new giant viruses have been isolated from different environments and specimens. Giant virus research is in its initial phase and information that may arise in the coming years may change current conceptions of life, diversity and evolution. Thus, this review aims to condense the studies conducted so far about the features and peculiarities of APMV, from its discovery to its clinical relevance. PMID:24976356

Giant Planets: Good Neighbors for Habitable Worlds?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Georgakarakos, Nikolaos; Eggl, Siegfried; Dobbs-Dixon, Ian

2018-04-01

The presence of giant planets influences potentially habitable worlds in numerous ways. Massive celestial neighbors can facilitate the formation of planetary cores and modify the influx of asteroids and comets toward Earth analogs later on. Furthermore, giant planets can indirectly change the climate of terrestrial worlds by gravitationally altering their orbits. Investigating 147 well-characterized exoplanetary systems known to date that host a main-sequence star and a giant planet, we show that the presence of “giant neighbors” can reduce a terrestrial planet’s chances to remain habitable, even if both planets have stable orbits. In a small fraction of systems, however, giant planets slightly increase the extent of habitable zones provided that the terrestrial world has a high climate inertia. In providing constraints on where giant planets cease to affect the habitable zone size in a detrimental fashion, we identify prime targets in the search for habitable worlds.

Should the Endangered Status of the Giant Panda Really Be Reduced? The Case of Giant Panda Conservation in Sichuan, China.

PubMed

Ma, Ben; Lei, Shuo; Qing, Qin; Wen, Yali

2018-05-03

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reduced the threat status of the giant panda from “endangered” to “vulnerable” in September 2016. In this study, we analyzed current practices for giant panda conservation at regional and local environmental scales, based on recent reports of giant panda protection efforts in Sichuan Province, China, combined with the survey results from 927 households within and adjacent to the giant panda reserves in this area. The results showed that household attitudes were very positive regarding giant panda protection efforts. Over the last 10 years, farmers’ dependence on the natural resources provided by giant panda reserves significantly decreased. However, socio-economic development increased resource consumption, and led to climate change, habitat fragmentation, environmental pollution, and other issues that placed increased pressure on giant panda populations. This difference between local and regional scales must be considered when evaluating the IUCN status of giant pandas. While the status of this species has improved in the short-term due to positive local attitudes, large-scale socio-economic development pressure could have long-term negative impacts. Consequently, the IUCN assessment leading to the classification of giant panda as “vulnerable” instead of “endangered”, should not affect its conservation intensity and effort, as such actions could negatively impact population recovery efforts, leading to the extinction of this charismatic species.

Examine the patient not the hernia: identification of an asymptomatic giant primary retroperitoneal pseudocyst. A case report and literature review

PubMed Central

Karim, Lawen; Larkin, David; Sadat, Mohamed

2016-01-01

We present the case of a 70-year-old man with a giant right-sided retroperitoneal pseudocyst, confirmed histologically after resection to be benign with appearances dissimilar to pancreatic and adrenal tissue. The cyst was noted incidentally on table at the time of laparoscopic surgery. Retroperitoneal pseudocysts most commonly arise from the pancreas and adrenal glands occurring as a result of an inflammatory process. Primary retroperitoneal pseudocysts are a rare entity. This case highlights the importance of examining the patient thoroughly and not focusing on the obvious. The mass was not palpated on initial review prior to listing for surgery, and the patient was asymptomatic from the mass. PMID:27190202

Recurrent giant fibrovascular polyp of the esophagus

PubMed Central

Lee, Ser Yee; Chan, Weng Hoong; Sivanandan, Ranjiv; Lim, Dennis Teck Hock; Wong, Wai Keong

2009-01-01

Giant fibrovascular polyps of the esophagus and hypopharynx are rare benign esophageal tumors. They arise most commonly in the upper esophagus and may, rarely, originate in the hypopharynx. They can vary significantly in size. Even though they are benign, they may be lethal due to either bleeding or, rarely, asphyxiation if a large polyp is regurgitated. Patients commonly present with dysphagia or hematemesis. The polyps may not be well visualized on endoscopy and imaging plays a vital role in aiding diagnosis as well as providing important information for pre-operative planning, such as the location of the pedicle, the vascularity of the polyp and the tissue elements of the mass. They can also be recurrent in rare cases, especially if the resection margins of the base are involved. We review the recent literature and report a case of a 61-year-old man with a recurrent giant esophageal fibrovascular polyp with illustrative contrast barium swallow, CT and intra-operative images, who required several surgeries via a combination of endoscopic, trans-oral, trans-cervical, trans-thoracic and trans-abdominal approaches. PMID:19653354

Changes in fatty acid composition in the giant clam Tridacna maxima in response to thermal stress

PubMed Central

Dubousquet, Vaimiti; Gros, Emmanuelle; Berteaux-Lecellier, Véronique; Viguier, Bruno; Raharivelomanana, Phila; Bertrand, Cédric; Lecellier, Gaël J.

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT Temperature can modify membrane fluidity and thus affects cellular functions and physiological activities. This study examines lipid remodelling in the marine symbiotic organism, Tridacna maxima, during a time series of induced thermal stress, with an emphasis on the morphology of their symbiont Symbiodinium. First, we show that the French Polynesian giant clams harbour an important proportion of saturated fatty acids (SFA), which reflects their tropical location. Second, in contrast to most marine organisms, the total lipid content in giant clams remained constant under stress, though some changes in their composition were shown. Third, the stress-induced changes in fatty acid (FA) diversity were accompanied by an upregulation of genes involved in lipids and ROS pathways. Finally, our microscopic analysis revealed that for the giant clam's symbiont, Symbiodinium, thermal stress led to two sequential cell death processes. Our data suggests that the degradation of Symbiodinium cells could provide an additional source of energy to T. maxima in response to heat stress. PMID:27543058

Delayed persistence of giant-nucleated cells induced by X-ray and proton irradiation in the progeny of replicating normal human f ibroblast cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Almahwasi, A. A.; Jeynes, J. C.; Merchant, M. J.; Bradley, D. A.; Regan, P. H.

2017-08-01

Ionising radiation can induce giant-nucleated cells (GCs) in the progeny of irradiated populations, as demonstrated in various cellular systems. Most in vitro studies have utilised quiescent cancerous or normal cell lines but it is not clear whether radiation-induced GCs persist in the progeny of normal replicated cells. In the current work we show persistent induction of GCs in the progeny of normal human-diploid skin fibroblasts (AG1522). These cells were originally irradiated with a single equivalent clinical dose of 0.2, 1 or 2 Gy of either X-ray or proton irradiation and maintained in an active state for various post-irradiation incubation interval times before they were replated for GC analysis. The results demonstrate that the formation of GCs in the progeny of X-ray or proton irradiated cells was increased in a dose-dependent manner when measured 7 days after irradiation and this finding is in agreement with that reported for the AG1522 cells using other radiation qualities. For the 1 Gy X-ray doses it was found that the GC yield increased continually with time up to 21 days post-irradiation. These results can act as benchmark data for such work and may have important implications for studies aimed at evaluating the efficacy of radiation therapy and in determining the risk of delayed effects particularly when applying protons.

Giant hidradenocarcinoma: a report of malignant transformation from nodular hidradenoma.

PubMed

Lim, S C; Lee, M J; Lee, M S; Kee, K H; Suh, C H

1998-10-01

A giant hidradenocarcinoma presented by a 75-year-old female is reported. The patient had a malignant transformation within a nodular hidradenoma involving the right postauricular area, which was treated by mass removal and a right radical neck dissection with a free-flap covering. Malignant hidradenocarcinoma is the least common adnexal tumor of uncertain origin. They are usually malignant from their inception, but some develop from a benign counterpart. To the authors' knowledge, only three cases have been reported previously. Two histologically distinct components were seen in this tumor: (i) typical nodular hidradenoma, which constituted a small part of the tumor; and (ii) carcinoma with areas of transition. The secretory cells of hidradenocarcinoma showed decapitation secretion on light and electron microscopic observations, which is evidence of apocrine differentiation. Histologically, this case was concluded as a hidradenocarcinoma arising from a long-standing nodular hidradenoma. A literature review is presented and the histological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural features are described.

Tests of the Giant Impact Hypothesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, J. H.

1998-01-01

The giant impact hypothesis has gained popularity as a means of explaining a volatile-depleted Moon that still has a chemical affinity to the Earth. As Taylor's Axiom decrees, the best models of lunar origin are testable, but this is difficult with the giant impact model. The energy associated with the impact would be sufficient to totally melt and partially vaporize the Earth. And this means that there should he no geological vestige of Barber times. Accordingly, it is important to devise tests that may be used to evaluate the giant impact hypothesis. Three such tests are discussed here. None of these is supportive of the giant impact model, but neither do they disprove it.

Chylous ascites after resection of giant adrenocortical carcinoma

PubMed Central

Karakoyun, Rojbin; Demirci, Erkan; Alikanoglu, Arsenal Sezgin

2016-01-01

Postoperative chylous ascites (PCA) is a rare clinical state that occurs during abdominal surgery. Despite its rarity, the need to diagnose and treat PCA is increasing in importance with the increased number of wide resections and lymph node dissections being performed and the serious consequences of treatment. Here we describe the PCA complications we observed after resection for treating a case of giant adrenocortical carcinoma and we have the brief review of the PCA complication. PMID:28149812

Black and white and read all over: the past, present and future of giant panda genetics.

PubMed

Wei, Fuwen; Hu, Yibo; Zhu, Lifeng; Bruford, Michael W; Zhan, Xiangjiang; Zhang, Lei

2012-12-01

Few species attract much more attention from the public and scientists than the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), a popular, enigmatic but highly endangered species. The application of molecular genetics to its biology and conservation has facilitated surprising insights into the biology of giant pandas as well as the effectiveness of conservation efforts during the past decades. Here, we review the history of genetic advances in this species, from phylogeny, demographical history, genetic variation, population structure, noninvasive population census and adaptive evolution to reveal to what extent the current status of the giant panda is a reflection of its evolutionary legacy, as opposed to the influence of anthropogenic factors that have negatively impacted this species. In addition, we summarize the conservation implications of these genetic findings applied for the management of this high-profile species. Finally, on the basis of these advances and predictable future changes in genetic technology, we discuss future research directions that seem promising for giant panda biology and conservation. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Rupturing Giant Plasma Membrane Vesicles to Form Micron-sized Supported Cell Plasma Membranes with Native Transmembrane Proteins.

PubMed

Chiang, Po-Chieh; Tanady, Kevin; Huang, Ling-Ting; Chao, Ling

2017-11-09

Being able to directly obtain micron-sized cell blebs, giant plasma membrane vesicles (GPMVs), with native membrane proteins and deposit them on a planar support to form supported plasma membranes could allow the membrane proteins to be studied by various surface analytical tools in native-like bilayer environments. However, GPMVs do not easily rupture on conventional supports because of their high protein and cholesterol contents. Here, we demonstrate the possibility of using compression generated by the air-water interface to efficiently rupture GPMVs to form micron-sized supported membranes with native plasma membrane proteins. We demonstrated that not only lipid but also a native transmembrane protein in HeLa cells, Aquaporin 3 (AQP3), is mobile in the supported membrane platform. This convenient method for generating micron-sized supported membrane patches with mobile native transmembrane proteins could not only facilitate the study of membrane proteins by surface analytical tools, but could also enable us to use native membrane proteins for bio-sensing applications.

Exosomal microRNAs in giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) breast milk: potential maternal regulators for the development of newborn cubs.

PubMed

Ma, Jideng; Wang, Chengdong; Long, Keren; Zhang, Hemin; Zhang, Jinwei; Jin, Long; Tang, Qianzi; Jiang, Anan; Wang, Xun; Tian, Shilin; Chen, Li; He, Dafang; Li, Desheng; Huang, Shan; Jiang, Zhi; Li, Mingzhou

2017-06-14

The physiological role of miRNAs is widely understood to include fine-tuning the post-transcriptional regulation of a wide array of biological processes. Extensive studies have indicated that exosomal miRNAs in the bodily fluids of various organisms can be transferred between living cells for the delivery of gene silencing signals. Here, we illustrated the expression characteristics of exosomal miRNAs in giant panda breast milk during distinct lactation periods and highlighted the enrichment of immune- and development-related endogenous miRNAs in colostral and mature giant panda milk. These miRNAs are stable, even under certain harsh conditions, via the protection of extracellular vesicles. These findings indicate that breast milk may facilitate the dietary intake of maternal miRNAs by infants for the regulation of postnatal development. We also detected exogenous plant miRNAs from the primary food source of the giant panda (bamboo) in the exosomes of giant panda breast milk that were associated with regulatory roles in basic metabolism and neuron development. This result suggested that dietary plant miRNAs are absorbed by host cells and subsequently secreted into bodily fluids as potential cross-kingdom regulators. In conclusion, exosomal miRNAs in giant panda breast milk may be crucial maternal regulators for the development of intrinsic 'slink' newborn cubs.

Giant-cell arteritis without cranial manifestations

PubMed Central

de Boysson, Hubert; Lambert, Marc; Liozon, Eric; Boutemy, Jonathan; Maigné, Gwénola; Ollivier, Yann; Ly, Kim; Manrique, Alain; Bienvenu, Boris; Aouba, Achille

2016-01-01

Abstract Diagnosis of giant-cell arteritis (GCA) is challenging in the absence of cardinal cranial symptoms/signs. We aimed to describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic process, and disease course of GCA patients without cranial symptoms, and to compare them to those of patients with typical cranial presentation. In this retrospective multicenter study, we enrolled patients with GCA who satisfied at least 3 of the 5 American College of Rheumatology criteria for GCA, or 2 criteria associated with contributory vascular biopsy other than temporal artery biopsy or with demonstration of large-vessel involvement; underwent iconographic evaluation of large arterial vessels (aortic CT scan or a positron emission tomography with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose combined with computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) scan or cardiac echography combined with a large-vessel Doppler) at diagnosis. We divided the cohort into 2 groups, distinguishing between patients without cranial symptoms/signs (i.e., headaches, clinical temporal artery anomaly, jaw claudication, ophthalmologic symptoms) and those with cranial symptoms/signs. In the entire cohort of 143 patients, all of whom underwent vascular biopsy and vascular imaging, we detected 31 (22%) patients with no cranial symptoms/signs. In the latter, diagnosis was biopsy proven in an arterial sample in 23 cases (74% of patients, on a temporal site in 20 cases and on an extratemporal site in 3). One-third of these 31 patients displayed extracranial symptoms/signs whereas the remaining two-thirds presented only with constitutional symptoms and/or inflammatory laboratory test results. Compared to the 112 patients with cardinal cranial clinical symptoms/signs, patients without cranial manifestations displayed lower levels of inflammatory laboratory parameters (C-reactive level: 68 [9–250] mg/L vs 120 [3–120] mg/L; P < 0.01), highest rate of aorta and aortic branch involvement identified (19/31 (61%) vs 42/112 (38%); P = 0.02) and also

Chromospheres of two red giants in NGC 6752

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dupree, A. K.; Hartmann, L.; Harper, G. M.; Jordan, Carole; Rodgers, A. W.

1990-01-01

Two red giant stars, A31 and A59, in the globular cluster NGC 6752 exhibit Mg II (2800 A) emission with surface fluxes comparable to those observed among metal-deficient halo field giants, and among low-activity Population I giants. Optical echelle spectra of these cluster giants reveal emission in the core of the Ca II K (3933.7 A) line, and in the wing of the H-alpha (6562.8 A) profile. Asymmetries exist both in the emission profiles and the line cores. These observations demonstrate unequivocally the existence of chromospheres among old halo population giants, and the presence of mass outflow in their atmospheres. Maintenance of a relatively constant level of chromospheric activity on the red giant branch contrasts with the decay of magnetic dynamo activity exhibited by dwarf stars and younger giants. A purely hydrodynamic phenomenon may be responsible for heating the outer atmospheres of these stars, enhancing chromospheric emission, thus extending the atmospheres and facilitating mass loss.

Evolutionary dynamics of giant viruses and their virophages.

PubMed

Wodarz, Dominik

2013-07-01

Giant viruses contain large genomes, encode many proteins atypical for viruses, replicate in large viral factories, and tend to infect protists. The giant virus replication factories can in turn be infected by so called virophages, which are smaller viruses that negatively impact giant virus replication. An example is Mimiviruses that infect the protist Acanthamoeba and that are themselves infected by the virophage Sputnik. This study examines the evolutionary dynamics of this system, using mathematical models. While the models suggest that the virophage population will evolve to increasing degrees of giant virus inhibition, it further suggests that this renders the virophage population prone to extinction due to dynamic instabilities over wide parameter ranges. Implications and conditions required to avoid extinction are discussed. Another interesting result is that virophage presence can fundamentally alter the evolutionary course of the giant virus. While the giant virus is predicted to evolve toward increasing its basic reproductive ratio in the absence of the virophage, the opposite is true in its presence. Therefore, virophages can not only benefit the host population directly by inhibiting the giant viruses but also indirectly by causing giant viruses to evolve toward weaker phenotypes. Experimental tests for this model are suggested.

Theories of Giant Planet Formation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lissauer, Jack J.; Young, Richard E. (Technical Monitor)

1998-01-01

An overview of current theories of planetary formation, with emphasis on giant planets, is presented. The most detailed models are based upon observations of our own Solar System and of young stars and their environments. While these models predict that rocky planets should form around most single stars, the frequency of formation of gas giant planets is more difficult to predict theoretically. Terrestrial planets are believed to grow via pairwise accretion until the spacing of planetary orbits becomes large enough that the configuration is stable for the age of the system. Giant planets begin their growth as do terrestrial planets, but they become massive enough that they are able to accumulate substantial amounts of gas before the protoplanetary disk dissipates. Most models for extrasolar giant planets suggest that they formed as did Jupiter and Saturn (in nearly circular orbits, far enough from the star that ice could), and subsequently migrated to their current positions, although some models suggest in situ formation.

Isolated aortitis versus giant cell arteritis: are they really two sides of the same coin?

PubMed

Talarico, Rosaria; Boiardi, Luigi; Pipitone, Nicolo'; d'Ascanio, Anna; Stagnaro, Chiara; Ferrari, Claudia; Elefante, Elena; Salvarani, Carlo; Bombardieri, Stefano

2014-01-01

The aim of the study was to compare epidemiological data, clinical findings and results of investigations in patients with isolated aortitis and those with giant cell arteritis (GCA) to establish whether patients with isolated aortitis differ from those with GCA. We reviewed the medical notes of all patients consecutively seen in two Rheumatology centres in the last two decades with a suspicion of GCA, searching for cases characterised by abnormal [18F] fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET uptake of the aorta. 'Isolated aortitis' was defined as increased FDG uptake in the aorta not explained by atherosclerosis in the absence of FDG uptake in other large vessels. Comparing the epidemiological and clinical data of patients with isolated arteritis with those with GCA, we observed many statistical significant differences. First of all, the male/female ratio was reversed, with a predominant male involvement in isolated arteritis. Moreover, the mean age of patients with isolated arteritis was significantly lower than that of GCA patients (62 vs. 78.4 yrs; p<0.0001). None of the patients with isolated aortitis presented at any time of the disease course the typical symptoms of GCA, while in a low percentage of cases constitutional symptoms represented the only clinical features. Beside the aortic arch, the sites more frequent involved were the thoracic and abdominal tracts, in all cases without an uptake of the aortic branches. It is not known whether our patients with isolated aortitis represent variants of GCA or TA, nor is it known how they will evolve, but we can certainly conclude that these patients have a different epidemiologic and clinical profile, and do not necessarily represent two sides of the same coin.

Deep Biosphere Secrets of the Mediterranean Salt Giant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aloisi, Giovanni; Lugli, Stefano; McGenity, Terry; Kuroda, Junichiro; Takai, Ken; Treude, Tina; Camerlenghi, Angelo

2015-04-01

One component of the IODP multi-platform drilling proposal called DREAM (Deep-Sea Record of Mediterranean Messisnian Events), plans to investigate the deep biosphere associated to the Messinian Salinity Crisis (MSC) Salt Giant. We propose that the MSC Salt Giant, because of the variety of chemical environments it produces, has the potential to harbour an unprecedented diversity of microbial life with exceptional metabolic activity. Gypsum and anhydrite deposits provide a virtually unlimited source of sulphate at depths where oxidants are a rarity in other sedimentary environments. When reduced organic carbon comes into contact with these minerals there is the potential for a dynamic deep biosphere community of sulphate reducers to develop, with implications for sedimentary biogeochemical cycles and the souring of cruide oil. But the thickness of the Messinian evaporites and the range of chemical environments it harbours poses fundamental questions: will the interaction of several extreme conditions of temperature, salinity, pressure and chemical composition limit the ability of microbes to take advantage of such favourable thermodynamic conditions? And has such a diverse set of physical and chemical environments fostered microbal diversity, rather than phylogenetic specialization, as recent research into deep Mediterranean brine systems seems to indicate ? Over three kilometres in thickness, approaching the known temperature limits of life and with fluids precipitating carbonate, sulphate, halite and potash salts, microbes living within and around the MSC Salt Giant will be subject to the most exotic combinations of extremes, and have likely evolved yet unknown adaptations. Gypsum and Halite crystals contain fluid inclusions that are a micro-habitat in which microbes survive for tens of thousands, to possibly millions, of years, posing the fundamental question of cells devoting nearly all of their energy flow to somatic maintenance needs, rather than growth and

Innate predator recognition in giant pandas.

PubMed

Du, Yiping; Huang, Yan; Zhang, Hemin; Li, Desheng; Yang, Bo; Wei, Ming; Zhou, Yingmin; Liu, Yang

2012-02-01

Innate predator recognition confers a survival advantage to prey animals. We investigate whether giant pandas exhibit innate predator recognition. We analyzed behavioral responses of 56 naive adult captive giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), to urine from predators and non-predators and water control. Giant pandas performed more chemosensory investigation and displayed flehmen behaviors more frequently in response to predator urine compared to both non-predator urine and water control. Subjects also displayed certain defensive behaviors, as indicated by vigilance, and in certain cases, fleeing behaviors. Our results suggest that there is an innate component to predator recognition in captive giant pandas, although such recognition was only slight to moderate. These results have implications that may be applicable to the conservation and reintroduction of this endangered species.

Foreign Body Giant Cell-Related Encapsulation of a Synthetic Material Three Years After Augmentation.

PubMed

Lorenz, Jonas; Barbeck, Mike; Sader, Robert A; Kirkpatrick, Charles J; Russe, Philippe; Choukroun, Joseph; Ghanaati, Shahram

2016-06-01

Bone substitute materials of different origin and chemical compositions are frequently used in augmentation procedures to enlarge the local bone amount. However, relatively little data exist on the long-term tissue reactions. The presented case reports for the first time histological and histomorphometrical analyses of a nanocrystaline hydroxyapatite-based bone substitute material implanted in the human sinus cavity after an integration period of 3 years. The extracted biopsy was analyzed histologically and histomorphometrically with focus on the tissue reactions, vascularization, new bone formation, and the induction of a foreign body reaction. A comparably high rate of connective tissue (48.25%) surrounding the remaining bone substitute granules (42.13%) was observed. Accordingly, the amount of bone tissue (9.62%) built the smallest fraction within the biopsy. Further, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive and -negative multinucleated giant cells (4.35 and 3.93 cells/mm(2), respectively) were detected on the material-tissue interfaces. The implantation bed showed a mild vascularization of 10.03 vessels/mm(2) and 0.78%. The present case report shows that after 3 years, a comparable small amount of bone tissue was observable. Thus, the foreign body response to the bone substitute seems to be folded without further degradation or regeneration.

Coagulation and fibrinolysis in inflammatory bowel disease and in giant cell arteritis.

PubMed

Vrij, Anton A; Rijken, Joop; van Wersch, Jan W J; Stockbrügger, Reinhold W

2003-01-01

In inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), gut microvascular thrombosis as well as thromboembolic complications have repeatedly been observed. We examined the long-term course of markers of coagulation and fibrinolysis in relation to clinical disease activity. In a prospective study, prothrombin fragment 1 and 2 (F1.2), thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT), antithrombin, D-dimer, plasmin-alpha(2)-antiplasmin complex (PAP) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) were measured in 20 patients with Crohn's disease (CD), 18 with ulcerative colitis (UC), and 19 with giant cell arteritis during active and inactive disease, as well as in 51 controls without inflammation. Levels of F1.2, TAT, D-dimer, PAP and PAI-1 were significantly higher in active versus inactive CD and UC. However, even after 12 months of follow-up, in CD and UC the mean levels of F1.2, D-dimer and PAP were significantly higher than the levels of the controls. Levels of F1.2, D-dimer and PAP were markedly raised for a long time in clinically inactive IBD, underlining a chronic state of hypercoagulation and enhanced fibrinolysis. Copyright 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel

Giant Malignant Pheochromocytoma with Palpable Rib Metastases

PubMed Central

Gokce, Gokhan; Kilicli, Fatih; Elagoz, Sahande; Ayan, Semih; Gultekin, Emin Yener

2014-01-01

Pheochromocytoma is a rare and usually benign neuroendocrine neoplasm. Only 10% of all these tumors are malignant and there are no definitive histological or cytological criteria of malignancy. Single malignancy criteria are the presence of advanced locoregional disease or metastases. We report a case, with a giant retroperitoneal tumor having multiple metastases including palpable rib metastases, who was diagnosed as a malignant pheochromocytoma. The patient was treated with surgery. The literature was reviewed to evaluate tumor features and current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for patients with metastatic or potentially malignant pheochromocytoma. PMID:25152826

Giant Planets in Open Clusters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quinn, S. N.; White, R. J.; Latham, D. W.

2015-10-01

Two decades after the discovery of 51 Peg b, more than 200 hot Jupiters have now been confirmed, but the details of their inward migration remain uncertain. While it is widely accepted that short period giant planets could not have formed in situ, several different mechanisms (e.g., Type II migration, planet-planet scattering, Kozai-Lidov cycles) may contribute to shrinking planetary orbits, and the relative importance of each is not well-constrained. Migration through the gas disk is expected to preserve circular, coplanar orbits and must occur quickly (within ˜ 10 Myr), whereas multi-body processes should initially excite eccentricities and inclinations and may take hundreds of millions of years. Subsequent evolution of the system (e.g., orbital circularization and inclination damping via tidal interaction with the host star) may obscure these differences, so observing hot Jupiters soon after migration occurs can constrain the importance of each mechanism. Fortunately, the well-characterized stars in young and adolescent open clusters (with known ages and compositions) provide natural laboratories for such studies, and recent surveys have begun to take advantage of this opportunity. We present a review of the discoveries in this emerging realm of exoplanet science, discuss the constraints they provide for giant planet formation and migration, and reflect on the future direction of the field.

Giant Leiomyoma Arising from the Mediastinal Pleura: A Case Report.

PubMed

Haratake, Naoki; Shoji, Fumihiro; Kozuma, Yuka; Okamoto, Tatsuro; Maehara, Yoshihiko

2017-06-20

This report presents a rare case involving a patient with a giant leiomyoma originating from the mediastinal pleura. The patient underwent a medical examination, and chest radiography revealed a giant tumor. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a well demarcated, heterogeneous mass which seemed to originate from the posterior mediastinum. Positron emission tomography (PET) showed the uptake of this tumor with a standardized uptake value of 4.9. We suspected that this tumor was a solitary fibrous tumor, and the patient underwent a surgical resection. Intraoperative exploration revealed a well-encapsulated tumor measuring 15 × 11 cm that appeared to originate from the mediastinal pleura. Immunohistochemical findings revealed a benign leiomyoma. We finally diagnosed the patient with a mediastinal leiomyoma. The present report describes CT, MRI, and PET findings of leiomyoma, and presents a review of relevant literature.

Evolutionary dynamics of giant viruses and their virophages

PubMed Central

Wodarz, Dominik

2013-01-01

Giant viruses contain large genomes, encode many proteins atypical for viruses, replicate in large viral factories, and tend to infect protists. The giant virus replication factories can in turn be infected by so called virophages, which are smaller viruses that negatively impact giant virus replication. An example is Mimiviruses that infect the protist Acanthamoeba and that are themselves infected by the virophage Sputnik. This study examines the evolutionary dynamics of this system, using mathematical models. While the models suggest that the virophage population will evolve to increasing degrees of giant virus inhibition, it further suggests that this renders the virophage population prone to extinction due to dynamic instabilities over wide parameter ranges. Implications and conditions required to avoid extinction are discussed. Another interesting result is that virophage presence can fundamentally alter the evolutionary course of the giant virus. While the giant virus is predicted to evolve toward increasing its basic reproductive ratio in the absence of the virophage, the opposite is true in its presence. Therefore, virophages can not only benefit the host population directly by inhibiting the giant viruses but also indirectly by causing giant viruses to evolve toward weaker phenotypes. Experimental tests for this model are suggested. PMID:23919155

Chromospheric activity of cool giant stars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Steiman-Cameron, T. Y.

1986-01-01

During the seventh year of IUE twenty-six spectra of seventeen cool giant stars ranging in spectral type from K3 thru M6 were obtained. Together with spectra of fifteen stars observed during the sixth year of IUE, these low-resolution spectra have been used to: (1) examine chromospheric activity in the program stars and late type giants in general, and (2) evaluate the extent to which nonradiative heating affects the upper levels of cool giant photospheres. The stars observed in this study all have well determined TiO band strengths, angular diameters (determined from lunar occulations), bolometric fluxes, and effective temperatures. Chromospheric activity can therefore be related to effective temperatures providing a clearer picture of activity among cool giant stars than previously available. The stars observed are listed.

The role of membrane fluidization in the gel-assisted formation of giant polymersomes

DOE PAGES

Greene, Adrienne C.; Henderson, Ian M.; Gomez, Andrew; ...

2016-07-13

Polymersomes are being widely explored as synthetic analogs of lipid vesicles based on their enhanced stability and potential uses in a wide variety of applications in (e.g., drug delivery, cell analogs, etc.). Controlled formation of giant polymersomes for use in membrane studies and cell mimetic systems, however, is currently limited by low-yield production methodologies. Here, we describe for the first time, how the size distribution of giant poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(butadiene) (PEO-PBD) polymersomes formed by gel-assisted rehydration may be controlled based on membrane fluidization. We first show that the average diameter and size distribution of PEO-PBD polymersomes may be readily increased bymore » increasing the temperature of the rehydration solution. Further, we describe a correlative relationship between polymersome size and membrane fluidization through the addition of sucrose during rehydration, enabling the formation of PEO-PBD polymersomes with a range of diameters, including giant-sized vesicles (>100 μm). This correlative relationship suggests that sucrose may function as a small molecule fluidizer during rehydration, enhancing polymer diffusivity during formation and increasing polymersome size. Altogether the ability to easily regulate the size of PEO-PBD polymersomes based on membrane fluidity, either through temperature or fluidizers, has broadly applicability in areas including targeted therapeutic delivery and synthetic biology.« less

Entry Probe Missions to the Giant Planets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spilker, T. R.; Atkinson, D. H.; Atreya, S. K.; Colaprete, A.; Cuzzi, J. N.; Spilker, L. J.; Coustenis, A.; Venkatapathy, E.; Reh, K.; Frampton, R.

2009-12-01

The primary motivation for in situ probe missions to the outer planets derives from the need to constrain models of solar system formation and the origin and evolution of atmospheres, to provide a basis for comparative studies of the gas and ice giants, and to provide a valuable link to extrasolar planetary systems. As time capsules of the solar system, the gas and ice giants offer a laboratory to better understand the atmospheric chemistries, dynamics, and interiors of all the planets, including Earth; and it is within the atmospheres and interiors of the giant planets that material diagnostic of the epoch of formation can be found, providing clues to the local chemical and physical conditions existing at the time and location at which each planet formed. Measurements of current conditions and processes in those atmospheres inform us about their evolution since formation and into the future, providing information about our solar system’s evolution, and potentially establishing a framework for recognizing extrasolar giant planets in different stages of their evolution. Detailed explorations and comparative studies of the gas and ice giant planets will provide a foundation for understanding the integrated dynamic, physical, and chemical origins, formation, and evolution of the solar system. To allow reliable conclusions from comparative studies of gas giants Jupiter and Saturn, an entry probe mission to Saturn is needed to complement the Galileo Probe measurements at Jupiter. These measurements provide the basis for a significantly better understanding of gas giant formation in the context of solar system formation. A probe mission to either Uranus or Neptune will be needed for comparative studies of the gas giants and the ice giants, adding knowledge of ice giant origins and thus making further inroads in our understanding of solar system formation. Recognizing Jupiter’s spatial variability and the need to understand its implications for global composition

Recurrence Factors in Giant Cell Tumors of the Spine.

PubMed

Ouyang, Han-Qiang; Jiang, Liang; Liu, Xiao-Guang; Wei, Feng; Yang, Shao-Min; Meng, Na; Jiang, Ping; Yu, Miao; Wu, Feng-Liang; Dang, Lei; Zhou, Hua; Zhang, Hua; Liu, Zhong-Jun

2017-07-05

Giant cell tumors (GCTs) are benign, locally aggressive tumors. We examined the rate of local recurrence of spinal GCTs and sought to identify recurrence factors in patients who underwent surgery. Between 1995 and 2014, 94 mobile spine GCT patients were treated at our hospital, comprising 43 male and 51 female patients with an average age of 33.4 years. Piecemeal intralesional spondylectomy and total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) were performed. Radiotherapy was suggested for recurrent or residual GCT cases. Since denosumab was not available before 2014 in our country, only interferon and/or zoledronic acid was suggested. Of the 94 patients, four underwent conservative treatment and 90 underwent operations. Seventy-five patients (79.8%) were followed up for a minimum of 24 months or until death. The median follow-up duration was 75.3 months. The overall recurrence rate was 37.3%. Ten patients (13.3%) died before the last follow-up (median: 18.5 months). Two patients (2.6%) developed osteogenic sarcoma. The local recurrence rate was 80.0% (24/30) in patients who underwent intralesional curettage, 8.8% (3/34) in patients who underwent extracapsular piecemeal spondylectomy, and 0 (0/9) in patients who underwent TES. The risk factors for local recurrence were lesions located in the cervical spine (P = 0.049), intralesional curettage (P < 0.001), repeated surgeries (P = 0.014), and malignancy (P < 0.001). Malignant transformation was a significant risk factor for death (P < 0.001). Cervical spinal tumors, curettage, and nonintact tumors were risk factors for local recurrence. Intralesional curettage and malignancy were the most important significant factors for local recurrence and death, respectively.

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma of the mesentery: an unusual presentation and review of the literature.

PubMed

Salemis, Nikolaos S; Gourgiotis, Stavros; Tsiambas, Evangelos; Karagkiouzis, Grigorios; Nakos, Georgios; Karathanasis, Vasilios

2009-01-01

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma is the most commonly diagnosed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, whereas lymphoma is the most common cause of mesenteric masses. We herein present a very rare case of a young male patient with a giant diffuse large B cell lymphoma of the mesentery that was incidentally diagnosed during his admission for a road traffic accident. At laparotomy, a huge tumor measuring 18 x 14 x 10 cm was found originating from the jejunal mesentery. Despite the giant size of the tumor, the patient was completely asymptomatic. After complete surgical recection with clear margins, he recieved six cycles of CHOP chemotherapy in the pre-rituximab era. He remained disease-free 2 years after surgery, but unfortunately, he relapsed with disseminated disease and died 6 months later. Mesenteric lymphomas may remain asymptomatic until they reach a large size. The presence of a bulky mesenteric mass is a poor prognostic indicator. Although chemotherapy is the treatment of choice for diffuse large B cell lymphoma, in some cases radical surgery has a role in establishing a definitive diagnosis.

[Diagnosis and treatment of diffuse tenosynovial giant cell tumor arising from temporomandibular joints].

PubMed

Meng, J H; Guo, Y X; Luo, H Y; Guo, C B; Ma, X C

2016-12-18

To retrospectively analyze the clinical features, treatment and prognosis to the diffuse tenosynovial giant cell tumor (D-TSGCT) arising from the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and to give a reference for the early diagnosis and treatment of this disease. In this study, 15 patients finally diagnosed as D-TSGCT of TMJ histopathologically at the Peking University Hospital of Stomatology from October 2003 to August 2015 were selected and reviewed. Their clinical manifestations, imaging and histological features, diagnoses and differential diagnoses, treatments and follow-ups were summarized and discussed. D-TSGCT of TMJ showed obvious female predominance (12/15), the main symptoms included painful preauricular swelling or mass, limited mouth-opening and mandibular deviation with movement. D-TSGCT on computed tomography (CT) scan often showed ill-defined soft tissue masses around TMJ, enhancement after contrast administration, usually with widening of the joint spaces and with bone destruction of the condyle, the fossa and even the skull base. On magnetic resonance images (MRI), the majority of lesions on T1 weighted images and T2 weighted images both showed the characteristics of low signals (6/11). The lesions could extend beyond the joints (9/11) and into the infratemporal fossa (4/11) and the middle cranial fossa (4/11). Surgical resection was performed in 14 cases and biopsy in 1 case. Postoperative radiotherapy was performed in 3 cases. In follow-ups, 3 cases showed recurrence postoperatively. D-TSGCT arising from TMJ should be differentiated with TMJ disorders, other tumors and tumor-like lesions of TMJ and parotid neoplasms, etc. CT and MRI examinations have important values in the diagnosis and treatment design of D-TSGCT. Because of the local aggressive and extensive behavior, complete resection should be performed as soon as possible. Postoperative radiotherapy was helpful for the extensive lesions including destruction of skull base and may be a good

Biomass yield comparisons of giant miscanthus, giant reed, and miscane grown under irrigated and rainfed conditions

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The U.S. Department of Energy has initiated efforts to decrease the nation’s dependence on imported oil by developing domestic renewable sources of cellulosic-derived bioenergy. In this study, giant miscanthus (Miscanthus x giganteus), sugarcane (complex hybrid of Saccharum spp.), and giant reed (Ar...

Clinical and angiographic outcome after endovascular management of giant intracranial aneurysms.

PubMed

Jahromi, Babak S; Mocco, J; Bang, Jee A; Gologorsky, Yakov; Siddiqui, Adnan H; Horowitz, Michael B; Hopkins, L Nelson; Levy, Elad I

2008-10-01

Giant (>or=25 mm) intracranial aneurysms (IA) have an extremely poor natural history and continue to confound modern techniques for management. Currently, there is a dearth of large series examining endovascular treatment of giant IAs only. We reviewed long-term clinical and radiological outcome from a series of 39 consecutive giant IAs treated with endovascular repair in 38 patients at 2 tertiary referral centers. Data were evaluated in 3 ways: on a per-treatment session basis for each aneurysm, at 30 days after each patient's final treatment, and at the last known follow-up examination. Ten (26%) aneurysms were ruptured. At the last angiographic follow-up examination (21.5 +/- 22.9 months), 95% or higher and 100% occlusion rates were documented in 64 and 36% of aneurysms, respectively, with parent vessel preservation maintained in 74%. Stents were required in 25 aneurysms. Twenty percent of treatment sessions resulted in permanent morbidity, and death within 30 days occurred after 8% of treatment sessions. On average, 1.9 +/- 1.1 sessions were required to treat each aneurysm, with a resulting cumulative per-patient mortality of 16% and morbidity of 32%. At the last known clinical follow-up examination (mean, 24.8 +/- 24.8 months), 24 (63%) patients had Glasgow Outcome Scale scores of 4 or 5 ("good" or "excellent"), 10 patients had worsened neurological function from baseline (26% morbidity), and 11 had died (29% mortality). We present what is to our knowledge the largest series to date evaluating outcome after consecutive giant IAs treated with endovascular repair. Giant IAs carry a high risk for surgical or endovascular intervention. We hope critical and honest evaluation of treatment results will ensure continued improvement in patient care.

Changes in fatty acid composition in the giant clam Tridacna maxima in response to thermal stress.

PubMed

Dubousquet, Vaimiti; Gros, Emmanuelle; Berteaux-Lecellier, Véronique; Viguier, Bruno; Raharivelomanana, Phila; Bertrand, Cédric; Lecellier, Gaël J

2016-10-15

Temperature can modify membrane fluidity and thus affects cellular functions and physiological activities. This study examines lipid remodelling in the marine symbiotic organism, Tridacna maxima, during a time series of induced thermal stress, with an emphasis on the morphology of their symbiont Symbiodinium First, we show that the French Polynesian giant clams harbour an important proportion of saturated fatty acids (SFA), which reflects their tropical location. Second, in contrast to most marine organisms, the total lipid content in giant clams remained constant under stress, though some changes in their composition were shown. Third, the stress-induced changes in fatty acid (FA) diversity were accompanied by an upregulation of genes involved in lipids and ROS pathways. Finally, our microscopic analysis revealed that for the giant clam's symbiont, Symbiodinium, thermal stress led to two sequential cell death processes. Our data suggests that the degradation of Symbiodinium cells could provide an additional source of energy to T maxima in response to heat stress. © 2016. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

Some effects of chemical irritants on the membrane of the giant amoeba.

PubMed Central

Foster, R. W.; Weston, A. H.; Weston, K. M.

1981-01-01

1 The effects of chemical irritants on the membrane potential and input resistance of the giant amoeba, Chaos carolinense, have been investigated. The membrane potential and input resistance were -111.5 mV and 8.6 M pi respectively. 2 In the resting state the cell membrane of Chaos carolinense was found to be impermeable to Na+ but permeable to K+. The distribution of K+ across the cell membrane conformed to a Donnan equilibrium with the resting membrane potential being the K+ equilibrium potential. 3 The chemical irritants dibenzoxazepine and its 2-chloro- and 3-chloro-analogues and o-chlorobenzylidene malononitrile produced a fall in input resistance but no change in membrane potential. It is suggested that these effects are caused by an increase in K+ permeability. 4 The potencies of a series of chemical irritants with respect to dibenzoxazepine were measured on the giant amoeba. These potencies did not reflect those found in mammalian preparations. PMID:6797494

Role of nature reserves in giant panda protection.

PubMed

Kang, Dongwei; Li, Junqing

2018-02-01

Giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is a flagship species in nature conservation of the world; to protect this species, 67 nature reserves have been established in China. To evaluate the protection effect of giant panda nature reserves, we analyzed the variation of giant panda number and habitat area of 23 giant panda nature reserves of Sichuan province based on the national survey data released by State Forestry Administration and Sichuan Forestry Department. Results showed that from the third national survey to the fourth, giant panda number and habitat area of 23 giant panda nature reserves of Sichuan province failed to realize the significant increase. Furthermore, we found that the total population growth rate of 23 nature reserves in the last 12 years was lower than those of the province total of Sichuan and the national total of China, and the total habitat area of the 23 nature reserves was decreasing in the last 12 years, but the province total and national total were all increasing. We propose that giant panda protection should pay more attention to how to improve the protective effects of nature reserves.

Ice Giant Exploration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rymer, A. M.; Arridge, C. S.; Masters, A.; Turtle, E. P.; Simon, A. A.; Hofstadter, M. D.; Turrini, D.; Politi, R.

2015-12-01

The Ice Giants in our solar system, Uranus and Neptune, are fundamentally different from their Gas Giant siblings Jupiter and Saturn, from the different proportions of rock and ice to the configuration of their planetary magnetic fields. Kepler space telescope discoveries of exo-planets indicate that planets of this type are among the most ubiquitous universally and therefore a future mission to explore the nature of the Ice Giants in our own solar system will provide insights into the nature of extra-solar system objects in general. Uranus has the smallest self- luminosity of all the planets, potentially related to catastrophic events early in the planet's history, which also may explain Uranus' large obliquity. Uranus' atmosphere is subject to extreme seasonal forcing making it unique in the Solar System. Neptune is also unique in a number of ways, notably its large moon Triton which is likely a captured Kuiper Belt Object and one of only two moons in the solar system with a robustly collisional atmosphere. Similar to Uranus, the angle between the solar wind and the magnetic dipole axis is subject to large-amplitude variations on both diurnal and seasonal timescales, but peculiarly it has one of the quietest magnetospheres of the solar system, at least according to Voyager 2, the only spacecraft to encounter Neptune to date. A comprehensive mission, as advocated in the Decadal Survey, would provide enormous science return but is also challenging and expensive. In this presentation we will discuss mission scenarios and suggest how collaboration between disciplines and internationally can help us to pursue a mission that includes Ice Giant exploration.

Primary Endoscopic Transnasal Transsphenoidal Surgery for Giant Pituitary Adenoma.

PubMed

Kuo, Chao-Hung; Yen, Yu-Shu; Wu, Jau-Ching; Chang, Peng-Yuan; Chang, Hsuan-Kan; Tu, Tsung-Hsi; Huang, Wen-Cheng; Cheng, Henrich

2016-07-01

Giant pituitary adenoma (>4 cm) remains challenging because the optimal surgical approach is uncertain. Consecutive patients with giant pituitary adenoma who underwent endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal surgery (ETTS) as the first and primary treatment were retrospectively reviewed. Inclusion criteria were tumor diameter ≥4 cm in at least 1 direction, and tumor volume ≥10 cm(3). Exclusion criteria were follow-ups <2 years and diseases other than pituitary adenoma. All the clinical and radiologic outcomes were evaluated. A total of 38 patients, average age 50.8 years, were analyzed with a mean follow-up of 72.9 months. All patients underwent ETTS as the first and primary treatment, and 8 (21.1%) had complete resection without any evidence of recurrence at the latest follow-up. Overall, mean tumor volume decreased from 29.7 to 3.2 cm(3) after surgery. Residual and recurrent tumors (n = 30) were managed with 1 of the following: Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS), reoperation (redo ETTS), both GKRS and ETTS, medication, conventional radiotherapy, or none. At last follow-up, most of the patients had favorable outcomes, including 8 (21.1%) who were cured and 29 (76.3%) who had a stable residual condition without progression. Only 1 (2.6%) had late recurrence at 66 months after GKRS. The overall progression-free rate was 97.4%, with few complications. In this series of giant pituitary adenoma, primary (ie, the first) ETTS yielded complete resection and cure in 21.1%. Along with adjuvant therapies, including GKRS, most patients (97.4%) were stable and free of disease progression. Therefore, primary ETTS appeared to be an effective surgical approach for giant pituitary adenoma. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Reconstructive and Oncoplastic Surgery for Giant Phyllodes Tumors: A Single Center’s Experience

PubMed Central

Pitsinis, Vassilis; Moussa, Osama; Hogg, Fiona; McCaskill, Jane

2017-01-01

Phyllodes tumors are biphasic fibroepithelial neoplasms of the breast. While the surgical management of these relatively uncommon tumors has been addressed in the literature, few reports have commented on the surgical approach to tumors greater than ten centimetres in diameter – the giant phyllodes tumor. We report a case of giant breast tumors and discuss the techniques utilized for pre-operative diagnosis, tumor removal, and breast reconstruction. A review of the literature on the surgical management of phyllodes tumors was performed. Management of the large phyllodes tumors presents the surgeon with unique challenges. The majority of these tumors can be managed by simple mastectomy but reconstruction and even oncoplastic conservative management is for selective consideration. PMID:28713717

Giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) sperm morphometry and function after repeated freezing and thawing.

PubMed

Santiago-Moreno, J; Esteso, M C; Pradiee, J; Castaño, C; Toledano-Díaz, A; O'Brien, E; Lopez-Sebastián, A; Martínez-Nevado, E; Delclaux, M; Fernández-Morán, J; Zhihe, Z

2016-05-01

This work examines the effects of subsequent cycles of freezing-thawing on giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) sperm morphometry and function, and assesses whether density-gradient centrifugation (DGC) can increase the number of freezing-thawing cycles this sperm can withstand. A sperm sample was collected by electroejaculation from a mature giant panda and subjected to five freezing-thawing cycles. Although repeated freezing-thawing negatively affected (P < 0.05) sperm motility and membrane integrity, in both nonselected and DCG-selected sperm samples, >60% of the sperm cells in both treatments showed acrosome integrity even after the fifth freezing cycle. In fresh semen, the sperm head length was 4.7 μm, the head width 3.6 μm, area 14.3 μm(2) and perimeter length 14.1 μm. The present results suggest that giant panda sperm trends to be resistant to repeated freezing-thawing, even without DGC selection. © 2015 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

A natural resource condition assessment for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks: Appendix 11a: giant sequoias

USGS Publications Warehouse

York, Robert A.; Stephenson, Nathan L.; Meyer, Marc; Hanna, Steve; Tadashi, Moody; Caprio, Anthony C.; Battles, John J.

2013-01-01

and 33 are managed by GSNM. - As we have done above, reviewers addressing giant sequoia widely recognize its transcendence beyond an ecologically important species to one with considerable added cultural value.

A recurrent central giant cell granuloma in a young patient and orthodontic treatment: a case report.

PubMed

Patel, Devaki; Minhas, Gursharan; Johnson, Paul

2016-12-01

Central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) is an uncommon benign intraosseous lesion of the jaw, found predominantly in children and young adults below 30 years of age. The purpose of this article was to present a summary of the current literature and a case report of an 11-year-old boy diagnosed with an aggressive CGCG involving the anterior maxilla that was removed in 2004 and subsequently recurred almost 3 years later in 2006. The presenting features of the patient and the effect of combined surgical and orthodontic treatment for this condition are discussed. This case shows how the dentition was successfully maintained with conservative surgery and orthodontic treatment in spite of the extensive destruction of the supporting bone, and the importance of long-term follow-up. The report also reminds orthodontic practitioners that rare pathological conditions can occur in their child patient groups.

Giant aneurysms: A gender-specific complication of Kawasaki disease?

PubMed

Dietz, Sanne M; Kuipers, Irene M; Tacke, Carline E A; Koole, Jeffrey C D; Hutten, Barbara A; Kuijpers, Taco W

2017-10-01

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a pediatric vasculitis of unknown origin. Its main complication is the development of coronary artery aneurysms (CAA) with giant CAA at the end of the spectrum. In this cohort study, we evaluated the association between patient characteristics and the development of giant CAA based on z-scores. Multivariable, multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to identify variables associated with giant CAA. A total of 301 KD patients, comprising 216 patients without enlargement, 45 with small-sized, 19 with medium-sized, and 21 with giant CAA with all echocardiographies at our center were retrospectively included. Remarkably, 95% of patients with giant CAA were boys. In addition to 'no/late intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment', 'male gender' (OR 16.23, 95% CI 1.88-140.13), 'age<1 year' (OR 7.49, 95% CI 2.29-24.46), and 'IVIG re-treatment (9.79, 95% CI 2.79-34.37)' were significantly associated with an increased risk of giant CAA, with patients without enlargement as reference. Compared to patients with medium-sized CAA, 'IVIG re-treatment' was significantly associated with giant CAA. The majority of giant CAA continued to increase in size during the first 40 days. We identified risk factors associated with an increased risk of giant CAA. The difference in variables between the giant CAA group and the other CAA subgroups suggests a separation between patients with the treatment-resistant giant CAA and the other IVIG-responsive patients, in which gender may be factored as a most relevant genetic trait. The increase in size during the first 2 months indicates the need for repeated echocardiography. Copyright © 2017 Japanese College of Cardiology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Late-type giants with infrared excess. I. Lithium abundances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jasniewicz, G.; Parthasarathy, M.; de Laverny, P.; Thévenin, F.

1999-02-01

de la Reza et al. (1997) suggested that all K giants become Li-rich for a short time. During this period the giants are associated with an expanding thin circumstellar shell supposedly triggered by an abrupt internal mixing mechanism resulting in the surface Li enrichment. In order to test this hypothesis twenty nine late-type giants with far-infrared excess from the list of Zuckerman et al. (1995) were observed in the Li-region to study the connection between the circumstellar shells and Li abundance. Eight giants have been found to have log epsilon (Li) > 1.0. In the remaining giants the Li abundance is found to be much lower. HD 219025 is found to be a rapidly rotating (projected rotational velocity of 23 +/-3 km s(-1) ), dusty and Li-rich (log epsilon (Li) = 3.0+/-0.2) K giant. Absolute magnitude derived from the Hipparcos parallax reveals that it is a giant and not a pre-main-sequence star. The evolutionary status of HD 219025 seems to be similar to that of HDE 233517 which is also a rapidly rotating, dusty and Li-rich K giant. The Hipparcos parallaxes of all the well studied Li-rich K giants show that most of them are brighter than the ``clump" giants. Their position in the H-R diagram indicates that they have gone through mixing and the initial abundance of Li is not preserved. There seems to be no correlations between Li abundances, rotational velocities and carbon isotope ratios. The only satisfactory explanation for the overabundance of lithium in these giants is the creation of Li by the extra deep mixing and the associated ``cool bottom processing". Based on observations obtained at the European Southern Observatory, La Silla, Chile, and at the Observatoire de Haute Provence, France.

Electrophysiological Recordings from the Giant Fiber System

PubMed Central

Allen, Marcus J

2010-01-01

The giant fiber system (GFS) of Drosophila is a well-characterized neuronal circuit that mediates the escape response in the fly. It is one of the few adult neural circuits from which electrophysiological recordings can be made routinely. This article describes a simple procedure for stimulating the giant fiber neurons directly in the brain of the adult fly and obtaining recordings from the output muscles of the giant fiber system. PMID:20647357

Stem cells in dentistry--review of literature.

PubMed

Dziubińska, P; Jaskólska, M; Przyborowska, P; Adamiak, Z

2013-01-01

Stem cells have been successfully isolated from a variety of human and animal tissues, including dental pulp. This achievement marks progress in regenerative dentistry. This article reviews the latest improvements made in regenerative dental medicine with the involvement of stem cells. Although, various types of multipotent somatic cells can be applied in dentistry, two types of cells have been investigated in this review. Dental pulp cells are classified as: DPSCs, SCAPs and SHEDs.The third group includes two types of cell associated with the periodontium: PDL and DFPC. This review aims to systematize basic knowledge about cellular engineering in dentistry.

TOPICAL REVIEW: Stem cells engineering for cell-based therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taupin, Philippe

2007-09-01

Stem cells carry the promise to cure a broad range of diseases and injuries, from diabetes, heart and muscular diseases, to neurological diseases, disorders and injuries. Significant progresses have been made in stem cell research over the past decade; the derivation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) from human tissues, the development of cloning technology by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) and the confirmation that neurogenesis occurs in the adult mammalian brain and that neural stem cells (NSCs) reside in the adult central nervous system (CNS), including that of humans. Despite these advances, there may be decades before stem cell research will translate into therapy. Stem cell research is also subject to ethical and political debates, controversies and legislation, which slow its progress. Cell engineering has proven successful in bringing genetic research to therapy. In this review, I will review, in two examples, how investigators are applying cell engineering to stem cell biology to circumvent stem cells' ethical and political constraints and bolster stem cell research and therapy.

Lithium in giant stars in NGC 752 and M67

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pilachowski, Catherine; Saha, A.; Hobbs, L. M.

1988-04-01

Spectra of giant stars in the intermediate-age galactic cluster NGC 752 and in the old cluster M67 have been examined for the presence of Li I λ6707. The lithium feature is not present in any of the M67 giants observed, leading to upper-limit abundances of log ɛ(Li) ≤ -1.0 to 0.3. While lithium is not present in most NGC 752 giants, the feature is strong in two giants, Heinemann 77 and 208, log ɛ(Li) = +1.1 and +1.4, respectively. In the remaining giants in NGC 752, log ɛ(Li) < 0.5. The absence of lithium in M67 giants may be because these giants evolve from progenitors in the region of the main-sequence lithium dip.

pH Alkalinization by Chloroquine Suppresses Pathogenic Burkholderia Type 6 Secretion System 1 and Multinucleated Giant Cells

PubMed Central

Senft, Jeffrey L.; Lockett, Stephen J.; Brett, Paul J.; Burtnick, Mary N.; DeShazer, David

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT Burkholderia mallei and B. pseudomallei cause glanders and melioidosis, respectively, in humans and animals. A hallmark of pathogenesis is the formation of granulomas containing multinucleated giant cells (MNGCs) and cell death. These processes depend on type 6 secretion system 1 (T6SS-1), which is required for virulence in animals. We examined the cell biology of MNGC formation and cell death. We found that chloroquine diphosphate (CLQ), an antimalarial drug, inhibits Burkholderia growth, phagosomal escape, and subsequent MNGC formation. This depends on CLQ's ability to neutralize the acid pH because other alkalinizing compounds similarly inhibit escape and MNGC formation. CLQ inhibits bacterial virulence protein expression because T6SS-1 and some effectors of type 3 secretion system 3 (T3SS-3), which is also required for virulence, are expressed at acid pH. We show that acid pH upregulates the expression of Hcp1 of T6SS-1 and TssM, a protein coregulated with T6SS-1. Finally, we demonstrate that CLQ treatment of Burkholderia-infected Madagascar hissing cockroaches (HCs) increases their survival. This study highlights the multiple mechanisms by which CLQ inhibits growth and virulence and suggests that CLQ be further tested and considered, in conjunction with antibiotic use, for the treatment of diseases caused by Burkholderia. PMID:27799332

pH Alkalinization by Chloroquine Suppresses Pathogenic Burkholderia Type 6 Secretion System 1 and Multinucleated Giant Cells.

PubMed

Chua, Jennifer; Senft, Jeffrey L; Lockett, Stephen J; Brett, Paul J; Burtnick, Mary N; DeShazer, David; Friedlander, Arthur M

2017-01-01

Burkholderia mallei and B. pseudomallei cause glanders and melioidosis, respectively, in humans and animals. A hallmark of pathogenesis is the formation of granulomas containing multinucleated giant cells (MNGCs) and cell death. These processes depend on type 6 secretion system 1 (T6SS-1), which is required for virulence in animals. We examined the cell biology of MNGC formation and cell death. We found that chloroquine diphosphate (CLQ), an antimalarial drug, inhibits Burkholderia growth, phagosomal escape, and subsequent MNGC formation. This depends on CLQ's ability to neutralize the acid pH because other alkalinizing compounds similarly inhibit escape and MNGC formation. CLQ inhibits bacterial virulence protein expression because T6SS-1 and some effectors of type 3 secretion system 3 (T3SS-3), which is also required for virulence, are expressed at acid pH. We show that acid pH upregulates the expression of Hcp1 of T6SS-1 and TssM, a protein coregulated with T6SS-1. Finally, we demonstrate that CLQ treatment of Burkholderia-infected Madagascar hissing cockroaches (HCs) increases their survival. This study highlights the multiple mechanisms by which CLQ inhibits growth and virulence and suggests that CLQ be further tested and considered, in conjunction with antibiotic use, for the treatment of diseases caused by Burkholderia. Copyright © 2016 American Society for Microbiology.

Vibration analysis and experiment of giant magnetostrictive force sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Zhiwen; Liu, Fang; Zhu, Xingqiao; Wang, Haibo; Xu, Jia

2017-12-01

In this paper, a kind of giant magnetostrictive force sensor is proposed, ans its magneto-mechanical coupled model is developed. The relationship between output voltage of giant magnetostrictive force sensor and input excitation force is obtained. The phenomena of accuracy aggravation in high frequency and delay of giant magnetostrictive sensor are explained. The experimental results show that the model can describe the actual response of giant magnetostrictive force sensor. The new model of giant magnetostrictive sensor has simple form and is easy to be analyzed in theory, which is helpful to be applied in measuring and control fields.

Reactor vibration reduction based on giant magnetostrictive materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rongge, Yan; Weiying, Liu; Yuechao, Wu; Menghua, Duan; Xiaohong, Zhang; Lihua, Zhu; Ling, Weng; Ying, Sun

2017-05-01

The vibration of reactors not only produces noise pollution, but also affects the safe operation of reactors. Giant magnetostrictive materials can generate huge expansion and shrinkage deformation in a magnetic field. With the principle of mutual offset between the giant magnetostrictive force produced by the giant magnetostrictive material and the original vibration force of the reactor, the vibration of the reactor can be reduced. In this paper, magnetization and magnetostriction characteristics in silicon steel and the giant magnetostrictive material are measured, respectively. According to the presented magneto-mechanical coupling model including the electromagnetic force and the magnetostrictive force, reactor vibration is calculated. By comparing the vibration of the reactor with different inserted materials in the air gaps between the reactor cores, the vibration reduction effectiveness of the giant magnetostrictive material is validated.

The number of multinucleated trophoblastic giant cells in the basal decidua is decreased in retained placenta.

PubMed

van Beekhuizen, H J; Joosten, I; de Groot, A N J A; Lotgering, F K; van der Laak, J; Bulten, J

2009-09-01

Retained placenta (RP) is a major cause of obstetric haemorrhage. The aim of the study was to obtain a better understanding of the mechanisms that cause some placentas to become retained, while most are not. 23 RPs clinically diagnosed as placenta adhesiva and 10 control placentas (CPs) were examined for differences in trophoblast fusion into multinucleated trophoblastic giant cells (MTGCs), defects in the basal decidua, and decidual attachment of myometrial fibres. The number of MTGCs in the basal decidua was significantly smaller in RPs (0.23 MTGC/standard length) than in CPs (1.11 MTGC/standard length) (p<0.001). Defects in the decidua were observed in 4% of the RPs and in 0% of the CPs. Myometrial fibres were attached to the decidua in 78% of the RPs and in 0% of the CPs (p<0.001). In placenta adhesiva compared with CPs, significantly less MTGCs were present in the basal decidua, the basal decidua was intact, and myometrial fibres were more frequently attached to the basal decidua. It is speculated that these findings may indicate that defective fusion of trophoblastic cells into MTGCs plays a causative role in placenta adhesiva.

Small and big Hodgkin-Reed-Sternberg cells of Hodgkin lymphoma cell lines L-428 and L-1236 lack consistent differences in gene expression profiles and are capable to reconstitute each other.

PubMed

Rengstl, Benjamin; Kim, Sooji; Döring, Claudia; Weiser, Christian; Bein, Julia; Bankov, Katrin; Herling, Marco; Newrzela, Sebastian; Hansmann, Martin-Leo; Hartmann, Sylvia

2017-01-01

The hallmark of classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) is the presence of giant, mostly multinucleated Hodgkin-Reed-Sternberg (HRS) cells. Whereas it has recently been shown that giant HRS cells evolve from small Hodgkin cells by incomplete cytokinesis and re-fusion of tethered sister cells, it remains unsolved why this phenomenon particularly takes place in this lymphoma and what the differences between these cell types of variable sizes are. The aim of the present study was to characterize microdissected small and giant HRS cells by gene expression profiling and to assess differences of clonal growth behavior as well as susceptibility toward cytotoxic intervention between these different cell types to provide more insight into their distinct cellular potential. Applying stringent filter criteria, only two differentially expressed genes between small and giant HRS cells, SHFM1 and LDHB, were identified. With looser filter criteria, 13 genes were identified to be differentially overexpressed in small compared to giant HRS cells. These were mainly related to energy metabolism and protein synthesis, further suggesting that small Hodgkin cells resemble the proliferative compartment of cHL. SHFM1, which is known to be involved in the generation of giant cells, was downregulated in giant RS cells at the RNA level. However, reduced mRNA levels of SHFM1, LDHB and HSPA8 did not translate into decreased protein levels in giant HRS cells. In cell culture experiments it was observed that the fraction of small and big HRS cells was adjusted to the basic level several days after enrichment of these populations via cell sorting, indicating that small and big HRS cells can reconstitute the full spectrum of cells usually observed in the culture. However, assessment of clonal growth of HRS cells indicated a significantly reduced potential of big HRS cells to form single cell colonies. Taken together, our findings pinpoint to strong similarities but also some differences between small and

Should the Endangered Status of the Giant Panda Really Be Reduced? The Case of Giant Panda Conservation in Sichuan, China

PubMed Central

Ma, Ben; Lei, Shuo; Qing, Qin; Wen, Yali

2018-01-01

Simple Summary This study evaluates the effect of local, regional, and global factors on the recovery of giant panda populations and their habitat, questioning the recent downgrading in the conservation status of this iconic species. We highlight the actions taken over the last decade, which were primarily local scale changes and efforts for protecting pandas. Broader regional development and global climate change are expected to negatively affect current population trends in the long-term; this phenomenon has been documented in other wildlife populations also showing a recent recovery. Thus, we call for a revision of the assessments stipulated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature to incorporate broader potential impacts in predicting the future survival of threatened populations, thereby, ensuring that appropriate and objective protection measures are implemented well in advance. Abstract The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reduced the threat status of the giant panda from “endangered” to “vulnerable” in September 2016. In this study, we analyzed current practices for giant panda conservation at regional and local environmental scales, based on recent reports of giant panda protection efforts in Sichuan Province, China, combined with the survey results from 927 households within and adjacent to the giant panda reserves in this area. The results showed that household attitudes were very positive regarding giant panda protection efforts. Over the last 10 years, farmers’ dependence on the natural resources provided by giant panda reserves significantly decreased. However, socio-economic development increased resource consumption, and led to climate change, habitat fragmentation, environmental pollution, and other issues that placed increased pressure on giant panda populations. This difference between local and regional scales must be considered when evaluating the IUCN status of giant pandas. While the status of this

Ex-utero intrapartum treatment procedure for giant neck masses--fetal and maternal outcomes.

PubMed

Lazar, David A; Olutoye, Oluyinka O; Moise, Kenneth J; Ivey, R Todd; Johnson, Anthony; Ayres, Nancy; Olutoye, Olutoyin A; Rodriguez, Manuel A; Cass, Darrell L

2011-05-01

For fetuses with giant neck masses and tracheal obstruction, an ex-utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure allows for safe nonemergent airway management while on placental support. Our objective was to examine fetal and maternal outcomes after EXIT procedure specifically for giant neck masses. The medical records of all patients referred to a comprehensive fetal center for a giant neck mass between 2001 and 2010 were reviewed retrospectively. Among 24 patients referred, an EXIT procedure was performed in 12 with evidence of tracheal compression. An EXIT procedure was not performed because of minimal tracheal involvement (n = 8), elective abortion (n = 2), fetal demise (n = 1), or obstetric complication (n = 1). In all fetuses, the airway was successfully secured; tracheal intubation was achieved with rigid bronchoscopy (n = 10), direct laryngoscopy (n = 1), and tracheostomy (n = 1). Eleven patients survived to discharge, whereas 1 patient with significant pulmonary hypoplasia died 8 days after emergency EXIT procedure. Of 11 surviving infants, 10 are neurodevelopmentally intact. All mothers who desired future pregnancies have subsequently had uncomplicated deliveries (n = 6). Ex-utero intrapartum treatment procedure for giant neck mass can be performed safely for both mother and child. Most fetuses can be orotracheally intubated with minimal long-term morbidity. The potential for future pregnancies is preserved. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

LITHIUM-RICH GIANTS IN GLOBULAR CLUSTERS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kirby, Evan N.; Cohen, Judith G.; Guhathakurta, Puragra

Although red giants deplete lithium on their surfaces, some giants are Li-rich. Intermediate-mass asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars can generate Li through the Cameron–Fowler conveyor, but the existence of Li-rich, low-mass red giant branch (RGB) stars is puzzling. Globular clusters are the best sites to examine this phenomenon because it is straightforward to determine membership in the cluster and to identify the evolutionary state of each star. In 72 hours of Keck/DEIMOS exposures in 25 clusters, we found four Li-rich RGB and two Li-rich AGB stars. There were 1696 RGB and 125 AGB stars with measurements or upper limits consistentmore » with normal abundances of Li. Hence, the frequency of Li-richness in globular clusters is (0.2 ± 0.1)% for the RGB, (1.6 ± 1.1)% for the AGB, and (0.3 ± 0.1)% for all giants. Because the Li-rich RGB stars are on the lower RGB, Li self-generation mechanisms proposed to occur at the luminosity function bump or He core flash cannot explain these four lower RGB stars. We propose the following origin for Li enrichment: (1) All luminous giants experience a brief phase of Li enrichment at the He core flash. (2) All post-RGB stars with binary companions on the lower RGB will engage in mass transfer. This scenario predicts that 0.1% of lower RGB stars will appear Li-rich due to mass transfer from a recently Li-enhanced companion. This frequency is at the lower end of our confidence interval.« less

Tibial stress reaction presenting as bilateral shin pain in a man taking denosumab for giant cell tumor of the bone.

PubMed

Lim, Sian Yik; Rastalsky, Naina; Choy, Edwin; Bolster, Marcy B

2015-12-01

Prolonged bisphosphonate use has been associated with increased risk of atypical femoral fractures. Very few cases of atypical femoral fractures have been reported with denosumab. We report a case of bilateral tibial stress reactions in a 60-year-old man with no history of osteoporosis who was on prolonged high-dose denosumab for the treatment of giant cell tumor of bone. He presented with a 3-month history of pain in his bilateral shins worsening with activity and improving with rest. Although initial radiographs were unremarkable, he was found to have changes consistent with a stress reaction on magnetic resonance imaging of the distal tibia. To our knowledge, bilateral tibial stress reactions have not been previously reported with anti-resorptive therapies (neither bisphosphonates nor denosumab). Our case is intriguing in terms of the development of stress reactions as a precursor to stress fractures which may also relate to atypical fractures. Our case suggests a possible association between denosumab use and stress reactions. Of note the indication for denosumab in our case was for the treatment of giant cell tumor of bone where the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved dose is substantially higher than the FDA approved dose for osteoporosis treatment. Although rare, clinicians should consider the possibility of stress fractures in patients on anti-resorptive medications such as denosumab, especially when a patient presents with new onset thigh pain, hip pain or pain over an area affecting the long bones. Evaluation by imaging of affected areas should be pursued to enable early detection and intervention, as well as prevention of morbidity and associated ongoing risk to the patient. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Amoeba/amoebal symbiont genetic transfers: lessons from giant virus neighbours.

PubMed

Thomas, Vincent; Greub, Gilbert

2010-01-01

Free-living amoebae serve as hosts for a variety of amoebae-resisting microorganisms, including giant viruses and certain bacteria. The latter include symbiotic bacteria as well as bacteria exhibiting a pathogenic phenotype towards amoebae. Amoebae-resisting bacteria have been shown to be widespread in water and to use the amoebae as a reservoir, a replication niche, a protective armour as well as a training ground to select virulence traits allowing survival in the face of microbicidal effects of macrophages, the first line of defense against invading pathogens. More importantly, amoebae play a significant role as a melting pot for genetic exchanges. These ecological and evolutionary roles of amoebae might also be at play for giant viruses and knowledge derived from the study of amoebae-resisting bacteria is useful for the study and understanding of interactions between amoebae and giant viruses. This is especially important since some genes have spread in all domains of life and the exponential availability of eukaryotic genomes and metagenomic sequences will allow researchers to explore these genetic exchanges in a more comprehensive way, thus completely changing our perception of the evolutionary history of organisms. Thus, a large part of this review is dedicated to report current known gene exchanges between the different amoebae-resisting organisms and between amoebae and the internalized bacteria. Copyright 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Giant Magnetoresistance Sensors: A Review on Structures and Non-Destructive Eddy Current Testing Applications

PubMed Central

Rifai, Damhuji; Abdalla, Ahmed N.; Ali, Kharudin; Razali, Ramdan

2016-01-01

Non-destructive eddy current testing (ECT) is widely used to examine structural defects in ferromagnetic pipe in the oil and gas industry. Implementation of giant magnetoresistance (GMR) sensors as magnetic field sensors to detect the changes of magnetic field continuity have increased the sensitivity of eddy current techniques in detecting the material defect profile. However, not many researchers have described in detail the structure and issues of GMR sensors and their application in eddy current techniques for nondestructive testing. This paper will describe the implementation of GMR sensors in non-destructive testing eddy current testing. The first part of this paper will describe the structure and principles of GMR sensors. The second part outlines the principles and types of eddy current testing probe that have been studied and developed by previous researchers. The influence of various parameters on the GMR measurement and a factor affecting in eddy current testing will be described in detail in the third part of this paper. Finally, this paper will discuss the limitations of coil probe and compensation techniques that researchers have applied in eddy current testing probes. A comprehensive review of previous studies on the application of GMR sensors in non-destructive eddy current testing also be given at the end of this paper. PMID:26927123

Giant Magnetoresistance Sensors: A Review on Structures and Non-Destructive Eddy Current Testing Applications.

PubMed

Rifai, Damhuji; Abdalla, Ahmed N; Ali, Kharudin; Razali, Ramdan

2016-02-26

Non-destructive eddy current testing (ECT) is widely used to examine structural defects in ferromagnetic pipe in the oil and gas industry. Implementation of giant magnetoresistance (GMR) sensors as magnetic field sensors to detect the changes of magnetic field continuity have increased the sensitivity of eddy current techniques in detecting the material defect profile. However, not many researchers have described in detail the structure and issues of GMR sensors and their application in eddy current techniques for nondestructive testing. This paper will describe the implementation of GMR sensors in non-destructive testing eddy current testing. The first part of this paper will describe the structure and principles of GMR sensors. The second part outlines the principles and types of eddy current testing probe that have been studied and developed by previous researchers. The influence of various parameters on the GMR measurement and a factor affecting in eddy current testing will be described in detail in the third part of this paper. Finally, this paper will discuss the limitations of coil probe and compensation techniques that researchers have applied in eddy current testing probes. A comprehensive review of previous studies on the application of GMR sensors in non-destructive eddy current testing also be given at the end of this paper.

Evidence for Lignin Oxidation by the Giant Panda Fecal Microbiome

PubMed Central

Zhou, Peng; Chang, Fei; Hong, Yuzhi; Zhang, Xuecheng; Peng, Hui; Xiao, Yazhong

2012-01-01

The digestion of lignin and lignin-related phenolic compounds from bamboo by giant pandas has puzzled scientists because of the lack of lignin-degrading genes in the genome of the bamboo-feeding animals. We constructed a 16S rRNA gene library from the microorganisms derived from the giant panda feces to identify the possibility for the presence of potential lignin-degrading bacteria. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the phylotypes of the intestinal bacteria were affiliated with the phyla Proteobacteria (53%) and Firmicutes (47%). Two phylotypes were affiliated with the known lignin-degrading bacterium Pseudomonas putida and the mangrove forest bacteria. To test the hypothesis that microbes in the giant panda gut help degrade lignin, a metagenomic library of the intestinal bacteria was constructed and screened for clones that contained genes encoding laccase, a lignin-degrading related enzyme. A multicopper oxidase gene, designated as lac51, was identified from a metagenomic clone. Sequence analysis and copper content determination indicated that Lac51 is a laccase rather than a metallo-oxidase and may work outside its original host cell because it has a TAT-type signal peptide and a transmembrane segment at its N-terminus. Lac51 oxidizes a variety of lignin-related phenolic compounds, including syringaldazine, 2,6-dimethoxyphenol, ferulic acid, veratryl alcohol, guaiacol, and sinapinic acid at conditions that simulate the physiologic environment in giant panda intestines. Furthermore, in the presence of 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), syringic acid, or ferulic acid as mediators, the oxidative ability of Lac51 on lignin was promoted. The absorbance of lignin at 445 nm decreased to 36% for ABTS, 51% for syringic acid, and 51% for ferulic acid after incubation for 10 h. Our findings demonstrate that the intestinal bacteria of giant pandas may facilitate the oxidation of lignin moieties, thereby clarifying the digestion of bamboo

Observations of circumstellar carbon monoxide and evidence for multiple ejections in red giants

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bernat, A. P.

1981-01-01

Observations of the fundamental 4.6 micron band of CO in nine red giants are presented. A common feature is multiple absorption lines which are identified as products of separate components or shells. Column densities are derived; the relative values should be free of the uncertainties inherent in determining the absolute scale. These column densities are well fitted by single excitation temperatures for each absorption component; these excitation temperatures are identified with the local kinetic temperatures. There is no correlation of CO column density with either gas or dust column density nor of the expansion velocity of the component with its distance from the star. The evidence is reviewed, and it is concluded that mass loss from red giants is most likely episodic in nature.

Lithium Abundance in M3 Red Giant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Givens, Rashad; Pilachowski, Catherine A.

2015-01-01

We present the abundance of lithium in the red giant star vZ 1050 (SK 291) in the globular cluster M3. A previous survey of giants in the cluster showed that like IV-101, vZ 1050 displays a prominent Li I 6707 Å feature. vZ 1050 lies on the blue side of the red giant branch about 1.3 magnitudes above the level of the horizontal branch, and may be an asymptotic giant branch star. A high resolution spectrum of M3 vZ1050 was obtained with the ARC 3.5m telescope and the ARC Echelle Spectrograph (ARCES). Atmospheric parameters were determined using Fe I and Fe II lines from the spectrum using the MOOG spectral analysis program, and the lithium abundance was determined using spectrum synthesis.

[Staged transcranial and transsphenoidal surgery for giant pituitary adenomas: a retrospective study of 21 cases].

PubMed

Liao, D Y; Liu, Z Y; Zhang, J; Ren, Q Q; Liu, X Y; Xu, J G

2018-05-08

Objective: To investigate the effect of the second-stage transcranial and transsphenoidal approach for giant pituitary tumors. Methods: A retrospective review of 21 patients, who had undergone the transcranial surgery and then transsphenoidal surgery for giant pituitary adenomas from 2012 to 2015 in the neurosurgery department of West China Hospital, was performed. Visual findings, endocrine presentation, complications, and tumor types were collected. All data were based on clinical feature, MRI, and follow-up. Results: Among the 21 cases, gross total resection of tumor was achieved in 7 of all patients, subtotal in 11, and partial in 3. No intracranial hemorrhage or death occurred postoperatively. Postoperative infectionoccurred in one patient and cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred in 3 patients. Four patients recovered after treatment. Conclusion: According to the clinical feature and MRI, it is safe and effective to choose the transcranial surgery and then transsphenoidal surgery for specific giant pituitary adenomas, which can improve treatment effects and reduce postoperative complications.

Robot-assisted "Santosh-Post Graduate Institute tubularized flap pyelovesicostomy" in a solitary functioning kidney with giant hydronephrosis: A minimally invasive salvage procedure.

PubMed

Kumar, Santosh; Singh, Shivanshu; Kumar, Navneet

2016-03-01

We describe a case of a solitary functioning kidney with giant hydronephrosis secondary to ureteropelvic junction obstruction in a young girl who underwent successful robot-assisted tubularized flap pyelovesicostomy. The aim of this report was to highlight the feasibility and efficacy of this technique in salvaging such renal moieties and to present a brief review of the surgical options available for the management of giant hydronephrosis.

Evolution and history of Giant Sequoia

Treesearch

H. Thomas Harvey

1986-01-01

Ancient ancestors of the giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum [Lindl.] Buchholz) were widespread throughout much of the Northern Hemisphere during the late Mesozoic Period. Climatic conditions changed, forcing the more recent ancestors of present giant sequoia into the southwestern United States. The native range is now restricted to the west slope of the Sierra...

Imaging Active Giants and Comparisons to Doppler Imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roettenbacher, Rachael

2018-04-01

In the outer layers of cool, giant stars, stellar magnetism stifles convection creating localized starspots, analogous to sunspots. Because they frequently cover much larger regions of the stellar surface than sunspots, starspots of giant stars have been imaged using a variety of techniques to understand, for example, stellar magnetism, differential rotation, and spot evolution. Active giants have been imaged using photometric, spectroscopic, and, only recently, interferometric observations. Interferometry has provided a way to unambiguously see stellar surfaces without the degeneracies experienced by other methods. The only facility presently capable of obtaining the sub-milliarcsecond resolution necessary to not only resolve some giant stars, but also features on their surfaces is the Center for High-Angular Resolution Astronomy (CHARA) Array. Here, an overview will be given of the results of imaging active giants and details on the recent comparisons of simultaneous interferometric and Doppler images.

Soft tissue recurrence of giant cell tumor of the bone: Prevalence and radiographic features.

PubMed

Xu, Leilei; Jin, Jing; Hu, Annan; Xiong, Jin; Wang, Dongmei; Sun, Qi; Wang, Shoufeng

2017-11-01

Recurrence of giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) in the soft tissue is rarely seen in the clinical practice. This study aims to determine the prevalence of soft tissue recurrence of GCTB, and to characterize its radiographic features. A total of 291 patients treated by intralesional curettage for histologically diagnosed GCTB were reviewed. 6 patients were identified to have the recurrence of GCTB in the soft tissue, all of whom had undergone marginal resection of the lesion. Based on the x-ray, CT and MRI imaging, the radiographic features of soft tissue recurrence were classified into 3 types. Type I was defined as soft tissue recurrence with peripheral ossification, type II was defined as soft tissue recurrence with central ossification, and type III was defined as pure soft tissue recurrence without ossification. Demographic data including period of recurrence and follow-up duration after the second surgery were recorded for these 6 patients. Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) scoring system was used to evaluate functional outcomes. The overall recurrence rate was 2.1% (6/291). The mean interval between initial surgery and recurrence was 11.3 ± 4.1 months (range, 5-17). The recurrence lesions were located in the thigh of 2 patients, in the forearm of 2 patients and in the leg of the other 2 patients. According to the classification system mentioned above, 2 patients were classified with type I, 1 as type II and 3 as type III. After the marginal excision surgery, all patients were consistently followed up for a mean period of 13.4 ± 5.3 months (range, 6-19), with no recurrence observed at the final visit. All the patients were satisfied with the surgical outcome. According to the MSTS scale, the mean postoperative functional score was 28.0 ± 1.2 (range, 26-29). The classification of soft tissue recurrence of GCTB may be helpful for the surgeon to select the appropriate imaging procedure to detect the recurrence. In addition, the marginal resection can produce

Asymmetrical Polyhedral Configuration of Giant Vesicles Induced by Orderly Array of Encapsulated Colloidal Particles

PubMed Central

Natsume, Yuno; Toyota, Taro

2016-01-01

Giant vesicles (GVs) encapsulating colloidal particles by a specific volume fraction show a characteristic configuration under a hypertonic condition. Several flat faces were formed in GV membrane with orderly array of inner particles. GV shape changed from the spherical to the asymmetrical polyhedral configuration. This shape deformation was derived by entropic interaction between inner particles and GV membrane. Because a part of inner particles became to form an ordered phase in the region neighboring the GV membrane, free volume for the other part of particles increased. Giant vesicles encapsulating colloidal particles were useful for the model of “crowding effect” which is the entropic interaction in the cell. PMID:26752650

Asymmetrical Polyhedral Configuration of Giant Vesicles Induced by Orderly Array of Encapsulated Colloidal Particles.

PubMed

Natsume, Yuno; Toyota, Taro

2016-01-01

Giant vesicles (GVs) encapsulating colloidal particles by a specific volume fraction show a characteristic configuration under a hypertonic condition. Several flat faces were formed in GV membrane with orderly array of inner particles. GV shape changed from the spherical to the asymmetrical polyhedral configuration. This shape deformation was derived by entropic interaction between inner particles and GV membrane. Because a part of inner particles became to form an ordered phase in the region neighboring the GV membrane, free volume for the other part of particles increased. Giant vesicles encapsulating colloidal particles were useful for the model of "crowding effect" which is the entropic interaction in the cell.

A Phenotyping Method of Giant Cells from Root-Knot Nematode Feeding Sites by Confocal Microscopy Highlights a Role for CHITINASE-LIKE 1 in Arabidopsis

PubMed Central

Cabrera, Javier; Olmo, Rocio; Ruiz-Ferrer, Virginia; Hermans, Christian; Martinez-Argudo, Isabel; Escobar, Carolina

2018-01-01

Most effective nematicides for the control of root-knot nematodes are banned, which demands a better understanding of the plant-nematode interaction. Understanding how gene expression in the nematode-feeding sites relates to morphological features may assist a better characterization of the interaction. However, nematode-induced galls resulting from cell-proliferation and hypertrophy hinders such observation, which would require tissue sectioning or clearing. We demonstrate that a method based on the green auto-fluorescence produced by glutaraldehyde and the tissue-clearing properties of benzyl-alcohol/benzyl-benzoate preserves the structure of the nematode-feeding sites and the plant-nematode interface with unprecedented resolution quality. This allowed us to obtain detailed measurements of the giant cells’ area in an Arabidopsis line overexpressing CHITINASE-LIKE-1 (CTL1) from optical sections by confocal microscopy, assigning a role for CTL1 and adding essential data to the scarce information of the role of gene repression in giant cells. Furthermore, subcellular structures and features of the nematodes body and tissues from thick organs formed after different biotic interactions, i.e., galls, syncytia, and nodules, were clearly distinguished without embedding or sectioning in different plant species (Arabidopsis, cucumber or Medicago). The combination of this method with molecular studies will be valuable for a better understanding of the plant-biotic interactions. PMID:29389847

The Lithium Abundances of a Large Sample of Red Giants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Y. J.; Tan, K. F.; Wang, L.; Zhao, G.; Sato, Bun'ei; Takeda, Y.; Li, H. N.

2014-04-01

The lithium abundances for 378 G/K giants are derived with non-local thermodynamic equilibrium correction considered. Among these are 23 stars that host planetary systems. The lithium abundance is investigated, as a function of metallicity, effective temperature, and rotational velocity, as well as the impact of a giant planet on G/K giants. The results show that the lithium abundance is a function of metallicity and effective temperature. The lithium abundance has no correlation with rotational velocity at v sin i < 10 km s-1. Giants with planets present lower lithium abundance and slow rotational velocity (v sin i < 4 km s-1). Our sample includes three Li-rich G/K giants, 36 Li-normal stars, and 339 Li-depleted stars. The fraction of Li-rich stars in this sample agrees with the general rate of less than 1% in the literature, and the stars that show normal amounts of Li are supposed to possess the same abundance at the current interstellar medium. For the Li-depleted giants, Li-deficiency may have already taken place at the main sequence stage for many intermediate mass (1.5-5 M ⊙) G/K giants. Finally, we present the lithium abundance and kinematic parameters for an enlarged sample of 565 giants using a compilation of the literature, and confirm that the lithium abundance is a function of metallicity and effective temperature. With the enlarged sample, we investigate the differences between the lithium abundance in thin-/thick-disk giants, which indicate that the lithium abundance in thick-disk giants is more depleted than that in thin-disk giants.

The lithium abundances of a large sample of red giants

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu, Y. J.; Tan, K. F.; Wang, L.

2014-04-20

The lithium abundances for 378 G/K giants are derived with non-local thermodynamic equilibrium correction considered. Among these are 23 stars that host planetary systems. The lithium abundance is investigated, as a function of metallicity, effective temperature, and rotational velocity, as well as the impact of a giant planet on G/K giants. The results show that the lithium abundance is a function of metallicity and effective temperature. The lithium abundance has no correlation with rotational velocity at v sin i < 10 km s{sup –1}. Giants with planets present lower lithium abundance and slow rotational velocity (v sin i < 4more » km s{sup –1}). Our sample includes three Li-rich G/K giants, 36 Li-normal stars, and 339 Li-depleted stars. The fraction of Li-rich stars in this sample agrees with the general rate of less than 1% in the literature, and the stars that show normal amounts of Li are supposed to possess the same abundance at the current interstellar medium. For the Li-depleted giants, Li-deficiency may have already taken place at the main sequence stage for many intermediate mass (1.5-5 M {sub ☉}) G/K giants. Finally, we present the lithium abundance and kinematic parameters for an enlarged sample of 565 giants using a compilation of the literature, and confirm that the lithium abundance is a function of metallicity and effective temperature. With the enlarged sample, we investigate the differences between the lithium abundance in thin-/thick-disk giants, which indicate that the lithium abundance in thick-disk giants is more depleted than that in thin-disk giants.« less

Lithium-rich Giants in Globular Clusters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kirby, Evan N.; Guhathakurta, Puragra; Zhang, Andrew J.; Hong, Jerry; Guo, Michelle; Guo, Rachel; Cohen, Judith G.; Cunha, Katia

2016-03-01

Although red giants deplete lithium on their surfaces, some giants are Li-rich. Intermediate-mass asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars can generate Li through the Cameron-Fowler conveyor, but the existence of Li-rich, low-mass red giant branch (RGB) stars is puzzling. Globular clusters are the best sites to examine this phenomenon because it is straightforward to determine membership in the cluster and to identify the evolutionary state of each star. In 72 hours of Keck/DEIMOS exposures in 25 clusters, we found four Li-rich RGB and two Li-rich AGB stars. There were 1696 RGB and 125 AGB stars with measurements or upper limits consistent with normal abundances of Li. Hence, the frequency of Li-richness in globular clusters is (0.2 ± 0.1)% for the RGB, (1.6 ± 1.1)% for the AGB, and (0.3 ± 0.1)% for all giants. Because the Li-rich RGB stars are on the lower RGB, Li self-generation mechanisms proposed to occur at the luminosity function bump or He core flash cannot explain these four lower RGB stars. We propose the following origin for Li enrichment: (1) All luminous giants experience a brief phase of Li enrichment at the He core flash. (2) All post-RGB stars with binary companions on the lower RGB will engage in mass transfer. This scenario predicts that 0.1% of lower RGB stars will appear Li-rich due to mass transfer from a recently Li-enhanced companion. This frequency is at the lower end of our confidence interval. The data presented herein were obtained at the W. M. Keck Observatory, which is operated as a scientific partnership among the California Institute of Technology, the University of California and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The Observatory was made possible by the generous financial support of the W. M. Keck Foundation.

Endoscopic endonasal surgery for giant pituitary adenomas: advantages and limitations.

PubMed

Koutourousiou, Maria; Gardner, Paul A; Fernandez-Miranda, Juan C; Paluzzi, Alessandro; Wang, Eric W; Snyderman, Carl H

2013-03-01

Giant pituitary adenomas (> 4 cm in maximum diameter) represent a significant surgical challenge. Endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) has recently been introduced as a treatment option for these tumors. The authors present the results of EES for giant adenomas and analyze the advantages and limitations of this technique. The authors retrospectively reviewed the medical files and imaging studies of 54 patients with giant pituitary adenomas who underwent EES and studied the factors affecting surgical outcome. Preoperative visual impairment was present in 45 patients (83%) and partial or complete pituitary deficiency in 28 cases (52%), and 7 patients (13%) presented with apoplexy. Near-total resection (> 90%) was achieved in 36 patients (66.7%). Vision was improved or normalized in 36 cases (80%) and worsened in 2 cases due to apoplexy of residual tumor. Significant factors that limited the degree of resection were a multilobular configuration of the adenoma (p = 0.002) and extension to the middle fossa (p = 0.045). Cavernous sinus invasion, tumor size, and intraventricular or posterior fossa extension did not influence the surgical outcome. Complications included apoplexy of residual adenoma (3.7%), permanent diabetes insipidus (9.6%), new pituitary insufficiency (16.7%), and CSF leak (16.7%, which was reduced to 7.4% in recent years). Fourteen patients underwent radiation therapy after EES for residual mass or, in a later stage, for recurrence, and 10 with functional pituitary adenomas received medical treatment. During a mean follow-up of 37.9 months (range 1-114 months), 7 patients were reoperated on for tumor recurrence. Three patients were lost to follow-up. Endoscopic endonasal surgery provides effective initial management of giant pituitary adenomas with favorable results compared with traditional microscopic transsphenoidal and transcranial approaches.

Globally intertwined evolutionary history of giant barrel sponges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Swierts, Thomas; Peijnenburg, Katja T. C. A.; de Leeuw, Christiaan A.; Breeuwer, Johannes A. J.; Cleary, Daniel F. R.; de Voogd, Nicole J.

2017-09-01

Three species of giant barrel sponge are currently recognized in two distinct geographic regions, the tropical Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific. In this study, we used molecular techniques to study populations of giant barrel sponges across the globe and assessed whether the genetic structure of these populations agreed with current taxonomic consensus or, in contrast, whether there was evidence of cryptic species. Using molecular data, we assessed whether giant barrel sponges in each oceanic realm represented separate monophyletic lineages. Giant barrel sponges from 17 coral reef systems across the globe were sequenced for mitochondrial (partial CO1 and ATP6 genes) and nuclear (ATPsβ intron) DNA markers. In total, we obtained 395 combined sequences of the mitochondrial CO1 and ATP6 markers, which resulted in 17 different haplotypes. We compared a phylogenetic tree constructed from 285 alleles of the nuclear intron ATPsβ to the 17 mitochondrial haplotypes. Congruent patterns between mitochondrial and nuclear gene trees of giant barrel sponges provided evidence for the existence of multiple reproductively isolated species, particularly where they occurred in sympatry. The species complexes in the tropical Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific, however, do not form separate monophyletic lineages. This rules out the scenario that one species of giant barrel sponge developed into separate species complexes following geographic separation and instead suggests that multiple species of giant barrel sponges already existed prior to the physical separation of the Indo-Pacific and tropical Atlantic.

Blood Lead Levels in Captive Giant Pandas.

PubMed

Wintle, Nathan J P; Martin-Wintle, Meghan S; Zhou, Xiaoping; Zhang, Hemin

2018-01-01

Fifteen giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) from the Chinese Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP) in Bifengxia, Sichuan, China were analyzed for blood lead concentrations (Pb-B) during the 2017 breeding season. Thirteen of the 15 bears showed Pb-B below the method detection limit (MDL) of 3.3 µg/dL. The two remaining bears, although above the MDL, contained very low concentrations of lead of 3.9 and 4.5 µg/dL. All 15 giant pandas in this analysis had Pb-B concentrations that were within normal background concentrations for mammals in uncontaminated environments. For a threatened species, whose native country is plagued by reports of extremely high air pollution, our findings suggest that giant pandas at the CCRCGP are not absorbing lead at concentrations that would adversely affect their health.

Immobilization of wild giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) with dexmedetomidine-tiletamine-zolazepam.

PubMed

Jin, Yipeng; Qiao, Yanchao; Liu, Xiaobin; Pu, Tianchun; Xu, Hongqian; Lin, Degui

2016-05-01

To assess the effects and utility of dexmedetomidine combined with tiletamine and zolazepam (dexMTZ) to immobilize the wild giant panda. Prospective clinical study. Seven giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), five males and two females, aged 7-20 years and weighing 69.2-132.9 kg. Once an animal was located, prior data on the individual was reviewed and the panda's previously estimated body weight was used to calculate the volumes of drugs to administer: dexmedetomidine (dexM; 8 μg kg(-1) ; 0.5 mg mL(-1) ) and tiletamine-zolazepam (TZ; 2 mg kg(-1) ; 50 mg mL(-1) ). The mixture was injected intramuscularly (IM) using the Dan-Inject pistol system. When the panda was immobilized, it was weighed, a physical examination was performed and a blood sample collected. Every 5 minutes, the heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (fR ), rectal temperature (T), noninvasive systolic arterial pressure (SAP), capillary refill time (CRT), mucous membrane color and pulse quality were recorded. After all procedures had been completed, atipamezole (40 μg kg(-1) ) was injected IM. A single injection of dexMTZ resulted in the immobilization of all seven giant pandas. The median (range) of anesthetic agents administered was dexM 8.4 μg kg(-1) (7.3-10.5 μg kg(-1) ) and TZ 2.0 mg kg(-1) (1.8-2.5 mg kg(-1) ). The palpebral reflex was lost 8 (7-12) minutes after the injection. Most of the physiological variables remained in the acceptable range. All procedures were completed in approximately 1 hour. Six out of the seven (85.7%) giant pandas recovered smoothly; one panda had a rough recovery. DexMTZ produced a satisfactory immobilization and a smooth recovery for wild giant pandas while allowing approximately 55 minutes for planned noninvasive procedures. © 2015 Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists and the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia.

Giant cemento-ossifying fibroma of the mandible

PubMed Central

Naik, Raghavendra Mahadev; Guruprasad, Yadavalli; Sujatha, D; Gurudath, Shubha; Pai, Anuradha; Suresh, KV

2014-01-01

Cemento-ossifying fibroma (COF) is classified as a fibro-osseous neoplasm and included among the non-odontogenic tumors derived from the mesenchymal blast cells of the periodontal ligament, with a potential for forming fibrous tissue, cementum and bone, or a combination of such elements. These are slow-growing lesions, and are more frequent in women between the third and fourth decades of life. Case reports of massive expansile COF, measuring more than 10 cm are rarely reported in the literature. We report a case of giant cemento-ossifying fibroma of the mandible in a 34 year old female patient. PMID:24678226

Giant cemento-ossifying fibroma of the mandible.

PubMed

Naik, Raghavendra Mahadev; Guruprasad, Yadavalli; Sujatha, D; Gurudath, Shubha; Pai, Anuradha; Suresh, Kv

2014-01-01

Cemento-ossifying fibroma (COF) is classified as a fibro-osseous neoplasm and included among the non-odontogenic tumors derived from the mesenchymal blast cells of the periodontal ligament, with a potential for forming fibrous tissue, cementum and bone, or a combination of such elements. These are slow-growing lesions, and are more frequent in women between the third and fourth decades of life. Case reports of massive expansile COF, measuring more than 10 cm are rarely reported in the literature. We report a case of giant cemento-ossifying fibroma of the mandible in a 34 year old female patient.

Fatal canine distemper virus infection of giant pandas in China.

PubMed

Feng, Na; Yu, Yicong; Wang, Tiecheng; Wilker, Peter; Wang, Jianzhong; Li, Yuanguo; Sun, Zhe; Gao, Yuwei; Xia, Xianzhu

2016-06-16

We report an outbreak of canine distemper virus (CDV) infection among endangered giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). Five of six CDV infected giant pandas died. The surviving giant panda was previously vaccinated against CDV. Genomic sequencing of CDV isolated from one of the infected pandas (giant panda/SX/2014) suggests it belongs to the Asia-1 cluster. The hemagglutinin protein of the isolated virus and virus sequenced from lung samples originating from deceased giant pandas all possessed the substitutions V26M, T213A, K281R, S300N, P340Q, and Y549H. The presence of the Y549H substitution is notable as it is found at the signaling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM) receptor-binding site and has been implicated in the emergence of highly pathogenic CDV and host switching. These findings demonstrate that giant pandas are susceptible to CDV and suggest that surveillance and vaccination among all captive giant pandas are warranted to support conservation efforts for this endangered species.

Central giant cell lesion of the jaws: An updated analysis of 2270 cases reported in the literature.

PubMed

Chrcanovic, Bruno Ramos; Gomes, Carolina Cavalieri; Gomez, Ricardo Santiago

2018-05-11

To review all available data published on central giant cell lesion (CGCL) of the jaws into a comprehensive analysis of its clinical/radiological features, with emphasis on the predictive factors associated with its recurrence. An electronic search was undertaken in 5 databases (February/2018), looking for reporting cases of CGCLs. A total of 365 publications were included, comprising 2270 lesions. CGCLs were more prevalent in women and the mandible. Cortical bone perforation occurred in 50% of the cases. Marginal/segmental resection was more often performed in larger lesions, and drug therapy was more frequent in small lesions. Recurrence was reported in 232 of 1316 cases (17.6%). The recurrence rate of the aggressive lesions (22.8%) after surgical treatment was higher than non-aggressive lesions (7.8%). Four of 5 CGCLs showed partial/total regression with pharmacological treatment. Aggressive lesions showed a worse response to corticosteroids than non-aggressive lesions. For the lesions submitted to surgery as the first treatment, curettage, enucleation, or marginal resection in relation to segmental resection, aggressive lesions, cortical bone perforation, and tooth root resorption were associated with increased recurrence rate. Recurrence related to a combination of surgical/pharmacological treatment could not be evaluated due to the variety of protocols. Aggressive CGCLs recur more often than the non-aggressive ones. Despite sometimes showing poor response to corticosteroid injection or surgical curettage, a combination of both treatment strategies should be considered in aggressive cases to reduce morbidities associated with radical surgery. The best protocol to manage aggressive and non-aggressive lesions remains to be determined. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis—three challenges—consequences of the vasculitis process, osteoporosis, and malignancy

PubMed Central

Emamifar, Amir; Hess, Søren; Gerke, Oke; Hermann, Anne Pernille; Laustrup, Helle; Hansen, Per Syrak; Thye-Rønn, Peter; Marcussen, Niels; Svendstrup, Frank; Gildberg-Mortensen, Rannveig; Bang, Jacob Christian; Farahani, Ziba Ahangarani; Chrysidis, Stavros; Toftegaard, Pia; Andreasen, Rikke Asmussen; le Greves, Sebastian; Andersen, Hanne Randi; Olsen, Rudolf Nezlo; Hansen, Inger Marie Jensen

2017-01-01

Abstract Introduction: Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and giant cell arteritis (GCA) are common inflammatory conditions. The diagnosis of PMR/GCA poses many challenges since there are no specific diagnostic tests. Recent literature emphasizes the ability of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) to assess global disease activity in inflammatory diseases. 18F-FDG PET/CT may lead to the diagnosis at an earlier stage than conventional imaging and may also assess response to therapy. With respect to the management of PMR/GCA, there are 3 significant areas of concern as follows: vasculitis process/vascular stiffness, malignancy, and osteoporosis. Methods and analysis: All patients with suspected PMR/GCR referred to the Rheumatology section of Medicine Department at Svendborg Hospital, Denmark. The 4 separate studies in the current protocol focus on: the association of clinical picture of PMR/GCA with PET findings; the validity of 18F-FDG PET/CT scan for diagnosis of PMR/GCA compared with temporal artery biopsy; the prevalence of newly diagnosed malignancies in patients with PMR/GCA, or PMR-like syndrome, with the focus on diagnostic accuracy of 18F-FDG PET/CT scan compared with conventional workup (ie, chest X-ray/abdominal ultrasound); and the impact of disease process, and also steroid treatment on bone mineral density, body composition, and vasculitis/vascular stiffness in PMR/GCA patients. Ethics and dissemination: The study has been approved by the Regional Ethics Committee of the Region of Southern Denmark (identification number: S-20160098) and Danish Data Protection Agency (J.nr 16/40522). Results of the study will be disseminated via publications in peer-reviewed journals, and presentation at national and international conferences. PMID:28658131

Giant Olfactory Meningiomas

PubMed Central

d'Avella, Domenico; Salpietro, Francesco M.; Alafaci, Cetty; Tomasello, Francesco

1999-01-01

Olfactory groove meningiomas may attain surprisingly large size. The subfrontal approach is currently the route preferred by most neurosurgeons for their excision. The pterional-transsylvian route represents an alternate exposure for microsurgery of frontobasal tumors. Although this approach has been already described for olfactory meningiomas, tumors of giant size were not specifically addressed in the literature. We report the application of the pterional-transsylvian approach in six patients with giant olfactory meningiomas. This series is unique because it includes only patients with tumors exceeding 6 cm in diameter with bilateral symmetrical development. A radical removal was achieved in all patients and all of them made a full recovery. To investigate the relevance of the pterional-transsylvian approach for minimizing surgical morbidity, a magnetic resonance imaging protocol was designed to characterize even subtle postoperative frontal lobe structural changes. These changes, limited to the frontal lobe ipsilateral to exposure and localized in specific anatomical domains of the prefrontal area, included cystic degenerative alterations, parenchymal gliosis, and associated persistent white matter edema. Results from the present series strengthen the usefulness of the pterional-transsylvian approach as a safe surgical route for lesions affecting the anterior skull base, even with huge bilateral symmetrical expansion, such as giant olfactory meningiomas. ImagesFigure 1Figure 2Figure 3p26-bFigure 4p27-bFigure 5Figure 6Figure 7 PMID:17171078

Geographical and genetic factors do not account for significant differences in the clinical spectrum of giant cell arteritis in southern europe.

PubMed

Gonzalez-Gay, Miguel A; Boiardi, Luigi; Garcia-Porrua, Carlos; Macchioni, Pierluigi; Amor-Dorado, Juan C; Salvarani, Carlo

2004-03-01

To investigate whether genetic and geographical differences may influence the clinical spectrum of giant cell arteritis (GCA), we compared the demographic and clinical features of patients with biopsy-proven GCA from Reggio Emilia (Northern Italy) and Lugo (Northwest Spain) during a 15-year period. We performed a retrospective review of the case records of all patients diagnosed with biopsy-proven GCA at Hospital Xeral-Calde (Lugo, Spain) and Hospital Santa Maria Nuova (Reggio Emilia, Italy) between 1 January 1986 and 31 December 2001. Both hospitals are the only referral centers for populations living in central Galicia and central Emilia Romagna, respectively. During the period of study, 194 Lugo residents and 126 Reggio Emilia residents were diagnosed with biopsy proven GCA. Reggio Emilia patients were more likely to be female (74% vs 54%; p = 0.0001). Although Lugo patients complained of headache (86%) more commonly than did those from Reggio Emilia (77%), the difference was only marginally significant (p = 0.05). The proportion of patients with visual manifestations or visual loss was remarkably similar (22% for visual manifestations and 17% for visual loss in Lugo and 29% and 21% for Reggio Emilia residents). The mean erythrocyte sedimentation rate prior to the onset of therapy was also similar. Apart from differences in sex, the clinical spectrum of GCA in these 2 Southern European regions was similar.

Juvenile xanthogranuloma of the corneal limbus: report of two cases and review of the literature.

PubMed

Mocan, Mehmet C; Bozkurt, Banu; Orhan, Diclehan; Kuzey, Gamze; Irkec, Murat

2008-07-01

To report the clinical and histopathologic findings of limbal juvenile xanthogranuloma lesions in 2 pediatric cases. Case report and literature review. Two cases (a 7-month-old girl and a 7-year-old boy), both of whom developed a yellowish corneoscleral limbal mass not associated with other ocular or systemic findings, were evaluated. Both cases underwent simple excision of the lesion followed by local steroid treatment. Histopathologic examination in both cases revealed foamy histiocytes within an inflammatory infiltrate. One of the lesions also harbored multinucleate giant cells. Immunohistochemical staining was positive for CD68 and negative for S-100 and CD1a in both cases. Juvenile xanthogranuloma may rarely present with an isolated lesion occurring only at the corneoscleral limbus. The diagnosis in the early stages of this disorder may be established with immunophenotyping and characteristic histopathologic features even without the presence of the multinucleate giant cells.

Mass loss in red giants and supergiants

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sanner, F.

1975-01-01

The circumstellar envelopes surrounding late-type giants and supergiants were studied using high resolution, photoelectric scans of strong optical resonance lines. A method for extracting the circumstellar from the stellar components of the lines allowed a quantitative determination of the physical conditions in the envelopes and the rates of mass loss at various positions in the red giant region of the HR diagram. The observed strengthening of the circumstellar spectrum with increasing luminosity and later spectral type is probably caused by an increase in the mass of the envelopes. The mass loss rate for individual stars is proportional to the visual luminosity; high rates for the supergiants suggest that mass loss is important in their evolution. The bulk of the mass return to the interstellar medium in the red giant region comes from the normal giants, at a rate comparable to that of planetary nebulae.

THE THIRD SIGNATURE OF GRANULATION IN BRIGHT-GIANT AND SUPERGIANT STARS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gray, David F.; Pugh, Teznie, E-mail: dfgray@uwo.ca

2012-04-15

We investigated third-signature granulation plots for 18 bright giants and supergiants and one giant of spectral classes G0 to M3. These plots reveal the net granulation velocities, averaged over the stellar disk, as a function of depth. Supergiants show significant differences from the 'standard' shape seen for lower-luminosity stars. Most notable is a striking reversal of slope seen for three of the nine supergiants, i.e., stronger lines are more blueshifted than weaker lines, opposite the solar case. Changes in the third-signature plot of {alpha} Sco (M1.5 Iab) with time imply granulation cells that penetrate only the lower portion of themore » photosphere. For those stars showing the standard shape, we derive scaling factors relative to the Sun that serve as a first-order measure of the strength of the granulation relative to the Sun. For G-type stars, the third-signature scale of the bright giants and supergiants is approximately 1.5 times as strong as in dwarfs, but for K stars, there in no discernible difference between higher-luminosity stars and dwarfs. Classical macroturbulence, a measure of the velocity dispersion of the granulation, increases with the third-signature-plot scale factors, but at different rates for different luminosity classes.« less

Modeling Giant Sawtooth Modes in DIII-D using the NIMROD code

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kruger, Scott; Jenkins, Thomas; Held, Eric; King, Jacob; NIMROD Team

2014-10-01

Ongoing efforts to model giant sawtooth cycles in DIII-D shot 96043 using NIMROD are summarized. In this discharge, an energetic ion population induced by RF heating modifies the sawtooth stability boundary, supplanting the conventional sawtooth cycle with longer-period giant sawtooth oscillations of much larger amplitude. NIMROD has the unique capability of being able to use both continuum kinetic and particle-in-cell numerical schemes to model the RF-induced hot-particle distribution effects on the sawtooth stability. This capability is used to numerically investigate the role played by the form of the energetic particle distribution, including a possible high-energy tail drawn out by the RF, to study the sawtooth threshold and subsequent nonlinear evolution. Equilibrium reconstructions from the experimental data are used to enable these detailed validation studies. Effects of other parameters on the sawtooth behavior (such as the plasma Lundquist number and hot-particle β-fraction) are also considered. Ultimately, we hope to assess the degree to which NIMROD's extended MHD model correctly simulates the observed linear onset and nonlinear behavior of the giant sawtooth, and to establish its reliability as a predictive modeling tool for these modes. This work was initiated by the late Dr. Dalton Schnack. Equilibria were provided by Dr. A. Turnbull of General Atomics.

Formation of Giant Planets and Brown Dwarves

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lissauer, Jack J.

2003-01-01

According to the prevailing core instability model, giant planets begin their growth by the accumulation of small solid bodies, as do terrestrial planets. However, unlike terrestrial planets, the growing giant planet cores become massive enough that they are able to accumulate substantial amounts of gas before the protoplanetary disk dissipates. Models predict that rocky planets should form in orbit about most stars. It is uncertain whether or not gas giant planet formation is common, because most protoplanetary disks may dissipate before solid planetary cores can grow large enough to gravitationally trap substantial quantities of gas. Ongoing theoretical modeling of accretion of giant planet atmospheres, as well as observations of protoplanetary disks, will help decide this issue. Observations of extrasolar planets around main sequence stars can only provide a lower limit on giant planet formation frequency . This is because after giant planets form, gravitational interactions with material within the protoplanetary disk may cause them to migrat inwards and be lost to the central star. The core instability model can only produce planets greater than a few jovian masses within protoplanetary disks that are more viscous than most such disks are believed to be. Thus, few brown dwarves (objects massive enough to undergo substantial deuterium fusion, estimated to occur above approximately 13 jovian masses) are likely to be formed in this manner. Most brown dwarves, as well as an unknown number of free-floating objects of planetary mass, are probably formed as are stars, by the collapse of extended gas/dust clouds into more compact objects.

Giant cell tumor of the clavicle: report of a case in a rare location with consideration of surgical method.

PubMed

Nagano, Satoshi; Tsuchimochi, Toru; Yokouchi, Masahiro; Setoguchi, Takao; Sasaki, Hiromi; Shimada, Hirofumi; Nakamura, Shunsuke; Ishidou, Yasuhiro; Yamamoto, Takuya; Komiya, Setsuro

2015-06-12

Most bone tumors that occur in the clavicle are malignant. A few giant cell tumors (GCTs) of the clavicle have been reported; however, the most appropriate operative method for this tumor has never been discussed. A 54-year-old man noticed enlargement of the proximal aspect of the right clavicle. A plain X-ray revealed lytic change and ballooning of the proximal end of the right clavicle. The tumor was isointense on T1-weighted magnetic resonance images and showed a mixture of low- and high-intensity areas on T2-weighted images without extension to the surrounding soft tissues. Bone scintigraphy showed strong accumulation (normal/tumor ratio, 2.31), and positron emission tomography revealed strong uptake of fluorine-18-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (SUVmax, 6.0) in the proximal part of the right clavicle. Because we could not completely exclude malignancy, an open biopsy was performed. Pathologically, the tumor comprised mononuclear stromal cells and multinuclear giant cells, resulting in a diagnosis of a GCT of the bone. Although curettage may be considered for such lesions (Campanacci grade II), we chose resection to minimize the chance of recurrence. The tumor was resected en-bloc with the proximal half of the clavicle. No postoperative shoulder disproportion was observed, and full range of motion of the right shoulder was maintained. The patient was satisfied with the surgical outcome (Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score of 96 %). He returned to his original job as a land and house investigator without any signs of recurrence for 1 year after surgery. Although GCT of the bone rarely occurs in the clavicle, the typical X-ray findings demonstrated in the present case are helpful for a correct diagnosis. Although en-bloc resection without reconstruction is appropriate for GCTs in expendable bones, there has been much discussion about shoulder function after total claviculectomy. Considering the importance of the function of the clavicle, which is to support the

Identifying Li-rich giants from low-resolution spectroscopic survey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Yerra Bharat; Reddy, Bacham Eswar; Zhao, Gang

2018-04-01

In this paper we discuss our choice of a large unbiased sample used for the survey of red giant branch stars for finding Li-rich K giants, and the method used for identifying Li-rich candidates using low-resolution spectra. The sample has 2000 giants within a mass range of 0.8 to 3.0it{M}_{⊙}. Sample stars were selected from the Hipparcos catalogue with colour (B-V) and luminosity (it{L}/it{L}_{⊙}) in such way that the sample covers RGB evolution from its base towards RGB tip passing through first dredge-up and luminosity bump. Low-resolution (R ≈ 2000, 3500, 5000) spectra were obtained for all sample stars. Using core strength ratios of lines at Li I 6707 Å and its adjacent line Ca I 6717 Å we successfully identified 15 K giants with A(Li) > 1.5 dex, which are defined as Li-rich K giants. The results demonstrate the usefulness of low-resolution spectra to measure Li abundance and identify Li-rich giants from a large sample of stars in relatively shorter time periods.

Giant oral lipoma: a rare entity*

PubMed Central

Ponce, José Burgos; Ferreira, Gustavo Zanna; Santos, Paulo Sérgio da Silva; Lara, Vanessa Soares

2016-01-01

Lipomas are very common benign slow-growing soft tissue neoplasms composed of mature adipose tissue mostly diagnosed in the fifth decade of life. These tumors rarely present in the oral cavity, representing less than approximately 5% of all benign mouth tumors. They are usually less than 2cm in size and etiology remains unclear. We report a young male patient presenting with a giant lipoma in the buccal mucosa. Histopathology revealed a large area of mature fat cells consistent with conventional lipoma and an area of the mucosal lining of the lesion suggestive of morsicatio buccarum. In the present article, we emphasize the clinicopathological features and differential diagnosis of the disease. PMID:28300904

Management of Giant Splenic Artery Aneurysm

PubMed Central

Akbulut, Sami; Otan, Emrah

2015-01-01

Abstract To provide an overview of the medical literature on giant splenic artery aneurysm (SAA). The PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, and Google databases were searched using keywords to identify articles related to SAA. Keywords used were splenic artery aneurysm, giant splenic artery aneuryms, huge splenic artery aneurysm, splenic artery aneurysm rupture, and visceral artery aneurysm. SAAs with a diameter ≥5 cm are considered as giant and included in this study. The language of the publication was not a limitation criterion, and publications dated before January 15, 2015 were considered. The literature review included 69 papers (62 fulltext, 6 abstract, 1 nonavailable) on giant SAA. A sum of 78 patients (50 males, 28 females) involved in the study with an age range of 27–87 years (mean ± SD: 55.8 ± 14.0 years). Age range for male was 30–87 (mean ± SD: 57.5 ± 12.0 years) and for female was 27–84 (mean ± SD: 52.7 ± 16.6 years). Most frequent predisposing factors were acute or chronic pancreatitis, atherosclerosis, hypertension, and cirrhosis. Aneurysm dimensions were obtained for 77 patients with a range of 50–300 mm (mean ± SD: 97.1 ± 46.0 mm). Aneurysm dimension range for females was 50–210 mm (mean ± SD: 97.5 ± 40.2 mm) and for males was 50–300 mm (mean ± SD: 96.9 ± 48.9 mm). Intraperitoneal/retroperitoneal rupture was present in 15, among which with a lesion dimension range of 50–180 mm (mean ± SD; 100 ± 49.3 mm) which was range of 50–300 mm (mean ± SD: 96.3 ± 45.2 mm) in cases without rupture. Mortality for rupture patients was 33.3%. Other frequent complications were gastrosplenic fistula (n = 3), colosplenic fistula (n = 1), pancreatic fistula (n = 1), splenic arteriovenous fistula (n = 3), and portosplenic fistula (n = 1). Eight of the patients died in early postoperative period while 67 survived. Survival status of the

Fatal canine distemper virus infection of giant pandas in China

PubMed Central

Feng, Na; Yu, Yicong; Wang, Tiecheng; Wilker, Peter; Wang, Jianzhong; Li, Yuanguo; Sun, Zhe; Gao, Yuwei; Xia, Xianzhu

2016-01-01

We report an outbreak of canine distemper virus (CDV) infection among endangered giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). Five of six CDV infected giant pandas died. The surviving giant panda was previously vaccinated against CDV. Genomic sequencing of CDV isolated from one of the infected pandas (giant panda/SX/2014) suggests it belongs to the Asia-1 cluster. The hemagglutinin protein of the isolated virus and virus sequenced from lung samples originating from deceased giant pandas all possessed the substitutions V26M, T213A, K281R, S300N, P340Q, and Y549H. The presence of the Y549H substitution is notable as it is found at the signaling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM) receptor-binding site and has been implicated in the emergence of highly pathogenic CDV and host switching. These findings demonstrate that giant pandas are susceptible to CDV and suggest that surveillance and vaccination among all captive giant pandas are warranted to support conservation efforts for this endangered species. PMID:27310722

Can science save the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)? Unifying science and policy in an adaptive management paradigm.

PubMed

Swaisgood, Ronald R; Wei, Fuwen; McShea, William J; Wildt, David E; Kouba, Andrew J; Zhang, Zejun

2011-09-01

The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca David, 1869) is an iconic species for global conservation, yet field research has only recently advanced to the point where adaptive management is possible. Here, we review recent developments in giant panda conservation science and propose a strategic plan for moving panda conservation forward. Because of scientific, funding, political, and logistical hurdles, few endangered species management programs have embraced adaptive management, wherein management decisions are shaped iteratively by targeted scientific research. Specific threats, such as habitat destruction, anthropogenic disturbance and fragmented nonviable populations, need to be addressed simultaneously by researchers, managers and policy-makers working in concert to understand and overcome these obstacles to species recovery. With the backing of the Chinese Government and the conservation community, the giant panda can become a high-profile test species for this much touted, but rarely implemented, approach to conservation management. © 2011 ISZS, Blackwell Publishing and IOZ/CAS.

Giant Cell Arteritis of the Female Genital Tract With Occult Temporal Arteritis and Marginal Zone Lymphoma Harboring Novel 20q Deletion: A Case Report and Literature Review.

PubMed

Pradhan, Dinesh; Amin, Rajnikant M; Jones, Miroslawa W; Surti, Urvashi; Parwani, Anil V

2016-02-01

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is an immunologically mediated vasculitis of large and medium-sized vessels, typically affecting the cranial arteries and usually occurring in the elderly. GCA of the female genital tract is extremely rare with only 31 cases reported in the English literature. An 83-year-old white female with postmenopausal vaginal bleeding revealed an endometrial polyp on pelvic ultrasonography following which polypectomy and subsequently hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was done. Microscopy revealed a well-differentiated endometrioid adenocarcinoma. Interestingly, classic GCA involving numerous small to medium-sized arteries of the cervix, myometrium, bilateral fallopian tubes, and ovaries was also identified. Hematologic evaluation revealed marginal zone lymphoma with an exceptionally rare 20q deletion. Bilateral temporal artery biopsy was done subsequently, which exhibited GCA on microscopy. Corticosteroid was started that improved her polymyalgia rheumatica symptoms. The patient is on follow-up for 3 years and is doing well. To our knowledge, this is the first case of GCA of the female genital tract associated with a lymphoma and the second case of marginal zone lymphoma with the novel 20q deletion. © The Author(s) 2015.

Exotic Earths: forming habitable worlds with giant planet migration.

PubMed

Raymond, Sean N; Mandell, Avi M; Sigurdsson, Steinn

2006-09-08

Close-in giant planets (e.g., "hot Jupiters") are thought to form far from their host stars and migrate inward, through the terrestrial planet zone, via torques with a massive gaseous disk. Here we simulate terrestrial planet growth during and after giant planet migration. Several-Earth-mass planets also form interior to the migrating jovian planet, analogous to recently discovered "hot Earths." Very-water-rich, Earth-mass planets form from surviving material outside the giant planet's orbit, often in the habitable zone and with low orbital eccentricities. More than a third of the known systems of giant planets may harbor Earth-like planets.

Giant intramuscular lipoma of the tongue: a case report and literature review.

PubMed

Colella, Giuseppe; Biondi, Paolo; Caltabiano, Rosario; Vecchio, Giada Maria; Amico, Paolo; Magro, Gaetano

2009-06-22

We herein report a rare case of giant intramuscular lipoma of the tongue. A 75-year-old Italian male presented at our department with a large tumor at the tip of the tongue that had been present for over 30 years. Clinical examination revealed a yellowish lesion, measuring 10 cm in maximum diameter, protruding from lingual surface. Histological examination showed an unencapsulated lipomatous tumor composed of mature adipocytes, uniform in size and shape, diffusely infiltrating striated muscle fibers of the tongue. The patient is well with no local recurrence after a 15-month follow-up period.

Giant intramuscular lipoma of the tongue: a case report and literature review

PubMed Central

2009-01-01

We herein report a rare case of giant intramuscular lipoma of the tongue. A 75-year-old Italian male presented at our department with a large tumor at the tip of the tongue that had been present for over 30 years. Clinical examination revealed a yellowish lesion, measuring 10 cm in maximum diameter, protruding from lingual surface. Histological examination showed an unencapsulated lipomatous tumor composed of mature adipocytes, uniform in size and shape, diffusely infiltrating striated muscle fibers of the tongue. The patient is well with no local recurrence after a 15-month follow-up period. PMID:19830025

Allergic conjunctivitis: a comprehensive review of the literature

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Ocular allergy represents one of the most common conditions encountered by allergists and ophthalmologists. Allergic conjunctivitis is often underdiagnosed and consequently undertreated. Basic and clinical research has provided a better understanding of the cells, mediators, and immunologic events, which occur in ocular allergy. New pharmacological agents have improved the efficacy and safety of ocular allergy treatment. An understanding of the immunologic mechanisms, clinical features, differential diagnosis, and treatment of ocular allergy may be useful to all specialists who deal with these patients. The purpose of this review is to systematically review literature underlining all the forms classified as ocular allergy: seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, perennial allergic conjunctivitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis, atopic keratocongiuntivitis, contact allergy, and giant papillary conjunctivitis. PMID:23497516

Exploring the Ice Giants with JWST

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Orton, Glenn S.; Fletcher, Leigh; Hammel, Heidi B.; Melin, Henrik; Guerlet, Sandrine; Greathouse, Thomas K.; Irwin, Patrick GJ

2017-06-01

The Ice Giants Uranus and Neptune are among the least-explored environments in our Solar System, having been visited only once, by Voyager 2 in 1986 and 1989, respectively. Their bulk properties and composition, intermediate between the hydrogen-rich gas giants and the smaller terrestrial worlds, make them representative of a planetary class that may be commonplace in other planetary systems. Furthermore, their small angular diameter, low atmospheric temperatures, and dynamic and ever-changing atmospheres make them tantalising infrared targets for JWST. This presentation will reveal the scientific rationale and requirements for a long-term program of JWST spectroscopic mapping of these two worlds. Specifically, the MIRI instrument can be used to determine the 3-dimensional temperature structure to understand (i) seasonal atmospheric circulation from the equator to the poles, (ii) the relation between temperatures, visible atmospheric banding and storm phenomena; and (iii) to discover the unknown circulations and wave phenomena shaping their middle atmospheres. JWST spectra will also allow us to search for and map chemical species produced from photochemistry (e.g., hydrocarbons derived from methane photolysis), from vertical mixing (e.g., disequilibrium species), and from external sources (e.g., HCN and oxygen compounds delivered by comets, ring rain and interplanetary dust). Furthermore, near-infrared imaging and spectroscopy with NIRCAM and NIRSpec will provide detailed characterisations of ice-giant cloud and haze formation and their evolution with time, as well as revealing how auroral processes (observed via H3+ emission) influence the middle atmosphere. JWST will not only enable intercomparison of these atmospheric processes on two very different worlds (Uranus with its extreme tilt and sluggish mixing; Neptune with its powerful internal heat source), but also mature our understanding of how ice giant phenomena compare to both gas giant and terrestrial

Giant aerosol observations with cloud radar: methodology and effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guma Claramunt, Pilar; Madonna, Fabio; Amodeo, Aldo; Bauer-Pfundstein, Matthias; Papagiannopoulos, Nikolaos; Pappalardo, Gelsomina

2017-04-01

Giant aerosol particles can act as Giant Cloud Condensation Nuclei (GCCN), and determine the droplet concentration at the cloud formation, the clouds albedo and lifetime, and the precipitation formation. In addition, depending on their composition, they can also act as IN. It is not yet clear if they can also expedite rain processes. The main techniques used nowadays in measuring aerosols, which are lidar and sun photometer, cannot retrieve aerosol microphysical properties for particles bigger than a few microns, which means that they do not account for giant aerosols. Therefore, the distribution and impact in the atmosphere and climate of these particles is not well known and the aerosol transport models largely underestimate them. Recent studies have demonstrated that cloud radars are able to detect ultragiant volcanic aerosols also at a large distance from the source. In this study, an innovative methodology for the observation of giant aerosols using the millimeter wavelength radar has been developed and applied to 6 years of measurements carried out at CNR-IMAA Atmospheric Observatory (CIAO), in Potenza, South Italy, finding more than 40 giant aerosol events per year and a good agreement with the aerosol climatologic data. Besides, the effects of giant aerosols in the local and regional meteorology have been studied by correlating several atmospheric variables in the time period following the observation of giant particles. The meteorological situation has been assessed through the data classification into cases characterized by different pressure vertical velocities at the upper atmosphere (400 hPa), Giant aerosols are correlated to lower values of the Cloud Optical Depth (COD) in presence of stable or unstable atmospheric conditions while higher values are found for an intermediate stability. The giant aerosols effects on the Liquid Water Path (LWP) are closely linked to those in the Aerosol Optical Thickness (AOD). The highest increases in the LWP occurs

Ustekinumab for refractory giant cell arteritis: A prospective 52-week trial.

PubMed

Conway, Richard; O'Neill, Lorraine; Gallagher, Phil; McCarthy, Geraldine M; Murphy, Conor C; Veale, Douglas J; Fearon, Ursula; Molloy, Eamonn S

2018-04-22

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most common form of systemic vasculitis. Glucocorticoids are an effective treatment but have significant adverse events and relapses are common. Interleukins 12 (IL-12) and 23 (IL-23) stimulate T H 1 and T H 17 responses and are implicated in the pathogenesis of GCA. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of IL-12/23 blockade with ustekinumab in GCA. We performed a prospective open label study of ustekinumab in patients with refractory GCA. Ustekinumab 90mg was administered subcutaneously every 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the comparison of the median glucocorticoid dose prior to commencement of ustekinumab and at 52 weeks. Secondary outcomes included physician assessed relapse, acute phase reactants, and imaging assessment of large vessel vasculitis (LVV). Twenty-five GCA patients received ustekinumab. All patients had failed to taper glucocorticoids despite addition of a median of 1 other immunosuppressive agent. At week 52, median (IQR) daily prednisolone dose decreased from 20 (15, 25)mg to 5 (2.5, 5)mg (p < 0.001). Six patients (24%) stopped prednisolone completely. No patient experienced a relapse of GCA while receiving ustekinumab. Median (IQR) CRP decreased significantly from 12.9 (5.3, 42) to 6 (2.6, 12.5)mg/L (p = 0.006). CT angiography demonstrated improvement of LVV in all patients studied. No unexpected adverse events were observed with ustekinumab. Ustekinumab may be effective for the treatment of GCA and warrants further assessment in a randomized controlled trial. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

RE-INFLATED WARM JUPITERS AROUND RED GIANTS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lopez, Eric D.; Fortney, Jonathan J.

2016-02-10

Since the discovery of the first transiting hot Jupiters, models have sought to explain the anomalously large radii of highly irradiated gas giants. We now know that the size of hot Jupiter radius anomalies scales strongly with a planet's level of irradiation and numerous models like tidal heating, ohmic dissipation, and thermal tides have since been developed to help explain these inflated radii. In general, however, these models can be grouped into two broad categories: models that directly inflate planetary radii by depositing a fraction of the incident irradiation into the interior and models that simply slow a planet's radiativemore » cooling, allowing it to retain more heat from formation and thereby delay contraction. Here we present a new test to distinguish between these two classes of models. Gas giants orbiting at moderate orbital periods around post-main-sequence stars will experience enormous increases to their irradiation as their host stars move up the sub-giant and red-giant branches. If hot Jupiter inflation works by depositing irradiation into the planet's deep interiors then planetary radii should increase in response to the increased irradiation. This means that otherwise non-inflated gas giants at moderate orbital periods of >10 days can re-inflate as their host stars evolve. Here we explore the circumstances that can lead to the creation of these “re-inflated” gas giants and examine how the existence or absence of such planets can be used to place unique constraints on the physics of the hot Jupiter inflation mechanism. Finally, we explore the prospects for detecting this potentially important undiscovered population of planets.« less

Optimization of the Electroformation of Giant Unilamellar Vesicles (GUVs) with Unsaturated Phospholipids.

PubMed

Breton, Marie; Amirkavei, Mooud; Mir, Lluis M

2015-10-01

Giant unilamellar vesicles (GUV) are widely used cell membrane models. GUVs have a cell-like diameter and contain the same phospholipids that constitute cell membranes. The most frequently used protocol to obtain these vesicles is termed electroformation, since key steps of this protocol consist in the application of an electric field to a phospholipid deposit. The potential oxidation of unsaturated phospholipids due to the application of an electric field has not yet been considered even though the presence of oxidized lipids in the membrane of GUVs could impact their permeability and their mechanical properties. Thanks to mass spectrometry analyses, we demonstrated that the electroformation technique can cause the oxidation of polyunsaturated phospholipids constituting the vesicles. Then, using flow cytometry, we showed that the amplitude and the duration of the electric field impact the number and the size of the vesicles. According to our results, the oxidation level of the phospholipids increases with their level of unsaturation as well as with the amplitude and the duration of the electric field. However, when the level of lipid oxidation exceeds 25 %, the diameter of the vesicles is decreased and when the level of lipid oxidation reaches 40 %, the vesicles burst or reorganize and their rate of production is reduced. In conclusion, the classical electroformation method should always be optimized, as a function of the phospholipid used, especially for producing giant liposomes of polyunsaturated phospholipids to be used as a cell membrane model.

Giant Exoplanet and Debris Disk (Artist's Concept)

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-10-11

This artist's rendering shows a giant exoplanet causing small bodies to collide in a disk of dust. A study in The Astronomical Journal finds that giant exoplanets with long-period orbits are more likely to be found around young stars that have a disk of dust and debris than those without disks. The study focused on planets more than five times the mass of Jupiter. The astronomers are conducting the largest survey to date of stars with dusty debris disks, and finding the best evidence yet that giant planets are responsible for keeping that material in check. https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA22082

Revisiting the genome packaging in viruses with lessons from the "Giants".

PubMed

Chelikani, Venkata; Ranjan, Tushar; Kondabagil, Kiran

2014-10-01

Genome encapsidation is an essential step in the life cycle of viruses. Viruses either use some of the most powerful ATP-dependent motors to compel the genetic material into the preformed capsid or make use of the positively charged proteins to bind and condense the negatively charged genome in an energy-independent manner. While the former is a hallmark of large DNA viruses, the latter is commonly seen in small DNA and RNA viruses. Discoveries of many complex giant viruses such as mimivirus, megavirus, pandoravirus, etc., belonging to the nucleo-cytoplasmic large DNA virus (NCLDV) superfamily have changed the perception of genome packaging in viruses. From what little we have understood so far, it seems that the genome packaging mechanism in NCLDVs has nothing in common with other well-characterized viral packaging systems such as the portal-terminase system or the energy-independent system. Recent findings suggest that in giant viruses, the genome segregation and packaging processes are more intricately coupled than those of other viral systems. Interestingly, giant viral packaging systems also seem to possess features that are analogous to bacterial and archaeal chromosome segregation. Although there is a lot of diversity in terms of host range, type of genome, and genome size among viruses, they all seem to use three major types of independent innovations to accomplish genome encapsidation. Here, we have made an attempt to comprehensively review all the known viral genome packaging systems, including the one that is operative in giant viruses, by proposing a simple and expanded classification system that divides the viral packaging systems into three large groups (types I-III) on the basis of the mechanism employed and the relatedness of the major packaging proteins. Known variants within each group have been further classified into subgroups to reflect their unique adaptations. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Does Wrist Arthrodesis With Structural Iliac Crest Bone Graft After Wide Resection of Distal Radius Giant Cell Tumor Result in Satisfactory Function and Local Control?

PubMed

Wang, Tao; Chan, Chung Ming; Yu, Feng; Li, Yuan; Niu, Xiaohui

2017-03-01

Many techniques have been described for reconstruction after distal radius resection for giant cell tumor with none being clearly superior. The favored technique at our institution is total wrist fusion with autogenous nonvascularized structural iliac crest bone graft because it is structurally robust, avoids the complications associated with obtaining autologous fibula graft, and is useful in areas where bone banks are not available. However, the success of arthrodesis and the functional outcomes with this approach, to our knowledge, have only been limitedly reported. (1) What is the success of union of these grafts and how long does it take? (2) How effective is the technique in achieving tumor control? (3) What complications occur with this type of arthrodesis? (4) What are the functional results of wrist arthrodesis by this technique for treating giant cell tumor of the distal radius? Between 2005 and 2013, 48 patients were treated for biopsy-confirmed Campanacci Grade III giant cell tumor of the distal radius. Of those, 39 (81% [39 of 48]) were treated with wrist arthrodesis using autogenous nonvascularized iliac crest bone graft. Of those, 27 (69% [27 of 39]) were available for followup at a minimum of 24 months (mean, 45 months; range, 24-103 months). During that period, the general indications for this approach were Campanacci Grade III and estimated resection length of 8 cm or less. Followup included clinical and radiographic assessment and functional assessment using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score, grip strength, and range of motion at every followup by the treating surgeon and his team. All functional results were from the latest followup of each patient. Union of the distal junction occurred at a mean of 4 months (± 2 months) and union of the proximal junction occurred at a mean of 9 months (± 5 months). Accounting for competing events, at 12 months, the rate of proximal

Giant retroperitoneal dedifferentiated liposarcoma.

PubMed

Beksac, Kemal; Aksel, Bulent; Yukruk, Fisun Ardic; Kandemir, Olcay

2017-01-16

Liposarcoma is the most frequent type of retroperitoneal sarcomas. Dedifferentiated liposarcoma is the least common subtype and is an extremely rare tumor. We present the case of a 53-year-old male who was referred with a giant retroperitoneal mass. The patients' mass was deemed unresectable by the previous institution and received chemotherapy with no benefit. We macroscopically removed the 38x32 cm mass with right nefrectomy. Pathological examination revealed dedifferentiated liposarcoma. Surgery is the gold standart in the treatment of retroperitoneal sarcomas. Giant masses present a challenge for the surgeon with possible major vascular injuries and multiorgan resections. Therefore it is important for these patients to be referred for surgery without delay. Dedifferentiated liposarcoma, Liposarcoma, Retroperitoneal sarcoma.

Simultaneous above and below approach to giant pituitary adenomas: surgical strategies and long-term follow-up

PubMed Central

D’Ambrosio, Anthony L.; Grobelny, Bartosz T.; Freda, Pamela U.; Wardlaw, Sharon; Bruce, Jeffrey N.

2012-01-01

Introduction Giant pituitary adenomas of excessive size, fibrous consistency or unfavorable geometric configuration may be unresectable through conventional operative approaches. We present our select case series for operative resection and long-term follow-up for these unusual tumors, employing both a staged procedure and a combined transsphenoidal-transcranial above and below approach. Method A retrospective chart review was performed on patients operated via the staged, and combined approaches by the senior author (J.N·B.). Pre-operative characteristics and postoperative outcomes were reviewed. A detailed description of the operative technique and perioperative management is provided. Results Between 1993 and 1996, two patients harboring giant pituitary adenomas underwent an intentionally staged resection, and between 1997 and 2006, nine patients harboring giant pituitary adenomas underwent surgery via a single-stage above and below approach. Nine patients (82%) presented with non-secreting adenomas and two patients (18%) presented with prolactinomas refractory to medical management. Gross total resection was achieved in six patients (55%), near total resection in 1 (9%), and subtotal removal in 4 (36%). Seven patients (64%) experienced visual improvement postoperatively and no major complications occurred. Long-term follow-up averaged 51.6 months. Panhypopituitarism was observed in four patients, partial hypopituitarism in four, persistent DI in two, and persistent SIADH in one. Conclusions The addition of a transcranial component to the transsphenoidal approach offers additional visualization of critical neurovascular structures during giant pituitary adenoma resection. Complications rates are similar to other series in which complex pituitary adenomas are resected by other means. The above and below approach is both safe and effective and the immediate and long-term advantages of a single-stage approach justify its utility in this select group of patients

Giant hydronephrosis mimicking progressive malignancy

PubMed Central

Schrader, Andres Jan; Anderer, Georgia; von Knobloch, Rolf; Heidenreich, Axel; Hofmann, Rainer

2003-01-01

Background Cases of giant hydronephroses are rare and usually contain no more than 1–2 litres of fluid in the collecting system. We report a remarkable case of giant hydronephrosis mimicking a progressive malignant abdominal tumour. Case presentation A 78-year-old cachectic woman presented with an enormous abdominal tumour, which, according to the patient, had slowly increased in diameter. Medical history was unremarkable except for a hysterectomy >30 years before. A CT scan revealed a giant cystic tumour filling almost the entire abdominal cavity. It was analysed by two independent radiologists who suspected a tumour originating from the right kidney and additionally a cystic ovarian neoplasm. Subsequently, a diagnostic and therapeutic laparotomy was performed: the tumour presented as a cystic, 35 × 30 × 25 cm expansive structure adhesive to adjacent organs without definite signs of invasive growth. The right renal hilar vessels could finally be identified at its basis. After extirpation another tumourous structure emerged in the pelvis originating from the genital organs and was also resected. The histopathological examination revealed a >15 kg hydronephrotic right kidney, lacking hardly any residual renal cortex parenchyma. The second specimen was identified as an ovary with regressive changes and a large partially calcified cyst. There was no evidence of malignant growth. Conclusion Although both clinical symptoms and the enormous size of the tumour indicated malignant growth, it turned out to be a giant hydronephrosis. Presumably, a chronic obstruction of the distal ureter had caused this extraordinary hydronephrosis. As demonstrated in our case, an accurate diagnosis of giant hydronephrosis remains challenging due to the atrophy of the renal parenchyma associated with chronic obstruction. Therefore, any abdominal cystic mass even in the absence of other evident pathologies should include the differential diagnosis of a possible hydronephrosis. Diagnostic

Modeling and simulation of flow field in giant magnetostrictive pump

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Yapeng; Ren, Shiyong; Lu, Quanguo

2017-09-01

Recent years, there has been significant research in the design and analysis of giant magnetostrictive pump. In this paper, the flow field model of giant magnetostrictive pump was established and the relationship between pressure loss and working frequency of piston was studied by numerical simulation method. Then, the influence of different pump chamber height on pressure loss in giant magnetostrictive pump was studied by means of flow field simulation. Finally, the fluid pressure and velocity vector distribution in giant magnetostrictive pump chamber were simulated.

Revealing the microstructure of the giant component in random graph ensembles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tishby, Ido; Biham, Ofer; Katzav, Eytan; Kühn, Reimer

2018-04-01

The microstructure of the giant component of the Erdős-Rényi network and other configuration model networks is analyzed using generating function methods. While configuration model networks are uncorrelated, the giant component exhibits a degree distribution which is different from the overall degree distribution of the network and includes degree-degree correlations of all orders. We present exact analytical results for the degree distributions as well as higher-order degree-degree correlations on the giant components of configuration model networks. We show that the degree-degree correlations are essential for the integrity of the giant component, in the sense that the degree distribution alone cannot guarantee that it will consist of a single connected component. To demonstrate the importance and broad applicability of these results, we apply them to the study of the distribution of shortest path lengths on the giant component, percolation on the giant component, and spectra of sparse matrices defined on the giant component. We show that by using the degree distribution on the giant component one obtains high quality results for these properties, which can be further improved by taking the degree-degree correlations into account. This suggests that many existing methods, currently used for the analysis of the whole network, can be adapted in a straightforward fashion to yield results conditioned on the giant component.

On Lithium-rich Red Giants. I. Engulfment of Substellar Companions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aguilera-Gómez, Claudia; Chanamé, Julio; Pinsonneault, Marc H.; Carlberg, Joleen K.

2016-10-01

A small fraction of red giants are known to be lithium (Li) rich, in contradiction with expectations from stellar evolutionary theory. A possible explanation for these atypical giants is the engulfment of an Li-rich planet or brown dwarf by the star. In this work, we model the evolution of Li abundance in canonical red giants including the accretion of a substellar mass companion. We consider a wide range of stellar and companion masses, Li abundances, stellar metallicities, and planetary orbital periods. Based on our calculations, companions with masses lower than 15 {M}J dissolve in the convective envelope and can induce Li enrichment in regimes where extra mixing does not operate. Our models indicate that the accretion of a substellar companion can explain abundances up to A(Li) ≈ 2.2, setting an upper limit for Li-rich giants formed by this mechanism. Giants with higher abundances need another mechanism to be explained. For reasonable planetary distributions, we predict the Li abundance distribution of low-mass giants undergoing planet engulfment, finding that between 1% and 3% of them should have {{A}}({Li})≥slant 1.5. We show that depending on the stellar mass range, this traditional definition of Li-rich giants is misleading, as isolated massive stars would be considered anomalous while giants engulfing a companion would be set aside, flagged as normal. We explore the detectability of companion engulfment, finding that planets with masses higher than ∼ 7 {M}J produce a distinct signature, and that descendants of stars originating in the Li dip and low-luminosity red giants are ideal tests of this channel.

Multi-Scale Characean Experimental System: From Electrophysiology of Membrane Transporters to Cell-to-Cell Connectivity, Cytoplasmic Streaming and Auxin Metabolism

PubMed Central

Beilby, Mary J.

2016-01-01

The morphology of characean algae could be mistaken for a higher plant: stem-like axes with leaf-like branchlets anchored in the soil by root-like rhizoids. However, all of these structures are made up of giant multinucleate cells separated by multicellular nodal complexes. The excised internodal cells survive long enough for the nodes to give rise to new thallus. The size of the internodes and their thick cytoplasmic layer minimize impalement injury and allow specific micro-electrode placement. The cell structure can be manipulated by centrifugation, perfusion of cell contents or creation of cytoplasmic droplets, allowing access to both vacuolar and cytoplasmic compartments and both sides of the cell membranes. Thousands of electrical measurements on intact or altered cells and cytoplasmic droplets laid down basis to modern plant electrophysiology. Furthermore, the giant internodal cells and whole thalli facilitate research into many other plant properties. As nutrients have to be transported from rhizoids to growing parts of the thallus and hormonal signals need to pass from cell to cell, Characeae possess very fast cytoplasmic streaming. The mechanism was resolved in the characean model. Plasmodesmata between the internodal cells and nodal complexes facilitate transport of ions, nutrients and photosynthates across the nodes. The internal structure was found to be similar to those of higher plants. Recent experiments suggest a strong circadian influence on metabolic pathways producing indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and serotonin/melatonin. The review will discuss the impact of the characean models arising from fragments of cells, single cells, cell-to-cell transport or whole thalli on understanding of plant evolution and physiology. PMID:27504112

Multi-Scale Characean Experimental System: From Electrophysiology of Membrane Transporters to Cell-to-Cell Connectivity, Cytoplasmic Streaming and Auxin Metabolism.

PubMed

Beilby, Mary J

2016-01-01

The morphology of characean algae could be mistaken for a higher plant: stem-like axes with leaf-like branchlets anchored in the soil by root-like rhizoids. However, all of these structures are made up of giant multinucleate cells separated by multicellular nodal complexes. The excised internodal cells survive long enough for the nodes to give rise to new thallus. The size of the internodes and their thick cytoplasmic layer minimize impalement injury and allow specific micro-electrode placement. The cell structure can be manipulated by centrifugation, perfusion of cell contents or creation of cytoplasmic droplets, allowing access to both vacuolar and cytoplasmic compartments and both sides of the cell membranes. Thousands of electrical measurements on intact or altered cells and cytoplasmic droplets laid down basis to modern plant electrophysiology. Furthermore, the giant internodal cells and whole thalli facilitate research into many other plant properties. As nutrients have to be transported from rhizoids to growing parts of the thallus and hormonal signals need to pass from cell to cell, Characeae possess very fast cytoplasmic streaming. The mechanism was resolved in the characean model. Plasmodesmata between the internodal cells and nodal complexes facilitate transport of ions, nutrients and photosynthates across the nodes. The internal structure was found to be similar to those of higher plants. Recent experiments suggest a strong circadian influence on metabolic pathways producing indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and serotonin/melatonin. The review will discuss the impact of the characean models arising from fragments of cells, single cells, cell-to-cell transport or whole thalli on understanding of plant evolution and physiology.

Giant electroresistance of super-tetragonal BiFeO3-based ferroelectric tunnel junctions.

PubMed

Yamada, Hiroyuki; Garcia, Vincent; Fusil, Stéphane; Boyn, Sören; Marinova, Maya; Gloter, Alexandre; Xavier, Stéphane; Grollier, Julie; Jacquet, Eric; Carrétéro, Cécile; Deranlot, Cyrile; Bibes, Manuel; Barthélémy, Agnès

2013-06-25

Ferroelectric tunnel junctions enable a nondestructive readout of the ferroelectric state via a change of resistance induced by switching the ferroelectric polarization. We fabricated submicrometer solid-state ferroelectric tunnel junctions based on a recently discovered polymorph of BiFeO3 with giant axial ratio ("T-phase"). Applying voltage pulses to the junctions leads to the highest resistance changes (OFF/ON ratio >10,000) ever reported with ferroelectric tunnel junctions. Along with the good retention properties, this giant effect reinforces the interest in nonvolatile memories based on ferroelectric tunnel junctions. We also show that the changes in resistance scale with the nucleation and growth of ferroelectric domains in the ultrathin BiFeO3 (imaged by piezoresponse force microscopy), thereby suggesting potential as multilevel memory cells and memristors.

Understanding Li enhancement in K giants and role of accurate parallaxes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Raghubar; Reddy, B. E.

2018-04-01

Our recent studies based on a large sample of K giants with Hipparcos parallaxes and spectroscopic analysis resulted more than a dozen new Li-rich K giants including few super Li-rich ones. Most of the Li-rich K giants including the new ones appear to occur at the luminosity bump in the HR diagram. However, one can't rule out the possibility of overlap with the clump region where core He-burning K giants reside post He-flash at the tip of RGB. It is important to distinguish field K giants of clump from the bump region in the HR diagram to understand clues for Li production in K giants. In this poster, we explore whether GAIA parallaxes improve to disentangle clump from bump region, more precisely.

Vocal repertoire of the social giant otter.

PubMed

Leuchtenberger, Caroline; Sousa-Lima, Renata; Duplaix, Nicole; Magnusson, William E; Mourão, Guilherme

2014-11-01

According to the "social intelligence hypothesis," species with complex social interactions have more sophisticated communication systems. Giant otters (Pteronura brasiliensis) live in groups with complex social interactions. It is likely that the vocal communication of giant otters is more sophisticated than previous studies suggest. The objectives of the current study were to describe the airborne vocal repertoire of giant otters in the Pantanal area of Brazil, to analyze call types within different behavioral contexts, and to correlate vocal complexity with level of sociability of mustelids to verify whether or not the result supports the social intelligence hypothesis. The behavior of nine giant otters groups was observed. Vocalizations recorded were acoustically and statistically analyzed to describe the species' repertoire. The repertoire was comprised by 15 sound types emitted in different behavioral contexts. The main behavioral contexts of each sound type were significantly associated with the acoustic variable ordination of different sound types. A strong correlation between vocal complexity and sociability was found for different species, suggesting that the communication systems observed in the family mustelidae support the social intelligence hypothesis.

Does herpes zoster predispose to giant cell arteritis: a geo-epidemiologic study.

PubMed

Ing, Edsel B; Ing, Royce; Liu, Xinyang; Zhang, Angela; Torun, Nurhan; Sey, Michael; Pagnoux, Christian

2018-01-01

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most common systemic vasculitis in the elderly and can cause irreversible blindness and aortitis. Varicella zoster (VZ), which is potentially preventable by vaccination, has been proposed as a possible immune trigger for GCA, but this is controversial. The incidence of GCA varies widely by country. If VZ virus contributes to the immunopathogenesis of GCA we hypothesized that nations with increased incidence of GCA would also have increased incidence of herpes zoster (HZ). We conducted an ecologic analysis to determine the relationship between the incidence of HZ and GCA in different countries. A literature search for the incidence rates (IRs) of GCA and HZ from different countries was conducted. Correlation and linear regression was performed comparing the disease IR of each country for subjects 50 years of age or older. We found the IR for GCA and HZ from 14 countries. Comparing the IRs for GCA and HZ in 50-year-olds, the Pearson product-moment correlation ( r ) was -0.51, with linear regression coefficient (β) -2.92 (95% CI -5.41, -0.43; p =0.025) using robust standard errors. Comparing the IRs for GCA and HZ in 70-year-olds, r was -0.40, with β -1.78, which was not statistically significant (95% CI -4.10, 0.53; p =0.12). Although this geo-epidemiologic study has potential for aggregation and selection biases, there was no positive biologic gradient between the incidence of clinically evident HZ and GCA.

[Giant papillary conjunctivitis].

PubMed

Bischoff, G

2014-05-01

Giant papillary conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is associated with immunological-allergic disorders, but is difficult to integrate as a defined type of illness. The deposits of contact lenses are responsible in predisposed wearers. They induce a special immune answer to their biochemical ingredients. In addition, roughness of the superficial corneal layers and the conjunctiva, even without any contact lenses after filtrating glaucoma surgery, leads to mechanically induced papillary formations. In former days these symptoms of building giant papillae were seen mostly in wearers of soft hydrogel contact lenses. Nowadays manufacturers have developed contact lens systems with a variety of material components, with an increase of protein and lipid deposits. In combination with the observed non-compliance of wearers regarding lens exchange and contact lens hygiene, GPC is an issue which should be taken into consideration again. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

KEPLER RAPIDLY ROTATING GIANT STARS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Costa, A. D.; Martins, B. L. Canto; Bravo, J. P.

2015-07-10

Rapidly rotating giant stars are relatively rare and may represent important stages of stellar evolution, resulting from stellar coalescence of close binary systems or accretion of substellar companions by their hosting stars. In the present Letter, we report 17 giant stars observed in the scope of the Kepler space mission exhibiting rapid rotation behavior. For the first time, the abnormal rotational behavior for this puzzling family of stars is revealed by direct measurements of rotation, namely from photometric rotation period, exhibiting a very short rotation period with values ranging from 13 to 55 days. This finding points to remarkable surfacemore » rotation rates, up to 18 times the rotation of the Sun. These giants are combined with six others recently listed in the literature for mid-infrared (IR) diagnostics based on Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer information, from which a trend for an IR excess is revealed for at least one-half of the stars, but at a level far lower than the dust excess emission shown by planet-bearing main-sequence stars.« less

Non-radial oscillation modes with long lifetimes in giant stars.

PubMed

De Ridder, Joris; Barban, Caroline; Baudin, Frédéric; Carrier, Fabien; Hatzes, Artie P; Hekker, Saskia; Kallinger, Thomas; Weiss, Werner W; Baglin, Annie; Auvergne, Michel; Samadi, Réza; Barge, Pierre; Deleuil, Magali

2009-05-21

Towards the end of their lives, stars like the Sun greatly expand to become red giant stars. Such evolved stars could provide stringent tests of stellar theory, as many uncertainties of the internal stellar structure accumulate with age. Important examples are convective overshooting and rotational mixing during the central hydrogen-burning phase, which determine the mass of the helium core, but which are not well understood. In principle, analysis of radial and non-radial stellar oscillations can be used to constrain the mass of the helium core. Although all giants are expected to oscillate, it has hitherto been unclear whether non-radial modes are observable at all in red giants, or whether the oscillation modes have a short or a long mode lifetime, which determines the observational precision of the frequencies. Here we report the presence of radial and non-radial oscillations in more than 300 giant stars. For at least some of the giants, the mode lifetimes are of the order of a month. We observe giant stars with equally spaced frequency peaks in the Fourier spectrum of the time series, as well as giants for which the spectrum seems to be more complex. No satisfactory theoretical explanation currently exists for our observations.

Spectral Flattening at Low Frequencies in Crab Giant Pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meyers, B. W.; Tremblay, S. E.; Bhat, N. D. R.; Shannon, R. M.; Kirsten, F.; Sokolowski, M.; Tingay, S. J.; Oronsaye, S. I.; Ord, S. M.

2017-12-01

We report on simultaneous wideband observations of Crab giant pulses with the Parkes radio telescope and the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA). The observations were conducted simultaneously at 732 and 3100 MHz with Parkes and at 120.96, 165.76, and 210.56 MHz with the MWA. Flux density calibration of the MWA data was accomplished using a novel technique based on tied-array beam simulations. We detected between 90 and 648 giant pulses in the 120.96-210.56 MHz MWA subbands above a 5.5σ threshold, while in the Parkes subbands we detected 6344 and 231 giant pulses above a threshold of 6σ at 732 and 3100 MHz, respectively. We show, for the first time over a wide frequency range, that the average spectrum of Crab giant pulses exhibits a significant flattening at low frequencies. The spectral index, α, for giant pulses evolves from a steep, narrow distribution with a mean α =-2.6 and width {σ }α =0.5 between 732 and 3100 MHz to a wide, flat distribution of spectral indices with a mean α =-0.7 and width {σ }α =1.4 between 120.96 and 165.76 MHz. We also comment on the plausibility of giant pulse models for fast radio bursts based on this spectral information.

A random-walk/giant-loop model for interphase chromosomes.

PubMed Central

Sachs, R K; van den Engh, G; Trask, B; Yokota, H; Hearst, J E

1995-01-01

Fluorescence in situ hybridization data on distances between defined genomic sequences are used to construct a quantitative model for the overall geometric structure of a human chromosome. We suggest that the large-scale geometry during the G0/G1 part of the cell cycle may consist of flexible chromatin loops, averaging approximately 3 million bp, with a random-walk backbone. A fully explicit, three-parametric polymer model of this random-walk/giant-loop structure can account well for the data. More general models consistent with the data are briefly discussed. PMID:7708711

Orpheovirus IHUMI-LCC2: A New Virus among the Giant Viruses

PubMed Central

Andreani, Julien; Khalil, Jacques Y. B.; Baptiste, Emeline; Hasni, Issam; Michelle, Caroline; Raoult, Didier; Levasseur, Anthony; La Scola, Bernard

2018-01-01

Giant viruses continue to invade the world of virology, in gigantic genome sizes and various particles shapes. Strains discoveries and metagenomic studies make it possible to reveal the complexity of these microorganisms, their origins, ecosystems and putative roles. We isolated from a rat stool sample a new giant virus “Orpheovirus IHUMI-LCC2,” using Vermamoeba vermiformis as host cell. In this paper, we describe the main genomic features and replicative cycle of Orpheovirus IHUMI-LCC2. It possesses a circular genome exceeding 1.4 Megabases with 25% G+C content and ovoidal-shaped particles ranging from 900 to 1300 nm. Particles are closed by at least one thick membrane in a single ostiole-like shape in their apex. Phylogenetic analysis and the reciprocal best hit for Orpheovirus show a connection to the proposed Pithoviridae family. However, some genomic characteristics bear witness to a completely divergent evolution for Orpheovirus IHUMI-LCC2 when compared to Cedratviruses or Pithoviruses. PMID:29403444

Virome comparisons in wild-diseased and healthy captive giant pandas.

PubMed

Zhang, Wen; Yang, Shixing; Shan, Tongling; Hou, Rong; Liu, Zhijian; Li, Wang; Guo, Lianghua; Wang, Yan; Chen, Peng; Wang, Xiaochun; Feng, Feifei; Wang, Hua; Chen, Chao; Shen, Quan; Zhou, Chenglin; Hua, Xiuguo; Cui, Li; Deng, Xutao; Zhang, Zhihe; Qi, Dunwu; Delwart, Eric

2017-08-07

The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is a vulnerable mammal herbivore living wild in central China. Viral infections have become a potential threat to the health of these endangered animals, but limited information related to these infections is available. Using a viral metagenomic approach, we surveyed viruses in the feces, nasopharyngeal secretions, blood, and different tissues from a wild giant panda that died from an unknown disease, a healthy wild giant panda, and 46 healthy captive animals. The previously uncharacterized complete or near complete genomes of four viruses from three genera in Papillomaviridae family, six viruses in a proposed new Picornaviridae genus (Aimelvirus), two unclassified viruses related to posaviruses in Picornavirales order, 19 anelloviruses in four different clades of Anelloviridae family, four putative circoviruses, and 15 viruses belonging to the recently described Genomoviridae family were sequenced. Reflecting the diet of giant pandas, numerous insect virus sequences related to the families Iflaviridae, Dicistroviridae, Iridoviridae, Baculoviridae, Polydnaviridae, and subfamily Densovirinae and plant viruses sequences related to the families Tombusviridae, Partitiviridae, Secoviridae, Geminiviridae, Luteoviridae, Virgaviridae, and Rhabdoviridae; genus Umbravirus, Alphaflexiviridae, and Phycodnaviridae were also detected in fecal samples. A small number of insect virus sequences were also detected in the nasopharyngeal secretions of healthy giant pandas and lung tissues from the dead wild giant panda. Although the viral families present in the sick giant panda were also detected in the healthy ones, a higher proportion of papillomaviruses, picornaviruses, and anelloviruses reads were detected in the diseased panda. This viral survey increases our understanding of eukaryotic viruses in giant pandas and provides a baseline for comparison to viruses detected in future infectious disease outbreaks. The similar viral families

The minimum area requirements (MAR) for giant panda: an empirical study.

PubMed

Qing, Jing; Yang, Zhisong; He, Ke; Zhang, Zejun; Gu, Xiaodong; Yang, Xuyu; Zhang, Wen; Yang, Biao; Qi, Dunwu; Dai, Qiang

2016-12-08

Habitat fragmentation can reduce population viability, especially for area-sensitive species. The Minimum Area Requirements (MAR) of a population is the area required for the population's long-term persistence. In this study, the response of occupancy probability of giant pandas against habitat patch size was studied in five of the six mountain ranges inhabited by giant panda, which cover over 78% of the global distribution of giant panda habitat. The probability of giant panda occurrence was positively associated with habitat patch area, and the observed increase in occupancy probability with patch size was higher than that due to passive sampling alone. These results suggest that the giant panda is an area-sensitive species. The MAR for giant panda was estimated to be 114.7 km 2 based on analysis of its occupancy probability. Giant panda habitats appear more fragmented in the three southern mountain ranges, while they are large and more continuous in the other two. Establishing corridors among habitat patches can mitigate habitat fragmentation, but expanding habitat patch sizes is necessary in mountain ranges where fragmentation is most intensive.

Giant gastric lipossarcoma: case report and review of the literature.

PubMed

Matone, Jacques; Okazaki, Samuel; Maccapani, Gabriel Naman; Amancio, Thiago Trolez; Filippi, Renée Zon; Macedo, Antonio Luiz de Vasconcellos

2016-01-01

Liposarcoma is one of the most common soft tissue sarcomas in adults, occurring in 15 to 20% of all patients with sarcoma. Primary liposarcoma of the stomach is rare. We report a case of patient with giant gastric liposarcoma who underwent surgery after a gastrointestinal bleeding. Preoperative hystopathological diagnosis was not established, even after three biopsy attempts. We discuss differential diagnosis, genetic causes, diagnosis strategies and treatment. RESUMO O lipossarcoma é um tipo comum de sarcomas em adultos, com incidência entre 15 e 20% entre os sarcomas. No entanto, o acometimento do estômago é raro. Relatamos um caso de um lipossarcoma primário gástrico gigante com apresentação clínica de hemorragia digestiva. Foi submetido a tratamento cirúrgico sem diagnóstico definitivo, apesar de três biópsias realizadas. Revisamos diagnósticos diferenciais, influência genética e estratégias diagnósticas e terapêuticas.

Migration of accreting giant planets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Robert, C.; Crida, A.; Lega, E.; Méheut, H.

2017-09-01

Giant planets forming in protoplanetary disks migrate relative to their host star. By repelling the gas in their vicinity, they form gaps in the disk's structure. If they are effectively locked in their gap, it follows that their migration rate is governed by the accretion of the disk itself onto the star, in a so-called type II fashion. Recent results showed however that a locking mechanism was still lacking, and was required to understand how giant planets may survive their disk. We propose that planetary accretion may play this part, and help reach this slow migration regime.