Pre-transplantation risk factors to develop sclerotic chronic GvHD after allogeneic HSCT: a multicenter retrospective study from the Société Française de Greffe de Moelle et de Thérapie Cellulaire (SFGM-TC).

PubMed

Detrait, M Y; Morisset, S; Peffault de Latour, R; Yakoub-Agha, I; Crocchiolo, R; Tabrizi, R; Bay, J-O; Chevalier, P; Barraco, F; Raus, N; Vigouroux, S; Magro, L; Mohty, M; Milpied, N; Blaise, D; Socié, G; Michallet, M

2015-02-01

Sclerotic chronic GvHD (cGvHD) is one of the most severe complications after allo-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Risk factors associated with this complication remain not very well defined. With the aim to define a pre-transplantation risk profile, we have conducted a French retrospective analysis in 705 consecutive patients between 2005 and 2010. Analyses to determine pre-transplantation risk factors included as variables: patient and donor age, kind of donor, HLA matching, ABO matching, sex-matching, diagnosis, stem cell source, gender, GvHD prophylaxis and antithymocyte globulin (ATG) in the conditioning regimen. The cumulative incidence of sclerotic cGvHD was 18% (95% CI, 16.6-19.6) 3 years after onset of cGvHD. In univariate analysis, we found a significantly lower number of sclerotic cGvHD form in patients transplanted from cord blood cells (P=0.0021), in patients with a one mismatched donor (P=0.041) and in patients who had received ATG in the conditioning regimen (P=0.002). In multivariate analysis, factors associated with an increased risk of sclerotic cGvHD were young patient age, multiple myeloma and PBSC as the stem cell source. ATG in conditioning regimen and cord blood unit as the stem cell source were associated with a lower risk.

Effects of tricyclazole (5-methyl-1,2,4-triazol[3,4] benzothiazole), a specific DHN-melanin inhibitor, on the morphology of Fonsecaea pedrosoi conidia and sclerotic cells.

PubMed

Franzen, Anderson J; Cunha, Marcel M L; Batista, Evander J O; Seabra, Sergio H; De Souza, Wanderley; Rozental, Sonia

2006-09-01

The influence of tricyclazole (5-methyl-1,2,4-triazol[3,4]benzothiazole), a specific DHN-melanin inhibitor, on the cell walls and intracellular structures of Fonsecaea pedrosoi conidia and sclerotic cells was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), deep-etching, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The treatment of the fungus with 16 microg mL(-1) of tricyclazole (TC) did not significantly affect fungal viability, but electron microscopy observations showed several important morphological differences between TC-treated and non-TC treated cells. Control sclerotic cells presented patched granules, with an average diameter of 47 nm, on the cell surface, which were absent in TC-treated cells. Also, TC-treated sclerotic cells showed an undulated relief. TC treatment leads to an accumulation of electron lucent vacuoles in the fungal cytoplasm of both conidia and sclerotic cells, and treated conidia observed by deep etching showed a relevant thickening of the fungal cell wall. Together, these observations support the previous data of our group that F. pedrosoi synthesizes melanin in intracellular organelles. In addition, we suggest that melanin is not only an extracellular constituent but could also be dispersing all over the cell walls and could have an effective role in cross-linking different cell wall compounds that help maintain the regular shape of the cell wall. (c) 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Aspects of cuticular sclerotization in the locust, Scistocerca gregaria, and the beetle, Tenebrio molitor.

PubMed

Andersen, Svend Olav; Roepstorff, Peter

2007-03-01

The number of reactive amino groups in cuticular proteins decreases during the early period of insect cuticular sclerotization, presumably due to reaction with oxidation products of N-acetyldopamine (NADA) and N-beta-alanyldopamine (NBAD). We have quantitated the decrease in cuticular N-terminal amino groups and lysine epsilon-amino groups during the first 24h of sclerotization in adult locusts, Schistocerca gregaria, and in larval and adult beetles, Tenebrio molitor, as well as the increase in beta-alanine amino groups in Tenebrio cuticle. The results indicate that nearly all glycine N-terminal groups and a significant part of the epsilon-amino groups from lysine residues are involved in the sclerotization process in both locusts and Tenebrio. A pronounced increase in the amount of free beta-alanine amino groups was observed in cuticle from adult Tenebrio and to a lesser extent also in Tenebrio larval cuticle, but from locust cuticle no beta-alanine was obtained. Hydrolysis of sclerotized cuticles from locusts and Tenebrio by dilute hydrochloric acid released a large number of compounds containing amino acids linked to catecholic moieties. Products have been identified which contain histidine residues linked via their imidazole group to the beta-position of various catechols, such as dopamine, 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-ethanol (DOPET), and 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-acetaldehyde (DOPALD), and a ketocatecholic compound has also been identified composed of lysine linked via its epsilon-amino group to the alpha-carbon atom of 3,4-dihydroxyacetophenone. Some of the hydrolysis products have previously been obtained from sclerotized pupal cuticle of Manduca sexta [Xu, R., Huang, X., Hopkins, T.L., Kramer, K.J., 1997. Catecholamine and histidyl protein cross-linked structures in sclerotized insect cuticle. Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 27, 101-108; Kerwin, J.L., Turecek, F., Xu, R., Kramer, K.J., Hopkins, T.L., Gatlin, C.L., Yates, J.R., 1999. Mass spectrometric analysis of catechol-histidine adducts from insect cuticle. Analytical Biochemistry 268, 229-237; Kramer, K.J., Kanost, M.R., Hopkins, T.L., Jiang, H., Zhu, Y.C., Xu, R., Kerwin, J.L., Turecek, F., 2001. Oxidative conjugation of catechols with proteins in insect skeletal systems. Tetrahedron 57, 385-392], but the lysine-dihydroxyacetophenone compound and the histidine-DOPALD adduct have not been reported before. It is suggested that the compounds are derived from NADA and NBAD residues which were incorporated into the cuticle during sclerotization, and that the lysine-dihydroxyacetophenone as well as the DOPET and DOPALD containing adducts are degradation products derived from cross-links between the cuticular proteins, whereas the dopamine-containing adducts are derived from a non-crosslinking reaction product.

Sclerotic Regressing Large Congenital Nevus.

PubMed

Patsatsi, Aikaterini; Kokolios, Miltiadis; Pikou, Olga; Lambropoulos, Vasilios; Efstratiou, Ioannis; Sotiriadis, Dimitrios

2016-11-01

Regression of congenital nevi is usually associated with loss of pigment or halo formation. In rare cases, regression is characterized by sclerosis and hair loss. We describe a rare case of a sclerotic hypopigmented large congenital melanocytic nevus in which a localized scleroderma-like reaction process of regression seemed to have started in utero and progressed throughout early childhood. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Involvement of tyrosine residues, N-terminal amino acids, and beta-alanine in insect cuticular sclerotization.

PubMed

Andersen, Svend Olav

2007-09-01

During sclerotization of insect cuticle the acyldopamines, N-acetyldopamine (NADA) and N-beta-alanyldopamine (NBAD), are oxidatively incorporated into the cuticular matrix, thereby hardening and stabilizing the material by forming crosslinks between the proteins in the cuticular matrix and by forming polymers filling the intermolecular spaces in the cuticle. Sclerotized cuticle from the locust, Schistocerca gregaria, and the beetle, Tenebrio molitor, was hydrolyzed in dilute hydrochloric acid, and from the hydrolysates some components presumably degradation products of cuticular crosslinks were isolated. In two of the components, the sidechain of 3,4-dihydroxyacetophenone was linked to the amino groups of glycine and beta-alanine, respectively, and in the third component to the phenolic group of tyrosine. These three compounds, glycino-dihydroxyacetophenone, beta-alanino-dihydroxyacetophenone, and O-tyrosino-dihydroxyacetophenone, as well as the previously reported compound, lysino-dihydroxyacetophenone [Andersen, S.O., Roepstorff, P., 2007. Aspects of cuticular sclerotization in the locust, Schistocerca gregaria, and the beetle, Tenebrio molitor. Insect Biochem. Mol. Biol. 37, 223-234], are suggested to be degradation products of cuticular crosslinks, in which amino acid residues formed linkages to both the alpha- and beta-positions of the sidechain of acyldopamines.

Comparison of Battery-Powered and Manual Bone Biopsy Systems for Core Needle Biopsy of Sclerotic Bone Lesions.

PubMed

Cohen, Micah G; McMahon, Colm J; Kung, Justin W; Wu, Jim S

2016-05-01

The purpose of this study was to compare manual and battery-powered bone biopsy systems for diagnostic yield and procedural factors during core needle biopsy of sclerotic bone lesions. A total of 155 consecutive CT-guided core needle biopsies of sclerotic bone lesions were performed at one institution from January 2006 to November 2014. Before March 2012, lesions were biopsied with manual bone drill systems. After March 2012, most biopsies were performed with a battery-powered system and either noncoaxial or coaxial biopsy needles. Diagnostic yield, crush artifact, CT procedure time, procedure radiation dose, conscious sedation dose, and complications were compared between the manual and battery-powered core needle biopsy systems by Fisher exact test and t test. One-way ANOVA was used for subgroup analysis of the two battery-powered systems for procedure time and radiation dose. The diagnostic yield for all sclerotic lesions was 60.0% (93/155) and was significantly higher with the battery-powered system (73.0% [27/37]) than with the manual systems (55.9% [66/118]) (p = 0.047). There was no significant difference between the two systems in terms of crush artifact, procedure time, radiation dose, conscious sedation administered, or complications. In subgroup analysis, the coaxial battery-powered biopsies had shorter procedure times (p = 0.01) and lower radiation doses (p = 0.002) than the coaxial manual systems, but the noncoaxial battery-powered biopsies had longer average procedure times and higher radiation doses than the coaxial manual systems. In biopsy of sclerotic bone lesions, use of a battery-powered bone drill system improves diagnostic yield over use of a manual system.

Vision in dinosaurs: Scaling effects in sclerotic rings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Scott

Sclerotic rings are composed of bones found in the eyes of most vertebrates except mammals and crocodilians. They are believed to have a role in maintaining the shape of the eye. Their inner diameter is an upper limit for the effective diameter of the pupil and, therefore, provides a measure of the light-gathering ability of the eyes of extinct animals. Thirty-six different species of dinosaurs (from both the Saurischian and Ornithischian branches) have been studied. The smallest dinosaurs, with masses less than 1 kg, include Juravenator starki, Archaeopteryx lithographica, and Mei long while the largest dinosaurs, with masses on the order of 10,000 kg, include Diplodocus longus and Nemegtosaurus mongoliensis. The light-gathering properties of the eyes of the dinosaurs are studied as a function of the mass. The sclerotic ring diameter is found to increase with mass.

Rapidly progressive idiopathic lenticular astigmatism.

PubMed

Tint, Naing L; Jayaswal, Rakesh; Masood, Imran; Maharajan, V Senthil

2007-02-01

A myopic 43-year-old woman with early nuclear sclerotic cataract developed more than 11.0 diopters (D) of astigmatism over a 6-month period. This was found to be lenticular in origin. Phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation was performed, resulting in residual astigmatism of 0.75 D. To our knowledge, this is the first case of rapidly progressive lenticular astigmatism in an otherwise healthy eye with early nuclear sclerotic cataract.

Parietal Epithelial Cells Participate in the Formation of Sclerotic Lesions in Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis

PubMed Central

Smeets, Bart; Kuppe, Christoph; Sicking, Eva-Maria; Fuss, Astrid; Jirak, Peggy; van Kuppevelt, Toin H.; Endlich, Karlhans; Wetzels, Jack F.M.; Gröne, Hermann-Josef; Floege, Jürgen

2011-01-01

The pathogenesis of the development of sclerotic lesions in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) remains unknown. Here, we selectively tagged podocytes or parietal epithelial cells (PECs) to determine whether PECs contribute to sclerosis. In three distinct models of FSGS (5/6-nephrectomy + DOCA-salt; the murine transgenic chronic Thy1.1 model; or the MWF rat) and in human biopsies, the primary injury to induce FSGS associated with focal activation of PECs and the formation of cellular adhesions to the capillary tuft. From this entry site, activated PECs invaded the affected segment of the glomerular tuft and deposited extracellular matrix. Within the affected segment, podocytes were lost and mesangial sclerosis developed within the endocapillary compartment. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that PECs contribute to the development and progression of the sclerotic lesions that define FSGS, but this pathogenesis may be relevant to all etiologies of glomerulosclerosis. PMID:21719782

Description of a marine nematode Hopperia sinensis sp. nov. (Comesomatidae) from mangrove forests of Quanzhou, China, with a pictorial key to Hopperia species

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Yuqing; Chang, Yu; Chen, Yuzhen; Li, Yongxiang; Liu, Aiyuan

2015-12-01

A new free-living marine nematode species Hopperia sinensis sp. nov. from mangrove forests of Fujian Province, China, is identified and illustrated. Hopperia sinensis sp. nov. is characterized by its cephalic setae 2.4-2.8 µm long or 17%-20% head diameter, and amphids of 2.25-2.5 turns. Lateral differentiation appears with larger, more irregularly distributed dots behind 3-5 transverse rows of dots posterior to amphid. Buccal cavity is consisted of a shallow and weakly sclerotized cup-shaped portion with strongly sclerotized walls of 18-21 µm deep. There are three sclerotized and size-equally pointed teeth at the junction between the two parts. Spicules of 41-45 µm long are slightly curved with broadband velum and central strips at the proximal end. The gubernacula, with apparent lateral guiding pieces, are formed by one central tubular piece that is weakly sclerotized with 11-16 µm long dorso-caudally directed apophyses. There are 13-14 fine tubular precloacal supplements. Conico-cylindrical tail gradually tapers till pointed tail tip. Female is similar to male, but have a longer body and tail. Ovaries are opposed and outstretched, with anterior ovary to the left and posterior ovary to the right of the intestine. A pictorial key to all the valid known species in genus Hopperia is given.

[Clinical research of EDTA pretreatment on the bonding strength of resin].

PubMed

Li, Ting-ting; Sun, Min-min; Kang, Jun-tang; Sun, Zhe

2015-10-01

This study was to evaluate clinical results of adhesives to sclerotic dentin in non-carious cervical lesions pretreated with ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA). Twelve patients who had at least one pair of teeth with typical cervical wedge-shaped defects and class III sclerotic dentin were selected. The teeth were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. In the experimental group, EDTA was used to pretreat dentin surface first and then self-etching resin adhesive; In the control group, only self-etching resin adhesive was used. Modified USPHS rating system was applied in baseline, 6 months and 12 months after treatment. SAS 8.02 software package was used for two-sample rank sum test. At the time point of 6-month and 12-month, the scores in the experimental group were significantly better than the control group (P<0.05). EDTA pretreatment of the sclerotic dentin of cervical wedge-shaped defects could improve the resin bonding strength, marginal discoloration, marginal form and surface quality.

Intraosseous mucoepidermoid carcinoma: a review of the diagnostic imaging features of four jaw cases.

PubMed

Chan, K C; Pharoah, M; Lee, L; Weinreb, I; Perez-Ordonez, B

2013-01-01

The purpose of this case series is to present the common features of intraosseous mucoepidermoid carcinoma (IMC) of the jaws in plain film and CT imaging. Two oral and maxillofacial radiologists reviewed and characterized the common features of four biopsy-proven cases of IMC in the jaws in plain film and CT imaging obtained from the files of the Department of Oral Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. The common features are a well-defined sclerotic periphery, the presence of internal amorphous sclerotic bone and numerous small loculations, lack of septae bordering many of the loculations, and expansion and perforation of the outer cortical plate with extension into surrounding soft tissue. Other characteristics include tooth displacement and root resorption. The four cases of IMC reviewed have common imaging characteristics. All cases share some diagnostic imaging features with other multilocular-appearing entities of the jaws. However, the presence of amorphous sclerotic bone and malignant characteristics can be useful in the differential diagnosis.

Dopamine-Mediated Sclerotization of Regenerated Chitin in Ionic Liquid.

PubMed

Oh, Dongyeop X; Shin, Sara; Lim, Chanoong; Hwang, Dong Soo

2013-09-06

Chitin is a promising structural material for biomedical applications, due to its many advantageous properties and abundance in nature. However, its usage and development in the biomedical field have been stagnant, because of chitin's poor mechanical properties in wet conditions and the difficulties in transforming it into an applicable form. To overcome these challenges, we created a novel biomimetic chitin composite. This regenerated chitin, prepared with ionic liquid, showed improved mechanical properties in wet conditions by mimicking insect cuticle and squid beak sclerotization, i.e. , catechol-meditated cross-linking. By ionic liquid-based heat treatment, dopamine oxidation produced melanin-like compounds and dopamine-meditated cross-links without any solvent evaporation and oxidant utilization. The dopamine-meditated sclerotization increased the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of the regenerated chitin by 2.52-fold, measured after six weeks of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) submersion. In addition, the linear swelling ratio (LSR) of the chitin film was reduced by about 22%. This strategy raises a possibility of using regenerated chitin as an artificial hard tissue in wet conditions.

Alterations of the microvascular network in the sclerotic hippocampus of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy.

PubMed

Alonso-Nanclares, Lidia; DeFelipe, Javier

2014-09-01

Hippocampal sclerosis is the most frequent pathology encountered in resected tissue obtained from patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. The main hallmarks of hippocampal sclerosis are neuronal loss and gliosis. Several authors have proposed that an increase in blood vessel density is a further indicator, based on interpretations from staining of markers related to both blood-brain barrier disruption and the formation of new blood vessels. However, previous studies performed in our laboratory using correlative light and electron microscopy revealed that many of these "blood vessels" are in fact atrophic vascular structures with a reduced or virtually absent lumen and are often filled with processes of reactive astrocytes. Thus, "normal" vasculature within the sclerotic CA1 field is drastically reduced. Since this decrease is consistently observed in the human sclerotic CA1, this feature can be considered another key pathological indicator of hippocampal sclerosis associated with temporal lobe epilepsy. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Locally Produced BDNF Promotes Sclerotic Change in Alveolar Bone after Nerve Injury

PubMed Central

Ida-Yonemochi, Hiroko; Yamada, Yurie; Yoshikawa, Hiroyuki

2017-01-01

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is released due to nerve injury, is known to promote the natural healing of injured nerves. It is often observed that damage of mandibular canal induces local sclerotic changes in alveolar bone. We reported that peripheral nerve injury promotes the local production of BDNF; therefore, it was possible to hypothesize that peripheral nerve injury affects sclerotic changes in the alveolar bone. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of BDNF on osteogenesis using in vitro osteoblast-lineage cell culture and an in vivo rat osteotomy model. MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured with BDNF and were examined for cell proliferative activity, chemotaxis and mRNA expression levels of osteoblast differentiation markers. For in vivo study, inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) injury experiments and mandibular cortical osteotomy were performed using a rat model. In the osteotomy model, exogenous BDNF was applied to bone surfaces after corticotomy of the mandible, and we morphologically analyzed the new bone formation. As a result, mRNA expression of osteoblast differentiation marker, osteocalcin, was significantly increased by BDNF, although cell proliferation and migration were not affected. In the in vivo study, osteopontin-positive new bone formation was significantly accelerated in the BDNF-grafted groups, and active bone remodeling, involving trkB-positive osteoblasts and osteocytes, continued after 28 days. In conclusion, BDNF stimulated the differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells and it promoted new bone formation and maturation. These results suggested that local BDNF produced by peripheral nerve injury contributes to accelerating sclerotic changes in the alveolar bone. PMID:28072837

Posterior segment nucleotomy for dislocated sclerotic cataractous lens using chandelier endoilluminator and sharp tipped chopper

PubMed Central

Takkar, Brijesh; Azad, Rajvardhan; Azad, Shorya; Rathi, Anubha

2015-01-01

AIM To describe a new surgical technique for managing dislocated sclerotic cataractous lens. METHODS Six patients with advanced posteriorly dislocated cataracts were operated at a tertiary care centre and analyzed retrospectively. After standard 3 port 23 G pars plana vitrectomy and perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) injection, the dislocated white cataract was held with occlusion using phaco fragmatome and then chopped into smaller pieces with a sharp tipped chopper using 25 G chandelier endoilluminator. Each piece was emulsified individually. Following aspiration of PFCL, Fluid Air Exchange was done in all the cases and surgery completed uneventfully. RESULTS Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in all the patients was better than 6/12 after one month of follow up. No serious complications were noted till minimum 6mo of follow up. CONCLUSION Four port posterior segment nucleotomy with a chandelier endoilluminator, fragmatome and a chopper appears to be a safe, easy and effective procedure for managing dislocated sclerotic cataractous nuclei. Ultrasonic energy used and adverse thermal effects of the fragmatome on the sclera may be lesser. PMID:26309887

Dopamine-Mediated Sclerotization of Regenerated Chitin in Ionic Liquid

PubMed Central

Oh, Dongyeop X.; Shin, Sara; Lim, Chanoong; Hwang, Dong Soo

2013-01-01

Chitin is a promising structural material for biomedical applications, due to its many advantageous properties and abundance in nature. However, its usage and development in the biomedical field have been stagnant, because of chitin’s poor mechanical properties in wet conditions and the difficulties in transforming it into an applicable form. To overcome these challenges, we created a novel biomimetic chitin composite. This regenerated chitin, prepared with ionic liquid, showed improved mechanical properties in wet conditions by mimicking insect cuticle and squid beak sclerotization, i.e., catechol-meditated cross-linking. By ionic liquid-based heat treatment, dopamine oxidation produced melanin-like compounds and dopamine-meditated cross-links without any solvent evaporation and oxidant utilization. The dopamine-meditated sclerotization increased the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of the regenerated chitin by 2.52-fold, measured after six weeks of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) submersion. In addition, the linear swelling ratio (LSR) of the chitin film was reduced by about 22%. This strategy raises a possibility of using regenerated chitin as an artificial hard tissue in wet conditions. PMID:28788308

Serrated adenoma of the gallbladder: a case report.

PubMed

Rubio, Carlos A

2015-06-01

A case of serrated adenomatous polyp found in a cholecystectomy specimen is reported. The adenoma was built with mucosal crypts exhibiting unlocked serrations lined with up to high-grade dysplastic cells. A desmoplastic sclerotic tissue having multiple stromal hubs with branched thin spokes replaced the subjacent lamina propia, muscularis mucosae, and submucosa. The generous serrated configurations covering a multi-branched sclerotic stroma, gave the adenoma a papillary appearance. Review of the literature indicates that this appears to be the first reported case of serrated adenoma of the gallbladder. Copyright© 2015 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved.

A new species of Neoperla from China, with a redescription of the female of N. mnong Stark, 1987 (Plecoptera, Perlidae).

PubMed

Chen, Zhi-Teng; Du, Yu-Zhou

2016-01-01

A new species of the Neoperla clymene group (Plecoptera, Perlidae), Neoperla chebalinga sp. n. from Guangdong Province of southern China is described, illustrated, and compared with related taxa. The new species is characterized by the slender aedeagal tube, strongly sclerotized dorsally, and weakly sclerotized ventrally with an upcurved, medial, finger-like membranous lobe. Additionally the aedeagal sac gradually tapers to a blunt apex with a dorsoapical patch of spines. A supplementary description of the female of Neoperla mnong Stark, 1987 from Guangdong Province, China is also given.

A new species of Neoperla from China, with a redescription of the female of N. mnong Stark, 1987 (Plecoptera, Perlidae)

PubMed Central

Chen, Zhi-Teng; Du, Yu-Zhou

2016-01-01

Abstract A new species of the Neoperla clymene group (Plecoptera, Perlidae), Neoperla chebalinga sp. n. from Guangdong Province of southern China is described, illustrated, and compared with related taxa. The new species is characterized by the slender aedeagal tube, strongly sclerotized dorsally, and weakly sclerotized ventrally with an upcurved, medial, finger-like membranous lobe. Additionally the aedeagal sac gradually tapers to a blunt apex with a dorsoapical patch of spines. A supplementary description of the female of Neoperla mnong Stark, 1987 from Guangdong Province, China is also given. PMID:27667948

Chondromyxoid fibromas of the neurocranium.

PubMed

Linskey, M E; Hogg, J; Sekhar, L N

1991-01-01

We report a case of a chondromyxoid fibroma involving the upper clivus in a 73-year-old man. Chondromyxoid fibromas are uncommon benign bone tumors that rarely involve the skull. Chondromyxoid fibromas arising in the membranous neurocranium resemble their extracranial counterparts, appearing as radiolucent lesions with sclerotic margins and presenting most often as a painless focal swelling. Chondromyxoid fibromas arising in the chondrocranium differ from their extracranial counterparts and from those arising in the membranous neurocranium. They appear as locally destructive, often calcified, and exophytic lesions without sclerotic margins and present with cranial nerve dysfunction and symptoms caused by central nervous system compression.

Adaptive remodeling at the pedicle due to pars fracture: a finite element analysis study.

PubMed

İnceoğlu, Serkan; Mageswaran, Prasath; Modic, Michael T; Benzel, Edward C

2014-09-01

Spondylolysis is a common condition among the general population and a major cause of back pain in young athletes. This condition can be difficult to detect with plain radiography and has been reported to lead to contralateral pars fracture or pedicle fracture in the terminal stages. Interestingly, some patients with late-stage spondylolysis are observed to have radiographic or CT evidence of a sclerotic pedicle on the side contralateral to the spondylolysis. Although computational studies have shown stress elevation in the contralateral pedicle after a pars fracture, it is not known if these changes would cause sclerotic changes in the contralateral pedicle. The objective of this study was to investigate the adaptive remodeling process at the pedicle due to a contralateral spondylolysis using finite element analysis. A multiscale finite element model of a vertebra was obtained by combining a continuum model of the posterior elements with a voxel-based pedicle section. Extension loading conditions were applied with or without a fracture at the contralateral pars to analyze the stresses in the contralateral pedicle. A remodeling algorithm was used to simulate and assess density changes in the contralateral pedicle. The remodeling algorithm demonstrated an increase in bone formation around the perimeter of the contralateral pedicle with some localized loss of mass in the region of cancellous bone. The authors' results indicated that a pars fracture results in sclerotic changes in the contralateral pedicle. Such a remodeling process could increase overall bone mass. However, focal bone loss in the region of the cancellous bone of the pedicle might predispose the pedicle to microfractures. This phenomenon explains, at least in part, the origin of pedicle stress fractures in the sclerotic contralateral pedicles of patients with unilateral spondylolysis.

Florid cemento-osseous dysplasia: A rare case report evaluated with cone-beam computed tomography.

PubMed

Yildirim, Eren; Bağlar, Serdar; Ciftci, Mehmet Ertugrul; Ozcan, Erdal

2016-01-01

A 29-year-old systemically healthy female patient presented to our department. Cone-beam computed tomographic images showed multiple well-defined sclerotic masses with radiolucent border in both right and left molar regions of the mandible. These sclerotic masses were surrounded by a thin radiolucent border. We diagnosed the present pathology as florid cemento-osseous dysplasia and decided to follow the patient without taking biopsy. For the patient, who did not have any clinical complaints, radiographic followupis recommended twice a year. The responsibility of the dentist is to ensure the follow-up of the diagnosed patients and take necessary measures for preventing the infections.

Chondromyxoid Fibromas of the Neurocranium

PubMed Central

Linskey, Mark E.; Hogg, Jeffrey; Sekhar, Laligam N.

1991-01-01

We report a case of a chondromyxoid fibroma involving the upper clivus in a 73-year-old man. Chondromyxoid fibromas are uncommon benign bone tumors that rarely involve the skull. Chondromyxoid fibromas arising in the membranous neurocranium resemble their extracranial counterparts, appearing as radiolucent lesions with sclerotic margins and presenting most often as a painless focal swelling. Chondromyxoid fibromas arising in the chondrocranium differ from their extracranial counterparts and from those arising in the membranous neurocranium. They appear as locally destructive, often calcified, and exophytic lesions without sclerotic margins and present with cranial nerve dysfunction and symptoms caused by central nervous system compression. ImagesFigure 1Figure 2Figure 3 PMID:17170833

Intraosseous calcium migration in calcifying tendinitis: a rare cause of single sclerotic injury in the humeral head (2010: 2b).

PubMed

Martin, S; Rapariz, J M

2010-05-01

Intratendinous deposits of hydroxyapatite crystals are very common, particularly in the rotator cuff. In rare cases, the calcium located in the thickness of the supraspinatus tendon can suffer intraosseous migration into the greater tuberosity. We present a case of this rare entity: a 28-year-old patient who attended with pain and functional weakness in the left shoulder. The plain radiograph showed a sclerotic lesion in the greater tuberosity of the humeral head with a radiolucent halo. The MRI showed a lytic lesion containing the calcium inside and associated with an extensive pattern of oedema of the accompanying bone marrow. A plain radiograph taken 6 months before showed a calcifying tendinitis in the thickness of the supraspinatus tendon. A large number of entities can present as single sclerotic lesions of the humeral head. The diagnostic key lies in the existence of the calcifying tendinitis in the earlier study. The treatment of this disease consists of surgical removal of the calcium. The recognition of this entity is important to avoid unnecessary complementary tests and aggressive surgery, given that the surgical treatment is curative and leads to disappearance of the symptoms.

Cross-linking Chemistry of Squid Beak*

PubMed Central

Miserez, Ali; Rubin, Daniel; Waite, J. Herbert

2010-01-01

In stark contrast to most aggressive predators, Dosidicus gigas (jumbo squids) do not use minerals in their powerful mouthparts known as beaks. Their beaks instead consist of a highly sclerotized chitinous composite with incremental hydration from the tip to the base. We previously reported l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (dopa)-histidine (dopa-His) as an important covalent cross-link providing mechanical strengthening to the beak material. Here, we present a more complete characterization of the sclerotization chemistry and describe additional cross-links from D. gigas beak. All cross-links presented in this report share common building blocks, a family of di-, tri-, and tetra-histidine-catecholic adducts, that were separated by affinity chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and identified by tandem mass spectroscopy and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR). The data provide additional insights into the unusually high cross-link density found in mature beaks. Furthermore, we propose both a low molecular weight catechol, and peptidyl-dopa, to be sclerotization agents of squid beak. This appears to represent a new strategy for forming hard tissue in animals. The interplay between covalent cross-linking and dehydration on the graded properties of the beaks is discussed. PMID:20870720

Cross-linking chemistry of squid beak.

PubMed

Miserez, Ali; Rubin, Daniel; Waite, J Herbert

2010-12-03

In stark contrast to most aggressive predators, Dosidicus gigas (jumbo squids) do not use minerals in their powerful mouthparts known as beaks. Their beaks instead consist of a highly sclerotized chitinous composite with incremental hydration from the tip to the base. We previously reported l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (dopa)-histidine (dopa-His) as an important covalent cross-link providing mechanical strengthening to the beak material. Here, we present a more complete characterization of the sclerotization chemistry and describe additional cross-links from D. gigas beak. All cross-links presented in this report share common building blocks, a family of di-, tri-, and tetra-histidine-catecholic adducts, that were separated by affinity chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and identified by tandem mass spectroscopy and proton nuclear magnetic resonance ((1)H NMR). The data provide additional insights into the unusually high cross-link density found in mature beaks. Furthermore, we propose both a low molecular weight catechol, and peptidyl-dopa, to be sclerotization agents of squid beak. This appears to represent a new strategy for forming hard tissue in animals. The interplay between covalent cross-linking and dehydration on the graded properties of the beaks is discussed.

Trichostrongylina parasites of Dasypodidae (Xenarthra) from Argentina; a new species of Macielia (Molineidae: Anoplostrongylinae) in Chaetophractus vellerosus and redescription of Trichohelix tuberculata.

PubMed

Ezquiaga, María C; Navone, Graciela T

2013-10-01

Macielia jorgei n. sp. is described from Chaetophractus vellerosus from La Rioja, Argentina. Also Trichohelix tuberculata is redescribed in detail. The new species is characterized by parasitizing the small intestine, possessing a bursal membrane and telamon, having complex and sclerotized spicules distally divided into 2 processes, a simple, poorly sclerotized gubernaculum, and synlophe with bilateral symmetry and 12 cuticular ridges. This is the second report of a species of Macielia in Argentina. The synlophe of Trichohelix tuberculata is asymmetric and is characterized by 3 ventral ridges, oriented to the left. The size of these ridges decreases until they disappear at midbody.

Florid cemento-osseous dysplasia: A rare case report evaluated with cone-beam computed tomography

PubMed Central

Yildirim, Eren; Bağlar, Serdar; Ciftci, Mehmet Ertugrul; Ozcan, Erdal

2016-01-01

A 29-year-old systemically healthy female patient presented to our department. Cone-beam computed tomographic images showed multiple well-defined sclerotic masses with radiolucent border in both right and left molar regions of the mandible. These sclerotic masses were surrounded by a thin radiolucent border. We diagnosed the present pathology as florid cemento-osseous dysplasia and decided to follow the patient without taking biopsy. For the patient, who did not have any clinical complaints, radiographic followupis recommended twice a year. The responsibility of the dentist is to ensure the follow-up of the diagnosed patients and take necessary measures for preventing the infections. PMID:27601835

TU-G-204-02: Automatic Sclerotic Bone Metastases Detection in the Pelvic Region From Dual Energy CT

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

Fehr, D; Schmidtlein, C; Hwang, S

Purpose: To automatically detect sclerotic bone metastases in the pelvic region using dual energy computed tomography (DECT). Methods: We developed a two stage algorithm to automatically detect sclerotic bone metastases in the pelvis from DECT for patients with multiple bone metastatic lesions and with hip implants. The first stage consists of extracting the bone and marrow regions by using a support vector machine (SVM) classifier. We employed a novel representation of the DECT images using multi-material decomposition, which represents each voxel as a mixture of different physical materials (e.g. bone+water+fat). Following the extraction of bone and marrow, in the secondmore » stage, a bi -histogram equalization method was employed to enhance the contrast to reveal the bone metastases. Next, meanshift segmentation was performed to separate the voxels by their intensity levels. Finally, shape-based filtering was performed to extract the possible locations of the metastatic lesions using multiple shape criteria. We used the following shape parameters: area, eccentricity, major and minor axis, perimeter and skeleton. Results: A radiologist with several years of experience with DECT manually labeled 64 regions consisting of metastatic lesions from 10 different patients. However, the patients had many more metastasic lesions throughout the pelvis. Our method correctly identified 46 of the marked 64 regions (72%). In addition, our method also identified several other lesions, which can then be validated by the radiologist. The missed lesions were typically very large elongated regions consisting of several islands of very small (<4mm) lesions. Conclusion: We developed an algorithm to automatically detect sclerotic lesions in the pelvic region from DECT. Preliminary assessment shows that our algorithm generated lesions agreeing with the radiologist generated candidate regions. Furthermore, our method reveals additional lesions that can be inspected by the radiologist, thereby, reducing radiologist effort in identifying all the lesions with poor contrast from the DECT images.« less

Can exercise suppress tumour growth in advanced prostate cancer patients with sclerotic bone metastases? A randomised, controlled study protocol examining feasibility, safety and efficacy

PubMed Central

Newton, Robert U; Spry, Nigel A; Taaffe, Dennis R; Chambers, Suzanne K; Feeney, Kynan T; Joseph, David J; Redfern, Andrew D; Ferguson, Tom; Galvão, Daniel A

2017-01-01

Introduction Exercise may positively alter tumour biology through numerous modulatory and regulatory mechanisms in response to a variety of modes and dosages, evidenced in preclinical models to date. Specifically, localised and systemic biochemical alterations produced during and following exercise may suppress tumour formation, growth and distribution by virtue of altered epigenetics and endocrine–paracrine activity. Given the impressive ability of targeted mechanical loading to interfere with metastasis-driven tumour formation in human osteolytic tumour cells, it is of equal interest to determine whether a similar effect is observed in sclerotic tumour cells. The study aims to (1) establish the feasibility and safety of a combined modular multimodal exercise programme with spinal isometric training in advanced prostate cancer patients with sclerotic bone metastases and (2) examine whether targeted and supervised exercise can suppress sclerotic tumour growth and activity in spinal metastases in humans. Methods and analysis A single-blinded, two-armed, randomised, controlled and explorative phase I clinical trial combining spinal isometric training with a modular multimodal exercise programme in 40 men with advanced prostate cancer and stable sclerotic spinal metastases. Participants will be randomly assigned to (1) the exercise intervention or (2) usual medical care. The intervention arm will receive a 3-month, supervised and individually tailored modular multimodal exercise programme with spinal isometric training. Primary endpoints (feasibility and safety) and secondary endpoints (tumour morphology; biomarker activity; anthropometry; musculoskeletal health; adiposity; physical function; quality of life; anxiety; distress; fatigue; insomnia; physical activity levels) will be measured at baseline and following the intervention. Statistical analyses will include descriptive characteristics, t-tests, effect sizes and two-way (group × time) repeated-measures analysis of variance (or analysis of covariance) to examine differences between groups over time. The data-set will be primarily examined using an intention-to-treat approach with multiple imputations, followed by a secondary sensitivity analysis to ensure data robustness using a complete cases approach. Ethics and dissemination Ethics approval was obtained from the Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) of Edith Cowan University and the Sir Charles Gairdner and Osborne Park Health Care Group. If proven to be feasible and safe, this study will form the basis of future phase II and III trials in human patients with advanced cancer. To reach a maximum number of clinicians, practitioners, patients and scientists, outcomes will be disseminated through national and international clinical, conference and patient presentations, as well as publication in high-impact, peer-reviewed academic journals. Trial registration number ACTRN 12616000179437. PMID:28559456

[Dentinopulpar organ: biological basis of clinical response to Ca(OH)2 application].

PubMed

Gani, O; Crosa, M E

1989-01-01

We have studied the changes presented by mediate and immediate roentgenographic images of indirect pulp capping and pulpotomies. In the cases of indirect pulp capping it was observed an increase of radiolucidity in the places occupied by Ca(OH)2, and sclerotic dentin was present. In pulpotomies, it was found the dentin bridge, which thickness increases with time. The radiolucidity of pulp chamber occupied by Ca(OH)2 was greater in the long time treatment. The radiopacity of non-vital dentin of walls and floor chamber was increased too. It has suggested that Ca++ ion would have migrated from its place and probably would take part in the synthesis of sclerotic dentin, independently of the vitality of the tissue.

Whitening of endodontically untreated calcified anterior teeth.

PubMed

Pedorella, C A; Meyer, R D; Woollard, G W

2000-01-01

Definitive treatment for whitening endodontically untreated anterior teeth with dystrophic calcification is provided by removing the coronal sclerotic dentin and utilizing internal and external bleaching as necessary.

Studies on the enzymes involved in puparial cuticle sclerotization in Drosophila melanogaster.

PubMed

Sugumaran, M; Giglio, L; Kundzicz, H; Saul, S; Semensi, V

1992-01-01

The properties of cuticular enzymes involved in sclerotization of Drosophila melanogaster puparium were examined. The cuticle-bound phenoloxidase from the white puparium exhibited a pH optimum of 6.5 in phosphate buffer and oxidized a variety of catecholic substrates such as 4-methylcatechol, N-beta-alanyldopamine, dopa, dopamine, N-acetyldopamine, catechol, norepinephrine, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid. Phenoloxidase inhibitors such as potassium cyanide and sodium fluoride inhibited the enzyme activity drastically, but phenylthiourea showed marginal inhibition only. This result, coupled with the fact that syringaldazine served as the substrate for the insoluble enzyme, confirmed that cuticular phenoloxidase is of the "laccase" type. In addition, we also examined the mode of synthesis of the sclerotizing precursor, 1,2-dehydro-N-acetyldopamine. Our results indicate that this catecholamine derivative is biosynthesized from N-acetyldopamine through the intermediate formation of N-acetyldopamine quinone and N-acetyldopamine quinone methide as established for Sarcophaga bullata [Saul, S. and Sugumaran, M., F.E.B.S. Letters 251, 69-73 (1989)]. Accordingly, successful solubilization and fractionation of cuticular enzymes involved in the introduction of a double bond in the side chain of N-acetyldopamine indicated that they included o-diphenoloxidase, 4-alkyl-o-quinone:p-quinone methide isomerase, and N-acetyldopamine quinone methide:dehydro N-acetyldopamine isomerase and not any side chain desaturase.

Can exercise suppress tumour growth in advanced prostate cancer patients with sclerotic bone metastases? A randomised, controlled study protocol examining feasibility, safety and efficacy.

PubMed

Hart, Nicolas H; Newton, Robert U; Spry, Nigel A; Taaffe, Dennis R; Chambers, Suzanne K; Feeney, Kynan T; Joseph, David J; Redfern, Andrew D; Ferguson, Tom; Galvão, Daniel A

2017-05-30

Exercise may positively alter tumour biology through numerous modulatory and regulatory mechanisms in response to a variety of modes and dosages, evidenced in preclinical models to date. Specifically, localised and systemic biochemical alterations produced during and following exercise may suppress tumour formation, growth and distribution by virtue of altered epigenetics and endocrine-paracrine activity. Given the impressive ability of targeted mechanical loading to interfere with metastasis-driven tumour formation in human osteolytic tumour cells, it is of equal interest to determine whether a similar effect is observed in sclerotic tumour cells. The study aims to (1) establish the feasibility and safety of a combined modular multimodal exercise programme with spinal isometric training in advanced prostate cancer patients with sclerotic bone metastases and (2) examine whether targeted and supervised exercise can suppress sclerotic tumour growth and activity in spinal metastases in humans. A single-blinded, two-armed, randomised, controlled and explorative phase I clinical trial combining spinal isometric training with a modular multimodal exercise programme in 40 men with advanced prostate cancer and stable sclerotic spinal metastases. Participants will be randomly assigned to (1) the exercise intervention or (2) usual medical care. The intervention arm will receive a 3-month, supervised and individually tailored modular multimodal exercise programme with spinal isometric training. Primary endpoints (feasibility and safety) and secondary endpoints (tumour morphology; biomarker activity; anthropometry; musculoskeletal health; adiposity; physical function; quality of life; anxiety; distress; fatigue; insomnia; physical activity levels) will be measured at baseline and following the intervention. Statistical analyses will include descriptive characteristics, t-tests, effect sizes and two-way (group × time) repeated-measures analysis of variance (or analysis of covariance) to examine differences between groups over time. The data-set will be primarily examined using an intention-to-treat approach with multiple imputations, followed by a secondary sensitivity analysis to ensure data robustness using a complete cases approach. Ethics approval was obtained from the Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) of Edith Cowan University and the Sir Charles Gairdner and Osborne Park Health Care Group. If proven to be feasible and safe, this study will form the basis of future phase II and III trials in human patients with advanced cancer. To reach a maximum number of clinicians, practitioners, patients and scientists, outcomes will be disseminated through national and international clinical, conference and patient presentations, as well as publication in high-impact, peer-reviewed academic journals. ACTRN 12616000179437. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

The many faces of intraosseous haemangioma: a diagnostic headache.

PubMed

Ching, B C; Wong, J S; Tan, M H; Jara-Lazaro, A R

2009-05-01

Intraosseous haemangioma constitutes less than ten percent of all primary bone neoplasms. Approximately 75 percent occur in the calvarium or vertebrae, with long bones, short tubular bones and ribs constituting the rest. We describe a 52-year-old woman who presented with left knee pain for 4-5 years and loss of weight over one week. An initial radiograph of the knee showed several well circumscribed isodense lesions with sclerotic rims in the medullary cavity of the distal femur and diaphysis of the left tibia. There were also lucent lesions with a slightly sclerotic rim in the diaphysis of the left tibia and proximal left fibula. In view of the clinical presentation and radiological findings, extensive investigations were made to rule out metastases and multiple myeloma. An open biopsy with segmental osteotomy of the left mid fibular lesion revealed an intraosseous haemangioma.

A monogenean without clamps

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Ectoparasites face a daily challenge: to remain attached to their host. Polyopisthocotylean monogeneans attach to the surface of fish gills by highly specialized structures, the sclerotized clamps. In the original description of the protomicrocotylid species Lethacotyle fijiensis, described 50 years...

Comparative morphology of the mouthparts of the megadiverse South African monkey beetles (Scarabaeidae: Hopliini): feeding adaptations and guild structure

PubMed Central

Hansal, Teresa; Krenn, Harald W.; Colville, Jonathan F.

2016-01-01

Although anthophilous Coleoptera are regarded to be unspecialised flower-visiting insects, monkey beetles (Scarabaeidae: Hopliini) represent one of the most important groups of pollinating insects in South Africa’s floristic hotspot of the Greater Cape Region. South African monkey beetles are known to feed on floral tissue; however, some species seem to specialise on pollen and/or nectar. The present study examined the mouthpart morphology and gut content of various hopliine species to draw conclusions on their feeding preferences. According to the specialisations of their mouthparts, the investigated species were classified into different feeding groups. Adaptations to pollen-feeding included a well-developed, toothed molar and a lobe-like, setose lacinia mobilis on the mandible as well as curled hairs or sclerotized teeth on the galea of the maxillae. Furthermore, elongated mouthparts were interpreted as adaptations for nectar feeding. Floral- and folial-tissue feeding species showed sclerotized teeth on the maxilla, but the lacinia was mostly found to be reduced to a sclerotized ledge. While species could clearly be identified as floral or folial tissue feeding, several species showed intermediate traits suggesting both pollen and nectar feeding adaptations. Mismatches found between mouthpart morphology and previously reported flower visiting behaviours across different genera and species requires alternative explanations, not necessarily associated with feeding preferences. Although detailed examinations of the mouthparts allowed conclusions about the feeding preference and flower-visiting behaviour, additional morphological and behavioural investigations, combined with greater taxon sampling and phylogenetic data, are still necessary to fully understand hopliine host plant relationships, related to monkey beetle diversity. PMID:26819850

THE NEUROPEPTIDE BURSICON ACTS IN CUTICLE METABOLISM

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Bursicon is a neuropeptide composed of two cysteine knot proteins, bursicon a (burs a) and bursicon b (burs b), responsible for cuticle tanning (melanization and sclerotization) and for wing expansion in newly-eclosed adult Drosophila melanogaster, and probably most insect species. Aside from formin...

ANCA-Associated Glomerulonephritis: Risk Factors for Renal Relapse.

PubMed

Göçeroğlu, Arda; Berden, Annelies E; Fiocco, Marta; Floßmann, Oliver; Westman, Kerstin W; Ferrario, Franco; Gaskin, Gill; Pusey, Charles D; Hagen, E Christiaan; Noël, Laure-Hélène; Rasmussen, Niels; Waldherr, Rüdiger; Walsh, Michael; Bruijn, Jan A; Jayne, David R W; Bajema, Ingeborg M

2016-01-01

Relapse in ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) has been studied previously, but there are few studies on renal relapse in particular. Identifying patients at high risk of renal relapse may aid in optimizing clinical management. We investigated which clinical and histological parameters are risk factors for renal relapse in ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis (AAGN). Patients (n = 174) were newly diagnosed and had mild-moderate or severe renal involvement. Data were derived from two trials of the European Vasculitis Society: MEPEX and CYCAZAREM. The Cox regression model was used to identify parameters increasing the instantaneous risk (= rate) of renal relapse (useful for instant clinical decisions). For identifying predictors of renal relapse during follow-up, we used Fine & Gray's regression model. Competing events were end-stage renal failure and death. The cumulative incidence of renal relapse at 5 years was 9.5% (95% CI: 4.8-14.3%). In the Cox model, sclerotic class AAGN increased the instantaneous risk of renal relapse. In Fine & Gray's model, the absence of interstitial infiltrates at diagnosis was predictive for renal relapse. In this study we used two different models to identify possible relationships between clinical and histopathological parameters at time of diagnosis of AAV with the risk of experiencing renal relapse. Sclerotic class AAGN increased the instantaneous risk of renal relapse. This association is most likely due to the high proportion of sclerosed glomeruli reducing the compensatory capacity. The absence of interstitial infiltrates increased the risk of renal relapse which is a warning sign that patients with a relatively benign onset of disease may also be prone to renal relapse. Renal relapses occurring in patients with sclerotic class AAGN and renal relapses occurring in patients without interstitial infiltrates were mutually exclusive, which may indicate that they are essentially different.

Hypertrophic lichen sclerosus sine sclerosis: clues to histopathologic diagnosis when presenting as psoriasiform lichenoid dermatitis.

PubMed

Weyers, Wolfgang

2015-02-01

The histopathologic diagnosis of lichen sclerosus (LS) is usually facilitated by a subepidermal zone of sclerosis. In the absence of sclerosis, LS mostly presents itself as a psoriasiform lichenoid dermatitis that may be difficult to distinguish from other diseases. We sought to assess histopathologic findings that allow recognition of LS in the absence of sclerosis. We studied 28 criteria in 100 biopsy specimens of LS from genital or perianal skin, including 55 cases with marked sclerosis, 16 cases with mild sclerosis confined to foci of the papillary dermis and 29 cases without sclerosis. Fifteen cases each of the early plaque stage of mycosis fungoides, lichen planus and lichen simplex chronicus were studied for comparison. Some histopathologic hallmarks of LS were seen chiefly in sclerotic lesions and, therefore, did not contribute to the diagnosis of difficult cases, such as dissolution of elastic fibers. Others were seen rarely in non-sclerotic lesions but might be helpful in individual cases, including follicular hyperkeratosis and thickening of the basement membrane. Findings that were more common and may be utilized as clues to the histopathologic diagnosis of non-sclerotic LS include tiny foci of homogenized tissue in dermal papillae, marked fibrosis with thickening of the papillary dermis, marked thickening of individual collagen fibers, lymphocytes aligned in rows between those fibers, necrotic keratinocytes, often with preserved pyknotic nuclei, in all reaches of the epidermis, including the cornified layer, clustering of necrotic keratinocytes above elongated dermal papillae and vertical columns of parakeratosis with distinct dyskeratotic parakeratotic cells. In the absence of sclerosis, histopathologic diagnosis of LS depends on findings that are less distinctive. Nonetheless, a constellation of those findings allows a specific diagnosis to be made. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

ANCA-Associated Glomerulonephritis: Risk Factors for Renal Relapse

PubMed Central

Göçeroğlu, Arda; Berden, Annelies E.; Fiocco, Marta; Floßmann, Oliver; Westman, Kerstin W.; Ferrario, Franco; Gaskin, Gill; Pusey, Charles D.; Hagen, E. Christiaan; Noël, Laure-Hélène; Rasmussen, Niels; Waldherr, Rüdiger; Walsh, Michael; Bruijn, Jan A.; Jayne, David R. W.; Bajema, Ingeborg M.

2016-01-01

Relapse in ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) has been studied previously, but there are few studies on renal relapse in particular. Identifying patients at high risk of renal relapse may aid in optimizing clinical management. We investigated which clinical and histological parameters are risk factors for renal relapse in ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis (AAGN). Patients (n = 174) were newly diagnosed and had mild–moderate or severe renal involvement. Data were derived from two trials of the European Vasculitis Society: MEPEX and CYCAZAREM. The Cox regression model was used to identify parameters increasing the instantaneous risk (= rate) of renal relapse (useful for instant clinical decisions). For identifying predictors of renal relapse during follow-up, we used Fine & Gray’s regression model. Competing events were end-stage renal failure and death. The cumulative incidence of renal relapse at 5 years was 9.5% (95% CI: 4.8–14.3%). In the Cox model, sclerotic class AAGN increased the instantaneous risk of renal relapse. In Fine & Gray’s model, the absence of interstitial infiltrates at diagnosis was predictive for renal relapse. In this study we used two different models to identify possible relationships between clinical and histopathological parameters at time of diagnosis of AAV with the risk of experiencing renal relapse. Sclerotic class AAGN increased the instantaneous risk of renal relapse. This association is most likely due to the high proportion of sclerosed glomeruli reducing the compensatory capacity. The absence of interstitial infiltrates increased the risk of renal relapse which is a warning sign that patients with a relatively benign onset of disease may also be prone to renal relapse. Renal relapses occurring in patients with sclerotic class AAGN and renal relapses occurring in patients without interstitial infiltrates were mutually exclusive, which may indicate that they are essentially different. PMID:27973575

Redescription of two species of Thaparocleidus (Monogenea: Dactylogyridae), with the description of T. armillatus sp. n. from Wallago attu and a phylogenetic analysis based on 18S rDNA sequences.

PubMed

Verma, Chandni; Chaudhary, Anshu; Shanker Singh, Hridaya

2017-09-26

The phylogenetic studies on monogeneans of the genus Thaparocleidus parasitizing W. attu in India was inferred from 18S rDNA gene data. Out of species of Thaparocleidus, one new, T. armillatus sp. n., is described herein which distinguished from its congener species in the shapes and sizes of sclerotized structures and rest of the two species, T. indicus and T. wallagonius are redescribed morphologically as well as validated and confirmed by molecular means also. Besides the above, T. gangus was also included in the molecular analysis as it is recently described on the basis of morphology only. The phylogenetic tree was also reconstructed in order to elucidate the taxonomic status of Thaparocleidus armillatus sp. n., T. indicus, T. wallagonius and T. gangus. This research reports for the first time, the molecular phylogenetic analysis of 18S rDNA gene for four species belonging to the genus Thaparocleidus from W. attu collected off the River Ganga in India. In phylogram, all four species of Thapaocleidus come in a single clade that confirmed their monophyletic status. A very low interspecific variability was observed in T. armillatus sp. n. and T. wallagonius suggesting that these species are highly similar in morphology. Correspondingly, T. indicus and T. gangus also showed low interspecific variability which too signifies their morphological similarities in their sclerotized structures. Our result suggested that all four species taken in the present investigation from India are monophyletic and it is also observed that morphological similarities in the sclerotized structures are well correlated with phylogeny.

Application of T2 relaxometry in lateralization and localization of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy and corresponding comparison with MR volumetry.

PubMed

Chen, Hui; Yu, Guilian; Wang, Jiangtao; Li, Feng; Li, Guangming

2016-09-01

Magnetic resonance (MR) volumetry is insensitive to subtle mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS), while T2 relaxometry is potential useful in detecting MTS, especially MTS in early course. To explore and compare the feasibility of T2 relaxometry and MR volumetry in evaluation of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) and lateralization of the epileptogenic zone, so as to optimize and enhance lesion depiction. For the 17 unilateral MTLE patients and 14 normal participants, the hippocampus and amygdala were contoured on axial T2-weighted (T2W) images and then co-registered onto T2 relaxation maps. Abnormal is defined as an elevated asymmetric ratio of larger than 2 SD. Visual and quantitative volumetric assessment were combined as outcomes of MR volumetry to distinguish MR-positive and MR-negative lesions. Operative and pathological findings were used as gold standard. T2 values of lesions were significantly elevated. In lateralizing the epileptogenic zones, T2 relaxometry yielded an overall accuracy of 94.1% (sensitivity 92.6%, specificity 100%), and MR volumetry yielded an overall accuracy of 82.4% (sensitivity 88.9%, specificity 57.1%), meaning a better performance of T2 relaxometry (P < 0.001, by chi-square test). For pathologically sclerotic structures, most (25/27) were recognized by T2 relaxometry, while 24 of 27 sclerotic structures were detected via MR volumetry. MR volumetry wrongly discerned three normal regions as MTS, while one MR-negative sclerotic hippocampus was detected by T2 relaxometry. T2 relaxometry is feasible in non-invasive lateralization of epileptogenic zone, and more advantaged than MR volumetry in detecting MR-negative lesions, facilitating prompt diagnosis and longitudinal disease monitoring. © The Foundation Acta Radiologica 2015.

Two new Otoplanid species (Platyhelminthes: Rhabditophora: Proseriata) of the genera Orthoplana Steinböck, 1932 and Postbursoplana Ax, 1956 from the Tuscan coast (Italy).

PubMed

Meini, Gianluca

2015-04-16

Two new species of marine flatworms, collected on the sandy shores of Tuscany, are described. These species exhibit the morphological characteristics of the subfamilies Otoplaninae and Parotoplaninae ("Turbellaria", Otoplanidae), but clearly differ from other described species. Orthoplana lunae sp. nov., is characterized by a body length of 1.4-1.6 mm, distinctive features of the testes and vitellaries, the male sclerotic apparatus composed of a median stylet (48-49 μm long), and 19 spines (17-44 μm long). Postbursoplana donoraticensis sp. nov., is characterized by a body length of 1.6-1.8 mm, the distribution of testes and vitellaries, the male sclerotic apparatus composed of 10 spines (46-70 μm). This new species has a greater body length relative to other species in this genus. They were collected along the sandy shores at low water mark at Partaccia (Marina di Massa, Ligurian Sea, Italy) and Marina di Donoratico (Livorno, Ligurian Sea, Italy), respectively.

Chemical and microscopic characterization of outer seed coats of fossil and extant water plants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van Bergen, P. F.; Goñi, M.; Collinson, M. E.; Barrie, P. J.; Damsté, J. S. Sinninghe; De Leeuw, J. W.

1994-09-01

Sclerotic outer seed coat layers (testae) of three fossil and two extant water plant species were analyzed using scanning electron and light microscopy in addition to Curie-point pyrolysis, solid state 13C NMR, and CuO oxidation. Comparison between the chemical results from the fossil and extant samples reveals that the original resistant constituents in the sclerotic testae are native lignin-celluloses which are transformed to polyphenol macromolecules recognized in the fossil samples. The combination of microscopic and chemical data provides new insights regarding the early diagenetic processes by which lignin-cellulose-containing plant remains may have been transformed. In particular, the unaltered morphology in combination with major chemical modifications is used as the basis to postulate the timing and nature of lignin transformations. The combination of pyrolysis, solid state 13C NMR, and CuO oxidation is shown to be a powerful tool to characterize the chemical structure of testae of fossil and extant water plants.

Critical Analysis of the Melanogenic Pathway in Insects and Higher Animals

PubMed Central

Sugumaran, Manickam; Barek, Hanine

2016-01-01

Animals synthesize melanin pigments for the coloration of their skin and use it for their protection from harmful solar radiation. Insects use melanins even more ingeniously than mammals and employ them for exoskeletal pigmentation, cuticular hardening, wound healing and innate immune responses. In this review, we discuss the biochemistry of melanogenesis process occurring in higher animals and insects. A special attention is given to number of aspects that are not previously brought to light: (1) the molecular mechanism of dopachrome conversion that leads to the production of two different dihydroxyindoles; (2) the role of catecholamine derivatives other than dopa in melanin production in animals; (3) the critical parts played by various biosynthetic enzymes associated with insect melanogenesis; and (4) the presence of a number of important gaps in both melanogenic and sclerotinogenic pathways. Additionally, importance of the melanogenic process in insect physiology especially in the sclerotization of their exoskeleton, wound healing reactions and innate immune responses is highlighted. The comparative biochemistry of melanization with sclerotization is also discussed. PMID:27775611

Hallucigenia's head and the pharyngeal armature of early ecdysozoans.

PubMed

Smith, Martin R; Caron, Jean-Bernard

2015-07-02

The molecularly defined clade Ecdysozoa comprises the panarthropods (Euarthropoda, Onychophora and Tardigrada) and the cycloneuralian worms (Nematoda, Nematomorpha, Priapulida, Loricifera and Kinorhyncha). These disparate phyla are united by their means of moulting, but otherwise share few morphological characters--none of which has a meaningful fossilization potential. As such, the early evolutionary history of the group as a whole is largely uncharted. Here we redescribe the 508-million-year-old stem-group onychophoran Hallucigenia sparsa from the mid-Cambrian Burgess Shale. We document an elongate head with a pair of simple eyes, a terminal buccal chamber containing a radial array of sclerotized elements, and a differentiated foregut that is lined with acicular teeth. The radial elements and pharyngeal teeth resemble the sclerotized circumoral elements and pharyngeal teeth expressed in tardigrades, stem-group euarthropods and cycloneuralian worms. Phylogenetic results indicate that equivalent structures characterized the ancestral panarthropod and, seemingly, the ancestral ecdysozoan, demonstrating the deep homology of panarthropod and cycloneuralian mouthparts, and providing an anatomical synapomorphy for the ecdysozoan supergroup.

Inhibitory effects of stilbenes on the growth of three soybean pathogens in culture

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The effects of resveratrol and pterostilbene on in vitro growth of three soybean pathogens were tested to determine if these stilbenic compounds could potentially be targets to increase innate resistance in transgenic soybean plants. Growth of Macrophomina phaseolina, Rhizoctonia solani, and Sclerot...

Evidence for the formation of a quinone methide during the oxidation of the insect cuticular sclerotizing precursor 1,2-dehydro-N-acetyldopamine.

PubMed

Sugumaran, M; Semensi, V; Kalyanaraman, B; Bruce, J M; Land, E J

1992-05-25

1,2-Dehydro-N-acetyldopamine (dehydro-NADA) is an important catecholamine derivative involved in the cross-linking of insect cuticular components during sclerotization. Since sclerotization is a vital process for the survival of insects, and is closely related to melanogenesis, it is of interest to unravel the chemical mechanisms participating in this process. The present paper reports on the mechanism by which dehydro-NADA is oxidatively activated to form reactive intermediate(s) as revealed by pulse radiolysis, electron spin resonance spectroscopy, high performance liquid chromatography, and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopic analysis. Pulse radiolytic one-electron oxidation of dehydro-NADA by N3. (k = 5.3 x 10(9) M-1 s-1) or Br2.- (k = 7.5 x 10(8) M-1 s-1) at pH6 resulted in the rapid generation of the corresponding semiquinone radical, lambda max 400 nm, epsilon = 20,700 M-1 cm-1. This semiquinone decayed to form a second transient intermediate, lambda max 485 nm, epsilon = 8000 M-1 cm-1, via a second order disproportionation process, k = 6.2 x 10(8) M-1 s-1. At pH 6 in the presence of azide, the first order decay of this second intermediate occurred over milliseconds; the rate decreases at higher pH. At pH 6 in the presence of bromide, the intermediate decayed much more slowly over seconds, k = 0.15 s-1. Under such conditions, the dependence of the first order decay constant upon parent dehydro-NADA concentration led to a second order rate constant of 8.5 x 10(2) M-1 s-1 for reaction of the intermediate with the parent, probably to form benzodioxan "dimers." (The term dimer is used for convenience; the products are strictly bisdehydrodimers of dehydro-NADA (see "Discussion" and Fig. 11)) Rate constants of 5.9 x 10(5), 4.5 x 10(5), 2.8 x 10(4) and 3.5 x 10(4) M-1 s-1 were also obtained for decay of the second intermediate in the presence of cysteine, cysteamine, o-phenylenediamine, and p-aminophenol, respectively. By comparison with the UV-visible spectroscopic properties of the two-electron oxidized species derived from dehydro-NADA and from 1,2-dehydro-N-acetyldopa methyl ester, it is concluded that the transient intermediate exhibiting absorbance at 485 nm is the quinone methide tautomer of the o-quinone of dehydro-NADA. Sclerotization of insect cuticle is discussed in the light of these findings.

Effect of Er,Cr:YSGG Laser at Different Output Powers on the Micromorphology and the Bond Property of Non-Carious Sclerotic Dentin to Resin Composites.

PubMed

Sun, Xiang; Ban, Jinghao; Sha, Xinjia; Wang, Weiguo; Jiao, Yang; Wang, Wanshan; Yang, Yanwei; Wei, Jingjing; Shen, Lijuan; Chen, Jihua

2015-01-01

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiated at different powers on the micromorphology and the bonding property of non-carious sclerotic dentin to resin composites. Two hundred bovine incisors characterized by non-carious sclerotic dentin were selected, and the seventy-two teeth of which for surface morphological analysis were divided into nine groups according to various treatments (A: the control group, B: only treated with the adhesive Adper Easy One, C: diamond bur polishing followed by Adper Easy One, D-I: Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiating at 1W, 2W, 3W, 4W, 5W, 6W output power, respectively, followed by Adper Easy One). The surface roughness values were measured by the non-contact three-dimensional morphology scanner, then the surface micromorphologies of surfaces in all groups were assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM); meanwhile, Image Pro-Plus 6.0 software was used to measure the relative percentage of open tubules on SEM images. The rest, one hundred twenty-eight teeth for bond strength test, were divided into eight groups according to the different treatments (A: only treated with the adhesive Adper Easy One, B: diamond bur polishing followed by the above adhesive, C-H: Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiating at 1 W, 2 W, 3 W, 4 W, 5 W, 6 W output power, respectively, followed by the above adhesive), and each group was subsequently divided into two subgroups according to whether aging is performed (immediately tested and after thermocycling). Micro-shear bond strength test was used to evaluate the bond strength. The 4W laser group showed the highest roughness value (30.84±1.93μm), which was statistically higher than the control group and the diamond bur groups (p<0.05). The mean percentages ((27.8±1.8)%, (28.0±2.2)%, (30.0±1.9)%) of open tubules area in the 4W, 5W, 6W group were higher than other groups (p<0.05). The 4W laser group showed the highest micro-shear bond strength not only in immediately tested (17.60±2.55 PMa) but after thermocycling (14.35±2.08MPa). The Er,Cr:YSGG laser at 4W power can effectively improve the bonding property between non-carious sclerotic dentin and resin composites by increasing the roughness and mean percentage area of open tubules.

Effect of Er,Cr:YSGG Laser at Different Output Powers on the Micromorphology and the Bond Property of Non-Carious Sclerotic Dentin to Resin Composites

PubMed Central

Wang, Weiguo; Jiao, Yang; Wang, Wanshan; Yang, Yanwei; Wei, Jingjing; Shen, Lijuan; Chen, Jihua

2015-01-01

Background The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiated at different powers on the micromorphology and the bonding property of non-carious sclerotic dentin to resin composites. Methods Two hundred bovine incisors characterized by non-carious sclerotic dentin were selected, and the seventy-two teeth of which for surface morphological analysis were divided into nine groups according to various treatments (A: the control group, B: only treated with the adhesive Adper Easy One, C: diamond bur polishing followed by Adper Easy One, D-I: Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiating at 1W, 2W, 3W, 4W, 5W, 6W output power, respectively, followed by Adper Easy One). The surface roughness values were measured by the non-contact three-dimensional morphology scanner, then the surface micromorphologies of surfaces in all groups were assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM); meanwhile, Image Pro-Plus 6.0 software was used to measure the relative percentage of open tubules on SEM images. The rest, one hundred twenty-eight teeth for bond strength test, were divided into eight groups according to the different treatments (A: only treated with the adhesive Adper Easy One, B: diamond bur polishing followed by the above adhesive, C-H: Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiating at 1 W, 2 W, 3 W, 4 W, 5 W, 6 W output power, respectively, followed by the above adhesive), and each group was subsequently divided into two subgroups according to whether aging is performed (immediately tested and after thermocycling). Micro-shear bond strength test was used to evaluate the bond strength. Results The 4W laser group showed the highest roughness value (30.84±1.93μm), which was statistically higher than the control group and the diamond bur groups (p<0.05). The mean percentages ((27.8±1.8)%, (28.0±2.2)%, (30.0±1.9)%) of open tubules area in the 4W, 5W, 6W group were higher than other groups (p<0.05). The 4W laser group showed the highest micro-shear bond strength not only in immediately tested (17.60±2.55 PMa) but after thermocycling (14.35±2.08MPa). Conclusion The Er,Cr:YSGG laser at 4W power can effectively improve the bonding property between non-carious sclerotic dentin and resin composites by increasing the roughness and mean percentage area of open tubules. PMID:26544034

Melorheostosis with occlusion of dorsalis pedis artery.

PubMed

Ishibe, Motomi; Inoue, Masayuki; Saitou, Katsutoshi

2002-02-01

Melorheostosis is an unusual sclerotic dysplasia of bone. The case of a 51-year-old female patient with melorheostosis and occlusion of the dorsalis pedis artery is described. Although numerous vascular anomalies have been noted in patients with melorheostosis, occlusion of the dorsalis pedis artery has not been reported previously.

Identification of a novel bursicon-regulated transcriptional regulator, md133790, in house fly Musca domestica

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Bursicon is a neuropeptide that regulates cuticle sclerotization (hardening and tanning) and wing expansion in insects via a G-protein coupled receptor. The peptide consists of alpha and beta subunits. In the present study, we cloned bursicon alpha and beta genes in the house fly Musca domestica us...

Cloning and Characterization of a Bursicon-Regulated Gene Su(H) in the House Fly Musca domestica

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Bursicon is a neuropeptide that regulates cuticle sclerotization (hardening and tanning) in insect via G-protein coupled receptor. However, the signal transduction pathway down stream of the G-protein coupled receptor is currently not well known. In our recent microarray analysis, we identified a pa...

[Possibilities of follow-up imaging after implantation of a carbon fiber-reinforced hip prosthesis].

PubMed

Krüger, T; Alter, C; Reichel, H; Birke, A; Hein, W; Spielmann, R P

1998-03-01

There are many problems in the radiological diagnosis of aseptic loosening in total hip arthroplasty. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) are not usable for metallic implants (stainless steel, cobalt alloy, titanium alloy). From April 1993 to December 1993 15 CFRP non-cemented hip prostheses have been implanted. In a prospective clinical study plane radiographs, CT and MRT have been analysed. Three stems were revised (1 femoral fracture, 1 severe thigh pain, 1 aseptic loosening). CFRP are not visible in plane radiographs. There was a complete (two-third of the cases) or nearly complete (one-third of the cases) small sclerotic interface between the prosthesis and the bone, these were apparent in CT and MRT in stable implant cases and did not have any clinical correlations. The small sclerotic interface is quite different in comparison to so called "Reactive Lines". In one case of aseptic loosening there was an interposition of soft tissue between prosthesis and bone in MRT and CT. CFRP inaugurates new diagnostic possibilities in aseptic loosening of hip prosthesis and in tumour surgery too.

Difficult preoperative diagnosis of a patient with sclerosing splenic hemangioma

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

Edoute, Y.; Ben-Haim, S.A.; Ben-Arie, Y.

1989-07-01

We present a young asymptomatic woman with splenomegaly and a large isolated splenic mass demonstrated by ultrasonography, /sup 99m/Tc sulfur colloid, and gallium scintigraphy studies. Computerized tomography (CT) and three-phase 99mTc-labeled red blood cell imaging suggested a malignant lesion. Repeated sonographically guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) obtained only blood, suggesting the possible vascular nature of the tumor. Splenectomy established the diagnosis of splenic hemangioma (SH) with marked sclerotic changes. We conclude from this case that (1) the sclerotic and cystic changes in the SH and the abdominal lymphadenopathy could explain why the three-phase red blood cell and CT scanning, respectively,more » suggested that the lesion was malignant rather than benign; (2) guided FNA of a splenic mass suspected to be hemangioma may be an additional safe and useful diagnostic procedure. Multiple aspirations yielding blood alone suggest hemangioma and may prevent an unnecessary operation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case in the literature of FNA of splenic hemangioma.« less

Tagmatization in Stomatopoda - reconsidering functional units of modern-day mantis shrimps (Verunipeltata, Hoplocarida) and implications for the interpretation of fossils.

PubMed

Haug, Carolin; Sallam, Wafaa S; Maas, Andreas; Waloszek, Dieter; Kutschera, Verena; Haug, Joachim T

2012-11-14

We describe the tagmatization pattern of the anterior region of the extant stomatopod Erugosquilla massavensis. For documentation we used the autofluorescence capacities of the specimens, resulting in a significant contrast between sclerotized and membranous areas. The anterior body region of E. massavensis can be grouped into three tagmata. Tagma I, the sensorial unit, comprises the segments of the eyes, antennules and antennae. This unit is set-off anteriorly from the posterior head region. Ventrally this unit surrounds a large medial sclerite, interpreted as the anterior part of the hypostome. Dorsally the antennular and antennal segments each bear a well-developed tergite. The dorsal shield is part of tagma II, most of the ventral part of which is occupied in the midline by the large, partly sclerotized posterior part of a complex combining hypostome and labrum. Tagma II includes three more segments behind the labrum, the mandibular, maxillulary and maxillary segments. Tagma III includes the maxillipedal segments, bearing five pairs of sub-chelate appendages. The dorsal sclerite of the first of these tagma-III segments, the segment of the first maxillipeds, is not included in the shield, so this segment is not part of tagma II as generally thought. The second and third segments of tagma III form a unit dorsally and ventrally. The tergites of the segments of tagma III become progressively larger from the anterior to the posterior, possibly resulting from a paedomorphic effect during evolution, which caused this reversed enlargement. The described pattern of tagmosis differs from current textbook knowledge. Therefore, our re-description of the anterior body area of stomatopods is of considerable impact for understanding the head evolution of Stomatopoda. Likewise, it has a bearing upon any comparisons with fossil stomatopods, as mainly sclerotized areas are fossilized, and, on a wider scale, upon larger-scale comparisons with other malacostracans and eucrustaceans in general.

Melorheostosis: a rare entity: a case report.

PubMed

Kherfani, Abdelhakim; Mahjoub, Hachem

2014-01-01

Melorheostosis is a rare entity belonging to the group of sclerotic bone dysplasias. Described for the first time in 1922 by Leri, it remains imperfectly known as clinical presentations are highly variable, and the etiological diagnosis is not fully elucidated. We report a case of polyostoticmelorheostosis for which radiological investigations were complete, in order to study this disease.

Melorheostosis: a rare entity: a case report

PubMed Central

Kherfani, Abdelhakim; Mahjoub, Hachem

2014-01-01

Melorheostosis is a rare entity belonging to the group of sclerotic bone dysplasias. Described for the first time in 1922 by Leri, it remains imperfectly known as clinical presentations are highly variable, and the etiological diagnosis is not fully elucidated. We report a case of polyostoticmelorheostosis for which radiological investigations were complete, in order to study this disease. PMID:25489356

Protocol for Management of Penetrating Carotid Artery Injury.

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-02-08

after hypotension had been corrected. The deficits consisted of monoplegia, hemiplegia or quadriplegia , with or without an associated comatose state. All... quadriplegia , aphasia, or coma. The comatose state was often found in conjunction with lateralizing signs. Forty-nine patients had restoration of...athero- sclerotic disease. II. All patients who have a significant neurological deficit (monoplegia, hemiplegia, quadriplegia , or aphasia) short of coma

Leaf drop affects herbivory in oaks.

PubMed

Pearse, Ian S; Karban, Richard

2013-11-01

Leaf phenology is important to herbivores, but the timing and extent of leaf drop has not played an important role in our understanding of herbivore interactions with deciduous plants. Using phylogenetic general least squares regression, we compared the phenology of leaves of 55 oak species in a common garden with the abundance of leaf miners on those trees. Mine abundance was highest on trees with an intermediate leaf retention index, i.e. trees that lost most, but not all, of their leaves for 2-3 months. The leaves of more evergreen species were more heavily sclerotized, and sclerotized leaves accumulated fewer mines in the summer. Leaves of more deciduous species also accumulated fewer mines in the summer, and this was consistent with the idea that trees reduce overwintering herbivores by shedding leaves. Trees with a later leaf set and slower leaf maturation accumulated fewer herbivores. We propose that both leaf drop and early leaf phenology strongly affect herbivore abundance and select for differences in plant defense. Leaf drop may allow trees to dispose of their herbivores so that the herbivores must recolonize in spring, but trees with the longest leaf retention also have the greatest direct defenses against herbivores.

Influence of preservative and mounting media on the size and shape of monogenean sclerites.

PubMed

Fankoua, Severin-Oscar; Bitja Nyom, Arnold R; Bahanak, Dieu Ne Dort; Bilong Bilong, Charles F; Pariselle, Antoine

2017-08-01

Based on Cichlidogyrus sp. (Monogenea, Ancyrocephalidae) specimens from Hemichromis sp. hosts, we tested the influence of different methods to fix/preserve samples/specimens [frozen material, alcohol or formalin preserved, museum process for fish preservation (fixed in formalin and preserved in alcohol)] and different media used to mount the slides [tap water, glycerin ammonium picrate (GAP), Hoyer's one (HM)] on the size/shape of sclerotized parts of monogenean specimens. The results show that the use of HM significantly increases the size of haptoral sclerites [marginal hooks I, II, IV, V, and VI; dorsal bar length, width, distance between auricles and auricle length, ventral bar length and width], and changes their shape [angle opening between shaft and guard (outer and inner roots) in both ventral and dorsal anchors, ventral bar much wider, dorsal one less curved]. This influence seems to be reduced when specimens/samples are fixed in formalin. The systematics of Monogenea being based on the size and shape of their sclerotized parts, to prevent misidentifications or description of invalid new species, we recommend the use of GAP as mounting medium; Hoyer's one should be restricted to monogenean specimens fixed for a long time which are more shrunken.

Pneumatocyst, mimicking a sclerotic bony lesion on magnetic resonance imaging.

PubMed

Zarei, Fariba; Iranpour, Pooya

2010-04-01

Intravertebral pneumatocyst is an uncommon benign lesion, not related to conditions, such as osteomyelitis and postsurgical state, with only a few cases reported in the literature. The purpose of the study was to report a case of cervical pneumatocyst resembling a sclerotic lesion on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and review of literature. The study was designed to be a case report. The patient chosen was a 48-year-old woman with the chief complaint of neck pain and bilateral upper extremity paresthesia of 6 months duration. Neurologic examination and results of routine hematologic and biochemical examination were normal. Cervical spine MRI revealed a low signal bony lesion on T1 and T2 images. Considering the signal characteristics, initial diagnosis of sclerosis was made. Reviewing the cervical X-ray, a round faint lytic lesion was detected. Correlation with cervical computed tomography scan showed the lesion being of air density, compatible with the diagnosis of pneumatocyst. Intraosseous pneumatocyst of cervical spine is a benign finding, which needs no specific treatment; however, it must be included in the differential diagnosis of lucent vertebral lesions seen on conventional radiography and should be differentiated from bony neoplasm and osteomyelitis by its characteristic imaging findings.

Neoadjuvant denosumab for the treatment of a sacral osteoblastoma.

PubMed

Reynolds, Jeremy J; Rothenfluh, Dominique A; Athanasou, Nick; Wilson, Shaun; Kieser, David C

2018-01-22

To present a case of aggressive sacral osteoblastoma (OB) treated with neoadjuvant denosumab therapy and en bloc resection. Case report of a 14-year-old male with an aggressive OB affecting the superior articular process of the left first sacral segment. The lesion was lytic and metabolically active and involved the left-sided posterior elements of S1-S3 with extension into the spinal canal, affecting the left S1, S2, S3, S4 and S5 nerve roots. He was treated for 1 month with neoadjuvant denosumab followed by en bloc resection. Denosumab therapy caused regression of the tumour and converted the diffuse infiltrative mass into a well-defined solid (osteoma-like) structure, aiding surgical resection and preserving the S1, S4 and S5 nerve roots. Histologically, the treated lesion showed abundant sclerotic woven bone and osteoblasts with absence of osteoclasts. A short course of denosumab caused tumour regression, ossification and conversion of an aggressive OB into a sclerotic, well-defined lesion thus aiding surgical resection and preservation of neural structures. Neoadjuvant therapy reduced osteoclast numbers but PET showed that the lesion remained FDG avid post-therapy.

Preserve the (intraocular) environment: the importance of maintaining normal oxygen gradients in the eye.

PubMed

Beebe, David C; Shui, Ying-Bo; Siegfried, Carla J; Holekamp, Nancy M; Bai, Fang

2014-05-01

Oxygen levels in the eye are generally low and tightly regulated. Oxygen enters the eye largely by diffusion from retinal arterioles and through the cornea. In intact eyes, oxygen from the retinal arterioles diffuses into the vitreous body. There is a decreasing oxygen gradient from the retina to the lens, established by oxygen consumption by ascorbate in the vitreous fluid and lens metabolism. Age-related degeneration of the vitreous body or removal during vitrectomy exposes the posterior of the lens to increased oxygen, causing nuclear sclerotic cataracts. Lowering oxygen in the vitreous, as occurs in patients with ischemic diabetic retinopathy, protects against cataracts after vitrectomy. Vitrectomy and cataract surgery increase oxygen levels at the trabecular meshwork and with it the risk of open angle glaucoma. Two additional risk factors for glaucoma, African heritage and having a thinner cornea, are also associated with increased oxygen in the anterior chamber angle. Preservation of the vitreous body and the lens, two important oxygen consumers, would protect against nuclear sclerotic cataracts and open angle glaucoma. Delaying removal of the lens for as long as possible after vitrectomy would be an important step in delaying ocular hypertension and glaucoma progression.

Melorheostosis of the humerus: a rare differential diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome.

PubMed

De Vos, J; Mulliez, A; De Loore, G

2010-04-01

Melorheostosis is an uncommon and rare linear hyperostosis, which can be complicated by soft tissue changes. We present a case of this disorder in the humerus, clinically referred because of carpal tunnel syndrome. Although treatment is usually conservative, in this case, a neurolysis and resection of the sclerotic bone were done with good clinical result. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

A remarkable new species of Nemoura (Plecoptera: Nemouridae) from Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture of Yunnan Province, China.

PubMed

Qian, Yu-Han; Xiao, Qian; Chen, Zhi-Teng; Du, Yu-Zhou

2018-01-24

A new species of the genus Nemoura, N. latilongispina sp. nov. from Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture of Yunnan Province, southwestern China is described and illustrated. The new species is characterized by ventral sclerite of epiproct extended laterally, forming upcurved plates fringed with long spines along upper margin, and by the strongly sclerotized, fork-shaped cercus.

Bleomycin-induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition in sclerotic skin of mice: Possible role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis

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

Zhou, Cheng-Fan, E-mail: zhouchengfan@sohu.com; Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032; Zhou, Deng-Chuan

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) derived myofibroblasts are partly responsible for the increased collagen synthesis and deposition that occur in tissue fibrosis; however EMT occurrence in skin fibrosis and its mechanism remain unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate whether epithelial cells undergo EMT and determine the role of oxidative stress in this process. BALB/c mice were subcutaneously injected with bleomycin (BLM) or phosphate buffer saline (PBS) into the shaved back daily for 2, 3, and 4 weeks. Skin collagen deposition was evaluated by histopathology and Western blotting. EMT characteristics in the skin were determined by histopathology and immunofluorescent stainingmore » for E-cadherin and vimentin, which were further evaluated by Western blotting and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). To investigate the role of oxidative stress in EMT, the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) was intraperitoneally (100 mg/kg body weight/day) injected daily for 3 weeks. The epithelial suprabasal cells were detached from the basement membrane zone (BMZ) in the sclerotic skin treated with BLM. Immunofluorescent staining indicated vimentin-positive epithelial cells frequently occurring in the thickened epidermis of BLM-treated mice. Western blotting and RT-PCR showed that the expression of E-cadherin was significantly decreased but that of vimentin significantly increased in the skin treated with BLM. NAC attenuated BLM induced oxidative damage, changes in E-cadherin and vimentin expressions and collagen deposition in the sclerotic skin of mice. This study provides the first evidence that BLM induces the EMT of the epithelial cells superficial to the basement membrane zone in the skin fibrosis. Oxidative stress may contribute, at least in part, to BLM induced EMT and skin fibrosis in mice. - Highlights: • We provided the first evidence that EMT occurred in BLM-induced skin fibrosis. • Epithelial cells superficial to the BMZ underwent EMT in BLM-induced skin fibrosis. • NAC attenuated EMT induction in the process of BLM-induced skin fibrosis. • NAC didn't significantly inhibit TGF-β expression in BLM-induced skin fibrosis.« less

[Sclerotization of orbital lymphangioma with OK-432].

PubMed

Lagrèze, W; Metzger, M; Rössler, J

2014-05-01

Orbital lymphangiomas are mostly congenital, apparent vascular space-occupying lesions, which can lead to disfiguring swelling of the periorbital soft tissues, ocular motility disorders, optic nerve compression and keratopathy. The treatment is challenging because the disease is principally incurable. Lymphangiomatous tissue can be surgically partially reduced or treated by intralesional injection of various sclerosants. In this review we report the successful use of OK-432 for destruction of a macrocystic orbital lymphangioma.

Fracture during intravenous bisphosphonate treatment in a child with osteogenesis imperfecta: an argument for a more frequent, low-dose treatment regimen.

PubMed

Biggin, Andrew; Briody, Julie N; Ormshaw, Elizabeth; Wong, Karen K Y; Bennetts, Bruce H; Munns, Craig F

2014-01-01

Intravenous bisphosphonate therapy is the mainstay of medical treatment in osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) and has been shown to increase bone mass, decrease bone pain, improve mobility, and reduce the incidence of fractures. Sclerotic metaphyseal lines parallel to the growth plate are seen on long bone radiographs following cyclical intravenous therapy. These areas create stress risers within the bone that may act as foci for subsequent fractures as exemplified in this clinical case. An 8-year-old girl with OI sustained a distal radial fracture following 3 years of treatment with 6-monthly intravenous zoledronate. Her diagnosis, response to treatment, and subsequent fracture at a sclerotic metaphyseal line is described. Peripheral quantitative computer tomography was used to characterise the presence of multiple stress risers at the distal forearm. Trabecular bone mineral density fluctuated from 34 to 126% compared to neighbouring 2-mm regions. There remain many unanswered questions about optimal bisphosphonate treatment regimens in children with OI. The formation of stress risers following intravenous bisphosphonate treatment raises the hypothesis that a more frequent and low-dose bisphosphonate regimen would provide more uniform dosing of bone in the growing child and reduce the likelihood of fractures compared to current treatment practices.

Advanced intimal hyperplasia without luminal narrowing of leptomeningeal arteries in CADASIL.

PubMed

Dong, Hairong; Ding, Haixia; Young, Kelly; Blaivas, Mila; Christensen, Paul J; Wang, Michael M

2013-05-01

Leptomeningeal artery abnormalities in Cerebral Autosomal-Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) have not been extensively characterized. We quantified substructure and diameter of leptomeningeal arteries in CADASIL compared with age-matched controls and the very old; in addition, we characterized intimal thickening in CADASIL using immunohistochemistry. Frontal and temporal cortex of 6 genetically proven CADASIL brains (average age, 66 years), 6 controls without symptoms of cerebrovascular disease, and 6 very old brains (average age, 89 years) were examined for leptomeningeal artery intimal, medial, and adventitial thickness; inner diameter; and sclerotic index and for smooth muscle markers. The intima of CADASIL arteries was thickened 5-fold compared with controls and the very aged (P<0.0001). Medial thickness was lower in CADASIL compared with controls and the very old (P<0.01). The adventitia was not significantly increased in CADASIL compared with age-matched controls. Arterial diameters were not smaller in CADASIL compared with controls. Sclerotic index was significantly increased in CADASIL compared with other groups (P<0.00001). Intimal cells in CADASIL expressed smooth muscle actin, S100A4, and vimentin but not desmin. Principle changes of leptomeningeal arteries in CADASIL include intimal thickening and medial thinning, but not luminal narrowing. Smooth muscle-like cells participate in neointimal thickening of CADASIL arteries.

Earth’s oldest ‘Bobbit worm’ – gigantism in a Devonian eunicidan polychaete

PubMed Central

Eriksson, Mats E.; Parry, Luke A.; Rudkin, David M.

2017-01-01

Whilst the fossil record of polychaete worms extends to the early Cambrian, much data on this group derive from microfossils known as scolecodonts. These are sclerotized jaw elements, which generally range from 0.1–2 mm in size, and which, in contrast to the soft-body anatomy, have good preservation potential and a continuous fossil record. Here we describe a new eunicidan polychaete, Websteroprion armstrongi gen. et sp. nov., based primarily on monospecific bedding plane assemblages from the Lower-Middle Devonian Kwataboahegan Formation of Ontario, Canada. The specimens are preserved mainly as three-dimensional moulds in the calcareous host rock, with only parts of the original sclerotized jaw walls occasionally present. This new taxon has a unique morphology and is characterized by an unexpected combination of features seen in several different Palaeozoic polychaete families. Websteroprion armstrongi was a raptorial feeder and possessed the largest jaws recorded in polychaetes from the fossil record, with maxillae reaching over one centimetre in length. Total body length of the species is estimated to have reached over one metre, which is comparable to that of extant ‘giant eunicid’ species colloquially referred to as ‘Bobbit worms’. This demonstrates that polychaete gigantism was already a phenomenon in the Palaeozoic, some 400 million years ago. PMID:28220886

The Use of Comprehensive Molecular Profiling With Network and Control Theory to Better Understand GWI and Model Therapeutic Strategies

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-07-01

we excluded subjects with DSM IV diagnoses for psychotic or melancholic depression , panic attacks, substance dependency, or psychoses as well as any...with endothelial cells: evidence for depression -induced athero- sclerotic risk. Brain Behav Immun 2008, 2:215-23. 31. Ariza ME, Glaser R, Kaumaya PT...medications, and a past or present psychiatric diagnosis of psychosis (e.g., schizophrenia), dementia, major depressive disorder with psychotic or

Bibliography of Soviet Laser Developments, Number 59, May - June 1982.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-06-01

COMPONENTS 1. Resonators a. Design and Performance 113. Becker , H. (NS). Lens enlarger system as a component part of a laser resonator. Patent GDR, no. 150973...sclerotic and post-traumatic central dystrophies of the retina. OZh, no. 4, 1982, 212-214. 265. Berenov, S.N., and B.G. Orazmukhamedov (681). Laser...stimulation in complex therapy of central dystrophies of the retina. OZh, no. 4, 1982, 214-216. 266. Burilkov, V.K., and T.I. Saltanovich (0

Tumor Response After Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy to Nonspine Bone Metastases: An Evaluation of Response Criteria

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

McDonald, Rachel; Probyn, Linda; Poon, Ian

Purpose: To evaluate the applicability of the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST 1.1) and University of Texas MD Anderson (MDA) Cancer Center criteria in the setting of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) to nonspine bone metastases. Methods: Patients who were treated with SBRT to nonspine bone metastases were identified by retrospective chart review. An independent musculoskeletal radiologist evaluated response to treatment using computed tomography (CT) scans. Results: Thirty-three patients were treated to 42 nonspine bone metastases. The most common primary cancer cites were renal cell carcinoma (RCC) (33.3%), lung (24.2%), and prostate (18.2%). Bone metastases were either mainlymore » lytic (57.1%), mainly sclerotic (28.6%), or mixed (14.3%). When lytic and sclerotic lesions were evaluated according to RECIST 1.1, local control (LC) was 83%, 85%, 88%, and 80% for those with CT imaging between months 1 to 3, 4 to 6, 7 to 9, and 10 to 12, respectively. When evaluated by the MDA criteria by density, LC within each time period was slightly greater. Overall LC decreased considerably when evaluated by MDA in terms of size. Conclusions: Consensus definitions of response are required as they have implications on clinical trials and disease management. Without consistent response criteria, outcomes from clinical trials cannot be compared and treatment efficacy remains undetermined.« less

The oldest micropepline beetle from Cretaceous Burmese amber and its phylogenetic implications (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, Chen-Yang; Huang, Di-Ying

2014-10-01

The staphylinid subfamily Micropeplinae includes small strongly sclerotized beetles with truncate elytra leaving the most part of abdomen exposed. Fossil micropeplines are rare and confined to Cenozoic representatives of extant genera. Here, we describe the oldest micropepline, Protopeplus cretaceus gen. and sp. n., from the Upper Cretaceous Burmese amber. Fluorescence microscope and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) were both used to reveal diagnostic features of Micropeplinae and some primitive traits that place Protopeplus very basally within Micropeplinae.

Binema bonaerensis n. sp. (Oxyurida: Thelastomatidae) parasite of Neocurtilla claraziana Saussure (Orthoptera: Gryllotalpidae) in Argentina.

PubMed

Camino, N B; Reboredo, G R

1999-01-01

The nematode Binema bonaerensis n. sp. (Oxyurida: Thelastomatidae) is described from the intestine of the mole cricket of Neocurtilla claraziana Saussure (Orthoptera: Gryllotalpidae) from Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. It is distinguished mainly by having a conical tail; three sclerotized arches in the buccal cavity; an excretory pore immediately posterior to the base of the esophagus and the presence of five pairs of male genital papillae with one pair preanal and four pairs postanal.

Formation of Sclerotic Hydrate Deposits in a Pipe for Extraction of a Gas from a Dome Separator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Urazov, R. R.; Chiglinstev, I. A.; Nasyrov, A. A.

2017-09-01

The theory of formation of hydrate deposits on the walls of a pipe for extraction of a gas from a dome separator designed for the accident-related collection of hydrocarbons on the ocean floor is considered. A mathematical model has been constructed for definition of a steady movement of a gas in such a pipe with gas-hydrate deposition under the conditions of changes in the velocity, temperature, pressure, and moisture content of the gas flow.

Pulmonary hypertensive crisis following ethanol sclerotherapy for a complex vascular malformation.

PubMed

Cordero-Schmidt, G; Wallenstein, M B; Ozen, M; Shah, N A; Jackson, E; Hovsepian, D M; Palma, J P

2014-09-01

Anhydrous ethanol is a commonly used sclerotic agent for treating vascular malformations. We describe the case of a full-term 15-day-old female with a complex venolymphatic malformation involving the face and orbit. During treatment of the lesion with ethanol sclerotherapy, she suffered acute pulmonary hypertensive crisis. We discuss the pathophysiology of pulmonary hypertension related to ethanol sclerotherapy, and propose that hemolysis plays a significant role. Recommendations for evaluation, monitoring and management of this complication are also discussed.

Melorheostosis in the upper extremity.

PubMed

Yildirim, Cengiz; Ozyürek, Selahattin; Ciçek, Engin Ilker; Kuskucu, Mesih

2009-04-01

Melorheostosis is a rare mesodermal disease affecting the skeleton and adjacent soft tissues. Often it is incidentally detected on radiographs. In the standard radiology and orthopedics literature, melorheostosis is described as a "flowing hyperostosis, resembling dripping candle wax as an incidental radiographic finding." A 22-year-old man presented with a 2-year history of right-hand pain. Radiologic evaluation of the hand showed massive sclerotic changes in the first and second metacarpal and phalangeal bones on the right side. Further radiographic evaluation of the right upper extremity revealed the same sclerotic changes in the right scapula, humerus, radius, and scaphoid. Computed tomography (CT) scans showed a high attenuation undulating cortical hyperostosis with a "dripping candle wax appearance" involving the radial and/or dorsal aspects of humerus, radius, scaphoid, and first and second ray bones of the hand. Radionuclide triphasic bone scintigraphy showed diffuse homogenous radiotracer uptake within the entire right upper extremity involving the scapula, humerus, radius, scaphoid, and first and second metacarpals and phalangeal bones of the hand. The patient was followed conservatively, and 1-year follow-up revealed no change in the clinical, laboratory, or radiological findings. The diagnosis of melorheostosis was made on the basis of the characteristic distribution, location, and combined radiographic, CT, and radionuclide imaging features of the abnormalities. Conservative treatment was recommended for the patient. After 26 months of follow-up, despite the persistence of the radiologic findings, the patient is currently well, with no painful symptoms unless he performs forceful exercise.

Mounting ground sections of teeth: Cyanoacrylate adhesive versus Canada balsam.

PubMed

Vangala, Manogna Rl; Rudraraju, Amrutha; Subramanyam, R V

2016-01-01

Hard tissues can be studied by either decalcification or by preparing ground sections. Various mounting media have been tried and used for ground sections of teeth. However, there are very few studies on the use of cyanoacrylate adhesive as a mounting medium. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of cyanoacrylate adhesive (Fevikwik™) as a mounting medium for ground sections of teeth and to compare these ground sections with those mounted with Canada balsam. Ground sections were prepared from twenty extracted teeth. Each section was divided into two halves and mounted on one slide, one with cyanoacrylate adhesive (Fevikwik™) and the other with Canada balsam. Scoring for various features in the ground sections was done by two independent observers. Statistical analysis using Student's t-test (unpaired) of average scores was performed for each feature observed. No statistically significant difference was found between the two for most of the features. However, cyanoacrylate was found to be better than Canada balsam for observing striae of Retzius (P < 0.0205), enamel lamellae (P < 0.036), dentinal tubules (P < 0.0057), interglobular dentin (P < 0.0001), sclerotic dentin - transmitted light (P < 0.00001), sclerotic dentin - polarized light (P < 0.0002) and Sharpey's fibers (P < 0.0004). This initial study shows that cyanoacrylate is better than Canada balsam for observing certain features of ground sections of teeth. However, it remains to be seen whether it will be useful for studying undecalcified sections of carious teeth and for soft tissue sections.

Hypopi (Acari: Hypoderatidae) of the wood stork (Aves: Ciconiiformes: Ciconiidae)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Pence, Danny B.; Thomas, N.J.

1995-01-01

A new species is described and additional host records are presented for 2 other species of deutonymphs of the family Hypoderatidae from the subcutaneous adipose tissues of the wood stork, Mycteria americana L. Phalacrodectes (Phalacrodectes) mycteria n. sp. appears to share affinities with species from both pelicaniform and ciconiiform hosts, but it most closely resembles P. (P.) punctatissimus (Černý) Pence & Courtney from pelicans in idiosomal chaetotaxy, cutdcular sclerotization, and posteriorly divergent, widely separated genital openings. The new species differs from this and other species of the genus by its small size, the degree of separation of the genital openings with papillae, no secondary sclerotization in the perigenital area or surrounding the genital openings, and the long filiform setae s and w on genu III. There was a mixed infection of Neottialges kutzeri Fain and N. mycteriae Pence in all of 7 wood storks examined from Florida and Georgia; P. (P) mycteria was found in 4 of these hosts. This is the 7th species described as a deutonymph in the genus Phalacrodectes. The apparent close affinity of P. (P.) mycteria with P. (P.) punctatissimus and allied species from pelicaniform versus ciconiiform birds appears to be inconsistent with the established host-parasite relationships based on classical avian taxonomic relationships. However, this apparent affinity may be more reflective of the close relationships between the families of pelicans, ibises and spoonbills, and storks as recently proposed by DNA-DNA hybridization studies.

New Alcohol and Onyx Mixture for Embolization: Feasibility and Proof of Concept in Both In Vitro and In Vivo Models

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

Saeed Kilani, Mohammad, E-mail: msaeedkilani@gmail.com, E-mail: mohammadalikilani@yahoo.com; Zehtabi, Fatemeh, E-mail: fatemeh.zehtabi@gmail.com; Lerouge, Sophie, E-mail: Sophie.Lerouge@etsmtl.ca

IntroductionOnyx and ethanol are well-known embolic and sclerotic agents that are frequently used in embolization. These agents present advantages and disadvantages regarding visibility, injection control and penetration depth. Mixing both products might yield a new product with different characteristics. The aim of this study is to evaluate the injectability, radiopacity, and mechanical and occlusive properties of different mixtures of Onyx 18 and ethanol in vitro and in vivo (in a swine model).Materials and MethodsVarious Onyx 18 and ethanol formulations were prepared and tested in vitro for their injectability, solidification rate and shrinkage, cohesion and occlusive properties. In vivo tests weremore » performed using 3 swine. Ease of injection, radiopacity, cohesiveness and penetration were analyzed using fluoroscopy and high-resolution CT.ResultsAll mixtures were easy to inject through a microcatheter with no resistance or blockage in vitro and in vivo. The 50%-ethanol mixture showed delayed copolymerization with fragmentation and proximal occlusion. The 75%-ethanol mixture showed poor radiopacity in vivo and was not tested in vitro. The 25%-ethanol mixture showed good occlusive properties and accepted penetration and radiopacity.ConclusionMixing Onyx and ethanol is feasible. The mixture of 25% of ethanol and 75% of Onyx 18 could be a new sclero-embolic agent. Further research is needed to study the chemical changes of the mixture, to confirm the significance of the added sclerotic effect and to find out the ideal mixture percentages.« less

New Alcohol and Onyx Mixture for Embolization: Feasibility and Proof of Concept in Both In Vitro and In Vivo Models.

PubMed

Saeed Kilani, Mohammad; Zehtabi, Fatemeh; Lerouge, Sophie; Soulez, Gilles; Bartoli, Jean Michel; Vidal, Vincent; Badran, Mohammad F

2017-05-01

Onyx and ethanol are well-known embolic and sclerotic agents that are frequently used in embolization. These agents present advantages and disadvantages regarding visibility, injection control and penetration depth. Mixing both products might yield a new product with different characteristics. The aim of this study is to evaluate the injectability, radiopacity, and mechanical and occlusive properties of different mixtures of Onyx 18 and ethanol in vitro and in vivo (in a swine model). Various Onyx 18 and ethanol formulations were prepared and tested in vitro for their injectability, solidification rate and shrinkage, cohesion and occlusive properties. In vivo tests were performed using 3 swine. Ease of injection, radiopacity, cohesiveness and penetration were analyzed using fluoroscopy and high-resolution CT. All mixtures were easy to inject through a microcatheter with no resistance or blockage in vitro and in vivo. The 50%-ethanol mixture showed delayed copolymerization with fragmentation and proximal occlusion. The 75%-ethanol mixture showed poor radiopacity in vivo and was not tested in vitro. The 25%-ethanol mixture showed good occlusive properties and accepted penetration and radiopacity. Mixing Onyx and ethanol is feasible. The mixture of 25% of ethanol and 75% of Onyx 18 could be a new sclero-embolic agent. Further research is needed to study the chemical changes of the mixture, to confirm the significance of the added sclerotic effect and to find out the ideal mixture percentages.

Parosteal osteosarcoma dedifferentiating into telangiectatic osteosarcoma: importance of lytic changes and fluid cavities at imaging.

PubMed

Azura, M; Vanel, D; Alberghini, M; Picci, P; Staals, E; Mercuri, M

2009-07-01

This study was performed to assess the imaging findings in cases of parosteal osteosarcoma dedifferentiated into telangiectatic osteosarcoma. Parosteal osteosarcoma is a low-grade well-differentiated malignant tumor. Dedifferentiation into a more aggressive lesion is frequent and usually visible on imaging as a central lytic area in a sclerotic mass. Only one case of differentiation into a telangiectatic osteosarcoma has been reported. As it has practical consequences, with a need for aggressive chemotherapy, we looked for this rather typical imaging pattern. Review of 199 cases of surface osteosarcomas (including 86 parosteal, of which 23 were dedifferentiated) revealed lesions suggesting a possible telangiectatic osteosarcoma on imaging examinations in five cases (cavities with fluid). Histology confirmed three cases (the two other only had hematoma inside a dedifferentiated tumor). There were three males, aged 24, 28, and 32. They had radiographs and CT, and two an MR examination. Lesions involved the distal femur, proximal tibia, and proximal humerus. The parosteal osteosarcoma was a sclerotic, regular mass, attached to the cortex. A purely lytic mass, partially composed of fluid cavities was easily detected on CT and MR. It involved the medullary cavity twice, and remained outside the bone once. Histology confirmed the two components in each case. Two patients died of pulmonary metastases and one is alive. Knowledge of this highly suggestive pattern should help guide the initial biopsy to diagnose the two components of the tumor, and guide aggressive treatment.

Sclerotic effect of oxytetracycline on the submandibular gland: An experimental model.

PubMed

Güçlü, Oğuz; Muratli, Asli; Arik, Deniz; Tekin, Kazım; Erdogan, Halil; Dereköy, Fevzi Sefa

2016-12-01

Oxytetracycline has been suggested as an alternate therapy for chronic recurrent sialadenitis and sialorrhea. We conducted an experimental study to investigate the sclerotic effect of this drug on the submandibular gland by histopathologic methods. Our subjects were 20 New Zealand white rabbits, which were divided into two groups of 10. The right submandibular gland of the rabbits in the active-treatment group was injected with 0.3 ml of oxytetracycline (100 mg/ml), and that of the controls was injected with saline. Four weeks after the injections, all the glands were removed. Histopathologic studies, including hematoxylin and eosin and Masson trichrome staining, were carried out. The glands were evaluated for tissue inflammation, congestion, fibrosis, edema, lipomatosis, and atrophy. To investigate apoptosis, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-digoxigenin nick-end labeling (TUNEL) immunohistochemical staining was used. In the study group, inflammation (n = 9), congestion (n = 9), fibrosis (n = 6), edema (n = 6), and lipomatosis (n = 4) were observed; in the sham group, only lipomatosis was seen (n = 5). The TUNEL assay results for acinar cells were 4.51 ± 1.41% in the oxytetracycline group and 2.08 ± 1.76% in the control group (p = 0.006); the corresponding figures for the duct cells were 7.05 ± 0.87% and 3.10 ± 2.26% (p = 0.001). Based on our findings, we conclude that oxytetracycline might be a viable alternative for the treatment of chronic recurrent sialadenitis and sialorrhea. However, more research in this area is needed.

Melorheostosis in a pediatric patient.

PubMed

Schreck, Michael A

2005-01-01

Melorheostosis is a nonhereditary and uncommon condition that can affect both adults and children. It can appear on radiographs as increased sclerosis on bones of the upper and lower extremities and may mimic other bony conditions such as osteopoikilosis, osteopetrosis, arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, and osteopathia striata. The sclerotic appearance can differ greatly between adults and children. The skin and subcutaneous tissues may be affected by fibrosis, resulting in contractures of joints and limbs that lead to deformities and limb-length discrepancies. This article reviews the literature on melorheostosis and describes a case in a 10-year-old boy.

Kindler syndrome in a Saudi kindred.

PubMed

Al Aboud, K; Al Hawsawi, K; Al Aboud, D; Al Githami, A

2002-11-01

We report a large consanguineous Saudi-Arabian pedigree containing 11 individuals with the autosomal recessive genodermatosis, Kindler syndrome. Three affected cases died in infancy but the remaining eight had signs of photosensitivity, generalized poikiloderma, webbed fingers, loss of dermatoglyphics and nail dystrophy. The majority also had oral involvement with bleeding gums. Additional features seen in some cases included pseudoainhum of the toes, sclerotic bands on the wrists and hand deformities. The aetiology of Kindler syndrome is not yet known, but the underlying defect leads to both cutaneous and oral inflammation, along with photosensitivity and scarring.

A new species of diplectanid (Monogenoidea) from Paranthias colonus (Perciformes, Serranidae) off Peru

PubMed Central

Knoff, Marcelo; Cohen, Simone Chinicz; Cárdenas, Melissa Querido; Cárdenas-Callirgos, Jorge M.; Gomes, Delir Corrêa

2015-01-01

Pseudorhabdosynochus jeanloui n. sp. (Monogenoidea, Diplectanidae) is described from specimens collected from the gills of the Pacific creolefish, Paranthias colonus (Perciformes, Serranidae) from a fish market in Chorrillos, Lima, Peru. The new species is differentiated from other members of the genus by the structure of its sclerotized vagina, which has two spherical chambers of similar diameter. This is the first Pseudorhabdosynochus species described from the Pacific coast of America, the third species of the genus reported from South America and the first described from a member of Paranthias. PMID:25754099

A new species of Nemoura (Plecoptera: Nemouridae) from Jiangsu Province, China, with new illustrations for Nemoura nankinensis Wu.

PubMed

Chen, Zhi-Teng; DU, Yu-Zhou

2017-04-12

A new species of Nemoura (Plecoptera: Nemouridae), N. fusiformis sp. nov. from Jiangsu Province, China, is described and illustrated. The new species is characterized by a strongly sclerotized large hook formed by outer margin of the outer lobe of the paraproct and by the outer sclerite of cercus with a sub-triangular medial process. The new species is compared with similar taxa. Additionally, supplementary illustrations for N. nankinensis Wu, 1926 are also provided.

Two new species of Cryptoperla (Plecoptera: Peltoperlidae) from China, with description of the nymph of Cryptoperla dui Sivec.

PubMed

Huo, Qing-Bo; Du, Yu-Zhou

2018-01-18

Two species of the peltoperlid genus Cryptoperla Needham, C. dactylina Du, sp. nov. and C. nangongshana Huo Du, sp. nov. are described as new to science from Yunnan and Shaanxi provinces of China. Cryptoperla dactylina is characterized by a finger-like sclerotized projection with small-rounded processes on the first cercal segment and C. nangongshana is characterized by clusters of long bristles on the first six cercal segments. Additionally, a description of the nymph of C. dui Sivec is provided.

A new type of exocrine gland and its function in mass recruitment in the ant Cylindromyrmex whymperi (Formicidae, Cerapachyinae)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gobin, Bruno; Rüppell, Olav; Hartmann, Annegret; Jungnickel, Harald; Morgan, David; Billen, Johan

2001-08-01

Workers of the ant Cylindromyrmex whymperi display mass trail recruitment. Bioassays show that the trail pheromone originates from a unique gland between abdominal sternites 6 and 7. The gland has a hitherto unknown structural organization. Upon leaving the secretory cell, the duct cell widens to form a sclerotized pear-shaped reservoir chamber, lined with multiple duct cells. Each duct thus forms a miniature reservoir for the secretions of each single secretory cell, a novel structural arrangement in exocrine glands of social Hymenoptera.

Antegrade subinguinal sclerotization with temporary clamping of the spermatic cord: a new surgical technique for varicocele.

PubMed

Mancini, Mario; Carmignani, Luca; Agarwal, Ashok; Ciociola, Francesco; Pasqualotto, Fabio; Castiglioni, M Fabrizio; Piediferro, Guido; Colpi, Giovanni M

2011-01-01

The purpose of our study was to evaluate the duration, effectiveness, and complications associated with a new operating technique for varicocele, using a subinguinal surgical approach and antegrade sclerotization of the spermatic veins. A total of 756 varicocele patients who came under our care for infertility underwent surgical treatment with our technique. The diagnosis was based on clinical examination and confirmed by color-Doppler ultrasound of the spermatic cord. Only patients with continuous basal reflux inside the left spermatic vein detected in orthostatism underwent operation. The Colpi technique was used, which consists of a subinguinal incision with suspension of the spermatic cord; cord clamping for 8-10 minutes using two elastic bands; and injection of 1.5-3 mL of sclerosing agent during induced ischemia without any intraoperative radiological control. The average operating time was 25 minutes (range: 18-45 minutes). At the 3-month postoperative follow-up, there were 15 cases of persistent reflux (1.9%), 6 cases of hydrocele requiring surgical correction (0.7%), and 50 cases of fibrotic sequelae of penile lymphangiitis (6.6%). The new technique was more effective than the previous ones, with the exception of the microsurgical technique, which, however, takes 2-3 times longer to perform. The only significant complication was superficial single-vessel lymphangiitis of the penis, which resolved within 3 months with no apparent consequences. In conclusion, this new operating technique for varicocele is simpler to perform and may be effective compared with other techniques. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Mounting ground sections of teeth: Cyanoacrylate adhesive versus Canada balsam

PubMed Central

Vangala, Manogna RL; Rudraraju, Amrutha; Subramanyam, RV

2016-01-01

Introduction: Hard tissues can be studied by either decalcification or by preparing ground sections. Various mounting media have been tried and used for ground sections of teeth. However, there are very few studies on the use of cyanoacrylate adhesive as a mounting medium. Aims: The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of cyanoacrylate adhesive (Fevikwik™) as a mounting medium for ground sections of teeth and to compare these ground sections with those mounted with Canada balsam. Materials and Methods: Ground sections were prepared from twenty extracted teeth. Each section was divided into two halves and mounted on one slide, one with cyanoacrylate adhesive (Fevikwik™) and the other with Canada balsam. Scoring for various features in the ground sections was done by two independent observers. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical analysis using Student's t-test (unpaired) of average scores was performed for each feature observed. Results: No statistically significant difference was found between the two for most of the features. However, cyanoacrylate was found to be better than Canada balsam for observing striae of Retzius (P < 0.0205), enamel lamellae (P < 0.036), dentinal tubules (P < 0.0057), interglobular dentin (P < 0.0001), sclerotic dentin – transmitted light (P < 0.00001), sclerotic dentin – polarized light (P < 0.0002) and Sharpey's fibers (P < 0.0004). Conclusions: This initial study shows that cyanoacrylate is better than Canada balsam for observing certain features of ground sections of teeth. However, it remains to be seen whether it will be useful for studying undecalcified sections of carious teeth and for soft tissue sections. PMID:27194857

Role of Bone Marrow Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells and the Protective Effect of Silymarin in Cisplatin-Induced Acute Renal Failure in Rats.

PubMed

Ibrahim, Mohamed El-Tantawy; Bana, Eman El; El-Kerdasy, Hanan I

2018-01-01

Cisplatin is a highly effective antitumor agent whose clinical application is limited by its nephrotoxicity, which is associated with high mortality and morbidity rates. We aimed to study the protective role of silymarin and mesenchymal stem cells as a therapeutic tool of cisplatin nephrotoxicity. We injected rats with cisplatin in a dose of 5mg/kg body weight for 5 days to induce acute renal failure (ARF). Silymarin was administrated 6 hours before cisplatin injection and mesenchymal stem cells were injected 24 hours after cisplatin-induced ARF. We assessed the ARF biochemically by elevation of kidney function tests and histopathologically by an alteration of the histological architecture of the renal cortex in the form of shrinkage of glomeruli, lobulated tufts and glomerular hypertrophy with narrowing capsular space. The tubules showed extensive tubular degeneration with cellular hyaline materials and debris in the lumen of the renal tubules. The renal blood vessels appeared sclerotic with marked thickened walls. When silymarin was given in different doses before cisplatin, it decreased the toxic effect of cisplatin in the kidney but sclerotic blood vessels remained. Injection of mesenchymal stem cells in rats with cisplatin-induced ARF improved the histopathological effects of cisplatin in renal tissues and kidney function tests were significantly improved. There was a significant improvement in kidney function tests and renal histopathology by using silymarin as protective mechanism in cisplatin-induced ARF. Administration of mesenchymal stem cells denoted a more remarkable therapeutic effect in ARF. Copyright © 2018 Southern Society for Clinical Investigation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Skin ulcers related to chronic graft-versus-host disease: clinical findings and associated morbidity.

PubMed

Jachiet, M; de Masson, A; Peffault de Latour, R; Rybojad, M; Robin, M; Bourhis, J-H; Xhaard, A; Dhedin, N; Sicre de Fontbrune, F; Suarez, F; Barete, S; Parquet, N; Nguyen, S; Ades, L; Rubio, M-T; Wittnebel, S; Bagot, M; Socié, G; Bouaziz, J-D

2014-07-01

According to the National Institutes of Health classification of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD), skin ulcers after allogeneic haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) are recorded as having the maximal severity score but published data are scarce. To describe skin ulcers related to cGVHD with an emphasis on clinical findings, associated morbidity, management and evolution. A multicentre retrospective analysis was carried out of patients with a diagnosis of cGVHD skin ulcers. All 25 patients included in the study had sclerotic skin cGVHD and 21 had lichenoid skin lesions associated with the sclerotic skin lesions. Thirteen patients had severe cGVHD without considering the skin, because of the involvement of an extracutaneous organ by cGVHD. The median time from HSCT to the onset of ulcers was 44 months. In addition to scleroderma, initial skin lesions at the site of ulcers were bullous erosive lichen in 21 patients and bullous erosive morphoea in four patients. Fifteen patients had an inaugural oedema. Ulcers were mostly bilateral with a predilection for the lower limbs. They were frequently colonized but few infections occurred. Four patients died during a median follow-up period of 55 months. Chronic graft-versus-host disease skin ulcers occur in patients with sclerodermatous skin cGVHD, are associated with severe cGVHD, often start with bullous lichenoid lesions or bullous morphoea and seem to cause more morbidity than mortality, given the low rate of mortality observed in our series of patients. © 2014 British Association of Dermatologists.

The Involvement of Hemocyte Prophenoloxidase in the Shell-Hardening Process of the Blue Crab, Callinectes sapidus

PubMed Central

Alvarez, Javier V.; Chung, J. Sook

2015-01-01

Cuticular structures of arthropods undergo dramatic molt-related changes from being soft to becoming hard. The shell-hardening process of decapod crustaceans includes sclerotization and mineralization. Hemocyte PPO plays a central role in melanization and sclerotization particularly in wound healing in crustaceans. However, little is known about its role in the crustacean initial shell-hardening process. The earlier findings of the aggregation of heavily granulated hemocytes beneath the hypodermis during ecdysis imply that the hemocytes may be involved in the shell-hardening process. In order to determine if hemocytes and hemocyte PPO have a role in the shell-hardening of crustaceans, a knockdown study using specific CasPPO-hemo-dsRNA was carried out with juvenile blue crabs, Callinectes sapidus. Multiple injections of CasPPO-hemo-dsRNA reduce specifically the levels of CasPPO-hemo expression by 57% and PO activity by 54% in hemocyte lysate at the postmolt, while they have no effect on the total hemocyte numbers. Immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry analysis using a specific antiserum generated against CasPPO show granulocytes, semigranulocytes and hyaline cells as the cellular sources for PPO at the postmolt. Interestingly, the type of hemocytes, as the cellular sources of PPO, varies by molt stage. The granulocytes always contain PPO throughout the molt cycle. However, semigranulocytes and hyaline cells become CasPPO immune-positive only at early premolt and postmolt, indicating that PPO expression in these cells may be involved in the shell-hardening process of C. sapidus. PMID:26393802

Methods for assessing forward and backward light scatter in patients with cataract.

PubMed

Crnej, Alja; Hirnschall, Nino; Petsoglou, Con; Findl, Oliver

2017-08-01

To compare objective methods for assessing backward and forward light scatter and psychophysical tests in patients with cataracts. Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom. Prospective case series. This study included patients scheduled for cataract surgery. Lens opacities were grouped into predominantly nuclear sclerotic, cortical, posterior subcapsular, and mixed cataracts. Backward light scatter was assessed using a rotating Scheimpflug imaging technique (Pentacam HR), forward light scatter using a straylight meter (C-Quant), and straylight using the double-pass method (Optical Quality Analysis System, point-spread function [PSF] meter). The results were correlated with visual acuity under photopic conditions as well as photopic and mesopic contrast sensitivity. The study comprised 56 eyes of 56 patients. The mean age of the 23 men and 33 women was 71 years (range 48 to 84 years). Two patients were excluded. Of the remaining, 15 patients had predominantly nuclear sclerotic cataracts, 13 had cortical cataracts, 11 had posterior subcapsular cataracts, and 15 had mixed cataracts. Correlations between devices were low. The highest correlation was between PSF meter measurements and Scheimpflug measurements (r = 0.32). The best correlation between corrected distance visual acuity was with the PSF meter (r = 0.45). Forward and backward light-scatter measurements cannot be used interchangeably. Scatter as an aspect of quality of vision was independent of acuity. Measuring forward light scatter with the straylight meter can be a useful additional tool in preoperative decision-making. Copyright © 2017 ASCRS and ESCRS. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Gas Bubbles in the Bone: A Case Report

PubMed Central

Abbasi, Bita; Seilanian-Toosi, Farrokh; Nekooei, Sirous; Kakhki, Behrang Rezvani

2016-01-01

Intraosseous pneumatocysts are benign gas-filled cavities within bones which are most commonly found in ilium, sacrum and vertebrae. The lesions are asymptomatic and found incidentally while evaluating for other injuries. Here, we present an intraosseous pneumatocyst of ilium in a 23-year-old male patient. Although once thought to be rare, intraossseous pneumatocyst are now believed to be more common. Thus, familiarity with their appearance is essential to avoid unnecessary workup. Intraosseous pneumatocysts are differentiated from more clinically significant differential diagnoses like osteonecrosis and osteomyelitis by their characteristic appearance of intraosseous air collections with sclerotic rim. PMID:27630918

Coexistent Superscan and Lincoln Sign on Bone Scintigraphy.

PubMed

Kulkarni, Mukta; Soni, Atul; Shetkar, Shubhangi; Amer, Momin; Mulavekar, Amruta; Joshi, Prathamesh

2017-08-01

A 70-year-old man underwent Tc-methylene diphosphonate scintigraphy for staging of adenocarcinoma prostate. Scintigraphy revealed diffuse increased tracer uptake in skeletal system along with faint renal visualization, a pattern compatible with metastatic superscan. The scintigraphy also revealed increased radiotracer uptake in the body of the mandible-Lincoln sign or black beard sign. Radiological imaging revealed sclerotic lesions throughout the skeleton including the mandible, confirming widespread skeletal metastases. Lincoln sign is previously described in monostotic Paget disease of the mandible and in contiguous spread of oral malignancy. We describe this pattern in distant metastatic involvement from carcinoma prostate with coexistent superscan pattern.

Bilateral primary xanthoma of the humeri with pathologic fractures: A case report

PubMed Central

Ali, Sayed; Fedenko, Alex; Syed, Ali B; Matcuk, George; Patel, Dakshesh; Gottsegen, Chris; White, Eric

2013-01-01

Xanthomas are rare bone tumors that occur more often in the appendicular skeleton and typically appear radiographically benign, with a narrow zone of transition and a sclerotic rim. We report the case of a 57-year-old woman with hyperlipidemia presenting with bilateral shoulder pain after minor trauma. Radiographic and histopathologic investigation demonstrated intraosseous xanthoma with atypical features, including multifocality, a wide zone of transition and pathologic fractures-characteristics more commonly associated with aggressive lesions such as multiple myeloma or metastasis. The diagnosis, imaging, and histological appearance of xanthoma of bone are reviewed. PMID:24198913

L1 Epithelioid Hemangioma.

PubMed

Davis, Joel D; Koppenhaver, Shane

2017-05-01

A 24-year-old male soldier on limited-duty status was referred to physical therapy by his primary care physician for a 2-year history of insidious-onset and slowly progressive low back pain. Lumbar radiographs were noncontributory. Shortly after initiating rehabilitation, the patient underwent magnetic resonance imaging that was previously ordered by his primary care physician. Radiology identified a complex mass and cortical fracturing within the L1 vertebral body, and subsequent computed tomography imaging demonstrated mixed sclerotic and lytic foci at L1. Biopsy later confirmed an epithelioid hemangioma. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2017;47(5):367. doi:10.2519/jospt.2017.6689.

Murine Denys-Drash syndrome: evidence of podocyte de-differentiation and systemic mediation of glomerulosclerosis.

PubMed

Patek, Charles E; Fleming, Stewart; Miles, Colin G; Bellamy, Christopher O; Ladomery, Michael; Spraggon, Lee; Mullins, John; Hastie, Nicholas D; Hooper, Martin L

2003-09-15

Denys-Drash syndrome (DDS) is caused by dominant mutations of the Wilms' tumour suppressor gene, WT1, and characterized by a nephropathy involving diffuse mesangial sclerosis, male pseudohermaphroditism and/or Wilms' tumourigenesis. Previously, we reported that heterozygosity for the Wt1tmT396 mutation induces DDS in heterozygous and chimeric (Wt1tmT396/+<-->+/+) mice. In the present study, the fate of Wt1 mutant cells in chimeric kidneys was assessed by in situ marker analysis, and immunocytochemistry was used to re-examine the claim that glomerulosclerosis (GS) is caused by loss of WT1 and persistent Pax-2 expression by podocytes. Wt1 mutant cells colonized glomeruli efficiently, including podocytes, but some sclerotic glomeruli contained no detectable Wt1 mutant cells. The development of GS was preceded by widespread loss of ZO-1 signal in podocytes (even in kidneys where <5% of glomeruli contained Wt1 mutant podocytes), increased intra-renal renin expression, and de novo podocyte TGF-beta1 expression, but not podocyte Pax-2 expression or loss of WT1, synaptopodin, alpha-actinin-4 or nephrin expression. However, podocytes in partially sclerotic glomeruli that still expressed WT1 at high levels showed reduced vimentin expression, cell cycle re-entry, and re-expressed desmin, cytokeratin and Pax-2. The results suggest that: (i) GS is not due to loss of WT1 expression by podocytes; (ii) podocyte Pax-2 expression reflects re-expression rather than persistent expression, and is the consequence of GS; (iii) GS is mediated systemically and the mechanism involves activation of the renin-angiotensin system; and (iv) podocytes undergo typical maturational changes but subsequently de-differentiate and revert to an immature phenotype during disease progression.

Baastrup's Disease Is Associated with Recurrent of Sciatica after Posterior Lumbar Spinal Decompressions Utilizing Floating Spinous Process Procedures

PubMed Central

Mannoji, Chikato; Murakami, Masazumi; Kinoshita, Tomoaki; Hirayama, Jiro; Miyashita, Tomohiro; Eguchi, Yawara; Yamazaki, Masashi; Suzuki, Takane; Aramomi, Masaaki; Ota, Mitsutoshi; Maki, Satoshi; Takahashi, Kazuhisa; Furuya, Takeo

2016-01-01

Study Design Retrospective case-control study. Purpose To determine whether kissing spine is a risk factor for recurrence of sciatica after lumbar posterior decompression using a spinous process floating approach. Overview of Literature Kissing spine is defined by apposition and sclerotic change of the facing spinous processes as shown in X-ray images, and is often accompanied by marked disc degeneration and decrement of disc height. If kissing spine significantly contributes to weight bearing and the stability of the lumbar spine, trauma to the spinous process might induce a breakdown of lumbar spine stability after posterior decompression surgery in cases of kissing spine. Methods The present study included 161 patients who had undergone posterior decompression surgery for lumbar canal stenosis using a spinous process floating approaches. We defined recurrence of sciatica as that resolved after initial surgery and then recurred. Kissing spine was defined as sclerotic change and the apposition of the spinous process in a plain radiogram. Preoperative foraminal stenosis was determined by the decrease of perineural fat intensity detected by parasagittal T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Preoperative percentage slip, segmental range of motion, and segmental scoliosis were analyzed in preoperative radiographs. Univariate analysis followed by stepwise logistic regression analysis determined factors independently associated with recurrence of sciatica. Results Stepwise logistic regression revealed kissing spine (p=0.024; odds ratio, 3.80) and foraminal stenosis (p<0.01; odds ratio, 17.89) as independent risk factors for the recurrence of sciatica after posterior lumbar spinal decompression with spinous process floating procedures for lumbar spinal canal stenosis. Conclusions When a patient shows kissing spine and concomitant subclinical foraminal stenosis at the affected level, we should sufficiently discuss the selection of an appropriate surgical procedure. PMID:27994785

Baastrup's Disease Is Associated with Recurrent of Sciatica after Posterior Lumbar Spinal Decompressions Utilizing Floating Spinous Process Procedures.

PubMed

Koda, Masao; Mannoji, Chikato; Murakami, Masazumi; Kinoshita, Tomoaki; Hirayama, Jiro; Miyashita, Tomohiro; Eguchi, Yawara; Yamazaki, Masashi; Suzuki, Takane; Aramomi, Masaaki; Ota, Mitsutoshi; Maki, Satoshi; Takahashi, Kazuhisa; Furuya, Takeo

2016-12-01

Retrospective case-control study. To determine whether kissing spine is a risk factor for recurrence of sciatica after lumbar posterior decompression using a spinous process floating approach. Kissing spine is defined by apposition and sclerotic change of the facing spinous processes as shown in X-ray images, and is often accompanied by marked disc degeneration and decrement of disc height. If kissing spine significantly contributes to weight bearing and the stability of the lumbar spine, trauma to the spinous process might induce a breakdown of lumbar spine stability after posterior decompression surgery in cases of kissing spine. The present study included 161 patients who had undergone posterior decompression surgery for lumbar canal stenosis using a spinous process floating approaches. We defined recurrence of sciatica as that resolved after initial surgery and then recurred. Kissing spine was defined as sclerotic change and the apposition of the spinous process in a plain radiogram. Preoperative foraminal stenosis was determined by the decrease of perineural fat intensity detected by parasagittal T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Preoperative percentage slip, segmental range of motion, and segmental scoliosis were analyzed in preoperative radiographs. Univariate analysis followed by stepwise logistic regression analysis determined factors independently associated with recurrence of sciatica. Stepwise logistic regression revealed kissing spine ( p =0.024; odds ratio, 3.80) and foraminal stenosis ( p <0.01; odds ratio, 17.89) as independent risk factors for the recurrence of sciatica after posterior lumbar spinal decompression with spinous process floating procedures for lumbar spinal canal stenosis. When a patient shows kissing spine and concomitant subclinical foraminal stenosis at the affected level, we should sufficiently discuss the selection of an appropriate surgical procedure.

The phallus in Tettigoniidae (Insecta: Orthoptera: Ensifera): revision of morphology and terminology, and discussion on its taxonomic importance and evolution.

PubMed

Chamorro-Rengifo, Juliana; Lopes-Andrade, Cristiano

2014-06-13

The phallus in Tettigoniidae (katydids) is a structure informative relative to the systematics of the group. Despite this, it is often not considered in descriptions of taxa. The lack of adequate descriptions of phalli is not only a gap for sytematic and morphological studies, but postpones works on the evolution of copula. Here we study the exoskeletal morphology of the phallus in katydids, its components, and revised the terminology for them. We carried out dissections for morphological comparisons, and complement the observational information with published data. We stained phalli of katydids with chlorazol black, to better contrast membranous versus sclerotized components. We demonstrate that phallic components vary at specific, generic and suprageneric levels, and that internal and external components vary in number, shape, size and position. Currently there is little comparative data to support hypotheses on the evolution of this structure, but possibly the possession of a titillator is an ancestral condition. We identify additional sclerotized components, the sclerites of the ventral fold of the dorsal lobe, which can modify the shape and function of the titillator, being also important for understanding the evolution of the phallus. Potential functional relationships based on hypothetical morphological correlations between the shape of titillator and cerci are proposed, categorized in three main groups: (i) phallus devoid of titillator and cerci simple, (ii) titillator with bifurcated or paired sclerites, and cerci adapted for grasping, and (iii) titillator with single process and/or sclerite and cerci simple, sometimes with a pointed tip. Two explanations for these hypothetical morphological correlations and morphological variation are proposed: first, species with similar structures at the postabdomen would share similar copulatory behaviour, and second, more than one selective pressure would have acted over the structures of the postabdomen.

The influence of the energy density and other clinical parameters on bond strength of Er:YAG-conditioned dentin compared to conventional dentin adhesion.

PubMed

Gisler, Gottfried; Gutknecht, Norbert

2014-01-01

The aim of this in vitro study was to optimise clinical parameters and the energy density of Er:YAG laser-conditioned dentin for class V fillings. Shear tests in three test series were conducted with 24 freshly extracted human third molars as samples for each series. For every sample, two orofacial and two approximal dentin surfaces were prepared. The study design included different laser energies, a thin vs a thick bond layer, the influence of adhesives as well as one-time- vs two-time treatment. The best results with Er:YAG-conditioned dentin were obtained with fluences just above the ablation threshold (5.3 J/cm(2)) in combination with a self-etch adhesive, a thin bond layer and when bond and composite were two-time cured. Dentin conditioned this way reached an averaged bond strength of 23.32 MPa (SD 5.3) and 24.37 MPa (SD 6.06) for two independent test surfaces while showing no statistical significance to conventional dentin adhesion and two-time treatment with averaged bond strength of 24.93 MPa (SD 11.51). Significant reduction of bond strength with Er:YAG-conditioned dentin was obtained when using either a thick bond layer, twice the laser energy (fluence 10.6 J/cm(2)) or with no dentin adhesive. The discussion showed clearly that in altered (sclerotic) dentin, e.g. for class V fillings of elderly patients, bond strengths in conventional dentin adhesion are constantly reduced due to the change of the responsibles, bond giving dentin structures, whereas for Er:YAG-conditioned dentin, the only way to get an optimal microretentive bond pattern is a laser fluence just above the ablation threshold of sclerotic dentin.

Placental Histomorphology in a Case of Double Trisomy 48,XXX,+18.

PubMed

Shah, Sujal I; Dyer, Lisa; Stanek, Jerzy

2018-01-01

Approximately 50% of early spontaneous abortions are found to have chromosomal abnormalities. In these cases, certain histopathologic abnormalities are suggestive of, although not diagnostic for, the presence of chromosomal abnormalities. However, placental histomorphology in cases of complex chromosomal abnormalities, including double trisomies, is virtually unknown. We present the case of a 27-year-old G3P22002 female presenting at 19 weeks and 1 day of gestation by last menstrual period for scheduled prenatal visit. Ultrasound revealed a single fetus without heart tones and adequate amniotic fluid. Limited fetal measurements were consistent with estimated gestational age of 17 weeks. Labor was induced with misoprostol due to fetal demise. Autopsy revealed an immature female fetus with grade 1-2 maceration. The ears were low-set and posteriorly rotated. The fingers were short bilaterally, and the right foot showed absence of the second and third digits. Evaluation of the organs showed predominantly marked autolysis consistent with retained stillbirth. Placental examination revealed multiple findings, including focal pseudovillous papilliform trophoblastic proliferation of the undersurface of the chorionic plate and clustering of perpendicularly oriented sclerotic chorionic villi in the chorion laeve, which have not been previously reported in cases of chromosomal abnormalities. Karyotype of placental tissue revealed a 48,XXX,+18 karyotype and the same double trisomy of fetal thymic tissue by FISH. In addition to convoluted outlines of chorionic villi, villous trophoblastic pseudoinclusions, and clusters of villous cytotrophoblasts, the previously unreported focal pseudovillous papilliform trophoblastic proliferation of the undersurface of the chorionic plate and clustering of perpendicularly oriented sclerotic chorionic villi in the chorion laeve were observed in this double trisomy case. More cases have to be examined to show if the histology is specific for this double trisomy.

Placental Histomorphology in a Case of Double Trisomy 48,XXX,+18

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

Background Approximately 50% of early spontaneous abortions are found to have chromosomal abnormalities. In these cases, certain histopathologic abnormalities are suggestive of, although not diagnostic for, the presence of chromosomal abnormalities. However, placental histomorphology in cases of complex chromosomal abnormalities, including double trisomies, is virtually unknown. Case Report We present the case of a 27-year-old G3P22002 female presenting at 19 weeks and 1 day of gestation by last menstrual period for scheduled prenatal visit. Ultrasound revealed a single fetus without heart tones and adequate amniotic fluid. Limited fetal measurements were consistent with estimated gestational age of 17 weeks. Labor was induced with misoprostol due to fetal demise. Autopsy revealed an immature female fetus with grade 1-2 maceration. The ears were low-set and posteriorly rotated. The fingers were short bilaterally, and the right foot showed absence of the second and third digits. Evaluation of the organs showed predominantly marked autolysis consistent with retained stillbirth. Placental examination revealed multiple findings, including focal pseudovillous papilliform trophoblastic proliferation of the undersurface of the chorionic plate and clustering of perpendicularly oriented sclerotic chorionic villi in the chorion laeve, which have not been previously reported in cases of chromosomal abnormalities. Karyotype of placental tissue revealed a 48,XXX,+18 karyotype and the same double trisomy of fetal thymic tissue by FISH. Conclusion In addition to convoluted outlines of chorionic villi, villous trophoblastic pseudoinclusions, and clusters of villous cytotrophoblasts, the previously unreported focal pseudovillous papilliform trophoblastic proliferation of the undersurface of the chorionic plate and clustering of perpendicularly oriented sclerotic chorionic villi in the chorion laeve were observed in this double trisomy case. More cases have to be examined to show if the histology is specific for this double trisomy. PMID:29707399

Sex determination from calcification of costal cartilages in a Scottish sample.

PubMed

Middleham, Helen P; Boyd, Laura E; Mcdonald, Stuart W

2015-10-01

The pelvic bones and skull are not always available when human remains are discovered in a forensic setting. This study investigates the suitability to a Scottish sample of existing methods of sexing based on calcification patterns in the costal cartilages. Radiographs of chest plates of 41 cadavers, 22 male and 19 female aged 57-96 years were analyzed for their calcification patterns according to the methods of McCormick et al. (1985, Am. J. Phys. Anthropol. 68:173-195) and Rejtarova et al. (2004, Biomed. Pap. Med. Fac. Univ. Palacky. Olomouc. Czech. Repub. 148:241-243). With the method of Rejtarova et al. (2004, Biomed. Pap. Med. Fac. Univ. Palacky. Olomouc. Czech. Repub. 148:241-243) none of the male specimens was sexed correctly. Of the chest plates that were suitable for sexing, the method of McCormick et al. (1985, Am. J. Phys. Anthropol. 68:173-195) correctly sexed 82.4% of the female specimens but only 41.2% of the males. To improve the reliability, we suggest a new method of sex determination based on whether the calcified deposits in the second to seventh costal cartilages are predominantly trabecular bone or sclerotic calcified deposits. Specimens with minimal amounts or similar amounts of trabecular bone or sclerotic deposits in the costal cartilages are not appropriate for our method. When such specimens (10 specimens) were excluded, our method correctly sexed 16 of 17 (94%) males and 12 of 14 (86%) females. The authors acknowledge that their sample is small and that many of their subjects were elderly and that the method should be tested on a larger sample group before application in a forensic context. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Radiological differences between HIV-positive and HIV-negative children with cholesteatoma.

PubMed

McGuire, J K; Fagan, J J; Wojno, M; Manning, K; Harris, T

2018-07-01

HIV-positive children are possibly more prone to developing cholesteatoma. Chronic inflammation of the middle ear cleft may be more common in patients with HIV and this may predispose HIV-positive children to developing cholesteatoma. There are no studies that describe the radiological morphology of the middle ear cleft in HIV-positive compared to HIV-negative children with cholesteatoma. Compare the radiological differences of the middle ear cleft in HIV-positive and HIV-negative children with cholesteatoma. A retrospective, cross-sectional, observational analytical review of patients with cholesteatoma at our institute over a 6 year period. Forty patients were included in the study, 11 of whom had bilateral cholesteatoma and therefore 51 ears were eligible for our evaluation. HIV-positive patients had smaller (p=0.02) mastoid air cell systems (MACS). Forty percent of HIV-positive patients had sclerotic mastoids, whereas the rate was 3% in HIV-negative ears (p<0.02). Eighty-two percent of the HIV-positive patients had bilateral cholesteatoma compared to 7% of the control group (p<0.02). There was no difference between the 2 groups with regards to opacification of the middle ear cleft, bony erosion of middle ear structures, Eustachian tube obstruction or soft tissue occlusion of the post-nasal space. HIV-positive paediatric patients with cholesteatoma are more likely to have smaller, sclerotic mastoids compared to HIV-negative patients. They are significantly more likely to have bilateral cholesteatoma. This may have implications in terms of surveillance of HIV-positive children, as well as, an approach to management, recurrence and follow-up. HIV infection should be flagged as a risk factor for developing cholesteatoma. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

New species and geographical records of dactylogyrids (Monogenea) of catfish (Siluriformes) from the Peruvian Amazonia.

PubMed

Mendoza-Palmero, Carlos A; Scholz, Tomáš; Mendoza-Franco, Edgar F; Kuchta, Roman

2012-06-01

Three new species of gill monogeneans (Dactylogyridae: Ancyrocephalinae) are described from siluriform catfish from Iquitos, Peru: Demidospermus mortenthaleri n. sp. from Brachyplatystoma juruense (Boulenger), Demidospermus brevicirrus n. sp. from Pimelodus sp., and Aphanoblastella aurorae n. sp. from Goeldiella eques (Müller & Troschel). Demidospermus mortenthaleri is characterized by a male copulatory organ (MCO) with a small loop at its middle portion; 2 types of hooks, of which pairs 5 and 6 are longer than the remaining hooks; a proximal subunit round and highly depressed thumb; and a sclerotized vagina with a round pad at the vaginal aperture. Demidospermus brevicirrus is distinguished from other congeners by the presence of a short, straight, and robust MCO and boot-shaped accessory piece with a hooked projection directed posteriorly. Aphanoblastella aurorae is the only species of the genus that possesses an arrow-shaped sclerotized vagina and a medial process on the dorsal bar. Another 6 dactylogyrids described previously are recorded for the first time from the Peruvian Amazonia: Cosmetocleithrum bulbocirrus Kritsky, Thatcher and Boeger, 1986 ; Vancleaveus fungulus Kritsky, Thatcher and Boeger, 1986 ; V. janauacaensis Kritsky, Thatcher and Boeger, 1986 ; V. platyrhynchi Kritsky, Thatcher and Boeger, 1986 ; Unilatus unilatus Mizelle and Kritsky, 1967 ; and U. brittani Mizelle, Kritsky and Crane, 1968 . Based on observations of specimens collected in the Peruvian Amazonia, new morphological data for these species are provided. Comparison of new specimens of U. unilatus and U. brittani with those of Unilatus brevispinus Suriano, 1985 and Unilatus longispinus Suriano, 1985 , both originally described from Brazil, has shown that they are conspecific. Therefore, the latter species were synonymized with U. unilatus and U. brittani , respectively. In addition, 56 undescribed monogeneans found in catfish from the Peruvian Amazonia, some of them probably belonging to new genera, are listed.

The relationship between the lizard eye and associated bony features: a cautionary note for interpreting fossil activity patterns.

PubMed

Hall, Margaret I

2009-06-01

Activity pattern, the time of day when an animal is active, is associated with ecology. There are two major activity patterns: diurnal (awake during the day in a photopic environment) and nocturnal (awake at night in a scotopic environment). Lizards exhibit characteristic eye shapes associated with activity pattern, with scotopic-adapted lizard eyes optimized for visual sensitivity with large corneal diameters relative to their eye axial lengths, and photopic-adapted lizards optimized for visual acuity, with larger axial lengths of the eye relative to their corneal diameters. This study: (1) quantifies the relationship between the lizard eye and its associated bony anatomy (the orbit, sclerotic ring, and associated skull widths); (2) investigates how activity pattern is reflected in that bony anatomy; and (3) determines if it is possible to reliably interpret activity pattern for a lizard that does not have the soft tissue available for study, specifically, for a fossil. Knowledge of extinct lizards' activity patterns would be useful in making paleoecological interpretations. Here, 96 scotopic- and photopic-adapted lizard species are analyzed in a phylogenetic context. Although there is a close relationship between the lepidosaur eye and associated bony anatomy, based on these data activity pattern cannot be reliably interpreted for bony-only specimens, such as a fossil, possibly because of the limited ossification of the lepidosaur skull. Caution should be exercised when utilizing lizard bony anatomy to interpret light-level adaptation, either for a fossil lizard or as part of an extant phylogenetic bracket to interpret other extinct animals with sclerotic rings, such as dinosaurs. (c) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

[Effects of androgens and gestagens on uterine myoma].

PubMed

Pashkova, V S; Erokhin, Iu A

1991-01-01

One hundred and sixty resected intramural myomas have been examined in 78 women with an intact menstrual cycle: 61 nodes from 31 patients of 37 to 57 years without a history of hormonal treatment, 52 nodes from 26 patients of 39 to 57 years with a history of androgen treatment and 47 nodes from 21 women of 30 to 50 years with a history of gestagen treatment. The histologic, histochemical, morphometric and biochemical studies showed that androgen and gestagen treatment stabilized and diminished the myomas, promoted secondary changes in the nodes and caused a statistically significant activation of sclerotic processes. Therapeutic effects of androgens were superior to those of gestagens.

Detection of melorheostosis in a young lady with upper limb pain on Three Phase Bone Scintigram/SPECT-CT.

PubMed

Hassan, Aamna; Khalid, Madeeha; Khawar, Saquib

2016-01-01

Melorheostosis is a benign, noninheritable bone dysplasia characterized by its classic radiographic features of dense, flowing hyperostosis. It frequently affects one limb, usually the lower extremity and rarely the axial skeleton. A 26-year-old lady with obesity, polycystic ovarian syndrome and scalp dandruff presented with a long standing history of upper extremity pain and inability to adduct the arm completely. A Tc-99m MDP whole body and SPECT/CT scan performed for suspected fibrous dysplasia showed increased radiotracer uptake in densely sclerotic humeral and radial melorheostosis. This case highlighted the role of SPECT/CT imaging in this rare condition.

18F-NaF PET/CT in Extensive Melorheostosis of the Axial and Appendicular Skeleton With Soft-Tissue Involvement.

PubMed

Papadakis, Georgios Z; Jha, Smita; Bhattacharyya, Timothy; Millo, Corina; Tu, Tsang-Wei; Bagci, Ulas; Marias, Kostas; Karantanas, Apostolos H; Patronas, Nicholas J

2017-07-01

Melorheostosis is a rare, nonhereditary, benign, sclerotic bone dysplasia with no sex predilection, typically occurring in late childhood or early adulthood, which can lead to substantial functional morbidity, depending on the sites of involvement. We report on a patient with extensive melorheostosis in the axial and appendicular skeleton, as well as in the soft tissues, who was evaluated with whole-body F-NaF PET/CT scan. All melorheostotic lesions of the skeleton and of the ossified soft-tissue masses demonstrated intensely increased F-NaF activity, suggesting the application of this modality in assessing and monitoring the disease activity.

McCune-Albright syndrome: radiological and MR findings.

PubMed

Yongjing, G; Huawei, L; Zilai, P; Bei, D; Hao, J; Kemin, C

2001-01-01

McCune-Albright syndrome (MAS) is a non-inherited disorder due to the GNAS1 gene mutation. The syndrome is characterized with the triad of polyostotic fibrous dysplasia, pigmented skin lesions, endocrinopathy, and precocious puberty. We report the case of a 14-year-old boy, presenting with sclerotic type of polyostotic fibrous dysplasia. Radiological methods including plain X-ray film, MR and whole body bone scintigraphy suggested the diagnosis of MAS. MRI provided more directly perceived images and it was more sensitive in demonstrating the lesion: its shape, contents, especially the size of the affected region. Histopathological study and the identification of mutant gene finally confirmed the diagnostic result.

Clinics in diagnostic imaging (174). L5 vertebral superior facet osteoblastoma (OB).

PubMed

Subramanian, Manickam; Chou, Hong; Chokkappan, Kabilan; Peh, Wilfred Cg

2017-02-01

A 25-year-old man presented with chronic low back pain and occasional radiation to the right lower limb. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography (CT) of the lumbar spine showed an osteolytic expansile lesion with a central sclerotic nidus in the right superior facet of the L5 vertebra and surrounding marrow oedema. The diagnosis of osteoblastoma was made based on imaging findings and confirmed after CT-guided biopsy. Radiofrequency ablation of the lesion was successfully performed. The patient tolerated the procedure well and showed symptomatic relief. The imaging features and management of osteoblastoma are discussed. Copyright: © Singapore Medical Association.

Description of male, pupa and larva of Psorophora (Grabhamia) paulli and redescription of the female (Diptera: Culicidae).

PubMed

Stein, Marina; Carlos Rossi, Gustavo; Ricardo Almirón, Walter

2013-01-01

The female of Psorophora (Grabhamia) paulli Paterson & Shannon is redescribed, and the pupa, fourth-instar larva and male genitalia are described and illustrated for the first time. Information about the distribution, bionomics and taxonomy is also included. Adults of Ps. paulli can be separated from the other species of the genus and subgenus by its small size. The larva of Ps. paulli is similar to that of Ps. varinervis Edwards and Ps. discolor (Coquillett) but can be separated based on the development of setae 1-X and 5-VIII, the length of the anal papillae and the comb on a sclerotized area.

False Positive Uptake in Bilateral Gynecomastia on 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT Scan.

PubMed

Sasikumar, Arun; Joy, Ajith; Nair, Bindu P; Pillai, M R A; Madhavan, Jayaprakash

2017-09-01

A 66-year-old man on hormonal therapy with prostate cancer was referred for Ga-PSMA PET/CT scan for biochemical recurrence. Ga-PSMA PET/CT scan detected moderate heterogeneous tracer concentration in bilateral breast parenchyma, in addition to the abnormal tracer concentration in enlarged prostate gland, right external iliac lymph node, and sclerotic lesion in L4 vertebra. On clinical examination, he was found to have bilateral gynecomastia. Abnormal concentration of Ga-PSMA in breast cancer is now well known, and in this context, it is important to know that tracer localization can occur in gynecomastia as well, as evidenced in this case.

Inhibition of the development of myringosclerosis by local administration of fenspiride, an anti-inflammatory drug.

PubMed

Mattsson, C; Hellström, S

1997-01-01

Earlier studies have revealed a relationship between the development of myringosclerosis and oxygen-derived free radicals. The latter can be blocked by the anti-inflammatory drug fenspiride. The present study was undertaken to test the ability of fenspiride to prevent myringosclerosis from developing during healing of the tympanic membrane. Myringotomized rats were treated with either topical applications or intraperitoneal injections of fenspiride for 12 days, after which the tympanic membranes were examined by otomicroscopy and studied histologically by light microscopy. Topically applied fenspiride was found to inhibit the development of sclerotic lesions, whereas intraperitoneal injections were ineffective.

Familial Florid Cemento-Osseous Dysplasia: A Rare Manifestation in an Indian Family

PubMed Central

Srivastava, Adit; Agarwal, Rahul; Soni, Romesh; Sachan, Avesh; Shivakumar, G. C.; Chaturvedi, T. P.

2012-01-01

Florid cemento-osseous dysplasia (FCOD) is one of the uncommon dysplasias affecting the maxillofacial region. The age group may vary from 19 to 76 years and typically presents in the 4th and 5th decades. In most cases patients do not have hereditary basis of disease, and only a few familial cases have been documented. As far as we know this is the 1st reported case of familial FCOD in an Indian family. The mother and son exhibited multiple sclerotic masses in both jaws. The mode of transmission appeared to be autosomal dominant with variable phenotypic expression. PMID:23198165

Description of a new genus of Elaphidiini with two new species (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Cerambycinae).

PubMed

Santos-Silva, Antonio; Galileo, Maria Helena M

2017-03-27

Elaphidiini Thomson, 1864 is a large tribe of Cerambycidae composed of 92 genera with species distributed from Canada to southern South America. Lingafelter (1998) performed a generic level phylogenetic analysis of the tribe and provided a key to the known genera. According to Lingafelter, Elaphidiini is characterized as follows: mesally-spined antenna (lost in some taxa), narrow metepisternum with a centrally positioned keel, strongly sclerotized below and membranous above; prosternal process between procoxae slightly to strongly expanded at apex (rarely linear and unexpanded); terminal palpomeres much wider at apex than base; and coarsely faceted eyes (with few exceptions).

Chromoblastomycosis due to Fonsecaea monophora misdiagnosed as sporotrichosis and cutaneous tuberculosis in a pulmonary tuberculosis patient.

PubMed

Shi, Dongmei; Zhang, Wei; Lu, Guixia; de Hoog, G Sybren; Liang, Guanzhao; Mei, Huan; Zheng, Hailin; Shen, Yongnian; Liu, Weida

2016-03-01

Chromoblastomycosis is caused by dematiaceous fungi. It develops after inoculation of the organism into the skin. We report a case of chromoblastomycosis in a pulmonary tuberculosis patient without known history of trauma. The lesions were initially diagnosed as sporotrichosis and skin tuberculosis. Histopathology of scales and skin biopsy specimen revealed sclerotic bodies, the hallmark of chromoblastomycosis. The causative organism was identified as Fonsecaea monophora by rDNA ITS sequencing. The lesions recovered markedly after two month treatment with oral terbinafine 250 mg daily according to drug sensitive test in vitro in combination with local thermotherapy.

68Ga-PSMA PET-CT Imaging of Metastatic Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma.

PubMed

de Keizer, Bart; Krijger, Gerard C; Ververs, F Tessa; van Es, Robert J J; de Bree, Remco; Willems, Stefan

2017-12-01

A patient with a history of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the nasal cavity presented himself with bone pain and an elevated PSA level. On suspicion of metastatic prostate cancer a 68 Ga-PSMA PET-CT was performed. The PET-CT showed numerous lung and non-sclerotic bone metastasis. Biopsy of a bone metastasis was performed and pathology showed adenoid cystic carcinoma instead of prostate cancer. Immunohistochemical PSMA staining of the primary tumour showed intense PSMA expression in adenoid cystic carcinoma tumour cells. Because of the high PSMA expression of adenoid cystic carcinoma, 68 Ga-PSMA PET-CT might be a promising imaging modality for this malignancy.

Effectiveness of green tea tannin on rats with chronic renal failure.

PubMed

Yokozawa, T; Chung, H Y; He, L Q; Oura, H

1996-06-01

The effects of green tea tannin on nephrectomized rats were examined. There were increases in blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, and urinary protein, and a decrease in creatinine clearance in the nephrectomized control rats, whereas better results for these parameters were obtained in rats given green tea tannin after nephrectomy, demonstrating a suppressed progression of the renal failure. When the renal parenchyma was partially resected, the remnant kidney showed a decrease in the activity of radical scavenger enzymes. Green tea tannin, however, was found to lighten the kidney under such oxidative stress. Mesangial proliferation and glomerular sclerotic lesions, which were conspicuous in the rats that were not given green tea tannin after nephrectomy, were also relieved.

Painful lumbosacral melorheostosis treated by fusion.

PubMed

Robertson, Peter A; Don, Angus S; Miller, Mary V

2003-06-15

A case report of low back pain associated with a diagnosis of melorheostosis of the lumbosacral spine. To describe a rare presentation of melorheostosis and subsequent successful surgical treatment. Melorheostosis is a rare condition and spinal pain has not been described in association with the condition. A patient with disabling low back pain and suspected melorheostosis of the lumbosacral spine responded favorably to diagnostic facet joint blocks. Treatment was lumbosacral fusion and biopsy of the abnormal bone. The densely sclerotic bone presented technical difficulties requiring modification of surgical technique. Dramatic pain and disability reduction occurred following lumbosacral fusion. Histologic examination was consistent with melorheostosis. Melorheostosis rarely causes severe low back pain that can respond favorably to fusion surgery.

Detection of melorheostosis in a young lady with upper limb pain on Three Phase Bone Scintigram/SPECT-CT

PubMed Central

Hassan, Aamna; Khalid, Madeeha; Khawar, Saquib

2016-01-01

Summary Melorheostosis is a benign, noninheritable bone dysplasia characterized by its classic radiographic features of dense, flowing hyperostosis. It frequently affects one limb, usually the lower extremity and rarely the axial skeleton. A 26-year-old lady with obesity, polycystic ovarian syndrome and scalp dandruff presented with a long standing history of upper extremity pain and inability to adduct the arm completely. A Tc-99m MDP whole body and SPECT/CT scan performed for suspected fibrous dysplasia showed increased radiotracer uptake in densely sclerotic humeral and radial melorheostosis. This case highlighted the role of SPECT/CT imaging in this rare condition. PMID:27252746

Neuroimaging and clinical findings in a case of linear scleroderma en coup de sabre.

PubMed

Duman, Ikram E; Ekinci, Gazanfer

2018-06-01

Linear scleroderma "en coup de sabre" is a subset of localized scleroderma with band-like sclerotic lesions typically involving the frontoparietal regions of the scalp. En coup de sabre and Parry-Romberg syndrome are variants of linear morphea on the head and neck that can be associated with neurologic manifestations. On imaging, patients may have lesions in the cerebrum ipsilateral to the scalp abnormality. We present a case of an 8-year-old girl with a left frontoparietal "en coup de sabre" scalp lesion and describe the neuroimaging findings of frontoparietal white matter lesion discovered incidentally on routine magnetic resonance imaging. The patient had no neurologic symptoms given the lesion identified.

Contulma vascaina sp. n. (Insecta: Trichoptera: Anomalopsychidae), a new species from Rio de Janeiro state, southeastern Brazil.

PubMed

Dumas, Leandro L

2018-06-25

The caddisfly genus Contulma Flint, 1969, with 30 described species, is endemic to the Neotropics. In addition to the five species currently recorded from Brazil, a new species of Contulma is described and illustrated in this work. Contulma vascaina sp. n. is similar to C. sana Jardim and Nessimian, 2011 in prominent, slender and rod-like posterolateral lobe of segment IX, but the new species has a shorter posterolateral lobe, with long, spine-like seta apically. Contulma vascaina sp. n. can also be characterized by the presence of a large, hood-like sclerotized plate on the endothecal phallic membrane. The female genital structure is also described and illustrated.

Structural and immunohistochemical changes in the hepatic vascular system in compensated and decompensated stenosis of the pulmonary trunk.

PubMed

Novikov, Yu V; Shormanov, S V; Kulikov, S V

2012-01-01

Modeling of pulmonary trunk stenosis leads to an increase in hepatic vascular resistance because of veno-arterial and veno-venous reactions. During the compensation phase, bundles of intimal musculature and myoelastic sphincters appear in the arteries, while in the efferent veins hypertrophy of the muscle rolls is observed. The decompensation phase of stenosis is characterized by relaxation of hepatic vascular walls, reduction of the number of arteries with intimal muscles and sphincter structures, and atrophy of muscle rolls in hepatic veins. Sclerotic changes develop in the vascular bed. Failure of the compensatory reactions results in development of chronic hepatic venous plethora with typical morphological manifestations.

VARICOSE VEINS—A Practical Approach to Treatment

PubMed Central

Ellenburg, Robert

1958-01-01

Adequate treatment of varicose veins requires thorough mapping of perforating veins, communicating veins and “blow out” areas. Combined ligations, stripping and injection of sclerotic substances after operation is the most effective regimen of therapy. The technique of stripping is facilitated by isolating the saphenous vein at the ankle, inserting the stripper from below upward, then making a transverse groin incision over the palpable stripper. The tip of the stripper should be twice the diameter of the vein to be removed. Stripping should be done with the patient in the Trendelenburg position. All patients must be examined at regular intervals after operation and injection of sclerosing material carried out as necessary. PMID:13523415

FDG PET/CT Findings in Primary Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma, Leg Type.

PubMed

Ni, Chiayi; Lewis, Michael; Berenji, Gholam

2016-01-01

A 64-year-old man presented with complaints of worsening left foot pain and swelling. MRI showed a soft tissue mass overlying the dorsolateral aspect of the left foot. Following a 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT), the left foot mass was biopsied and pathology indicated a diagnosis of primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, leg type (PDLBCL, LT). Review of the PET/CT images demonstrated hypermetabolic activity associated with the left foot mass, multiple subcutaneous nodules/nodes, sclerotic osseous lesions in the lower extremities, and left external iliac/left inguinal lymphadenopathy. At the moment, the patient is undergoing chemotherapy.

Predicting Outcome in Patients with Anti-GBM Glomerulonephritis.

PubMed

van Daalen, Emma E; Jennette, J Charles; McAdoo, Stephen P; Pusey, Charles D; Alba, Marco A; Poulton, Caroline J; Wolterbeek, Ron; Nguyen, Tri Q; Goldschmeding, Roel; Alchi, Bassam; Griffiths, Meryl; de Zoysa, Janak R; Vincent, Beula; Bruijn, Jan A; Bajema, Ingeborg M

2018-01-06

Large studies on long-term kidney outcome in patients with anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) GN are lacking. This study aimed to identify clinical and histopathologic parameters that predict kidney outcome in these patients. This retrospective analysis included a total of 123 patients with anti-GBM GN between 1986 and 2015 from six centers worldwide. Their kidney biopsy samples were classified according to the histopathologic classification for ANCA-associated GN. Clinical data such as details of treatment were retrieved from clinical records. The primary outcome parameter was the occurrence of ESRD. Kidney survival was analyzed using the log-rank test and Cox regression analyses. The 5-year kidney survival rate was 34%, with an improved rate observed among patients diagnosed after 2007 ( P =0.01). In patients with anti-GBM GN, histopathologic class and kidney survival were associated ( P <0.001). Only one of 15 patients with a focal class biopsy sample (≥50% normal glomeruli) developed ESRD. Patients with a sclerotic class biopsy sample (≥50% globally sclerotic glomeruli) and patients with 100% cellular crescents did not recover from dialysis dependency at presentation. In multivariable analysis, dialysis dependency at presentation (hazard ratio [HR], 3.17; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.59 to 6.32), percentage of normal glomeruli (HR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.95 to 0.99), and extent of interstitial infiltrate (HR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.17 to 3.50) were predictors of ESRD during follow-up. Dialysis dependency, low percentage of normal glomeruli, and large extent of interstitial infiltrate are associated with poor kidney outcome in anti-GBM GN. Kidney outcome has improved during recent years; the success rate doubled after 2007. This article contains a podcast at https://www.asn-online.org/media/podcast/CJASN/2017_11_21_CJASNPodcast_18_1_v.mp3. Copyright © 2018 by the American Society of Nephrology.

Osteoblastic lesion screening with an advanced post-processing package enabling in-plane rib reading in CT-images.

PubMed

Seuss, Hannes; Dankerl, Peter; Cavallaro, Alexander; Uder, Michael; Hammon, Matthias

2016-05-20

To evaluate screening and diagnostic accuracy for the detection of osteoblastic rib lesions using an advanced post-processing package enabling in-plane rib reading in CT-images. We retrospectively assessed the CT-data of 60 consecutive prostate cancer patients by applying dedicated software enabling in-plane rib reading. Reading the conventional multiplanar reconstructions was considered to be the reference standard. To simulate clinical practice, the reader was given 10 s to screen for sclerotic rib lesions in each patient applying both approaches. Afterwards, every rib was evaluated individually with both approaches without a time limit. Sensitivities, specificities, positive/negative predictive values and the time needed for detection were calculated depending on the lesion's size (largest diameter < 5 mm, 5-10 mm, > 10 mm). In 53 of 60 patients, all ribs were properly displayed in plane, in five patients ribs were partially displayed correctly, and in two patients none of the ribs were displayed correctly. During the 10-s screening approach all patients with sclerotic rib lesions were correctly identified reading the in-plane images (including the patients without a correct rib segmentation), whereas 14 of 23 patients were correctly identified reading conventional multiplanar images. Overall screening sensitivity, specificity, and positive/negative predictive values were 100/27.0/46.0/100 %, respectively, for in-plane reading and 60.9/100/100/80.4 %, respectively, for multiplanar reading. Overall diagnostic (no time limit) sensitivity, specificity, and positive/negative predictive values of in-plane reading were 97.8/92.8/74.6/99.5 %, respectively. False positive results predominantly occurred for lesions <5 mm in size. In-plane reading of the ribs allows reliable detection of osteoblastic lesions for screening purposes. The limited specificity results from false positives predominantly occurring for small lesions.

Decrement of GABAA receptor-mediated inhibitory postsynaptic currents in dentate granule cells in epileptic hippocampus.

PubMed

Isokawa, M

1996-05-01

1. Inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) were studied in hippocampal dentate granule cells (DGCs) in the pilocarpine model and human temporal lobe epilepsy, with the use of the whole cell patch-clamp recording technique in slice preparations. 2. In the pilocarpine model, hippocampal slices were prepared from rats that were allowed to experience spontaneous seizures for 2 mo. Human hippocampal specimens were obtained from epileptic patients who underwent surgical treatment for medically intractable seizures. 3. IPSCs were generated by single perforant path stimulation and recorded at a membrane potential (Vm) of 0 mV near the reversal potential of glutamate excitatory postsynaptic currents in the voltage-clamp recording. IPSCs were pharmacologically identified as gamma-aminobutyric acid-A (GABAA) IPSCs by 10 microM bicuculline methiodide. 4. During low-frequency stimulation, IPSCs were not different in amplitude among non-seizure-experienced rat hippocampi, human nonsclerotic hippocampi, seizure-experienced rat hippocampi, and human sclerotic hippocampi. In the last two groups of DGCs, current-clamp recordings indicated the presence of prolonged excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) mediated by the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. 5. High-frequency stimulation, administered at Vm = -30 mV to activate NMDA currents, reduced GABAA IPSC amplitude specifically in seizure-experienced rat hippocampi (t = 2.5, P < 0.03) and human sclerotic hippocampi (t = 7.7, P < 0.01). This reduction was blocked by an NMDA receptor antagonist, 2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (APV) (50 microM). The time for GABAA IPSCs to recover to their original amplitude was also shortened by the application of APV. 6. I conclude that, when intensively activated, NMDA receptor-mediated excitatory transmission may interact with GABAergic synaptic inhibition in DGCs in seizure-experienced hippocampus to transiently reduce GABA(A) receptor-channel function. Such interactions may contribute to give rise to epileptic excitation in chronically seizure-prone hippocampus.

The Recipient Venule in Supermicrosurgical Lymphaticovenular Anastomosis: Flow Dynamic Classification and Correlation with Surgical Outcomes.

PubMed

Visconti, Giuseppe; Salgarello, Marzia; Hayashi, Akitatsu

2018-05-12

 Venules have been usually neglected in the literature on lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA). The aim of this study was to analyze the flow dynamic of recipient venules in LVA and their impact on the surgical outcomes.  Data from 128 patients affected by extremity lymphedema, who underwent LVA, were collected in two institutions from August 2014 to May 2016. Recipient venules were classified according to their flow dynamic into backflow, slack, and outlet (BSO classification). Quantitative (lower extremity lymphedema/upper extremity lymphedema index) and qualitative outcomes (needing of compression garment and compression garment class) were evaluated. Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test was used for categorical variables and independent-samples t -test for continuous variables. The association between lymphatic collector degeneration status (normal, ectasis, contractile, sclerotic type [NECST]) and BSO classification with the outcomes was analyzed by the Mantel-Haenszel test.  On a total of 128 patients, 37 suffered from upper and 91 from lower limb lymphedema. An average number of four LVA were performed for each patient (range: 2-8). A significant association was observed between NECST and BSO categories and the outcomes were evaluated. Patients with contractile and sclerotic collectors had 2.24 times the odd of having poor composite outcome compared with those with normal-to-ectasis collectors ( p  < 0.05). Patients with backflow venules had 3.32 times the odd of having poor composite outcome compared with those without outlet or slack pattern ( p  < 0.05).  The subtype of recipient venule flow dynamic has a significant impact on the surgical outcome of patients undergoing LVA for the treatment of lymphedema, regardless of the lymphatic collector degeneration status. Locating favorable venules in the preoperative mapping might enhance the surgical outcomes. Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Gastric cancer bone metastases together with osteopoikilosis diagnosed using bone scintigraphy and 18F-FDG PET/CT.

PubMed

Prado Wohlwend, S; Sánchez Vaño, R; Sopena Novales, P; Uruburu García, E; Aparisi Rodríguez, F; Martínez Carsí, C

The coexistence of different bone diseases in the same patient involves a complex differential diagnosis. A patient is presented who was studied due to a renal mass that showed many sclerotic lesions in spine and limbs in conventional radiology and CT. These lesions were evaluated with 99m TC-HDP bone scintigraphy and 18 F-FDG PET/CT, which helped to obtain the definitive pathological diagnosis of osteopoikilosis (OP) co-existing with gastric cancer bone metastases. Of the different imaging scans performed, bone scintigraphy was particularly relevant due to its ability to discriminate between benign and metastatic bone disease. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier España, S.L.U. y SEMNIM. All rights reserved.

A new species of Arctoseius Thor, 1930 (Acari: Ascidae) from taiga regions of the Palaearctic, with a key to Arctoseius species of Fennoscandia, NW Europe.

PubMed

Makarova, Olga L; Huhta, Veikko

2017-05-18

A new mesostigmatid mite species belonging to the genus Arctoseius Thor, 1930, is described based on material from subarctic coniferous forests, Finland, and Altai highlands, Russia. Arctoseius ambiguus sp. nov. is similar to Arctoseius venustulus (Berlese, 1916), but can be distinguished from the latter by its larger size, wider dorsal shield, weakly sclerotized presternal platelets, pronounced differences in the length of opisthonotal setae, and distinct punctation of the anal shield. A key for 15 Arctoseius species recorded in continental North-Western Europe (Fennoscandia) is given. The Fennoscandian fauna of Arctoseius species is rather specialised. It includes four European temperate species and five cryobiontic (arctic, arcto-montane, arcto-boreo-montane) ones.

Scleredema adultorum of Buschke presenting as periorbital edema: a diagnostic challenge.

PubMed

Ioannidou, Despina I; Krasagakis, Konstantin; Stefanidou, Maria P; Karampekios, Spyros; Panayiotidis, John; Tosca, Androniki D

2005-02-01

Scleredema adultorum is a rare sclerotic disorder characterized by diffuse swelling and nonpitting induration of the skin. Its occurrence has been documented in association with infections, diabetes mellitus, paraproteinemia, multiple myeloma, and monoclonal gammopathy. We report an unusual case of a 48-year-old man with an asymptomatic bilateral eyelid edema of sudden onset. During a period of 6 months, the condition slowly progressed to extensive nonpitting edematous swelling restricted to the periorbital sites. The presumptive diagnosis of scleredema adultorum was confirmed by the presence of typical histologic findings. This case is unique in that the periorbital swelling remained as the sole clinical manifestation of scleredema during the 5-year follow-up and was complicated with partial vision blockage.

A novel protocol for generating intact, whole-head spider cephalothorax tissue sections.

PubMed

Long, Skye M

2018-04-01

The diversity of spider behavior and sensory systems provides an excellent opportunity for comparative studies of the relationship between the brain and behavior. However, the morphology of spiders poses a challenge for histologists since the spider cephalothorax contains heterogeneous tissues and has both tough external and internal sclerotized regions. Unlike the heads of insects, the cephalothorax is highly pressurized, which can cause tissues to shift during processing and can reduce tissue cohesion in thick sections. This work describes a novel protocol for producing thick whole-head sections for morphological study by softening the exoskeleton and stabilizing friable tissue, without freezing or dehydration. It also presents an effective whole-head DiI staining method that uses minimal dehydration and highlights neural structures.

Thrombosis of the dorsal vein of the penis (Mondor's Disease): A case report and review of the literature.

PubMed

Nazir, Syed Sajjad; Khan, Muneer

2010-07-01

Superficial thrombophlebitis of the dorsal vein of the penis (penile Mondor's Disease) is an important clinical diagnosis that every family practitioner should be able to recognize. Dorsal vein thrombosis is a rare disease with pain and induration of the dorsal part of the penis. The possible causes comprise traumatism, neoplasms, excessive sexual activity, or abstinence. The differential diagnosis must be established with Sclerotizing lymphangitis and peyronies disease and doppler ultrasound is the imaging diagnostic technique of choice. Proper diagnosis and consequent reassurance can help to dissipate the anxiety typically experienced by the patients with this disease. We describe the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of the superficial thrombophlebitis of the dorsal vein of the penis.

Intra-puparial development of the black soldier-fly, Hermetia illucens

PubMed Central

Barros-Cordeiro, Karine Brenda; Báo, Sônia Nair; Pujol-Luz, José Roberto

2014-01-01

Abstract The intra-puparial development of the black soldier-fly, Hermetia illucens (L.) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), was studied based on 125 pupae under controlled conditions in laboratory. The 6 th instar larvae were reared until they stopped feeding, and the prepupae were separated according to the reduction in larval length and degree of pigmentation and sclerotization of the cuticle. The pupal stage lasted eight days (192 hours). The process of pupation (larva/pupa apolysis) occurred in the first six hours, extroversion of the head and thoracic appendages took place between the ninth and 21 st hours, and the pharate appeared 21 hours after completing pupation. After pupariation, four morphological phases of intra-puparial development were observed and described. PMID:25368039

Sclerosing mucoepidermoid carcinoma with eosinophilia of thyroid gland in a male patient: a case report and literature review.

PubMed

Lai, Chi-Yun; Chao, Tzu-Chieh; Lin, Jen-Der; Hsueh, Chuen

2015-01-01

Sclerosing mucoepidermoid carcinoma with eosinophilia (SMECE) was first described by Chan et al in 1991. It is characterized by nest or strands of epidermoid tumor cells with squamous differentiation, rare mucous cells, prominent sclerotic stroma, eosinophilic and lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, and a background of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis in the non-neoplastic thyroid gland. It is important to recognize SMECE of thyroid and differentiate it from squamous cell carcinoma or other neoplasms with squamous differentiation/metaplasia. In published cases, the SMECE of thyroid gland predominantly occurs in women. We report a case of SMECE of thyroid in a 45-year-old male patient. All cases in male patients were Caucasian described in English literature, and our case is the first one in Asian.

Atypical Neuroimaging Manifestations of Linear Scleroderma "en coup de sabre".

PubMed

M Allmendinger, Andrew; A Ricci, Joseph; S Desai, Naman; Viswanadhan, Narayan; Rodriguez, Diana

2015-01-01

Linear scleroderma "en coup de sabre" is a subset of localized scleroderma with band-like sclerotic lesions typically involving the fronto-parietal regions of the scalp. Patients often present with neurologic symptoms. On imaging, patients may have lesions in the cerebrum ipsilateral to the scalp abnormality. Infratentorial lesions and other lesions not closely associated with the overlying scalp abnormality, such as those found in the cerebellum, have been reported, but are extremely uncommon. We present a case of an 8-year-old boy with a left fronto-parietal "en coup de sabre" scalp lesion and describe the neuroimaging findings of a progressively enlarging left cerebellar lesion discovered incidentally on routine magnetic resonance imaging. Interestingly, the patient had no neurologic symptoms given the size of the mass identified.

Atypical Neuroimaging Manifestations of Linear Scleroderma “en coup de sabre”

PubMed Central

M. ALLMENDINGER, Andrew; A. RICCI, Joseph; S. DESAI, Naman; VISWANADHAN, Narayan; RODRIGUEZ, Diana

2015-01-01

Linear scleroderma “en coup de sabre” is a subset of localized scleroderma with band-like sclerotic lesions typically involving the fronto-parietal regions of the scalp. Patients often present with neurologic symptoms. On imaging, patients may have lesions in the cerebrum ipsilateral to the scalp abnormality. Infratentorial lesions and other lesions not closely associated with the overlying scalp abnormality, such as those found in the cerebellum, have been reported, but are extremely uncommon. We present a case of an 8-year-old boy with a left fronto-parietal “en coup de sabre” scalp lesion and describe the neuroimaging findings of a progressively enlarging left cerebellar lesion discovered incidentally on routine magnetic resonance imaging. Interestingly, the patient had no neurologic symptoms given the size of the mass identified. PMID:26401155

Thrombosis of the dorsal vein of the penis (Mondor’s Disease): A case report and review of the literature

PubMed Central

Nazir, Syed Sajjad; Khan, Muneer

2010-01-01

Superficial thrombophlebitis of the dorsal vein of the penis (penile Mondor’s Disease) is an important clinical diagnosis that every family practitioner should be able to recognize. Dorsal vein thrombosis is a rare disease with pain and induration of the dorsal part of the penis. The possible causes comprise traumatism, neoplasms, excessive sexual activity, or abstinence. The differential diagnosis must be established with Sclerotizing lymphangitis and peyronies disease and doppler ultrasound is the imaging diagnostic technique of choice. Proper diagnosis and consequent reassurance can help to dissipate the anxiety typically experienced by the patients with this disease. We describe the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of the superficial thrombophlebitis of the dorsal vein of the penis. PMID:21116369

Vertebral sclerosis in adults.

PubMed Central

Russell, A S; Percy, J S; Lentle, B C

1979-01-01

Narrowing of the intervertebral disc space with sclerosis of the adjacent vertebral bodies may occur as a consequence of infection, neoplasia, trauma, or rheumatic disease. Some patients have been described with backache and these radiological appearances without any primary cause being apparent. The lesions were almost always of 1 or, at most, 2 vertebrae and most frequently involved the inferior margin of L4. We describe 3 patients with far more extensive vertebral involvement and present the clinical, radiological, scintiscan, and histological findings. The only patient we have seen with the better known, isolated L4/5 lesion was shown on biopsy to have staphylococcal osteomyelitis. For this reason we would still recommend a biopsy of all such sclerotic vertebral lesions if they occur in the absence of other rheumatic disease. Images PMID:434941

Consensus on performing skin biopsies, laboratory workup, evaluation of tissue samples and reporting of the results in patients with suspected cutaneous graft-versus-host disease.

PubMed

Hillen, U; Häusermann, P; Massi, D; Janin, A; Wolff, D; Lawitschka, A; Greinix, H; Meyer, R; Ziemer, M

2015-05-01

Histopathological diagnosis including selection of lesions, the determination of the best point of time for biopsy and workup is not trivial in cutaneous graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). To develop interdisciplinary recommendations on performing, the laboratory work up and reporting of the results of skin biopsies in patients with suspected cutaneous GvHD. A working group consisting of dermatopathologists, dermatologists, transplant-physicians and transplant-pathologists prepared recommendations for performing skin biopsies, laboratory workup and evaluation of tissue samples, and reporting of the results in patients with cutaneous GvHD. After achieving a consensus within the working group, a survey that comprised the core issues of the recommendations was electronically sent out to 72 alloHSCT centres within Germany, Austria, and Switzerland and their Departments of Pathology. The answers were discussed in a Consensus Conference and final recommendations were established. Twenty-five centres responded to the clinical and 17 centres to the histopathological survey. Questions addressed to the clinicians comprised the indication for skin biopsy in chronic GvHD (cGvHD) and acute GvHD (aGvHD) and the appropriate point of time for skin biopsy. Eighty-eight per cent agreed that the skin biopsy is generally indicated in patients with suspected cGvHD lacking diagnostic features. In contrast, with suspected aGvHD, only 62% of respondents felt that skin biopsy was necessary even if GvHD had not been confirmed in another organ. Although restricted due to the fact that immunosuppression is often applied in an emergency setting most centres supported skin biopsies before initiation of topical or systemic immunosuppression. The majority of pathologists agreed that in non-sclerotic GvHD a punch biopsy is adequate, whereas in sclerotic GvHD a scalpel biopsy is preferred. While a consensus on the need for biopsies in cGvHD was reached the value of skin biopsies in aGvHD and subsequent biopsies during therapy requires further evaluation. © 2014 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.

Scleroderma and dentistry: Two case reports.

PubMed

Dixit, Shantanu; Kalkur, Chaithra; Sattur, Atul P; Bornstein, Michael M; Melton, Fred

2016-10-24

Scleroderma is a chronic connective tissue disorder with unknown etiology. It is characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix in the connective tissues causing vascular disturbances which can result in tissue hypoxia. These changes are manifested as atrophy of the skin and/or mucosa, subcutaneous tissue, muscles, and internal organs. Such changes can be classified into two types, namely, morphea (localized) and diffuse (systemic). Morphea can manifest itself as hemifacial atrophy (Parry-Romberg syndrome) although this remains debatable. Hence, we present a case of morphea, associated with Parry-Romberg syndrome, and a second case with the classical signs of progressive systemic sclerosis. Case one: A 20-year-old man of Dravidian origin presented to our out-patient department with a complaint of facial asymmetry, difficulty in speech, and loss of taste sensation over the last 2 years. There was no history of facial trauma. After physical and radiological investigations, we found gross asymmetry of the left side of his face, a scar on his chin, tongue atrophy, relative microdontia, thinning of the ramus/body of his mandible, and sclerotic lesions on his trunk. Serological investigations were positive for antinuclear antibody for double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid and mitochondria. A biopsy was suggestive of morphea. Hence, our final diagnosis was mixed morphea with Parry-Romberg syndrome. Case two: A 53-year-old woman of Dravidian origin presented to our out-patient department with a complaint of gradually decreasing mouth opening over the past 7 years. Her medical history was noncontributory. On clinical examination, we found her perioral, neck, and hand skin to be sclerotic. Also, her fingers exhibited bilateral telangiectasia. An oral examination revealed completely edentulous arches as well as xerostomia and candidiasis. Her serological reports were positive for antinuclear antibodies against centromere B, Scl-70, and Ro-52. A hand and wrist radiograph revealed acro-osteolysis of the middle finger on her right hand. Hence, our final diagnosis was progressive systemic sclerosis. Through this article, we have tried to emphasize the importance of a general examination when diagnosing rare systemic diseases such as scleroderma and the role of the general dentist when caring for such patients, even though they can be quite rare in general practice.

Three new and a known species of the genus Proleptonchus Lordello, 1955 (Nematoda: Leptonchidae) with a diagnostic compendium of the genus.

PubMed

Ahad, Sumaya; Ahmad, Wasim

2016-11-09

This paper deals with the description of three new and one known species of the genus Proleptonchus Lordello, 1955. Proleptonchus kazirangus n. sp. from Kaziranga National Park, India is characterized by having 1.08-1.45 mm long body; cap-like, offset, lip region; 7-8 µm long odontostyle and 10-12 µm long odontophore; short, pear-shaped pharyngeal bulb offset by a constriction, occupying about 18-21% of total neck length; female genital system mono-prodelphic; pars dilatata uteri with distinctly sclerotized central lumen containing refringent apophyses; posterior uterine sac 78-112 µm long, with sac-like structure representing a rudimentary oviduct; transverse vulva, short, rounded-conoid tail and males with 31-33 µm long spicules, lateral guiding pieces and seven, regularly spaced ventromedian supplements. P. prerectus n. sp. from Japan is characterized by having 1.18-1.43 mm long body; lip region cap-like, offset by a slight constriction; odontostyle 8 µm, odontophore 9-10 µm; short cylindroid basal bulb offset by a constriction, occupying about 16-20% of total neck length; female genital system mono-prodelphic; pars dilatata uteri with sclerotized refringent apophyses; posterior uterine sac small, 27-36 µm; transverse vulva; a prerectal chamber and short, rounded-hemispheroid tail. P. japonicus n. sp. also from Japan is characterized by having 0.91-1.04 mm long body; lip region cap-like, set off by a slight constriction; odontostyle 5 µm and odontophore 10-11 µm long; pharynx consists of a very slender, non-muscular anterior part, separated from pyriform basal bulb by a constriction, with thickened lumen in posterior region, occupying about 18-20% of total neck length; female genital system mono-prodelphic; posterior uterine sac small, 20-24 µm long; transverse vulva and short, rounded-conoid tail. P. shamimi Bajaj & Bhatti, 1980 is redescribed and its relationship with closely related species is discussed. A diagnostic compendium of all the valid species of Proleptonchus is also provided.

A Dieulafoy's lesion in a duodenal diverticulum. An infrequent cause of UGIB.

PubMed

de Benito Sanz, Marina; Cimavilla Román, Marta; Torres Yuste, Raúl

2018-04-01

We present the case of an 82-year-old man with a history of heart failure, mitral regurgitation, type 2 DM, hypertension, dilated cardiomyopathy and a paroxysmal atrial flutter. The patient was under treatment with Sintrom. The patient presented to the emergency department due to melenic depositions of a one day evolution and dietary vomiting. There was no rectal bleeding and the patient was admitted three months previously due to self-limited melena with a normal gastroscopy. Anemia of 8 g and an overdose of Sintrom was diagnosed. A gastroscopy was performed and a large duodenal diverticulum with a fresh clot was found that was washed. A Dieulafoy lesion was subsequently found underneath with jet bleeding, which was sclerotic with adrenaline and a hemoclip. There was a favorable evolution after correcting the coagulopathy.

Glomerulonephritis in the acute phase of Ross River virus disease (epidemic polyarthritis).

PubMed

Fraser, J R; Cunningham, A L; Muller, H K; Sinclair, R A; Standish, H G

1988-03-01

Hematuria and proteinuria were detected at the peak of symptoms in a case of Ross River virus (RRV) disease. No other infective cause was identified. A renal biopsy 28 days after the onset of nephritis showed mild mesangial proliferative changes and one segmental sclerotic lesion. Immunofluorescence showed widespread linear deposition of IgG in glomerular capillary walls with similar but weak staining for IgM, complement (C3) and fibrinogen; granular deposits of IgM and C3 in several arterioles; and IgM in a few mesangial cells. No electron-dense deposits were detected, nor was RRV antigen found in the renal tissue. Anti-glomerular basement membrane antibodies were not detected in the serum. Recovery from the renal disturbance was complete within three months although rheumatic symptoms persisted for 30 months.

New morphological data of Litomosoides chagasfilhoi (Nematoda: Filarioidea) parasitizing Nectomys squamipes in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

PubMed

Muniz-Pereira, Luís Cláudio; Gonçalves, Paula Araujo; Guimarães, Erick Vaz; Fonseca, Fábio de Oliveira; Santos, José Augusto Albuquerque Dos; Maldonado-Júnior, Arnaldo; Moraes, Antonio Henrique Almeida de

2016-01-01

Litomosoides chagasfilhoi, originally described by Moraes Neto, Lanfredi & De Souza (1997) parasitizing the abdominal cavity of the wild rodent, Akodon cursor (Winge, 1887), was found in the abdominal cavity of Nectomys squamipes (Brants, 1827), from the municipality of Rio Bonito, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. This study led to addition of new morphological data and a new geographical distribution for this filarioid in Brazil. Several characters were detailed and emended to previous records of L. chagasfilhoi in N. squamipes, and confirming the original description in A. cursor: buccal capsule longer than wide with walls thinner than the lumen, right spicule slightly sclerotized, with membranous distal extremity slender, with a small tongue-like terminal portion, left spicule with handle longer than the blade, whose edges form large membranous wings folded longitudinally.

Variation among Populations of Belonolaimus longicaudatus.

PubMed

Robbins, R T; Hirschmann, H

1974-04-01

Three North Carolina populations of Belonolairnus longicaudatus differed significantly from three Georgia populations in stylet measurements, the c ratio, the distance of the excretory pore from the anterior end for both sexes; the a ratio for females only; and the total body length, tail length, and spicule length for males only. The Georgia nematodes were stouter, and the females possessed sclerotized vaginal pieces. The distal portion of the spicules of North Carolina males had an indentation and hump lacking in those of the Georgia males. The haploid number of chromosomes was eight for males from all populations of B. longicaudatus and a North Carolina population of B. maritimus. Interpopulation matings of the Tarboro, N.C. and Tifton, Ga. populations indicated that the offspring produced were infertile. Morphological differences and reproductive isolation suggest that the North Carolina and the Georgia populations belong to different species.

Possibility of Aggravation of Tissue Sclerosis after Injection of Multipotent Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Near the Forming Cicatrix in the Experiment.

PubMed

Maiborodin, I V; Morozov, V V; Anikeev, A A; Figurenko, N F; Maslov, R V; Matveeva, V A; Chastikina, G A; Maiborodina, V I

2017-08-01

The peculiarities of tissue sclerosis after injection of autologous bone marrow multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells transfected with GFP gene and stained with Vybrant CM-Dil cell membrane dye were studied by light microscopy with luminescence. The surgical intervention consisting in ligation of the great vein was followed by tissue sclerotic transformation caused by direct damage and chronic inflammation caused by the presence of slowly resorbed ligature. Injection of stromal cells after this intervention led to formation of more extensive scar. This can attest to the possibility of stromal cells differentiation into connective tissue cells, fibroblasts, and stimulation of proliferation and collagen synthesis by host fibroblasts. A decrease in the volume of dense fibrous connective tissue due to scar reorganization at latter terms cannot not excluded.

German guidelines for the diagnosis and therapy of localized scleroderma.

PubMed

Kreuter, Alexander; Krieg, Thomas; Worm, Margitta; Wenzel, Jörg; Moinzadeh, Pia; Kuhn, Annegret; Aberer, Elisabeth; Scharffetter-Kochanek, Karin; Horneff, Gerd; Reil, Emma; Weberschock, Tobias; Hunzelmann, Nicolas

2016-02-01

Localized scleroderma designates a heterogeneous group of sclerotic skin disorders. Depending on the subtype, severity, and site affected, adjacent structures such as adipose tissue, muscles, joints, and bones may be involved. This is an update of the existing German AWMF (Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany) guidelines (classification: S2k). These guidelines provide an overview of the definition, epidemiology, classification, pathogenesis, laboratory workup, histopathology, clinical scoring systems, as well as imaging and device-based workup of localized scleroderma. Moreover, consensus-based recommendations are given on the management of localized scleroderma depending on its clinical subtype. Treatment recommendations are presented in a therapeutic algorithm. No financial support was given by any pharmaceutical company. The guidelines are valid until July 2019. © 2016 The Authors | Journal compilation © Blackwell Verlag GmbH, Berlin.

A new genus and species of entocytherid ostracod (Ostracoda: Entocytheridae) from the John Day River Basin of Oregon, U.S.A., with a key to genera of the subfamily Entocytherinae.

PubMed

Weaver, Patricia G; Williams, Bronwyn W

2017-06-07

Targeted sampling efforts by the authors for the signal crayfish, Pacifastacus leniusculus, from its native range in the John Day River Basin, Oregon, U.S.A. yielded entocytherid ostracods with a male copulatory complex so clearly different from other entocytherines that a new genus, Aurumcythere gen. nov. is proposed to receive them. This newly proposed, apparently nonsclerotized, genus with hook and spur-like prominences of the posteroventral end of the peniferum is the first new genus of the subfamily Entocytherinae named since Hobbs & Peters described Aphelocythere (= Waltoncythere) in 1977. Aurumcythere gen. nov. represents only the second genus of entocytherid known from the Pacific Northwest. Lack of sclerotization in Aurumcythere gen. nov. provides new insight into poorly understood mating behaviors of entocytherid ostracods.

Heptyl prodigiosin, a bacterial metabolite, is antimalarial in vivo and non-mutagenic in vitro.

PubMed

Lazaro, J Enrico H; Nitcheu, Josiane; Predicala, Rey Z; Mangalindan, Gina C; Nesslany, Fabrice; Marzin, Daniel; Concepcion, Gisela P; Diquet, Bertrand

2002-12-01

Heptyl prodigiosin was purified from a culture of alpha-proteobacteria isolated from a marine tunicate collected in Zamboanga, Philippines, as part of a program to screen natural products for antiparasitic activity. An in vitro antimalarial activity similar to that of quinine was found against the chloroquine-sensitive strain Plasmodium falciparum 3D7. The in vitro antimalarial activity was about 20 times the in vitro cytotoxic activity against L5178Y mouse lymphocytes. A single subcutaneous administration of 5 and 20 mg/kg significantly extended survival of P. berghei ANKA strain-infected mice but also caused sclerotic lesions at the site of injection. A single administration by gavage of 50 mg/kg did not increase survival time. The compound was not found to be mutagenic using in vitro micromethods for the Ames Salmonella typhimurium assay and the micronucleus assay using L5178Y mouse lymphoma cells.

Chronic Kidney Disease and Exposure to Nephrotoxic Metals

PubMed Central

Orr, Sarah E.; Bridges, Christy C.

2017-01-01

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common progressive disease that is typically characterized by the permanent loss of functional nephrons. As injured nephrons become sclerotic and die, the remaining healthy nephrons undergo numerous structural, molecular, and functional changes in an attempt to compensate for the loss of diseased nephrons. These compensatory changes enable the kidney to maintain fluid and solute homeostasis until approximately 75% of nephrons are lost. As CKD continues to progress, glomerular filtration rate decreases, and remaining nephrons are unable to effectively eliminate metabolic wastes and environmental toxicants from the body. This inability may enhance mortality and/or morbidity of an individual. Environmental toxicants of particular concern are arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury. Since these metals are present throughout the environment and exposure to one or more of these metals is unavoidable, it is important that the way in which these metals are handled by target organs in normal and disease states is understood completely. PMID:28498320

TC99m MDP bone scan in evaluation of painful scoliosis

PubMed Central

Nilegaonkar, Sujit; Sonar, Sameer; Ranade, Ashish; Khadilkar, Madhav

2010-01-01

A 18-year-old male presented with low back ache. The patient was investigated and was diagnosed to have painful scoliosis. X-ray and other examinations could not reveal any diagnosis. The patient was referred to undergo bone scan on clinical suspicion of osteoid osteoma and to rule out stress fracture if any. Planar bone scan was performed, which showed a lesion in L3 vertebra and was further evaluated with SPECT (Single photon emission computed tomography) study to characterize the lesion. On SPECT examination, the classical features of osteoid osteoma, the double density sign (11), was noted in the pars interarticularis region. These findings were confirmed by a CT scan, which showed a sclerotic lesion in pars interarticularis of L3 vertebra. The patient was posted for operation and was relieved of symptoms in the postoperative follow-up. PMID:21188068

A new genus and new species of Philippine stick insects (Insecta: Phasmatodea) and phylogenetic considerations.

PubMed

Gottardo, Marco

2011-07-01

Based on characters of both sexes, a new genus and species of the basal euphasmatodean lineage Aschiphasmatidae is described and figured from the Philippines. Dallaiphasma eximius gen. et sp. n. displays interesting features for the group, including: a cone-shaped vertex, which is notably raised above the pronotum; the tibial area apicalis represented by a depressed membranous posterior lateral region, and a strongly sclerotized central apical region; the euplantulae consisting of smooth-type attachment pads; the pretarsal claws pectination reduced to minute denticulations; and the well-differentiated boundary between the metanotum and the first abdominal tergum. The phylogenetic information content of the new findings is discussed. Furthermore, as a result of this study, the Aschiphasmatidae are newly recorded from Mindoro island, and now include five genera and six species of the Philippines. Copyright © 2011 Académie des sciences. Published by Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.

Case report 673: Telangiectic osteogenic sarcoma.

PubMed

Liu, S K; Thacher, C

1991-01-01

A case is presented of a telangiectatic osteogenic sarcoma involving the left third metatarsal of a 4-year-old male Great Dane dog. Radiographs revealed a diaphyseal, expanding, lytic lesion with minimal intralesional sclerosis and a sclerotic rim in the proximal portion. The lesion contained a large amount of blood. The biopsy specimens consisted of spaces which were outlined by fibrous osteoid or granulation tissue. There were islands of multinuclear giant cells and/or fibrous osteoid tissue. A diagnosis of aneurysmal bone cyst was made. The lesion was treated by curettage and insertion of cancellous bone graft but was progressive 10 weeks after treatment. The lesion was further curetted, and these biopsy specimens consisted of aneurysmally dilated spaces and areas of anaplastic sarcomatous cells with mitotic figures and osteoid production, characteristic of telangiectatic osteogenic sarcoma. The dog was euthanized as the owner requested; an autopsy was not performed.

Correlation between corneal thickness and optic disc morphology in normal tension glaucoma using modern technical analysis.

PubMed

Coman, Laurenţiu; Costescu, Monica; Alecu, Mihail; Coman, Oana Andreia

2014-01-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between central corneal thickness (CCT) and optic disc morphology in normal tension glaucoma (NTG). Patients with NTG underwent eye examination, optic disc imaging with Heildelberg Retina Tomograph II (HRT II) and ultrasound corneal pachymetry. The morphological parameters of the optic discs were used to classify the eyes into four groups: generalized enlargement (GE) type, myopic glaucomatous (MY) type, focal ischemic (FI) type and senile sclerotic (SS) type. A correlation between CCT and optic disc morphology obtained by HRT II was calculated. Multiple comparison and post hoc tests were performed in order to determine the significance of the differences between the four groups. The strongest correlation was between CCT and the parameters of optic disc imaging obtained at HRT II in the GE type of optic disc.

The composition of peptidochitodextrins from sarcophagid puparial cases

PubMed Central

Lipke, H.; Geoghegan, T.

1971-01-01

1. N-Bromosuccinimide cleaved proteins and pigments from fly puparia, increasing the chitin:protein ratio from 0.5 to 1.5. The product afforded subfractions (ratio 5:1) of molecular weights of 1200 and 1600 devoid of aromatic residues and N-terminal β-alanine, direct aryl links between polysaccharide chains being discounted. 2. The chitin–protein complex decreased in molecular weight when treated with Pronase, which suggested polypeptide bridges within the native chitin micelle. The limit dextrins generated by chitinase were mixtures of unsubstituted dextrins and peptidylated oligosaccharides, with the former predominating. 3. Peptidochitodextrins of similar molecular weight but markedly different solubility were prepared, which were indistinguishable with respect to amino acid, glucosamine, acetyl, X-ray or infrared characteristics. It is suggested that physical interactions contribute to the stability of the integument in addition to the covalent bonds that form during sclerotization. PMID:5145884

Insight into evolution of a giant congenital nevomelanocytic nevus over 14 years.

PubMed

Sathyanarayana, B D; Basavaraj, H B; Nischal, K C; Swaroop, M R; Lavanya, M S; Okram, Sarda

2014-01-01

Giant congenital nevomelanocytic nevus (GCNN) is a rare variant of congenital melanocytic nevus measuring >20 cm in size that often has a garment-like distribution. Regular follow up is recommended because of a risk of melanoma transformation of 4.6%. We report a 14-year-old boy with gradual regression of giant congenital melanocytic nevus over the left upper limb, chest, back and axilla, whom we have followed-up since birth. At birth, a hyperpigmented jet-black patch without hair was present over the left side of torso and upper limb including palms and nails. Follow up at the ages of 1, 5, 11 and 14 years showed progressive spontaneous regression of the nevus resulting in shiny atrophic skin, diffuse hypopigmentation, lentigo-like macules, nodules and arthrogryphosis of affected areas. Histopathology of the lesions on follow-up revealed absence of pigmented nevus cells in the regressing areas and thickened sclerotic collagen bundles.

Occupational scleroderma. A 17-year follow-up study.

PubMed

Ishikawa, O; Warita, S; Tamura, A; Miyachi, Y

1995-11-01

Two patients with a scleroderma-like disorder induced by epoxy resins were reported from the Department of Dermatology, Gunma University School of Medicine, Japan in 1980. Here, we describe the clinical and laboratory characteristics of these patients after 17 years' follow-up from 1976 to 1993. Their systemic manifestations and indurated sclerotic skin changes disappeared within 5 years. No internal organ involvement has developed during the period of follow-up. On routine laboratory tests, no abnormalities have been found in the peripheral blood or in the blood chemistry or serology. Histological examination revealed atrophy of the dermis and restoration of the normal pattern of fine collagen bundles, when compared with the previous skin biopsy specimens. This scleroderma-like disorder induced by epoxy resins is considered to be different from systemic sclerosis: it has an acute onset and a fairly good prognosis, and does not show involvement of the internal organs.

Neurologic Involvement in Scleroderma en Coup de Sabre

PubMed Central

Amaral, Tiago Nardi; Marques Neto, João Francisco; Lapa, Aline Tamires; Peres, Fernando Augusto; Guirau, Caio Rodrigues; Appenzeller, Simone

2012-01-01

Localized scleroderma is a rare disease, characterized by sclerotic lesions. A variety of presentations have been described, with different clinical characteristics and specific prognosis. In scleroderma en coup de sabre (LScs) the atrophic lesion in frontoparietal area is the disease hallmark. Skin and subcutaneous are the mainly affected tissues, but case reports of muscle, cartilage, and bone involvement are frequent. These cases pose a difficult differential diagnosis with Parry-Romberg syndrome. Once considered an exclusive cutaneous disorder, the neurologic involvement present in LScs has been described in several case reports. Seizures are most frequently observed, but focal neurologic deficits, movement disorders, trigeminal neuralgia, and mimics of hemiplegic migraines have been reported. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging have aided the characterization of central nervous system lesions, and cerebral angiograms have pointed to vasculitis as a part of disease pathogenesis. In this paper we describe the clinical and radiologic aspects of neurologic involvement in LScs. PMID:22319646

One-year outcomes of AquaLase cataract surgery.

PubMed

Yoo, Sonia H; Bhatt, Anand B

2007-01-01

The authors report surgical experience and clinical outcomes up to 1 year postoperatively in patients who underwent cataract surgery with the AquaLase liquefaction device (Alcon Laboratories, Fort Worth, TX). The device is a handpiece option for use with Alcon's Infiniti Vision System that uses heated balanced saline solution micropulses to liquefy lenticular material. Twenty-seven eyes of 23 patients underwent cataract extraction with the use of the AquaLase liquefaction device. The average age of participants was 68 years, and the average nuclear sclerotic grade was 1.96 on a 4-point scale. Outcomes were judged by metrics such as visual acuity, inflammation, endothelial cell count, and postoperative posterior capsule opacification. At 30 days postoperatively, 78% of eyes had a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/20. Visual acuity was 20/25 or better 1 year postoperatively in 88% of patients without complications except conversion to ultrasound phacoemulsification for two dense cataracts.

Ligophorus pilengas n. sp. (Monogenea: Ancyrocephalidae) from the introduced So-iuy mullet, Mugil soiuy (Teleostei: Mugilidae), in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.

PubMed

Sarabeev, Volodimir Leonidovich; Balbuena, Juan Antonio

2004-04-01

The monogenean Ligophorus chabaudi was originally described on the gills of the flathead mullet, Mugil cephalus, and was subsequently reported on the So-iuy mullet, Mugil soiuy. However, the morphology of sclerotized parts and multivariate statistical analyses suggest that the form from the So-iuy mullet represents a new species. This study provides a description of the new species Ligophorus pilengas n. sp. and provides additional morphological data concerning the morphology of the ventral bar that might be useful for the diagnosis of Ligophorus. Ligophorus pilengas n. sp. is the second species of Ligophorus reported on the So-iuy mullet. Zoogeographical records indicate that L. pilengas n. sp. was probably introduced to the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov from the western Pacific Ocean together with its host.

Erythrodiplax ana sp. nov. (Odonata: Libellulidae) from Brazilian palm swamps.

PubMed

Guillermo-Ferreira, Rhainer; Vilela, Diogo S; Del-Claro, Kleber; Bispo, Pitágoras C

2016-08-29

Erythrodiplax ana sp. nov. (male holotype, six male and three female paratypes), collected in Vereda wetlands (a unique Neotropical savanna environment) in Uberlândia (Minas Gerais) and Chapada dos Guimarães (Mato Grosso), Brazil, is described and illustrated. The new species fits in Borror's Basalis Group, and can be distinguished from other species by the combination of the following traits: blue pruinosity dorsally on thorax and third to eighth abdominal segments; sides of the thorax olive-green; face ivory or olive-green; wings hyaline with a small apical brown spot on all four wings, well defined in females; male genitalia with sclerotized erectile posterior lobe and inflatable sac-like median process. Last instar larvae were reared in the laboratory, resulting in the description of the larva. We also followed this population for 13 months and present resulting biological notes and comments on ontogenetic color change in males, as well as longevity.

Periosteal ganglion: a report of three new cases including MRI findings and a review of the literature.

PubMed

Okada, K; Unoki, E; Kubota, H; Abe, E; Taniwaki, M; Morita, M; Sato, K

1996-02-01

To clarify the clinicopathological features of periosteal ganglion. Three patients with periosteal ganglion were studied clinicopathologically. One patient was selected from the files of our institute and two from a consultation file. All three lesions were located over the medial aspect of the tibia. Plain radiographs showed cortical erosions of varying degrees and mild periosteal reaction of the medial side of the tibia. MR images demonstrated well-circumscribed lesions overlying the cortical bone of the tibia, shown as low-intensity areas on T1-weighted images. On T2-weighted images, lesions were homogeneous, lobulated, and showed a characteristic markedly increased signal intensity. These findings are helpful in making a diagnosis of periosteal ganglion. Each patient had an uneventful clinical course after an excision involving the wall of the ganglion, the adjoining periosteum, and the underlying sclerotic cortical bone.

Optical changes of dentin in the near-IR as a function of mineral content

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berg, Rhett A.; Simon, Jacob C.; Fried, Daniel; Darling, Cynthia L.

2017-02-01

The optical properties of human dentin can change markedly due to aging, friction from opposing teeth, and acute trauma, resulting in the formation of transparent or sclerotic dentin with increased mineral density. The objective of this study was to determine the optical attenuation coefficient of human dentin tissues with different mineral densities in the near-infrared (NIR) spectral regions from 1300-2200 nm using NIR transillumination and optical coherence tomography (OCT). N=50 dentin samples of varying opacities were obtained by sectioning whole extracted teeth into 150 μm transverse sections at the cemento-enamel junction or the apical root. Transillumination images were acquired with a NIR camera and attenuation measurements were acquired at various NIR wavelengths using a NIR sensitive photodiode. Samples were imaged with transverse microradiography (gold standard) in order to determine the mineral density of each sample.

Cytogenetic study of a pulmonary sclerosing hemangioma.

PubMed

Pareja, María J; Vargas, María T; Sánchez, Ana; Ibáñez, José; González-Cámpora, Ricardo

2009-11-01

Pulmonary sclerosing hemangioma (PSH) is an uncommon benign tumor that presents as a solitary asymptomatic and slow-growing nodule. It occurs in both young and old persons; peak incidence is in the fifth decade. Both sexes are affected by this tumor, but women more frequently than men. On histological examination, PSH shows prominent sclerotization and vascularization of the tissue. Recent studies conclude that PSH derives from type II pneumocytes, but the potential for progression and histogenesis remains controversial. We report a case of pulmonary sclerosing hemangioma in a 61-year-old woman with a neoplastic node 1 cm in diameter. The karyotype was 46,XX,t(8;18),der(14;15),+14 in all the cells analyzed. PTEN (10q23) and IgH (14q32) probes were analyzed in interphase nuclei and paraffin-embedded tissues of tumor cells. These chromosome abnormalities could provide information about the relationship of genetic changes to the biological properties of sclerosing hemangioma tumors.

New species of Orientatractis (Nematoda: Atractidae), new species of Rondonia (Nematoda: Atractidae) and other helminths in Austrochaperina basipalmata (Anura: Microhylidae) from Papua New Guinea.

PubMed

Bursey, Charles R; Goldberg, Stephen R; Kraus, Fred

2014-03-01

Two new nematode species, Orientatractis hamabatrachos sp. nov. and Rondonia batrachogena sp. nov. (Nematoda: Atractidae), from the gastrointestinal tract of Austrochaperina basipalmata (Anura: Microhylidae) collected in Papua New Guinea are described. Orientatractis hamabatrachos sp. nov. is characterized by the presence of the cephalic end armed with 4 wellsclerotized structures, consisting of 2 "horns" extending outward and downward and immediately below a single well-sclerotized spine. It differs from 5 congeners in spicule lengths and caudal papillae arrangements. Rondonia batrachogena sp. nov. is characterized by the presence of a female cloaca. It differs from 2 congeners primarily in body size. Orientatractis hamabatrachos sp. nov. and Rondonia batrachogena sp. nov. represent the first species assigned to either genus found to infect anurans or to occur in the Australo-Papuan region.

Intra-puparial development of the black soldier-fly, Hermetia illucens.

PubMed

Barros-Cordeiro, Karine Brenda; Báo, Sônia Nair; Pujol-Luz, José Roberto

2014-01-01

The intra-puparial development of the black soldier-fly, Hermetia illucens (L.) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), was studied based on 125 pupae under controlled conditions in laboratory. The 6(th) instar larvae were reared until they stopped feeding, and the prepupae were separated according to the reduction in larval length and degree of pigmentation and sclerotization of the cuticle. The pupal stage lasted eight days (192 hours). The process of pupation (larva/pupa apolysis) occurred in the first six hours, extroversion of the head and thoracic appendages took place between the ninth and 21(st) hours, and the pharate appeared 21 hours after completing pupation. After pupariation, four morphological phases of intra-puparial development were observed and described. This is an open access paper. We use the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license that permits unrestricted use, provided that the paper is properly attributed.

Neoliberalism, "globalization," unemployment, inequalities, and the welfare state.

PubMed

Navarro, V

1998-01-01

This analysis of "neoliberalism" and its economic and social consequences is presented in six sections. Section I begins by describing the impact of neoliberal public policies on economic growth and inflation, on business profits and business investments, on productivity, on business credit, on unemployment and social inequalities, on social expenditures, and on poverty and family debt. The author shows that, except in the area of business profits and control of inflation, neoliberal policies have not proved superior to those they replaced. Section II deals with unemployment and social polarization in the developed capitalist countries. The author criticizes some of the theories put forward to explain these social problems, such as the introduction of new technologies and globalization of the economy, and suggests that a primary reason for these problems is the implementation of neoliberal policies. Section III challenges the widely held neoliberal perception that the U.S. economy is highly efficient and the E.U. economies are "sclerotic" due to their "excessive" welfare states and "rigid" labor markets. The author shows that the U.S. economy is not so dynamic, nor the E.U. economies so sclerotic. Some developed countries with greater social protection and more regulated labor markets are shown to be more successful than the United States in producing jobs and lowering unemployment. The reasons for the growing polarization in developed capitalist countries, rooted in political rather than economic causes, are discussed in section IV--especially the enormous power of the financial markets and their influence on international agencies and national governments, and the weakness of the labor movements, both nationally and internationally. Section V questions the major theses of globalization. The author shows that rather than globalization of commerce and investments, we are witnessing a regionalization of economic relations stimulated by political considerations. He also analyzes the globalization of capital finance, criticizing the thesis that capital markets are determining public policies. The economic determinism that underlies the globalization position is questioned, uncovering the importance of political explanations for understanding major social problems such as unemployment. Finally, section VI shows that neoliberal public policies on the deregulation of labor markets are creating enormous instability in the labor force, worsening the living conditions of the majority of the populations.

WE-H-207A-05: Spatial Co-Localization of F-18 NaF Vs. F-18 FDG Defined Disease Volumes

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

Ferjancic, P; Harmon, S; Jeraj, R

Purpose: Both [F-18]NaF and [F-18]FDG show promise for quantitative PET/CT assessment in metastatic prostate cancer to bone. Broad agreement between the tracers has been shown but voxel-wise correspondence has not been explored in depth. This study evaluates the spatial co-localization of [F-18]NaF PET and [F-18]FDG PET in bone lesions. Methods: Seventy-three lesion contours were identified in six patients receiving dynamic NaF PET/CT and FDG PET/CT scans two hours apart using identical fields-of-view. Tracer uptake (SUV) reflecting 60 minutes post-injection was modeled from kinetic parameters. Lesions were segmented by a physician separately on NaF PET and FDG PET. PET images weremore » rigidly aligned using skeletal references on CT images. Lesion size, degree of overlap, voxel-wise tracer uptake values (SUV), and CT density distributions were compared using Dice coefficient, Positive Predictive Value (PPV), and Spearman rank correlation tests. Results: Across all patients, 42 lesions were identified on NaF PET (median 1.4 cm{sup 3}, range <1–204 cm{sup 3}) compared to 31 using FDG PET (median 1.8 cm{sup 3}, range <1–244 cm{sup 3}). Spatial cooccurrence was found in 25 lesion pairs. Lesions on NaF PET had PPV of 0.91 and on FDG a PPV of 0.65. Overall, NaF-defined lesions were 47% (±24%) larger by volume with moderate overlap to FDG, resulting in mean Dice coefficient of 34% (±22%). In areas of overlap, voxel-wise correlation of NaF and FDG SUV was moderate (ρ=0.56). Expanding to regions of non-spatial overlap, voxels contained in FDG-only contours were almost exclusively low HU (median 118), compared to dense regions of NaF-only voxels (median 250). In sclerotic sub-volumes (HU > 300) NaF-defined contours encompassed 83% of total FDG volume. Conclusion: Moderate voxel-wise correlation of FDG and NaF PET/CT uptake was observed. Spatial discrepancies in FDG and NaF PET/CT imaging of boney metastases could be influenced by poor sensitivity of FDG PET/CT in sclerotic regions. Funded by Prostate Cancer Foundation.« less

Tuberculous Dactylitis with Concomitant Thyroid Involvement: A Rare Presentation of Childhood Tuberculosis.

PubMed

Qamar, Sobia; Naz, Farrah; Naz, Samia; Ejaz, Iftikhar

2017-03-01

Extrapulmonary tuberculosis rarely presents as thyroid involvement along with other manifestations, and poses a diagnostic challenge on account of paucibacillary nature of disease. In general, the diagnosis of tuberculosis is based on epidemiological risk factors, clinical features, imaging studies, in addition to a positive skin testing or Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA). A 14-year boy presented with history of fever and weight loss for one year. On examination, he had painful swelling of fingers and toes along with a painless thyroid nodule and squint. Hand X-ray showed lytic-sclerotic lesions in phalanges. MRI of brian showed multiple ring enhancing lesions and radionuclide thyroid scan showed multinodular goitre. Histology showed epithelioid cell granulomas (thyroid and bone) and tuberculomas of brain confirmed tuberculosis. He responded well to four-drug anti-tuberculous therapy and his fever, squint, thyroid nodule, and dactylitis disappeared. Tuberculosis of thyroid, a rare phenomenon, can be diagnosed and treated well; if clinical index of suspicion is kept high, particularly in tuberculosis prevalent areas.

Intraosseous neurilemmoma of the mandible: report of a rare ancient type.

PubMed

Jahanshahi, Gholamreza; Haghighat, Abbas; Azmoodeh, Faezeh

2011-01-01

The neurilemmoma is a benign neoplasm of Schwann cell origin. One of the histopathologic subtypes of this tumor is ancient schwannoma which is characterized by degenerative alterations including cystic change, calcification, hemorrhage, and hyalinization.Intraosseous schwannomas especially ancient ones are rare tumors. Here we present a case of intraosseous ancient schwannoma in the lower jaw of an 11-year-old girl which caused a non-tender expansion. Radiographic examination showed a well-circumscribed, unilocular radiolucent lesion with thin sclerotic borders in the mandibular body and the ramus. Histopathologic examination of the incisional biopsy showed areas of typical Antoni A with verocay bodies and Antoni B that was strongly suggestive of a schwannoma. Complete excision of the lesion was done under general anesthesia. The histopathologic examination confirmed the primary diagnosis and also degenerative changes such as hyalinization and calcification. Based on these findings, the diagnosis of ancient schwannoma was made. No recurrence was observed in the follow-up examination after 3 months.

Late-Stage Erythema Elevatum Diutinum Mimicking a Fibroblastic Tumor: A Potential Pitfall.

PubMed

Llamas-Velasco, Mar; Stengel, Berhard; Pérez-González, Yosmar Carolina; Mentzel, Thomas

2018-06-01

Erythema elevatum diutinum (EED) is a rare dermatosis with evolving histopathological features that vary according to the age of the lesions, with a variable fibrosis and a fascicled proliferation of spindle cells in late phases. The authors present an otherwise healthy 57-year-old woman with multiple indurated nodules on the inner aspect of both feet. Skin biopsy showed storiform interlacing bundles of spindled cells with plump nuclei and some areas with neutrophils and leukocytoclasia. CD34 and S100 were negative. This case is noteworthy clinically due to its location and its histopathological presentation that comprises a wide differential diagnosis, including inflammatory pseudotumor, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, superficial nodular fasciitis, hyalinized leiomyoma, sclerosing spindle cell perineuroma, and sclerotic fibroma. The authors have reviewed the main histopathological and immunohistochemical features that help in the differential diagnosis of this rare variant of EED. A careful search for leukocytoclasia and neutrophilic vasculitis is mandatory to establish the right diagnosis of nodular or late-stage EED and avoid the pitfall of considering this a neoplastic process.

Morphology of the European species of the aphid genus Eulachnus (Hemiptera: Aphididae: Lachninae) - A SEM comparative and integrative study.

PubMed

Kanturski, Mariusz; Karcz, Jagna; Wieczorek, Karina

2015-09-01

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) methods were used for the first time to elucidate the external morphology of the European species of the genus Eulachnus (Hemiptera: Aphididae: Lachninae), a representative genus of the conifer-feeding aphids tribe Eulachnini. We examined and compared the external morphology of apterous and alate viviparous females from the parthenogenetic generation as well as oviparous females and alate males belonging to the sexual generation. FE-SEM images based on HMDS and cryo-SEM preparation techniques revealed better image quality than the CPD technique in regard to surface tension and morphological signs of cell deteriorations (i.e., existence of depressions, drying artifacts and membrane blebs). Three morphologically different species groups "agilis", "brevipilosus" and "cembrae" were proposed due to the differences in head, antennae, legs and dorsal chaetotaxy as well as dorsal sclerotization. The most characteristic features and differences of representatives of these groups are presented and discussed. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Platelet interactions in thrombosis.

PubMed

Andrews, Robert K; Gardiner, Elizabeth E; Shen, Yang; Berndt, Michael C

2004-01-01

Patho/physiological platelet aggregate (thrombus) formation is initiated by engagement of platelet surface receptors, glycoprotein (GP)Ib-IX-V and GPVI that bind von Willebrand factor or collagen. Although beneficial in response to vascular injury by preventing blood loss (haemostasis), platelet aggregation in a sclerotic coronary artery or other diseased blood vessel (thrombosis) can cause thrombotic diseases like heart attack and stroke. At the molecular level, ligand interactions with GPIb-IX-V or GPVI trigger signalling responses, including elevation of cytosolic Ca2+, dissociation of calmodulin from their cytoplasmic domains, cytoskeletal actin-filament rearrangements, activation of src-family kinases or PI 3-kinase, and 'inside-out' activation of the integrin, alphaIIbbeta3 (GPIIb-llla), that binds von Willebrand factor or fibrinogen and mediates platelet aggregation. Furthermore, emerging evidence supports a topographical co-association of these receptors of the leucine-rich repeat family (GPIb-IX-V) and immunoglobulin superfamily (GPVI) in an adhesive cluster or 'adhesosome'. This arrangement may underlie common mechanisms of initiating thrombus formation in haemostasis or thrombotic disease.

[Morphologic festures of cardiac lesions in rheumatoid arthritis].

PubMed

Kop'eva, T N

1976-11-01

Morphological examinations of the heart in cases of articulo-visceral rheumatoid arthritis revealed in 20 of the 35 conducted observations certain changes attributable to the underlying disease. The following groups of changes were revealed: 1) endocarditis; 2) myocarditis; 3) pericarditis; 4) rheumatoid nodules; 5) valvular sclerosis and mural endocarditis; 6) cardiosclerosis; 7) amyloidosis; 8) coronaritis and coronary sclerosis; 9) adhesions in the pericardial cavity. The severity of cardiac leasion in rheumatoid arthritis is determined by the involvement of the serosa into the pathological process. Inflammatory and sclerotic changes in the myocardium are predimonantly of a subepicardial and subendocardial nature, usually non-accompanied by any clear clinical symptoms, or taking a latent course. Rheumatoid nodules typical of rheumatoid arthritis, and deposits of amyloid masses in the walls of the coronary arteries are noted rarely. Changes in the heart are observed mostly in "septic", subacute rheumatoid arthritis and in Still's disease. Cardiac lesions in rheumatoid arthritis are connected with microcirculatory disorders caused by immunopathological processes.

Capillaria plectropomi n. sp. (Nematoda: Capillariidae), a new intestinal parasite of the leopard coral grouper Plectropomus leopardus (Serranidae) off New Caledonia

PubMed Central

Moravec, František; Justine, Jean-Lou

2014-01-01

A new nematode species, Capillaria plectropomi n. sp. (Capillariidae), is described from the intestine of the leopard coral grouper Plectropomus leopardus (Lacepède) from coral reefs off New Caledonia. The new species, belonging to the subgenus Neocapillaria Moravec, 1987, differs from other congeneric species of this subgenus from marine fishes mainly in the length (168–186 μm), shape and structure of the spicule. It is characterized, in the male, by the presence of two well-developed dorsolateral caudal lobes, a pair of lateral papillae, a heavily sclerotized spicule with many rough transverse grooves in the middle part, a spinose spicular sheath, and in the female, by eggs measuring 60–66 × 27 μm without protruding polar plugs. The buccal cavity contains a small finger-shaped stylet. Capillaria plectropomi n. sp. is the first known species of this genus parasitizing fishes of the perciform family Serranidae. PMID:25531932

Scleroderma en coup de sabre with recurrent episodes of brain hemorrhage.

PubMed

Takahashi, Takehiro; Asano, Yoshihide; Oka, Tomonori; Miyagaki, Tomomitsu; Tamaki, Zenshiro; Nonaka, Senshu; Sato, Shinichi

2016-02-01

We report a 39-year-old man referred to our facility with linear sclerotic lesions along the several Blaschko's lines of the scalp. A year before the referral, he had had an episode of brain hemorrhage, although there was no evidence of vascular malformation or any other risk factors of brain hemorrhage for his young age. On the diagnosis of scleroderma en coup de sabre, prednisolone intake was initiated, and the skin lesions were well controlled. However, in the course of our follow up, he had another episode of brain hemorrhage, again without any evidence of cerebral vascular abnormalities. Organic intracranial abnormalities in this disease are well-documented, but there have been few reports on comorbid recurrent brain hemorrhages. We herein discuss the possible relationship of the skin lesions with the brain hemorrhages in our case, taking notice of the implication of developmental abnormalities behind these apparently independent phenomena inside and outside the cranium. © 2015 Japanese Dermatological Association.

A new genus with six new species of Typhlopolycystidinae Evdonin, 1977 (Platyhelminthes, Kalyptorhynchia, Polycystididae).

PubMed

Schockaert, Ernest R; Martens, Paul M; Revis, Nathalie; Janssen, Toon; Willems, Wim; Artois, Tom J

2014-01-22

Five new species of the new taxon Brunetorhynchus n. gen. are described: B. deconincki n. sp., B. microstylis n. sp. and B. complicatus n. sp. are from the Mediterranean, B. canariensis n. sp. is from the Canary Island Lanzarote, B. cannoni n. sp. is from the Australian East coast and one species from the Galapagos, formerly described as Limipolycystis spec., is transferred to the new genus as B. dubius n. sp.. As in Limipolycystis, these species have a single stylet, (accessory stylet type II), an accessory secretion vesicle (type II) and a prostate vesicle (type III) in the male atrium, although the latter vesicle is absent in some species. Unlike the species of Limipolycystis, where the seminal receptacle is a sclerotized tubule, the species of the new taxon have a pear-shaped seminal receptacle on the oviduct. 

Hidradenocarcinoma: A Rare Sweat Gland Neoplasm Presenting as Small Turban Tumor of the Scalp.

PubMed

Asati, Dinesh P; Brahmachari, Swagata; Kudligi, Chandramohan; Gupta, Chandramohan

2015-01-01

Hidradenocarcinomas are very rare malignant sweat gland tumors that possess an infiltrative and/or low metastatic potential. Here we describe an interesting case of hidradenoma on the fronto-parietal region of the scalp of an elderly female, part of which had developed carcinomatous changes, infiltrating up to the pericranium. She developed intense itching, pain, spontaneous ulceration and rapid increase in the size of the tumor correlating with the expression of malignant behavior of the neoplasm. An initial incision biopsy suggested features of benign poroid hidradenoma, while the histology from the excised tumor exhibited a fairly well circumscribed epithelial neoplasm in dermis consisting of interconnected nodules as well as differentiated ducts, the neoplastic cells showing mild pleomorphism of nuclei, mitotic figures and abundant pale cytoplasm. Clefts, sclerotic stroma and foci of necrosis en mass were also seen. The final diagnosis was a well differentiated and slow growing hidradenocarcinoma. The tumor recurred locally despite total excision.

Hidradenocarcinoma: A Rare Sweat Gland Neoplasm Presenting as Small Turban Tumor of the Scalp

PubMed Central

Asati, Dinesh P; Brahmachari, Swagata; Kudligi, Chandramohan; Gupta, Chandramohan

2015-01-01

Hidradenocarcinomas are very rare malignant sweat gland tumors that possess an infiltrative and/or low metastatic potential. Here we describe an interesting case of hidradenoma on the fronto-parietal region of the scalp of an elderly female, part of which had developed carcinomatous changes, infiltrating up to the pericranium. She developed intense itching, pain, spontaneous ulceration and rapid increase in the size of the tumor correlating with the expression of malignant behavior of the neoplasm. An initial incision biopsy suggested features of benign poroid hidradenoma, while the histology from the excised tumor exhibited a fairly well circumscribed epithelial neoplasm in dermis consisting of interconnected nodules as well as differentiated ducts, the neoplastic cells showing mild pleomorphism of nuclei, mitotic figures and abundant pale cytoplasm. Clefts, sclerotic stroma and foci of necrosis en mass were also seen. The final diagnosis was a well differentiated and slow growing hidradenocarcinoma. The tumor recurred locally despite total excision. PMID:26288440

Spinal Nerve Root Haemangioblastoma Associated with Reactive Polycythemia

PubMed Central

Law, Eric K. C.; Lee, Ryan K. L.; Griffith, James F.; Siu, Deyond Y. W.; Ng, Ho Keung

2014-01-01

Haemangioblastomas are uncommon tumours that usually occur in the cerebellum and, less commonly, in the intramedullary spinal cord. The extramedullary spinal canal is an uncommon location for these tumours. Also haemangioblastoma at this site is not known to be associated with polycythemia. We present the clinical, imaging, and histological findings of an adult patient with extramedullary spinal haemangioblastoma and reactive polycythemia. Radiography and computed tomography (CT) revealed a medium-sized tumour that most likely arose from an extramedullary spinal nerve root. This tumour appeared to be slow growing as evidenced by the accompanying well-defined bony resorption with a sclerotic rim and mild neural foraminal widening. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed prominent flow voids consistent with tumoural hypervascularity. CT-guided biopsy was performed. Although preoperative angiographic embolisation was technically successful, excessive intraoperative tumour bleeding necessitated tumour debulking rather than complete tumour resection. Histology of the resected specimen revealed haemangioblastoma. Seven months postoperatively, the patients back pain and polycythemia have resolved. PMID:25431722

Severe florid cemento-osseous dysplasia: a case report treated conservatively and literature review.

PubMed

Sarmento, Dmitry José de Santana; Monteiro, Bárbara Vanessa de Brito; de Medeiros, Ana Miryam Costa; da Silveira, Ericka Janine Dantas

2013-03-01

Florid cemento-osseous dysplasia (FCOD) has been described as a condition that characteristically affects the jaws of middle-aged black women. Radiographically, FCOD appears as dense, lobulated masses, often symmetrically located in various regions of the jaws. FCOD is usually asymptomatic. In severe cases, focal expansion may occur due to infection. Management of the symptomatic patient is more difficult due to the avascular nature of the lesion which contributes to susceptibility severe infection, bone sequestration, and osteomyelitis when surgery is performed. This paper presents a rare case of severe FCOD; the black woman patient was diagnosed based on clinical and radiographic findings and treated conservatively. The examination of panoramic radiographs revealed a multiple sclerotic masses with radiolucent borders, found in the mandible and maxilla which were symmetrical at presentation. The patient continuous with the follow-up. This report confirms that a diagnosis can be made with accurate clinical and radiographic assessment. The correct selection of treatment for FCOD depends on this information.

New Insights into Therapeutic Strategies for the Treatment of Peritoneal Fibrosis: Learning from Histochemical Analyses of Animal Models

PubMed Central

Kitamura, Mineaki; Nishino, Tomoya; Obata, Yoko; Ozono, Yoshiyuki; Koji, Takehiko; Kohno, Shigeru

2014-01-01

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is a fatal complication that can occur in patients undergoing long-term peritoneal dialysis. It is characterized by bowel obstruction and marked sclerotic thickening of the peritoneal membrane. Although the mechanisms underlying the development of EPS are complex, angiogenesis, inflammation, and peritoneal fibrosis are known to be essential factors. Now, several animal models that exhibit EPS have pathophysiology similar to that of human EPS and have been proposed for use in research to provide insights into it. Recent histochemical methods also help us to understand the pathophysiology of EPS. Advances in basic research based on the findings in those animal models have enabled the development of several strategies for the prevention and treatment of EPS. We describe here interventional studies in some animal models for peritoneal fibrosis, one of the histological disorders findings characteristic to EPS, and we highlight the need for a sophisticated animal model that closely resembles human conditions. PMID:25392567

Novel medical imaging technologies for disease diagnosis and treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olego, Diego

2009-03-01

New clinical approaches for disease diagnosis, treatment and monitoring will rely on the ability of simultaneously obtaining anatomical, functional and biological information. Medical imaging technologies in combination with targeted contrast agents play a key role in delivering with ever increasing temporal and spatial resolution structural and functional information about conditions and pathologies in cardiology, oncology and neurology fields among others. This presentation will review the clinical motivations and physics challenges in on-going developments of new medical imaging techniques and the associated contrast agents. Examples to be discussed are: *The enrichment of computer tomography with spectral sensitivity for the diagnosis of vulnerable sclerotic plaque. *Time of flight positron emission tomography for improved resolution in metabolic characterization of pathologies. *Magnetic particle imaging -a novel imaging modality based on in-vivo measurement of the local concentration of iron oxide nano-particles - for blood perfusion measurement with better sensitivity, spatial resolution and 3D real time acquisition. *Focused ultrasound for therapy delivery.

Intraosseous Neurilemmoma of the Mandible: Report of a Rare Ancient Type

PubMed Central

Jahanshahi, Gholamreza; Haghighat, Abbas; Azmoodeh, Faezeh

2011-01-01

The neurilemmoma is a benign neoplasm of Schwann cell origin. One of the histopathologic subtypes of this tumor is ancient schwannoma which is characterized by degenerative alterations including cystic change, calcification, hemorrhage, and hyalinization. Intraosseous schwannomas especially ancient ones are rare tumors. Here we present a case of intraosseous ancient schwannoma in the lower jaw of an 11-year-old girl which caused a non-tender expansion. Radiographic examination showed a well-circumscribed, unilocular radiolucent lesion with thin sclerotic borders in the mandibular body and the ramus. Histopathologic examination of the incisional biopsy showed areas of typical Antoni A with verocay bodies and Antoni B that was strongly suggestive of a schwannoma. Complete excision of the lesion was done under general anesthesia. The histopathologic examination confirmed the primary diagnosis and also degenerative changes such as hyalinization and calcification. Based on these findings, the diagnosis of ancient schwannoma was made. No recurrence was observed in the follow-up examination after 3 months. PMID:22013479

Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma With Sclerosing Features: An Uncommon and Potentially Aggressive Variant.

PubMed

Ronen, Shira; Gru, Alejandro A; Noland, Mary M; Rowe, David M; Wick, Mark R

2018-05-08

Sclerosing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), also known as "desmoplastic" SCC, is a rare subtype of cutaneous malignancy. This variant is clinically significant because it is associated with an increased risk of local recurrence and metastasis. We herein present 16 examples of sclerotic SCC of the skin in 8 men and 3 women, with a median age of 66 years. The most common site of origin for this tumor is the skin of the head and neck, including the scalp (5 tumors in 2 different patients), forehead (3 cases), nasal ala (2 cases), neck (2 cases in the same patient), ear (2 cases), cheek (1 case), and chest (1 case). Microscopically, sclerosing SCCs are characterized by cellular cords, nests, and islands, as well as scattered single cells infiltrating densely desmoplastic and collagenized connective tissue. The differential diagnosis principally includes sclerosing basal cell carcinoma, microcystic adnexal carcinoma, and desmoplastic trichoepithelioma. The main goals of this study are to further characterize these lesions pathologically, and increase general awareness of this SCC subtype.

Modic changes in lumbar spine: prevalence and distribution patterns of end plate oedema and end plate sclerosis.

PubMed

Xu, Lei; Chu, Bin; Feng, Yang; Xu, Feng; Zou, Yue-Fen

2016-01-01

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the distribution of end plate oedema in different types of Modic change especially in mixed type and to analyze the presence of end plate sclerosis in various types of Modic change. 276 patients with low back pain were scanned with 1.5-T MRI. Three radiologists assessed the MR images by T1 weighted, T2 weighted and fat-saturation T2 weighted sequences and classified them according to the Modic changes. Pure oedematous end plate signal changes were classified as Modic Type I; pure fatty end plate changes were classified as Modic Type II; and pure sclerotic end plate changes as Modic Type III. A mixed feature of both Types I and II with predominant oedematous signal change is classified as Modic I-II, and a mixture of Types I and II with predominant fatty change is classified as Modic II-I. Thus, the mixed types can further be subdivided into seven subtypes: Types I-II, Types II-I, Types I-III, Types III-I, Types II-III, Types III-II and Types I-III. During the same period, 52 of 276 patients who underwent CT and MRI were retrospectively reviewed to determine end plate sclerosis. (1) End plate oedema: of the 2760 end plates (276 patients) examined, 302 end plates showed Modic changes, of which 82 end plates showed mixed Modic changes. The mixed Modic changes contain 92.7% of oedematous changes. The mixed types especially Types I-II and Types II-I made up the majority of end plate oedematous changes. (2) End plate sclerosis: 52 of 276 patients were examined by both MRI and CT. Of the 520 end plates, 93 end plates showed Modic changes, of which 34 end plates have shown sclerotic changes in CT images. 11.8% of 34 end plates have shown Modic Type I, 20.6% of 34 end plates have shown Modic Type II, 2.9% of 34 end plates have shown Modic Type III and 64.7% of 34 end plates have shown mixed Modic type. End plate oedema makes up the majority of mixed types especially Types I-II and Types II-I. The end plate sclerosis on CT images may not just mean Modic Type III but does exist in all types of Modic changes, especially in mixed Modic types, and may reflect vertebral body mineralization rather than change in the bone marrow. End plate oedema and end plate sclerosis are present in a large proportion of mixed types.

Biomineralizations: insights and prospects from crustaceans

PubMed Central

Luquet, Gilles

2012-01-01

Abstract For growing, crustaceans have to molt cyclically because of the presence of a rigid exoskeleton. Most of the crustaceans harden their cuticle not only by sclerotization, like all the arthropods, but also by calcification. All the physiology of crustaceans, including the calcification process, is then linked to molting cycles. This means for these animals to find regularly a source of calcium ions quickly available just after ecdysis. The sources of calcium used are diverse, ranging from the environment where the animals live to endogenous calcium deposits cyclically elaborated by some of them. As a result, crustaceans are submitted to an important and energetically demanding calcium turnover throughout their life. The mineralization process occurs by precipitation of calcium carbonate within an organic matrix network of chitin-proteins fibers. Both crystalline and stabilized amorphous polymorphs of calcium carbonate are found in crustacean biominerals. Furthermore, Crustacea is the only phylum of animals able to elaborate and resorb periodically calcified structures. Notably for these two previous reasons, crustaceans are more and more extensively studied and considered as models of choice in the biomineralization research area. PMID:22536102

First report of an hypopus (Acari: Hypoderatidae) from a jaeger (Aves: Charadriiformes: Stercorariidae)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Pence, Danny B.; Cole, Rebecca A.

1995-01-01

Thalassornectes (Alcidectes) aukletae, originally described from two species of auklets (Charadriiformes: Alcidae) from maritime eastern Russia, is reported from a third species of pelagic charadriiform (Stercorariidae), the pomarine jaeger, Stercorarius poinarinus (Temminck), from Florida. The specimens from the jaeger are slightly smaller, the genital apodeme is more heavily sclerotized, paired setae gm are twice as long and there are other minor variations in the idiosomal and leg chaetotaxy. These differences are not considered sufficient to warrant taxonomic separation at the species or subspecies level from the nominate species T. (A.) aukletae. The same hypopus occurring across different families of birds is unusual in the Hypoderatidae. The diversity in hosts from several orders of birds, low intensities of infection in the two species from Africa, low prevalences in alcids from Russia, and rarity of these hypoderatids in all surveyed hosts leads us to speculate that the true host affinities of species in the genus Thalassornectes are unknown. The alternative consideration is that these are simply uncommon species that are very host specific.

Cutaneous Chronic Graft Versus Host Disease Following Allogeneic Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Children: A Retrospective Study.

PubMed

Shreberk-Hassidim, Rony; Neumark, Michal; Greenberger, Shoshana; Goldstein, Gal; Hassidim, Ayal; Dukler, Yuval; Maly, Alexander; Stepensky, Polina; Molho-Pessach, Vered

2018-02-07

Chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD) is a complication of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The aim of this study was to clinically characterize childhood cutaneous cGVHD. A retrospective study of children treated with HSCT at 2 tertiary medical centres in Israel between 2011 and 2014 was performed. A total of 112 children were included. Cutaneous cGVHD developed in 18% of subjects. Risk factors were older age, HSCT from peripheral blood and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. The eruption was lichenoid in 90% of subjects, of whom one-third progressed to sclerosis. Topical treatments were usually sufficient in localized disease. Widespread eruption necessitated phototherapy, extracorporeal photopheresis and/or systemic immunosuppressants. Patients presenting with palmoplantar keratoderma, developed sclerosis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study describing childhood cutaneous cGVHD. Lichenoid eruption is the most common cutaneous pattern of cGVHD in children. Sclerotic changes may be associated with prior keratoderma. cGVHD poses a therapeutic challenge and better treatments should be sought.

Structural biomechanics determine spectral purity of bush-cricket calls.

PubMed

Chivers, Benedict D; Jonsson, Thorin; Soulsbury, Carl D; Montealegre-Z, Fernando

2017-11-01

Bush-crickets (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) generate sound using tegminal stridulation. Signalling effectiveness is affected by the widely varying acoustic parameters of temporal pattern, frequency and spectral purity (tonality). During stridulation, frequency multiplication occurs as a scraper on one wing scrapes across a file of sclerotized teeth on the other. The frequency with which these tooth-scraper interactions occur, along with radiating wing cell resonant properties, dictates both frequency and tonality in the call. Bush-cricket species produce calls ranging from resonant, tonal calls through to non-resonant, broadband signals. The differences are believed to result from differences in file tooth arrangement and wing radiators, but a systematic test of the structural causes of broadband or tonal calls is lacking. Using phylogenetically controlled structural equation models, we show that parameters of file tooth density and file length are the best-fitting predictors of tonality across 40 bush-cricket species. Features of file morphology constrain the production of spectrally pure signals, but systematic distribution of teeth alone does not explain pure-tone sound production in this family. © 2017 The Authors.

Structural biomechanics determine spectral purity of bush-cricket calls

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Bush-crickets (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) generate sound using tegminal stridulation. Signalling effectiveness is affected by the widely varying acoustic parameters of temporal pattern, frequency and spectral purity (tonality). During stridulation, frequency multiplication occurs as a scraper on one wing scrapes across a file of sclerotized teeth on the other. The frequency with which these tooth–scraper interactions occur, along with radiating wing cell resonant properties, dictates both frequency and tonality in the call. Bush-cricket species produce calls ranging from resonant, tonal calls through to non-resonant, broadband signals. The differences are believed to result from differences in file tooth arrangement and wing radiators, but a systematic test of the structural causes of broadband or tonal calls is lacking. Using phylogenetically controlled structural equation models, we show that parameters of file tooth density and file length are the best-fitting predictors of tonality across 40 bush-cricket species. Features of file morphology constrain the production of spectrally pure signals, but systematic distribution of teeth alone does not explain pure-tone sound production in this family. PMID:29187608

Redescription of the orb-weaving spider Gasteracantha geminata (Fabricius, 1798) (Araneae, Araneidae).

PubMed

Sankaran, Pradeep M; Jobi, Malamel J; Sebastian, Pothalil A

2015-02-02

The orb-weaving spider genus Gasteracantha Sundevall, 1833 (Araneidae) is notable for its pronounced sexual size dimorphism. Gasteracantha females are characterized by having a highly sclerotized "spiny" abdomen varying in relative size and number of spines, as well as abdomen dorsally and ventrally provided with varying numbers of sigillae (Cambridge 1879). The genus currently includes 70 described species and 31 subspecies (World Spider Catalog 2014). The Oriental species Gasteracantha geminata (Fabricius, 1798) was originally described from Ramnad (now known as Ramanathapuram) in Tamilnadu State of Southern India based on an unspecified number of female specimen(s). The female of this species has been described and illustrated several times by various authors. Its male is only known from the description of Simon (1895). Simon's original description of the male of G. geminata was supported by two simple but beautiful and informative illustrations: a retrolateral view of the cephalothorax and a dorsal view of the abdomen (Simon 1895, figs. 886, 887). However we lack a clear and detailed description of the male genitalia. The present paper provides detailed redescription of G. geminata and illustrations of the male pedipalp. 

Incidental detection of prostate-specific antigen-negative metastatic prostate cancer initially presented with solitary pulmonary nodule on fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography

PubMed Central

Erdogan, Ezgi Basak; Buyukpinarbasili, Nur; Ziyade, Sedat; Akman, Tolga; Turk, Haci Mehmet; Aydin, Mehmet

2015-01-01

A 71-year-old male patient with solitary pulmonary nodule underwent fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) showing slightly increased FDG uptake in this nodule. In addition, PET/CT detected hypermetabolic sclerotic bone lesions in the right second rib and 7th thoracic vertebrae, which were interpreted as possible metastases, and mildly increased FDG uptake in the prostate gland highly suspicious of malignancy. The patient's prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level was within normal range (3.8 ng/dL). The histopathological examination of the lung nodule and right second rib lesion proved metastases from prostate cancer, then the prostate biopsy-confirmed prostate adenocarcinoma. The unique feature of this case is to emphasize the importance of performing PET/CT for solitary pulmonary nodule in detecting PSA-negative metastatic prostate cancer. This case indicated that it should be kept in mind that, even if the PSA is negative, a lung metastasis of prostate cancer may be an underlying cause in patients evaluated for solitary pulmonary nodule by FDG PET/CT. PMID:26170575

Analytical practice: do the new technologies have an impact?

PubMed

Favero, Davide; Candellieri, Stefano

2017-06-01

Through commentary on four clinical vignettes, this article focuses on the anthropological transformations taking place in contemporary society, underlining their differences from the anthropologies of reference of the founding fathers of psychoanalysis. Hybridization between man and machine and the speeding up and alteration of communications which the new technologies promote are now crucial issues facing psychoanalysis. Social media and a 24/7 internet connection have produced deep changes in the way people live and perceive relationships. Analytical practice is not exempt from such issues, which can be particularly insidious, often subtle and difficult to recognize, or even underestimated or ignored by psychoanalysts outright, in order to preserve the illusion of a complete understanding of what unfolds in the analytical space. The authors suggest that such transformations, by (partially) rendering inadequate the theoretical and technical corpus on which the various depth psychologies are founded, require personal engagement on the part of psychoanalysts in the search for new strategies to treat their patients, with the consequent abandonment of the 'certainties' offered by sclerotic models of clinical procedure. © 2017, The Society of Analytical Psychology.

Re-evaluation of insect melanogenesis research: Views from the dark side.

PubMed

Whitten, Miranda M A; Coates, Christopher J

2017-07-01

Melanins (eumelanin and pheomelanin) are synthesized in insects for several purposes including cuticle sclerotization and color patterning, clot formation, organogenesis, and innate immunity. Traditional views of insect immunity detail the storage of pro-phenoloxidases inside specialized blood cells (hemocytes) and their release upon recognition of foreign bodies. Activated phenoloxidases convert monophenols into reactive quinones in a two-step enzymatic reaction, and until recently, the mechanism of tyrosine hydroxylation remained a mystery. Herein, we present our interpretations of these enzyme-substrate complexes. The resultant melanins are deposited onto the surface of microbes to immobilize, agglutinate, and suffocate them. Phenoloxidase activity and melanin production are not limited to the blood (hemolymph) or cuticle, as recent evidence points to more diverse, sophisticated interactions in the gut and with the resident symbionts. This review offers insight into the somewhat neglected areas of insect melanogenesis research, particularly in innate immunity, its role in beneficial insects such as pollinators, the functional versatility of phenoloxidases, and the limitations of common experimental approaches that may impede progress inadvertently. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Degenerative changes of the canine cervical spine after discectomy procedures, an in vivo study.

PubMed

Grunert, Peter; Moriguchi, Yu; Grossbard, Brian P; Ricart Arbona, Rodolfo J; Bonassar, Lawrence J; Härtl, Roger

2017-06-23

Discectomies are a common surgical treatment for disc herniations in the canine spine. However, the effect of these procedures on intervertebral disc tissue is not fully understood. The objective of this study was to assess degenerative changes of cervical spinal segments undergoing discectomy procedures, in vivo. Discectomies led to a 60% drop in disc height and 24% drop in foraminal height. Segments did not fuse but showed osteophyte formation as well as endplate sclerosis. MR imaging revealed terminal degenerative changes with collapse of the disc space and loss of T2 signal intensity. The endplates showed degenerative type II Modic changes. Quantitative MR imaging revealed that over 95% of Nucleus Pulposus tissue was extracted and that the nuclear as well as overall disc hydration significantly decreased. Histology confirmed terminal degenerative changes with loss of NP tissue, loss of Annulus Fibrosus organization and loss of cartilage endplate tissue. The bony endplate displayed sclerotic changes. Discectomies lead to terminal degenerative changes. Therefore, these procedures should be indicated with caution specifically when performed for prophylactic purposes.

Origins and activation of prophenoloxidases in the digestive tract of the cricket, Gryllus bimaculatus.

PubMed

Joseph, Woodring

2014-10-01

The function of Phenoloxidases (POs) in sclerotization and defense in insects is well understood, but little is known concerning their occurrence, origins, and function in the digestive tract. In Gyrllus bimaculatus gut all of the PO activity is found in the lumen of the digestive tract, and no detectible activity is found in homogenates of the gut epithelium or secretions from incubated epithelial tissues. Prophenoloxidases (PPOs) are synthesized in the hemocytes of  Bombyx mori and are transported into the cuticle. It is suggested that the PPOs in the caecal lumen of G. bimaculatus likewise are synthesized in hemocytes and are transported by unknown means into the caecal lumen, where they are activated to POs by trypsin. Peristalsis transports the POs both forward into the crop and posterior within the peritrophic membrane into the hind gut. The PPOs in the hemolymph consist of a trimer (270-280 kDa) and a tetramer (340-370 kDa). The active POs in the gut lumen consist of a monomer (85-95 kDa) in addition to an activated trimer and tetramer. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Primary Glomerulonephritis with Unique C4d Deposition and Concurrent Non-infectious Intermediate Uveitis: a Case Report and Literature Review

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

C4 glomerulopathy is a recently introduced entity that presents with bright C4d staining and minimal or absent immunoglobulin and C3 staining. We report a case of a 62-year-old man with C4 glomerulonephritis (GN) and uveitis. He presented to the nephrology department with proteinuria and hematuria. The patient also had intermediate uveitis along with proteinuria and hematuria. A kidney biopsy that was performed in light of continuing proteinuria and hematuria showed a focal proliferative, focal sclerotic glomerulopathy pattern on light microscopy, absent staining for immunoglobulin or C3 by immunofluorescence microscopy, with bright staining for C4d on immunohistochemistry, and electron-dense deposits on electron microscopy. Consequently, C4 GN was suggested as the pathologic diagnosis. Although laser microdissection and mass spectrometry for glomerular deposit and pathologic evaluation of the retinal tissue were not performed, this is the first report of C4 GN in Korea and the first case of coexisting C4 GN and uveitis in the English literature. PMID:29713256

Kankuamo, a new theraphosid genus from Colombia (Araneae, Mygalomorphae), with a new type of urticating setae and divergent male genitalia

PubMed Central

Perafán, Carlos; Galvis, William; Gutiérrez, Miguel; Pérez-Miles, Fernando

2016-01-01

Abstract A new monotypic Theraphosidae genus, Kankuamo Perafán, Galvis & Pérez-Miles, gen. n., is described from Colombia, with a new type of urticating setae. These setae differ from others principally by having a small distal oval patch of lanceolate reversed barbs. Males of Kankuamo gen. n. additionally differ by having a palpal bulb organ very divergent from all known species, with many conspicuous keels dispersed across the median tegulum to the tip, mostly with serrated edges. Females differ by having spermathecae with a single notched receptacle, with two granulated lobes and several irregular sclerotized longitudinal striations. The new urticating setae, type VII, is characterized, illustrated and its releasing mechanism is discussed. It is hypothesized that these setae are the first in Theraphosinae subfamily whose release mechanism is by direct contact. Kankuamo gen. n. is described and illustrated on the basis of the type species Kankuamo marquezi Perafán, Galvis & Gutiérrez, sp. n., and their remarkable characteristics, morphological affinities and cladistic relationship are analyzed. PMID:27551189

Practical use of imaging technique for management of bone and soft tissue tumors.

PubMed

Miwa, Shinji; Otsuka, Takanobu

2017-05-01

Imaging modalities including radiography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are necessary for the diagnosis of bone and soft tissue tumors. The history of imaging began with the discovery of X-rays in the 19th century. The development of CT, MRI, ultrasonography, and positron emission tomography (PET) have improved the management of bone and soft tissue tumors. X-ray imaging and CT scans enable the evaluation of bone destruction, periosteal reaction, sclerotic changes in lesions, condition of cortical bone, and ossification. MRI enables the assessment of tissue characteristics, tumor extent, and the reactive areas. Functional imaging modalities including 201 thallium ( 201 Tl) scintigraphy can be used to differentiate benign lesions from malignant lesions and to assess chemotherapeutic effects. Real-time assessment of soft tissue tumors by ultrasonography enables accurate and safe performance of surgery and biopsy. This article describes useful imaging modalities and characteristic findings in the management of bone and soft tissue tumors. Copyright © 2017 The Japanese Orthopaedic Association. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Lateral periodontal cysts arising in periapical sites: a report of two cases.

PubMed

Nikitakis, Nikolaos G; Brooks, John K; Melakopoulos, Ioannis; Younis, Rania H; Scheper, Mark A; Pitts, Mark A; Al-Mubarak, Hussain; Sklavounou, Alexandra

2010-10-01

The lateral periodontal cyst is an uncommon odontogenic developmental lesion and chiefly arises in the alveolar bone between the roots of a pair of erupted teeth or lateral to a tooth root. Two atypical cases of the lateral periodontal cyst occurring in periapical sites are reported. Both lesions presented as an incidental radiographic finding, appearing as an apical radiolucency with well-circumscribed sclerotic borders. One lesion, initially suspected to be of pulpal origin, persisted after endodontic therapy; the other case was first considered to be an odontogenic keratocyst. A biopsy was performed on each patient for lesional identity. Histopathologic assessment of each lesion was consistent with a lateral periodontal cyst and revealed thin, nonkeratinized epithelial linings containing nodular plaques and clear cells. The cyst walls were thickened and had minimal inflammation. The featured cases show that the lateral periodontal cyst is not always confined to the interradicular region and can masquerade as a lesion of endodontic origin. Aberrant cases warrant long-term surveillance. Copyright © 2010 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Current treatment strategy in malignant pleural effusion].

PubMed

Türler, A; Walter, M; Schmitz-Rixen, T

1996-01-01

Malignant pleural effusions are a grave consequence of advanced cancer disease. The successful suppression of pleural fluid reaccumulation can make a major contribution to the management and palliative care of patients with disseminated cancer. Many treatment concepts have been reported in the literature. The recommended therapy in malignant pleural effusions consists of intrapleural instillation of a sclerotic agent to produce pleurodesis. Different substances have been used, including tetracyclines, cytostatic agents, fibrin, talc, Corynebacterium parvum, cytokines and others. We reviewed the most frequently used techniques of pleurodesis in order to define the most effective treatment concept. In 15 prospective randomized trials the success rates varied from 13% with bleomycin to 100% with talc or Corynebacterium parvum. Talc was superior to other agents in 6 of 6, Corynebacterium parvum in 3 of 4 and bleomycin or tetracycline only in 3 of 8 studies. Adverse effects were frequently observed with cytostatic agents, but were very rare in the case of talc or fibrin instillation. Comparing the recently published data pleurodesis with talc appears to be the most effective treatment strategy, followed by Corynebacterium parvum, bleomycin and tetracycline.

Localized scleroderma.

PubMed

Kreuter, Alexander

2012-01-01

Localized scleroderma (also called morphea) is a term encompassing a spectrum of sclerotic autoimmune diseases that primarily affect the skin, but also might involve underlying structures such as the fat, fascia, muscle, and bones. Its exact pathogenesis is still unknown, but several trigger factors in genetically predisposed individuals might initially lead to an immunologically triggered release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, resulting in a profound dysregulation of the connective tissue metabolism and ultimately to induction of fibrosis. To date, there are no specific serological markers available for localized scleroderma. Within the last years, several validated clinical scores have been introduced as potential outcome measures for the disease. Given the rarity of localized scleroderma, only few evidence-based therapeutical treatment options exist. So far, the most robust data is available for ultraviolet A1 phototherapy in disease that is restricted to the skin, and methotrexate alone or in combination with systemic corticosteroids in more severe disease that additionally affects extracutaneous structures. This practical review summarizes relevant information on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical subtypes and classifications, differential diagnoses, clinical scores and outcome measures, and current treatment strategies of localized scleroderma. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Eudorylaimus kahaqensis sp. n. (Nematoda: Dorylaimida: Qudsianematidae), an interesting new species from Iran.

PubMed

Kazemi, E; Niknam, G; Jabbari, H; PeÑa-Santiago, R

2018-01-02

A new species of the genus Eudorylaimus is described from Kahaq region, Maragheh, East Azarbaijan province in Iran. Eudorylaimus kahaqensis sp. n. is characterized by its 1.40-1.75 mm long body, lip region nearly continuous and 17-21 µm wide and bearing a weakly sclerotized but distinct cephalic framework, cheilostom broad and with convex walls, odontostyle 21-23 µm long with aperture occupying 33-44% of its length, presence of a dorsal coelomocyte a short distance behind the nerve ring, neck 347-397 µm long, DN rather posterior (66-70%), pharyngeal expansion 162-205 µm or occupying 45-53% of total neck length, presence a dorsal cell mass at level of pharyngo-intestinal junction, V = 48-52, caudal region conical elongate (50-73 µm, c = 24-30, c' = 1.9-2.6 in females; 45-68 µm, c = 22-32, c' = 1.7-2.3 in males) and regularly curved ventrad with large hyaline portion, spicules 48-55 µm long and 7-9 irregularly spaced ventromedian supplements lacking hiatus.

A possible case of Garre's sclerosing osteomyelitis from Medieval Tuscany (11th-12th centuries).

PubMed

Giuffra, Valentina; Vitiello, Angelica; Giusiani, Sara; Caramella, Davide; Fornaciari, Gino

2015-12-01

Archaeological excavations carried out at the castle of Monte di Croce near Florence brought to light a small cemetery complex belonging to the castle church, dated back to the 11th-12th centuries. An elite stone tomb contained the skeletal remains of a male aged 35-45 years with obvious pathology of the right tibia. The proximal metaphysis and the upper half of the diaphysis appear massively enlarged as a result of severe chronic periostitis. A transverse section illustrates complete obliteration of the medullary cavity by new spongy bone, with some large cavitations. The primary, but completely remodeled tibial shaft is still recognizable. This finding and the strong sclerotic reaction with some central cavitations rule out any form of bone tumor and indicate a chronic inflammatory disease. The morphological and radiological picture and the tibial localization suggest a diagnosis of chronic sclerosing osteomyelitis of Garré, a rare form of chronic osteomyelitis characterized by an intense periosteal reaction with little or no suppuration. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Imaging of metal bioaccumulation in hay-scented fern (Dennstaedtia punctilobula) rhizomes growing on contaminated soils by laser ablation ICP-MS.

PubMed

Koelmel, Jeremy; Amarasiriwardena, Dulasiri

2012-09-01

Understanding Pb removal from the translocation stream is vital to engineering Pb hyperaccumulation in above ground organs, which would enhance the economic feasibility of Pb phytoextraction technologies. We investigated Cu, Pb, Sb and Zn distributions in Hay-scented fern (Dennstaedtia punctilobula) rhizomes on shooting range soils by laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), analyzing digested rhizomes, stems, and fronds using ICP-MS. Nutrients Cu and Zn concentrated in fronds while toxic elements Pb and Sb did not, showing potential Pb and Sb sequestration in the rhizome. Frond and rhizome concentration of Pb was 0.17 ± 0.10% and 0.32 ± 0.21% of dry biomass, respectively. The 208Pb/13C and 121Sb/13C determined by LA-ICP-MS increased from inner sclerotic cortex to the epidermis, while Pb concentrated in the starchy cortex only in contaminated sites. These results suggest that concentration dependent bioaccumulation in the rhizome outer cortex removes Pb from the vascular transport stream. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Chromoblastomycosis

PubMed Central

de Hoog, Sybren; Santos, Daniel Wagner C. L.; Salgado, Claudio Guedes; Vicente, Vania Aparecida; Bonifaz, Alexandro; Roilides, Emmanuel; Xi, Liyan; Azevedo, Conceição de Maria Pedrozo e Silva; da Silva, Moises Batista; Pana, Zoe Dorothea; Colombo, Arnaldo Lopes; Walsh, Thomas J.

2016-01-01

SUMMARY Chromoblastomycosis (CBM), also known as chromomycosis, is one of the most prevalent implantation fungal infections, being the most common of the gamut of mycoses caused by melanized or brown-pigmented fungi. CBM is mainly a tropical or subtropical disease that may affect individuals with certain risk factors around the world. The following characteristics are associated with this disease: (i) traumatic inoculation by implantation from an environmental source, leading to an initial cutaneous lesion at the inoculation site; (ii) chronic and progressive cutaneous and subcutaneous tissular involvement associated with fibrotic and granulomatous reactions associated with microabscesses and often with tissue proliferation; (iii) a nonprotective T helper type 2 (Th2) immune response with ineffective humoral involvement; and (iv) the presence of muriform (sclerotic) cells embedded in the affected tissue. CBM lesions are clinically polymorphic and are commonly misdiagnosed as various other infectious and noninfectious diseases. In its more severe clinical forms, CBM may cause an incapacity for labor due to fibrotic sequelae and also due to a series of clinical complications, and if not recognized at an early stage, this disease can be refractory to antifungal therapy. PMID:27856522

Pimecrolimus 1% cream for anogenital lichen sclerosus in childhood

PubMed Central

Boms, Stefanie; Gambichler, Thilo; Freitag, Marcus; Altmeyer, Peter; Kreuter, Alexander

2004-01-01

Background Lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory disease with a predilection of the anogenital region. Because of the potential side effects of repeated local application of potent glucocorticosteroids, equally-effective, safer therapeutic options are required, especially in the treatment of children. Case presentations We report on the efficacy of twice-daily application of pimecrolimus 1% cream in four prepubertal girls (range of age: 4 to 9 years) who suffered from anogenital lichen sclerosus. After three to four-month treatment, all patients had almost complete clinical remission including relief from itch, pain and inflammation. Only minor improvement was observed for the white sclerotic lesions. No significant side effects have been observed. Conclusions Topical pimecrolimus appears to be an effective and safe treatment for children with anogenital lichen sclerosus. The clinical benefits observed in the four patient presented particularly include relief of pruritus, pain and inflammation. Vehicle-controlled studies on a larger number of patients are now warranted to substantiate our promising findings, and to investigate long-term efficacy and safety of topical pimecrolimus in anogenital lichen sclerosus. PMID:15485581

Development of a new technique for pedicle screw and Magerl screw insertion using a 3-dimensional image guide.

PubMed

Kawaguchi, Yoshiharu; Nakano, Masato; Yasuda, Taketoshi; Seki, Shoji; Hori, Takeshi; Kimura, Tomoatsu

2012-11-01

We developed a new technique for cervical pedicle screw and Magerl screw insertion using a 3-dimensional image guide. In posterior cervical spinal fusion surgery, instrumentation with screws is virtually routine. However, malpositioning of screws is not rare. To avoid complications during cervical pedicle screw and Magerl screw insertion, the authors developed a new technique which is a mold shaped to fit the lamina. Cervical pedicle screw fixation and Magerl screw fixation provide good correction of cervical alignment, rigid fixation, and a high fusion rate. However, malpositioning of screws is not a rare occurrence, and thus the insertion of screws has a potential risk of neurovascular injury. It is necessary to determine a safe insertion procedure for these screws. Preoperative computed tomographic (CT) scans of 1-mm slice thickness were obtained of the whole surgical area. The CT data were imported into a computer navigation system. We developed a 3-dimensional full-scale model of the patient's spine using a rapid prototyping technique from the CT data. Molds of the left and right sides at each vertebra were also constructed. One hole (2.0 mm in diameter and 2.0 cm in length) was made in each mold for the insertion of a screw guide. We performed a simulated surgery using the bone model and the mold before operation in all patients. The mold was firmly attached to the surface of the lamina and the guide wire was inserted using the intraoperative image of lateral vertebra. The proper insertion point, direction, and length of the guide were also confirmed both with the model bone and the image intensifier in the operative field. Then, drilling using a cannulated drill and tapping using a cannulated tapping device were carried out. Eleven consecutive patients who underwent posterior spinal fusion surgery using this technique since 2009 are included. The screw positions in the sagittal and axial planes were evaluated by postoperative CT scan to check for malpositioning. The screw insertion was done in the same manner as the simulated surgery. With the aid of this guide the pedicle screws and Magerl screws could be easily inserted even at the level where the pedicle seemed to be very thin and sclerotic on the CT scan. Postoperative CT scan showed that there were no critical breaches of the screws. This method employing the device using a 3-dimensional image guide seems to be easy and safe to use. The technique may improve the safety of pedicle screw and Magerl screw insertion even in difficult cases with narrow sclerotic pedicles.

[Multicenter study on present status of diagnosis and treatment of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome in children].

PubMed

2014-07-01

To investigate the treatment of multi-center hospitalized children with steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) retrospectively. The Subspecialty Group of Nephrology, The Society of Pediatrics, Chinese Medical Association organized 35 hospitals to investigate children with primary SRNS from 2008 to 2011. By filling in the questionnaire, data including age, gender, clinical type, related examination, pathology and treatment in local hospitals were collected, and then statistical analysis was performed. A total of 35 hospitals participated in this survey, 577 patients were enrolled, their age was from 8 months to 18 years. The male to female ratio was 2: 1. School-age children accounted for 33.3% (n = 194). Clinical types were mostly simple nephrotic syndrome, which accounted for 60.5% (n = 349) and nephritis nephrotic syndrome accounted for 39.5% ( n = 228). The incidences of different types of NS were significantly different between 2008 and 2011 (χ(2) = 10.751, P = 0.001). There were 306 cases of infants who received renal biopsy. Renal pathology showed that 40 of them had mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (MsPNG), 17 focal segmental glomerulo- sclerosis (FSGS), 9 membranous nephropathy (MN), 9 minimal change disease (MCD), 8 minor lesions, 3 endocapillary proliferative glomerulonephritis (EnPGN) , 2 membrano-proliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN), 2 sclerotic glomerulonephritis and 2 podocyte lesions in 2008. Otherwise there were 53 MsPGN, 35 FSGS, 25 minor lesions, 23 MCD, 13 MN, 5 MPGN, 3 podocyte lesions, 2 EnPGN, 1 sclerotic glomerulonephritis. Since the evidence-based guidelines had been issued in 2011, 209 cases were treated with adequate-dose prednisone therapy > 4 weeks program. Eighty-seven children with nephrotic syndrome whose urinary protein could not be turned negative after 4 weeks' glucocorticoid treatment were treated with high-dose methylprednisolone for 1 course. Thirty-eight of these children got negative urinary protein after the pulse therapy. Tacrolimus and cyclosporine treatment of SRNS significantly increased compared with 2008 (19.5% vs. 9.1% and 29.0% vs. 22.1% respectively). The most commonly used immunosuppressant was cyclophosphamide pulse therapy (56.5% vs. 58.1%). The situation of SRNS children with immunosuppression in two years was not statistically significant (χ(2) = 10.027, P > 0.05). This study presented the current status of the diagnosis and treatment of SRNS of children in China. For children with nephrotic syndrome whose urinary protein cannot be turned negative after 4 weeks' glucocorticoid treatment, the best choice is to provide them with high-dose methylprednisolone pulse treatment for 1 course. Currently the treatment of SRNS diversifies, in which hormones and immunosuppressants are the main choices, and cyclophosphamide pulse therapy is still the preferred choice. However, according to different renal pathological types and different indications, choice of immunosuppressants remains to be further studied and standardized.

Male genital mutilation in the high-mountain goblin spider, Unicorn catleyi.

PubMed

Izquierdo, Matías A; Rubio, Gonzalo D

2011-01-01

Male genital mutilation is a common mechanism by which males reduce sperm competition by plugging female insemination ducts with different parts of its own genital system. This behavior is frequent in many spider families but is uncommon in Haplogynae. The reproductive biology of Dysderoidea is not well studied and the data is fragmentary; male genital mutilation has been reported only for one species of Oonopidae. This study provides evidence of male genital mutilation in Unicorn catleyi Platnick and Brescovit (Araneae: Oonopidae). Pieces of the embolus were found in the female posterior receptaculum. This behavior is a strategy used by the males in order to guarantee their paternity and not for escape from female attacks as has been reported for other species of Araneae, since cannibalism is unlikely in this species. The presence of embolus in the posterior receptaculum suggests this is the first place where sperm is received. The similarity of the female genitalia of U. catleyi to those of Orsolobidae, along with sclerotization of the seminal duct in the male copulatory bulb that is also present in Orchestina, Xiombarg, and Orsolobidae, provide strong evidence of the basal position of this genus in the family Oonopidae.

Male Genital Mutilation in the High-Mountain Goblin Spider, Unicorn catleyi

PubMed Central

Izquierdo, Matías A.; Rubio, Gonzalo D.

2011-01-01

Male genital mutilation is a common mechanism by which males reduce sperm competition by plugging female insemination ducts with different parts of its own genital system. This behavior is frequent in many spider families but is uncommon in Haplogynae. The reproductive biology of Dysderoidea is not well studied and the data is fragmentary; male genital mutilation has been reported only for one species of Oonopidae. This study provides evidence of male genital mutilation in Unicorn catleyi Platnick and Brescovit (Araneae: Oonopidae). Pieces of the embolus were found in the female posterior receptaculum. This behavior is a strategy used by the males in order to guarantee their paternity and not for escape from female attacks as has been reported for other species of Araneae, since cannibalism is unlikely in this species. The presence of embolus in the posterior receptaculum suggests this is the first place where sperm is received. The similarity of the female genitalia of U. catleyi to those of Orsolobidae, along with sclerotization of the seminal duct in the male copulatory bulb that is also present in Orchestina, Xiombarg, and Orsolobidae, provide strong evidence of the basal position of this genus in the family Oonopidae. PMID:22225476

Management of radicular cysts using platelet-rich fibrin and bioactive glass: a report of two cases.

PubMed

Zhao, Jiing-Huei; Tsai, Chung-Hung; Chang, Yu-Chao

2014-07-01

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) created by Choukroun's protocol concentrates most platelets and leukocytes from a blood harvest into a single autologous fibrin biomaterial. However, no current data is available concerning the use of PRF for the treatment of periapical lesions. Two cases of radicular cysts were reported using an interdisciplinary approach, including regular endodontic therapy followed by surgical management with PRF and bioactive glass. Two cases of radicular cysts presented as an incidental radiographic finding, appearing as an apical radiolucency with well-circumscribed sclerotic borders. After regular endodontic retreatment, cystic lining/granulation tissues were enucleated and the periradicular bony defect was grafted using PRF and bioactive glass. Then, PRF was applied to serve as a membrane over the grafted defects. Recall periapical radiographs of Case 1 and cone beam computer tomography of Case 2 showed satisfactory healing of the periapical pathosis. In Case 2, the bony defect appeared completely healed at 4 months surgical reentry and the new bone was clinically very dense and mature. The results of these case reports show that the combination of PRF and bioactive glass is an effective modality of regenerative treatment for radicular cysts. Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Subtotal Ablation of Parietal Epithelial Cells Induces Crescent Formation

PubMed Central

Sicking, Eva-Maria; Fuss, Astrid; Uhlig, Sandra; Jirak, Peggy; Dijkman, Henry; Wetzels, Jack; Engel, Daniel R.; Urzynicok, Torsten; Heidenreich, Stefan; Kriz, Wilhelm; Kurts, Christian; Ostendorf, Tammo; Floege, Jürgen; Smeets, Bart

2012-01-01

Parietal epithelial cells (PECs) of the renal glomerulus contribute to the formation of both cellular crescents in rapidly progressive GN and sclerotic lesions in FSGS. Subtotal transgenic ablation of podocytes induces FSGS but the effect of specific ablation of PECs is unknown. Here, we established an inducible transgenic mouse to allow subtotal ablation of PECs. Proteinuria developed during doxycycline-induced cellular ablation but fully reversed 26 days after termination of doxycycline administration. The ablation of PECs was focal, with only 30% of glomeruli exhibiting histologic changes; however, the number of PECs was reduced up to 90% within affected glomeruli. Ultrastructural analysis revealed disruption of PEC plasma membranes with cytoplasm shedding into Bowman’s space. Podocytes showed focal foot process effacement, which was the most likely cause for transient proteinuria. After >9 days of cellular ablation, the remaining PECs formed cellular extensions to cover the denuded Bowman’s capsule and expressed the activation marker CD44 de novo. The induced proliferation of PECs persisted throughout the observation period, resulting in the formation of typical cellular crescents with periglomerular infiltrate, albeit without accompanying proteinuria. In summary, subtotal ablation of PECs leads the remaining PECs to react with cellular activation and proliferation, which ultimately forms cellular crescents. PMID:22282596

Apoplastic interactions between plants and plant root intruders.

PubMed

Mitsumasu, Kanako; Seto, Yoshiya; Yoshida, Satoko

2015-01-01

Numerous pathogenic or parasitic organisms attack plant roots to obtain nutrients, and the apoplast including the plant cell wall is where the plant cell meets such organisms. Root parasitic angiosperms and nematodes are two distinct types of plant root parasites but share some common features in their strategies for breaking into plant roots. Striga and Orobanche are obligate root parasitic angiosperms that cause devastating agricultural problems worldwide. Parasitic plants form an invasion organ called a haustorium, where plant cell wall degrading enzymes (PCWDEs) are highly expressed. Plant-parasitic nematodes are another type of agriculturally important plant root parasite. These nematodes breach the plant cell walls by protruding a sclerotized stylet from which PCWDEs are secreted. Responding to such parasitic invasion, host plants activate their own defense responses against parasites. Endoparasitic nematodes secrete apoplastic effectors to modulate host immune responses and to facilitate the formation of a feeding site. Apoplastic communication between hosts and parasitic plants also contributes to their interaction. Parasitic plant germination stimulants, strigolactones, are recently identified apoplastic signals that are transmitted over long distances from biosynthetic sites to functioning sites. Here, we discuss recent advances in understanding the importance of apoplastic signals and cell walls for plant-parasite interactions.

Case report: severe melorheostosis involving the ipsilateral extremities.

PubMed

Long, Hai-Tao; Li, Kang-Hua; Zhu, Yong

2009-10-01

Melorheostosis is a rare, noninheritable bone dysplasia characterized by its classic radiographic feature of flowing hyperostosis resembling dripping candle wax, generally on one side of the long bone. The condition originally was described by Leri and Joanny in 1922. Its etiology remains speculative, and treatment in most instances has been symptomatic. Melorheostosis usually affects one limb, more often the lower extremity, and rarely the axial skeleton. We report a rare case of severe melorheostosis in the ipsilateral upper and lower extremities with normal contralateral extremities. The plain radiographs revealed almost all the bones in the affected extremities, from clavicle and scapula to distal phalanges of the fingers and from femur to distal phalanges of the toes, presented extensive, dense hyperostosis and heterotopic ossification in the periarticular soft tissue. Physical examination showed considerable swelling and deformities of the left limbs, stiffness and distortion of the joints, and anesthesia in the left ulnar regions of the forearm and hand. The examination of the right side was normal. Computed tomography scans showed multiple areas of classic candle wax-like hyperostosis and narrowing or disappearance of the medullary cavity. Histologic analysis confirmed the clinical and imaging diagnosis and revealed extremely dense sclerotic bone of cortical pattern.

Restorations in abrasion/erosion cervical lesions: 8-year results of a triple blind randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Dall'Orologio, Giovanni Dondi; Lorenzi, Roberta

2014-10-01

An equivalence randomized controlled trial within the subject was organized to evaluate the clinical long-term success of a new 2-step etch & rinse adhesive and a new nano-filled ormocer. 50 subjects, 21 males and 29 females aged between 21 and 65, were randomized to receive 150 restorations, 100 with the new restorative material, 50 with the composite as control, placed in non-carious cervical lesions with the same bonding system. The main outcome measure was the cause of failure at 8 years. Randomization was number table-generated, with allocation concealment by opaque sequentially numbered sealed and stapled envelopes. Subjects, examiner, and analyst were blinded to group assignment. Two interim analyses were performed. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Cox test (P < 0.05). After 8 years, 40 subjects and 120 teeth were included in the analysis of the primary outcome. There were eight failures in the experimental group and four failures in the control group. The cumulative loss rate was 7% for both restorative materials, with the annual failure lower than 1%, without any statistically significant difference. There were two key elements of failure: the presence of sclerotic dentin and the relationship between lesion and gingival margin.

Imaging findings of intestinal tuberculosis.

PubMed

Engin, Gulgun; Balk, Emre

2005-01-01

Intestinal tuberculosis (TB) has 3 main forms: ulcerative, hypertrophic or ulcerohypertrophic, and fibrous stricturing. In the ulcerative form, barium examination reveals thickened folds, spasticity, and shallow ulcers involving the cecum and terminal ileum. Computerized tomography shows preferential thickening of the ileocecal valve and medial wall of the cecum as well as a few small regional nodes. In the hypertrophic or ulcerohypertrophic form, a hyperplastic reaction is seen in the exophytic masses around the ulcerated lumen on computed tomography. An inflammatory mass that extends into adjacent muscle suggests TB. In the sclerotic form, the main reaction is fibrosis with single or multiple short strictures. The cecum classically becomes amputated, conical, shrunken, and retracted. In comparison, Crohn's disease (CD) has a rather uniform and lesser thickening of the bowel wall. Mural stratification, vascular jejunization or the comb sign, and mesenteric fibrofatty proliferation are seen only in CD. The hypertrophic form may also mimic malignant neoplasms, such as lymphoma or carcinoma. Cecal carcinoma rarely extends beyond the ileocecal valve, however. In lymphoma, it can be seen as a greater degree of wall thickness with aneurysmatic dilation of the intestinal lumen. Single or multiple strictures are also seen as a CD complication. Advanced skip lesions adjacent to the stricture are usually diagnostic for CD.

Clues in Histopathological Diagnosis of Panniculitis.

PubMed

Llamas Velasco, Mar; Pérez-Gónzalez, Yosmar Carolina; Kempf, Werner; Paredes, Bruno Emilio; Cerroni, Lorenzo; Fernández Figueras, María Teresa

2018-03-01

Panniculitides comprise a group of heterogeneous inflammatory diseases. Nevertheless, histopathological study along with clinicopathological correlation usually led to a specific diagnosis. In most textbooks, the first step in the diagnosis is to classify them as mostly septal or lobular depending on where the inflammatory infiltrate is located. The second step is deciding if vasculitis is present or not. Finally, the third step is further characterizing the inflammatory infiltrate. However, in addition to the algorithmic approach to panniculitis diagnosis, some subtle changes may help to the diagnosis. To review some clues in panniculitis dermatopathological diagnosis such as presence of granulation tissue, sclerotic connective tissue septa, small granulomas arranged around a central clear space, so-called ghost adipocytes, needle-shaped crystals, small lobules with a proliferation of capillaries, Splendore-Hoeppli phenomenon, refractile microspheres, neutrophilic infiltrates, granulomas and fibroplasia or presence of adipose tissue in dermis. We have compiled 12 clues based in our personal experience in this field. Specificity and sensibility of every clue may vary and these clues are a guide to correct diagnoses that should rely in clinicopathological correlation. Knowledge of these 12 clues will help to increase the diagnostic accuracy in panniculitis diagnosis.

Intramembranous ossification of scleral ossicles in Chelydra serpentina.

PubMed

Franz-Odendaal, Tamara A

2006-01-01

Scleral ossicles are present in many reptiles, including turtles and birds. In both groups the sclerotic ring situated in the eye is composed of a number of imbricating scleral ossicles or plates. Despite this gross morphological similarity, Andrews (1996. An endochondral rather than a dermal origin for scleral ossicles in Cryptodiran turtles. J. Herpetol. 30, 257-260) reported that the scleral ossicles of turtles develop endochondrally unlike those in birds, which develop intramembranously after a complex epithelial-mesenchymal inductive event. This study re-explores one of the species examined by Andrews in order to determine the mode of ossification of scleral ossicles in turtles. A growth series of Chelydra serpentina embryos, including the stages examined by Andrews, were examined by staining separately for cartilage and bone. Results clearly contradict Andrews (1996) and show that the scleral ossicles of Chelydra serpentina develop similarly to those in birds. That is, they develop intramembranously without a cartilage precursor and are likely induced by transient scleral papillae. The sequence of scleral papillae development is broadly similar, but the papillae themselves are not as distinct as those seen in chicken embryos. This study has important consequences for understanding the homology of scleral ossicles among tetrapods.

Observations on morphology of immature Lucilia porphyrina (Diptera: Calliphoridae), a fly species of forensic importance.

PubMed

Klong-Klaew, Tunwadee; Sukontason, Kom; Sribanditmongkol, Pongruk; Moophayak, Kittikhun; Sanit, Sangob; Sukontason, Kabkaew L

2012-11-01

Lucilia porphyrina (Walker) is a blow fly of forensic importance, and shares its geographical distribution with a related forensically important species, Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann). The immature stages of both species are similar in general appearance; therefore, correct identification should be given special consideration. This study highlighted the main features of L. porphyrina larvae, as observed under light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Particular attention is given to the anterior and posterior spiracles, cephalopharyngeal skeleton, and characteristics of the dorsal spines between the prothorax and mesothorax. In the third instar specifically, morphological information on L. porphyrina showed several features that are shared by L. cuprina, and therefore need certain identification to distinguish between them. Such key features are (1) greater posterior spiracle, (2) apparent inner projection between the middle and lower slits of the posterior spiracle, and (3) strongly sclerotized peritreme. The number of papillae on the anterior spiracle may be a supplement, five to nine and three to six in L. porphyrina and L. cuprina, respectively. The key for identifying third instar of forensically important flies in Thailand has been updated to include L. porphyrina.

Premise and Prediction – How Optic Nerve Head Biomechanics Underlies the Susceptibility and Clinical Behavior of the Aged Optic Nerve Head

PubMed Central

Burgoyne, Claude F.; Downs, J. Crawford

2009-01-01

We propose that age-related alterations in optic nerve head (ONH) biomechanics underlie the clinical behavior and increased susceptibility of the aged ONH to glaucomatous damage. The literature which suggests that the aged ONH is more susceptible to glaucomatous damage at all levels of intraocular pressure is reviewed. The relevant biomechanics of the aged ONH are discussed and a biomechanical explanation for why, on average, the stiffened peripapillary scleral and lamina cribrosa connective tissues of the aged eye should lead to a shallow (senile sclerotic) form of cupping is proposed. A logic for why age-related axon loss and the optic neuropathy of glaucoma in the aged eye may overlap is discussed. Finally, we argue for a need to characterize all forms of clinical cupping into prelaminar and laminar components so as to add precision to the discussion of clinical cupping which does not currently exist. Such characterization may lead to the early detection of ONH axonal and connective tissue pathology in ocular hypertension and eventually aid in the assessment of etiology in all forms of optic neuropathy including those that may be purely age-related. PMID:18552618

A new species of Simulium (Chirostilbia) (Diptera: Simuliidae) from Mantiqueira mountain range, southeastern Brazil.

PubMed

Hamada, Neusa; Nascimento, Jeane Marcelle Cavalcante; Pepinelli, Mateus

2015-10-01

Simulium (Chirostilbia) vitribasi n. sp. from the Mantiqueira mountain range, in São Paulo and Minas Gerais states, southeastern Brazil, is described and illustrated based on male, female, pupal and larval morphologies. The pupae of the new species is similar to the one of Simulium pertinax Kollar, one of the most voracious black fly species in the South and Southeast regions of Brazil and a target of control programs in these regions. But the pupa of the new species has a large basal fenestra in the gills that distinguishes it from all other S. (Chirostilibia) species. The other life stages of the new species also have morphological characters that distinguish it from the other species in the subgenus: male has scutum black, with patches of thick, golden hairs; female has scutum similar to that of the male, without banding or other markers, abdominal tergites I and II whitish and sternite VIII dark, heavily sclerotized; anal lobe almost as wide as long, with thin, long hairs on its outer margin; larva body cuticle has wide scale-like setae, with lobulated distal margins. Females were not observed biting humans during the fieldwork. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A rare case of hidebound disease with dental implications.

PubMed

Bali, Vikram; Dabra, Sarita; Behl, Ashima Bali; Bali, Rajiv

2013-07-01

Systemic sclerosis (also called as Scleroderma or hidebound disease) is a chronic sclerotic disease of unknown etiology which causes diffuse, increased deposition of extra cellular matrix in connective tissue with vascular abnormalities, resulting in tissue hypoxia. The disease is characterized by diffuse fibrosis; degenerative changes; and vascular abnormalities in the skin (scleroderma), articular structures, and internal organs. Aesthetic and facial dysfunctions are followed by important oral and facial manifestations. Most oral manifestations begin with tongue rigidity and facial skin changes. Bone resorption of mandibular angle and widening of periodontal ligament space on periapical radiographs are important radiological findings. Other systemic changes include the involvement of internal organs, which lead to serious complications as well as disorders in the cardiac muscle and Raynaud΄s phenomenon. This is a case report of 30-year-old female patient with the classical features of this disease. This case is reported for its rarity and variable expressivity. The main aim of this article is to describe thorough presentation of the case report, various forms of scleroderma, pathogenesis, oral, extraoral, periodontal manifestations of scleroderma, and its treatment options. A brief review of the literature, focusing on dental alterations is also presented.

Tricho-Dento-Osseous Syndrome: Diagnosis and Dental Management

PubMed Central

Al-Batayneh, Ola B.

2012-01-01

Tricho-dento-osseous (TDO) syndrome is a rare, autosomal dominant disorder principally characterised by curly hair at infancy, severe enamel hypomineralization and hypoplasia and taurodontism of teeth, sclerotic bone, and other defects. Diagnostic criteria are based on the generalized enamel defects, severe taurodontism especially of the mandibular first permanent molars, an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance, and at least one of the other features (i.e., nail defects, bone sclerosis, and curly, kinky or wavy hair present at a young age that may straighten out later). Confusion with amelogenesis imperfecta is common; however, taurodontism is not a constant feature of any of the types of amelogenesis imperfecta. Management of TDO requires a team approach, proper documentation, and a long-term treatment and follow-up plan. The aim of treatment is to prevent problems such as sensitivity, caries, dental abscesses, and loss of occlusal vertical dimension through attrition of hypoplastic tooth structure. Another aim is to restore function of the dentition and enhance the esthetics and self-esteem of the patient. This paper proposes treatment approaches that include preventive, restorative, endodontic, prosthetic, and surgical options to management. In addition, it sheds light on the difficulties faced during dental treatment of such cases. PMID:22969805

Sperm carriers in Silurian sea scorpions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamenz, Carsten; Staude, Andreas; Dunlop, Jason A.

2011-10-01

Invasion of the land by arachnids required adaptations of numerous organs, such as gills evolving into lungs, as well as mechanisms facilitating sperm transfer in a terrestrial environment. Many modern arachnids use spermatophores for this purpose, i.e. sperm transmitters detached from the body. Exceptionally preserved Silurian (423 Ma) fossils of Eurypterus tetragonophthalmus Fischer, 1839 (Chelicerata: Eurypterida) preserve so-called `horn organs' which we here demonstrate as being equivalent to the spermatophore-producing parts of the genital tract in certain modern arachnids. This clarifies a long-running debate about sexing eurypterids based on the shape of the median abdominal (or genital) appendage. To our knowledge this is also the oldest direct evidence for spermatophore-mediated sperm transfer in the fossil record and suggests that eurypterids had evolved mating techniques using spermatophores as early as the Silurian, a valuable prerequisite for life on land. Spermatophores are absent in sea spiders (Pycnogonida) and horseshoe crabs (Xiphosura); thus the shared presence of sclerotized sperm-transfer devices in eurypterids and arachnids is a novel character, newly elucidated here, which offers explicit support for (Eurypterida + Arachnida). For this clade the name Sclerophorata n. nov. is proposed. Arachnida can be further defined by fusion of the originally paired genital opening.

Flapper Valve and Hayfork: Functional anatomy and taxonomic potential of the Gastric Mill of Bairdioidea (Ostracoda, Podocopida).

PubMed

Maddocks, Rosalie F

2018-02-07

The chewing apparatus of the Bairdioidea has been described just once and is rarely illustrated, but it might have more taxonomic significance than commonly supposed. It is constructed as a flapper valve (hinged check valve), which is unique among Ostracoda and unusual among animals. It projects into the midgut and is substantially enveloped by it. It serves three functions: to move bites of food into the stomach, to close the esophagus against back-flow, and to pack strands of food and mucus onto the rotating food ball. It is probably less effective for macerating the food to reduce particle size. Two braces anchor this structure to the lateral wall of the forehead. It is lined by cuticle that is shed at each molt, and the formation of food balls is interrupted during molting. In its construction and action, this apparatus is quite unlike the gastric mill of decapod crustaceans, and it shows only distant homology to the dorsal Wulst of Cypridoidea. Some architectural details differ among families and genera. The well-sclerotized plate has some potential for fossil preservation in exceptional circumstances. A revised anatomical analysis is presented, together with an annotated glossary of terms.

IgG4-related retroperitoneal fibrosis: a newly characterized disease.

PubMed

Lian, Linjuan; Wang, Cong; Tian, Jian-Li

2016-11-01

Retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) is a rare disease characterized by chronic, nonspecific inflammatory and sclerotic or fibrotic tissue in the periaortic or periiliac retroperitoneum that encases adjacent structures. There will be a series of clinical manifestations once the proliferated fibrous tissues encase the abdominal aorta, iliac arteries and urinary duct. RPF is generally divided into two types: idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis (IRPF) without identified pathogenesis, making up about two-thirds of cases, and secondary retroperitoneal fibrosis. Recent studies on Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) reveal that abundant infiltration of IgG4 positive plasma cells is found in biopsies on the mass of RPF of some IRPF patients, which is identified as one spectrum of IgG4-RD and is named IgG4-related RPF. IgG4-related RPF is often misdiagnosed as retroperitoneal visceral malignancy and is treated with surgery. In addition, because of its good response to glucocorticoid, early detection and treatment is important. We review the definition, epidemiology, clinical features, diagnostic criteria, treatment and prognosis of IgG4-related RPF in this article to raise awareness of this newly characterized disease. © 2016 Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

Florid cemento-osseous dysplasia: Report of a case documented with clinical, radiographic, biochemical and histological findings

PubMed Central

Çankal, Dilek A.; Bozkaya, Süleyman; Ergün, Gülfem; Bar??, Emre

2013-01-01

Florid cemento-osseous dysplasia (FCOD) has been described as a condition that characteristically affects the jaws of middle-aged black women. This condition has also been classified as gigantiform cementoma, chronic sclerosing osteomyelitis, sclerosing osteitis, multiple estenosis and sclerotic cemental masses. It usually exhibits as multiple radiopaque cementum-like masses distributed throughout the jaws. Radiographically, FCOD appears as dense, lobulated masses, often symmetrically located in various regions of the jaws. Computed tomography, because of its ability to give axial, sagittal, and frontal views, is useful in the evaluation of these lesions. This article reports the case of a 45-year-old white man who was diagnosed with FCOD on the basis of clinical, radiographic, biochemical and histological findings. It is of major importance to realize that all dentists have a unique opportunity as well as ethical obligation to assist in the struggle against wrong dental treatments that might save patients dental health. This case report illustrates the point that periapical radiolucencies may represent benign fibro-osseous lesions that may be overlooked or result in unnecessary endodontic treatment. Key words:Florid cemento-osseous dysplasia, florid osseous dysplasia, fibro-osseous lesions. PMID:24455053

Florid cemento-osseous dysplasia: Report of a case documented with clinical, radiographic, biochemical and histological findings.

PubMed

Kutluay Köklü, Harika; Cankal, Dilek A; Bozkaya, Süleyman; Ergün, Gülfem; Bar, Emre

2013-02-01

Florid cemento-osseous dysplasia (FCOD) has been described as a condition that characteristically affects the jaws of middle-aged black women. This condition has also been classified as gigantiform cementoma, chronic sclerosing osteomyelitis, sclerosing osteitis, multiple estenosis and sclerotic cemental masses. It usually exhibits as multiple radiopaque cementum-like masses distributed throughout the jaws. Radiographically, FCOD appears as dense, lobulated masses, often symmetrically located in various regions of the jaws. Computed tomography, because of its ability to give axial, sagittal, and frontal views, is useful in the evaluation of these lesions. This article reports the case of a 45-year-old white man who was diagnosed with FCOD on the basis of clinical, radiographic, biochemical and histological findings. It is of major importance to realize that all dentists have a unique opportunity as well as ethical obligation to assist in the struggle against wrong dental treatments that might save patients dental health. This case report illustrates the point that periapical radiolucencies may represent benign fibro-osseous lesions that may be overlooked or result in unnecessary endodontic treatment. Key words:Florid cemento-osseous dysplasia, florid osseous dysplasia, fibro-osseous lesions.

The benefits of metal-on-metal total hip replacements.

PubMed

Müller, M E

1995-02-01

The Müller's cast prosthesis with a concentric metal-on-metal articulation and 3 sliding bearings was used in Switzerland from 1965 to 1967. During the next 10 to 15 years, a number of hips in which the metal-to-metal systems were implanted were revised. Rather than osteoporosis and cranial migration occurring, the acetabular roofs were often sclerotic and the components showed no or only minor migration. At surgery, the capsule was almost normal and without signs of inflammation. Histologically, the capsule did not show the usual masses of giant cells associated with polyethylene particles. In the mid-1980s, different designs of metal-on-metal articulations were tested. From 1987 to 1990, this author developed, together with the biomaterial division of Sulzer Medical Technology, a pure titanium shell with a polyethylene-backed 28-mm forged cobalt-chromium liner insert. This combination has been successful, with no revisions required to date. In summary, with the present metal-on-metal articulations it is now possible to stop using the polyethylene. The successful long-term results of the cast cobalt-chromium metal-on-metal articulations of 1966 hold much promise for the future of the new-forged, more-precise, metallic socket.

UVA/UVA1 phototherapy and PUVA photochemotherapy in connective tissue diseases and related disorders: a research based review

PubMed Central

Breuckmann, Frank; Gambichler, Thilo; Altmeyer, Peter; Kreuter, Alexander

2004-01-01

Background Broad-band UVA, long-wave UVA1 and PUVA treatment have been described as an alternative/adjunct therapeutic option in a number of inflammatory and malignant skin diseases. Nevertheless, controlled studies investigating the efficacy of UVA irradiation in connective tissue diseases and related disorders are rare. Methods Searching the PubMed database the current article systematically reviews established and innovative therapeutic approaches of broad-band UVA irradiation, UVA1 phototherapy and PUVA photochemotherapy in a variety of different connective tissue disorders. Results Potential pathways include immunomodulation of inflammation, induction of collagenases and initiation of apoptosis. Even though holding the risk of carcinogenesis, photoaging or UV-induced exacerbation, UVA phototherapy seems to exhibit a tolerable risk/benefit ratio at least in systemic sclerosis, localized scleroderma, extragenital lichen sclerosus et atrophicus, sclerodermoid graft-versus-host disease, lupus erythematosus and a number of sclerotic rarities. Conclusions Based on the data retrieved from the literature, therapeutic UVA exposure seems to be effective in connective tissue diseases and related disorders. However, more controlled investigations are needed in order to establish a clear-cut catalogue of indications. PMID:15380024

Plate Fixation With Autogenous Calcaneal Dowel Grafting Proximal Fourth and Fifth Metatarsal Fractures: Technique and Case Series.

PubMed

Seidenstricker, Chad L; Blahous, Edward G; Bouché, Richard T; Saxena, Amol

Metaphyseal and proximal diaphyseal fractures of the lateral column metatarsals can have problems with healing. In particular, those involving the fifth metatarsal have been associated with a high nonunion rate with nonoperative treatment. Although intramedullary screw fixation results in a high union rate, delayed healing and complications can occur. We describe an innovative technique to treat both acute and chronic injuries involving the metatarsal base from the metaphysis to the proximal diaphyseal bone of the fourth and fifth metatarsals. The surgical technique involves evacuation of sclerotic bone at the fracture site, packing the fracture site with compact cancellous bone, and plate fixation. In our preliminary results, 4 patients displayed 100% radiographic union at a mean of 4.75 (range 4 to 6) weeks with no incidence of refracture, at a mean follow-up point of 3.5 (range 1 to 5) years. The early results with our small series suggest that this technique is a useful treatment choice for metaphyseal and proximal diaphyseal fractures of the fourth and fifth metatarsals. Copyright © 2017 American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

New records of Cotylea (Polycladida, Platyhelminthes) from Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia, with remarks on the distribution of the Pseudoceros Lang, 1884 and Pseudobiceros Faubel, 1984 species of the Indo-Pacific Marine Region.

PubMed

Marquina, Daniel; Aguado, M Teresa; Noreña, Carolina

2015-09-18

In the present work eleven polyclad species of Lizard Island are studied. Seven of them are new records for this locality of the Australian coral reef and one is new to science, Lurymare clavocapitata n. sp. (Family Prosthiostomidae). The remaining recorded species belong to the genera Pseudoceros (P. bimarginatus, P. jebborum, P. stimpsoni, P. zebra, P. paralaticlavus and P. prudhoei) and Pseudobiceros (Pb. hancockanus, Pb. hymanae, Pb. flowersi and Pb. uniarborensis). Regardless of the different distribution patterns, all pseudocerotid species show brilliant colours, but similar internal morphology. Furthermore, differences in the form and size of the stylet are characteristic, because it is a sclerotic structure that is not affected during fixation. In Pseudoceros, the distance between the sucker and the female pore also differs among species. These features do not vary enough to be considered as diagnostic, but they provide information that can help to disentangle similarly coloured species complexes. A key of the genera Pseudoceros and Pseudobiceros of the Indo-Pacific region is provided, in order to facilitate the identification of species from this area.

Apoplastic interactions between plants and plant root intruders

PubMed Central

Mitsumasu, Kanako; Seto, Yoshiya; Yoshida, Satoko

2015-01-01

Numerous pathogenic or parasitic organisms attack plant roots to obtain nutrients, and the apoplast including the plant cell wall is where the plant cell meets such organisms. Root parasitic angiosperms and nematodes are two distinct types of plant root parasites but share some common features in their strategies for breaking into plant roots. Striga and Orobanche are obligate root parasitic angiosperms that cause devastating agricultural problems worldwide. Parasitic plants form an invasion organ called a haustorium, where plant cell wall degrading enzymes (PCWDEs) are highly expressed. Plant-parasitic nematodes are another type of agriculturally important plant root parasite. These nematodes breach the plant cell walls by protruding a sclerotized stylet from which PCWDEs are secreted. Responding to such parasitic invasion, host plants activate their own defense responses against parasites. Endoparasitic nematodes secrete apoplastic effectors to modulate host immune responses and to facilitate the formation of a feeding site. Apoplastic communication between hosts and parasitic plants also contributes to their interaction. Parasitic plant germination stimulants, strigolactones, are recently identified apoplastic signals that are transmitted over long distances from biosynthetic sites to functioning sites. Here, we discuss recent advances in understanding the importance of apoplastic signals and cell walls for plant–parasite interactions. PMID:26322059

NUTM2A-CIC fusion small round cell sarcoma: a genetically distinct variant of CIC-rearranged sarcoma.

PubMed

Sugita, Shintaro; Arai, Yasuhito; Aoyama, Tomoyuki; Asanuma, Hiroko; Mukai, Wakako; Hama, Natsuko; Emori, Makoto; Shibata, Tatsuhiro; Hasegawa, Tadashi

2017-07-01

CIC-rearranged sarcoma is a new entity of undifferentiated small round cell sarcoma characterized by chimeric fusions with CIC rearrangement. We report a NUTM2A-CIC fusion sarcoma in a 43-year-old woman who died of rapidly progressive disease. Histologic analysis revealed multinodular proliferation of small round tumor cells with mild nuclear pleomorphism. The sclerotic fibrous septa separated the tumor into multiple nodules. Immunohistochemistry showed that the tumor cells were diffusely positive for vimentin, focally positive for cytokeratin, and negative for CD99 and NKX2.2. Tumor cells were also negative for ETV4, which was recently identified as a specific marker for CIC-rearranged sarcoma. High-throughput RNA sequencing of a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded clinical sample unveiled a novel NUTM2A-CIC fusion between NUTM2A exon 7 and CIC exon 12, and fluorescence in situ hybridization identified CIC and NUTM2A split signals. This case shared several clinicopathological findings with previously reported CIC-rearranged cases. We recognized the tumor as a genetically distinct variant of CIC-rearranged sarcomas with a novel NUTM2A-CIC fusion. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Morphology and morphometrics of Heterodorus qinghaiensis n. sp. (Dorylaimida, Nordiidae) from soil samples in China.

PubMed

Wu, W J; Yan, L; Xu, C L; Yu, L; Wang, K; Jin, S Y; Xie, H

2016-07-01

One new species of the family Nordiidae Jairajpuri & Siddiqi, 1964 from the enclosure grassland of Qinghai Province, China, Heterodorus qinghaiensis n. sp., is described and illustrated. The new species is characterized by the slender body, 1.29-1.46 mm in length; the granular lateral chord with numerous large depression plaques throughout its entirety; the lip region offset by a distinct depression; amphid goblet-shaped with aperture about half to two-thirds of corresponding body diameter; odontostyle 11-13 μm long; rod-like odontophore without basal flanges; pharyngeal basal expansion about one-third of the total neck length; didelphic genital system containing sperm; ovaries generally not reaching the sphincter level; vulva transversed and sclerotized; female tail conoid with round terminus; 3-5 spaced ventromedial supplements and spicule 32-41 μm long. It is close to H. liangi (Ahmad, Wu & Shaheen, 2002) Andrássy, 2009, H. brevidentatus (Thorne, 1939) Andrássy, 2009, H. monticola Andrássy, 2011, H. morgensis (Loof, 1988) Andrássy, 2009 and H. meghalayensis (Mushtaq, Baniyamuddin & Ahmad, 2007) Andrássy, 2009 in having inconspicuous or no lateral body pores, smaller odontostyle and ventrally curved tail.

Thalassornectes (Alcidectes) aukletae, new subgenus and species (Acari: Hypoderatidae) from the crested and parakeet auklets (Aves: Charadriiformes; Alcidae).

PubMed

Pence, D B; Hoberg, E P

1991-03-01

In the genus Thalassornectes, a new subgenus, Alcidectes, and a new species, T. (Alcidectes) aukletae, are described from deutonymphs in the subcutaneous adipose tissue of the crested auklet, Aethia cristatella (Pallas), and the parakeet auklet, Cyclorrhynchus psittacula (Pallas), from the eastern Pacific USSR. The new subgenus and species differ from one or both of the single species in each of the other two subgenera, Thalassornectes and Rallidectes, by (1) the normal size, position, and parallel arrangement of the genital papillae; (2) the larger size of seta sce; (3) the greater length and stronger development of setae sci, d1, l1, h, and sh; (4) the equal size of tarsi III and IV or their size subequal, with tarsus IV slightly longer than tarsus III; (5) both epimera I and sternum well developed and nearly equal in length; and (6) the free sclerotized posteriad extension from epimerite II on the ventral cuticular surface. This is the first hypoderatid reported from the host order Charadriiformes. The distribution of T. (Alcidectes) aukletae among auklets may be attributed to either cospeciation or may have an ecological basis; data are insufficient at present to sustain either hypothesis.

Suppression of fertility in adult cats.

PubMed

Goericke-Pesch, S; Wehrend, A; Georgiev, P

2014-06-01

Cats are animals with highly efficient reproduction, clearly pointing to a need for suppression of fertility. Although surgical contraception is highly effective, it is not always the method of choice. This is predominantly because it is cost-intensive, time-consuming and irreversible, with the latter being of major importance for cat breeders. This article reviews the use of progestins, scleroting agents, immunocontraception, melatonin, GnRH antagonists and finally, GnRH agonists, in adult male and female cats in detail, according to the present state of the art. By now, various scientific and clinical options are available for the suppression of fertility in adult cats and the decision as to which should be chosen - independent of the legal registration of any state - depends on different facts: (i) feral or privately owned animal? (ii) temporary or permanent suppression of fertility wanted/needed? (iii) sex of the animal? New effective and available methods for hormonal contraception include melatonin implants for short-term post ponement of oestrus in adult queens and slow-release GnRH-agonist implants containing deslorelin (Suprelorin(®) ) for short- and long-term contraception in male and female companion and breeding cats. © 2014 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Subfield-specific loss of hippocampal N-acetyl aspartate in temporal lobe epilepsy.

PubMed

Vielhaber, Stefan; Niessen, Heiko G; Debska-Vielhaber, Grazyna; Kudin, Alexei P; Wellmer, Jörg; Kaufmann, Jörn; Schönfeld, Mircea Ariel; Fendrich, Robert; Willker, Wieland; Leibfritz, Dieter; Schramm, Johannes; Elger, Christian E; Heinze, Hans-Jochen; Kunz, Wolfram S

2008-01-01

In patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) it remains an unresolved issue whether the interictal decrease in N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) detected by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H-MRS) reflects the epilepsy-associated loss of hippocampal pyramidal neurons or metabolic dysfunction. To address this problem, we applied high-resolution (1)H-MRS at 14.1 Tesla to measure metabolite concentrations in ex vivo tissue slices from three hippocampal subfields (CA1, CA3, dentate gyrus) as well as from the parahippocampal region of 12 patients with MTLE. In contrast to four patients with lesion-caused MTLE, we found a large variance of NAA concentrations in the individual hippocampal regions of patients with Ammon's horn sclerosis (AHS). Specifically, in subfield CA3 of AHS patients despite of a moderate preservation of neuronal cell densities the concentration of NAA was significantly lowered, while the concentrations of lactate, glucose, and succinate were elevated. We suggest that these subfield-specific alterations of metabolite concentrations in AHS are very likely caused by impairment of mitochondrial function and not related to neuronal cell loss. A subfield-specific impairment of energy metabolism is the probable cause for lowered NAA concentrations in sclerotic hippocampi of MTLE patients.

Surface phosphatase in Rhinocladiella aquaspersa: biochemical properties and its involvement with adhesion.

PubMed

Kneipp, Lucimar F; Magalhães, Andressa S; Abi-Chacra, Erika A; Souza, Lucieri O P; Alviano, Celuta S; Santos, André L S; Meyer-Fernandes, José R

2012-08-01

Rhinocladiella aquaspersa is an etiologic agent of chromoblastomycosis, a subcutaneous chronic infectious disease. In the present work, we found that the three morphological forms of this fungus (conidia, mycelia and sclerotic bodies) expressed different levels of ecto-phosphatase activity. Our results demonstrated that surface conidial enzyme is an acid phosphatase, inhibited by sodium salts of molybdate, orthovanadate and fluoride and that the inhibition caused by orthovanadate and molybdate was irreversible. The conidial ecto-phosphatase efficiently released phosphate groups from different phosphorylated substrates, causing a higher rate of phosphate removal when p-nitrophenylphosphate was used as substrate. This ecto-enzyme of R. aquaspersa is modulated by Co(2 +) ions and inorganic phosphate (Pi). Accordingly, removal of Pi from the culture medium resulted in a marked (121-fold) increase of ecto-phosphatase activity. Surface phosphatase activity is apparently involved in fungal adhesive properties, since the attachment of R. aquaspersa to epithelial cells was reversed by the pre-treatment of the conidia with orthovanadate, molybdate and anti-phosphatase antibody. Corroborating this finding, conidia with greater ecto-phosphatase activity (grown in Pi-depleted medium) showed higher adherence to epithelial cells than fungi cultivated in the presence of Pi.

A revision of the family Cerococcidae Balachowsky (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha, Coccomorpha) with particular reference to species from the Afrotropical, western Palaearctic and western Oriental Regions, with the revival of Antecerococcus Green and description of a new genus and fifteen new species, and with ten new synonomies.

PubMed

Hodgson, Chris J; Williams, Douglas J

2016-03-14

The scale insect family Cerococcidae (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha) or false pit scales was last revised during the 1970s and 1980s. At that time, it included three genera, Asterococcus Borchsenius, Cerococcus Comstock and Solenophora Maskell, and a total of 69 species. The present revision concentrates on species known from the western Palaearctic, western Oriental and Afrotropical Regions but includes notes on all known cerococcid species. Within the three geographical areas principally studied here, all known species are described and illustrated based on the adult females, including 13 new species. During this study, a new morphological character was discovered on the venter of the anal lobes that is taxonomically important and which is referred to as the anteroventral sclerotization. It was found that the anteroventral sclerotization was present in most species from the main study areas, but was absent from all species in the Nearctic and from many in the Australasian and Neotropical Regions as well. As the type species of Cerococcus is C. quercus Comstock from the Nearctic, the genus Antecerococcus Green, revived status (type species Cerococcus punctiferus Green) was resurrected to take all species with an anteroventral sclerotization. Resurrection of Antecerococcus means that names of genera previously synonymised with Cerococcus are now junior synonyms of Antecerococcus, e.g., Phenacobryum Cockerell, syn. nov., Amelococcus Marchal, syn. nov., Cercococcus Scott, syn. nov. and Coricoccus Mahdihassan, syn. nov. As a range of other characters also were found to support this division (such as absence of setae along inner margin of each anal lobe and presence of a ventral seta posteriorly on each lobe), the genera in Cerococcidae can be divided into two groups, those with an anteroventral sclerotization (Antecerococcus and probably Solenophora) and those without (Asterococcus and Cerococcus). As part of this revision, it was found necessary to consider the morphological limits of all current genera, including those from outside the western Palaearctic, western Oriental and Afrotropical Regions. This resulted in a new genus, Cerochiton Hodgson & Williams, gen. nov., with three species from the Oriental Region. This genus also falls within the Cerococcus-group of genera. In addition, it was found that, with the inclusion of As. ovoides (Cockerell) from South Africa, Asterococcus was not morphologically monophyletic and so this species has been transferred to Antecerococcus as Antecerococcus ovoides (Cockerell), comb. nov. The following revived combinations are included: Antecerococcus bryoides Maskell and A. stellatus Maskell. In addition, the following Cerococcus species have been transferred to Antecerococcus as comb. nov.: Cerococcus albospicatus Green, C. ankaratrae Mamet, C. asparagi Joubert, C. camarai Neves, C. cistarum Balachowsky, C. cliffortiae Joubert, C. cycliger Goux, C. dumonti Vayssière, C. fradei Castel-Branco, C. gabonensis Lambdin, C. gallicolus Mamet, C. intermedius Balachowsky, C. laniger Goux, C. longipilosus Archangelskaya, C. madagascariensis Mamet, C. multipororum Lambdin & Kosztarab, C. oranensis Balachowsky, C. ornatus Green, C. passerinae Brain, C. perowskiae Archangelskaya, C. philippiae Lambdin & Kosztarab, C. pileae Mamet, C. pocilliferus Neves, C. polyporus Matesova, C. roseus Green, C. royenae Brain, C. ruber Balachowsky, C. steppicus Balachowsky and C. theydoni Hall. The following have also been transferred to Antecerococcus as comb. nov.: Amelococcus alluaudi Marchal, Cercococcus eremobius Scott, Eriococcus paradoxus indica Maskell, Phenacobryum indigoferae Borchsenius and Pollinia ovoides Cockerell. Two further undescribed species were discovered, one from Mexico and the other from Java, and a number of synonyms were found of names that are now all in Antecerococcus, as follows: Cerococcus camarai Neves is a junior synonym of Cerococcus intermedius Balachowsky, syn. nov.; Cerococcus cycliger Goux is a junior synonym of Cerococcus intermedius Balachowsky, syn. nov.; Phenacobryum indigoferae Borchsenius is a junior synonym of Cerococcus roseus Green, syn. nov.; Cerococcus multipororum Lambdin is a junior synonym of Cerococcus fradei Castel-Branco, syn. nov.; Cercococcus polyporus Matesova is a junior synonym of Cerococcus perowskiae Archangelskaya, syn. nov., and Antecerococcus punctiferus Green is a junior synonym of Cerococcus paradoxus Maskell, syn. nov. In addition, the following new species have been described: Antecerococcus andamanensis Hodgson & Williams, from the Andaman Islands; Antecerococcus capensis Hodgson & Williams, from South Africa; Antecerococcus delottoi Hodgson & Williams, from Kenya; Antecerococcus hilli Hodgson & Williams, from The Seychelles; Antecerococcus insleyae Hodgson & Williams, from South Africa; Antecerococcus kakemegae Hodgson & Williams, from Kenya; Antecerococcus keralae Hodgson & Williams, from southern India; Antecerococcus kurraensis Hodgson & Williams, from Nigeria; Antecerococcus muntingi Hodgson & Williams, from South Africa; Antecerococcus oumeensis Hodgson & Williams, from Ivory Coast; Antecerococcus sparsiporus Hodgson & Williams, from from South Africa;  Antecerococcus thesii Hodgson & Williams from  South Africa; Antecerococcus yemenicus Hodgson & Williams, from Yemen; Cerochiton bernardi Hodgson & Williams, from Java, and Cerococcus asteris Hodgson & Williams, from Mexico. Thus, at the end of this study, the family Cerococcidae includes five genera and 80 species (Antecerococcus with 55 species (13 of them new), Asterococcus with eight species, Cerochiton with three species (one of them new), Cerococcus with 13 species (1 of them new and including two unplaced species), and Solenophora with one species). Keys are provided for the separation of the five genera and also for the species in each genus based on adult female morphology. Lectotypes have been designated for Cerococcus asparagi Joubert, C camarai Neves, C. cistarum Balachowsky, C. cliffortiae Joubert, C. coffeae Vayssière, C. cycliger Goux, C. dumonti Vayssière, C. hibisci Green, C. intermedius Balachowsky, C. laniger Goux, C. pocilliferus Neves, C. royenae Brain and C. ruber Balachowsky, and for Cercococcus eremobius Scott and Solenophora coloradensis Cockerell. In addition, it was found that the lectotype of Eriococcus paradoxus Maskell (now Antecerococcus paradoxus) had been designated based on a specimen of Eriococcus paradoxus indica Maskell (now Antecerococcus indicus). This designation has been revoked and new lectotypes for Eriococcus paradoxus and Eriococcus paradoxus indica have been designated. Following the taxonomic section, the geographic distribution of each genus is briefly discussed. Asterococcus (with the removal of A. ovoides) is now restricted to the Oriental Region; Cerochiton is restricted to the southern part of the Oriental Region; Cerococcus appears to be restricted to Central and North America, while Antecerococcus has a world-wide distribution but is most abundant in the western Palaearctic, western Oriental and Afrotropical Regions. The single species now in Solenophora is only known from New Zealand. Two species, "Cerococcus" indonesiensis Lambdin & Kosztarab and "Cerococcus" michaeli Lambdin do not appear to belong to Cerococcus, but are being left there pending further studies and are referred to here as "unplaced species".

A recurrent mutation causing Melnick-Needles syndrome in females confers a severe, lethal phenotype in males.

PubMed

Spencer, Careni; Lombaard, Hendrik; Wise, Amy; Krause, Amanda; Robertson, Stephen P

2018-04-01

Melnick-Needles syndrome (MNS; MIM 309350) is an X-linked skeletal dysplasia caused by mutations in FLNA. Females with the condition present with characteristic facial features, short stature, skeletal anomalies, including poorly modeled and sclerotic bones, and structural abnormalities such as cardiac and urological defects. Previously males were thought to present with either a mild phenotype compatible with life or a severe lethal presentation depending on the maternal phenotype. The discovery of a limited number of mutations in FLNA as the cause of the condition has clarified the molecular basis of the disorder, but only a very small number of severely affected males have been reported with MNS. Furthermore, no mildly affected males have been described with a molecular confirmation of the condition. In this report, we describe the clinical and molecular findings of a mildly affected mother with MNS and her severely affected son. They shared a well-documented disease-causing variant in FLNA, p.(Ala1188Thr), one of two highly recurrent mutations leading to the disorder. This is only the fourth report of a male with perinatal lethal MNS and a molecular confirmation; it is the first description of this specific mutation in a male. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Reduced host-specificity in a parasite infecting non-littoral Lake Tanganyika cichlids evidenced by intraspecific morphological and genetic diversity

PubMed Central

Kmentová, Nikol; Gelnar, Milan; Mendlová, Monika; Van Steenberge, Maarten; Koblmüller, Stephan; Vanhove, Maarten P. M.

2016-01-01

Lake Tanganyika is well-known for its high species-richness and rapid radiation processes. Its assemblage of cichlid fishes recently gained momentum as a framework to study parasite ecology and evolution. It offers a rare chance to investigate the influence of a deepwater lifestyle in a freshwater fish-parasite system. Our study represents the first investigation of parasite intraspecific genetic structure related to host specificity in the lake. It focused on the monogenean flatworm Cichlidogyrus casuarinus infecting deepwater cichlids belonging to Bathybates and Hemibates. Morphological examination of C. casuarinus had previously suggested a broad host range, while the lake’s other Cichlidogyrus species are usually host specific. However, ongoing speciation or cryptic diversity could not be excluded. To distinguish between these hypotheses, we analysed intraspecific diversity of C. casuarinus. Monogeneans from nearly all representatives of the host genera were examined using morphometrics, geomorphometrics and genetics. We confirmed the low host-specificity of C. casuarinus based on morphology and nuclear DNA. Yet, intraspecific variation of sclerotized structures was observed. Nevertheless, the highly variable mitochondrial DNA indicated recent population expansion, but no ongoing parasite speciation, confirming, for the first time in freshwater, reduced parasite host specificity in the deepwater realm, probably an adaptation to low host availability. PMID:28004766

Mechanistic and Structural Analysis of Drosophila melanogaster Arylalkylamine N-Acetyltransferases

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

Arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT) catalyzes the penultimate step in the biosynthesis of melatonin and other N-acetylarylalkylamides from the corresponding arylalkylamine and acetyl-CoA. The N-acetylation of arylalkylamines is a critical step in Drosophila melanogaster for the inactivation of the bioactive amines and the sclerotization of the cuticle. Two AANAT variants (AANATA and AANATB) have been identified in D. melanogaster, in which AANATA differs from AANATB by the truncation of 35 amino acids from the N-terminus. We have expressed and purified both D. melanogaster AANAT variants (AANATA and AANATB) in Escherichia coli and used the purified enzymes to demonstrate that this N-terminal truncation does not affect the activity of the enzyme. Subsequent characterization of the kinetic and chemical mechanism of AANATA identified an ordered sequential mechanism, with acetyl-CoA binding first, followed by tyramine. We used a combination of pH–activity profiling and site-directed mutagenesis to study prospective residues believed to function in AANATA catalysis. These data led to an assignment of Glu-47 as the general base in catalysis with an apparent pKa of 7.0. Using the data generated for the kinetic mechanism, structure–function relationships, pH–rate profiles, and site-directed mutagenesis, we propose a chemical mechanism for AANATA. PMID:25406072

Label-free multiphoton microscopy reveals altered tissue architecture in hippocampal sclerosis.

PubMed

Uckermann, Ortrud; Galli, Roberta; Leupold, Susann; Coras, Roland; Meinhardt, Matthias; Hallmeyer-Elgner, Susanne; Mayer, Thomas; Storch, Alexander; Schackert, Gabriele; Koch, Edmund; Blümcke, Ingmar; Steiner, Gerald; Kirsch, Matthias

2017-01-01

The properties and structure of tissue can be visualized without labeling or preparation by multiphoton microscopy combining coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS), addressing lipid content, second harmonic generation (SHG) showing collagen, and two-photon excited fluorescence (TPEF) of endogenous fluorophores. We compared samples of sclerotic and nonsclerotic human hippocampus to detect pathologic changes in the brain of patients with pharmacoresistant temporomesial epilepsy (n = 15). Multiphoton microscopy of cryosections and bulk tissue revealed hippocampal layering and micromorphologic details in accordance with reference histology: CARS displayed white and gray matter layering and allowed the assessment of axonal myelin. SHG visualized blood vessels based on adventitial collagen. In addition, corpora amylacea (CoA) were found to be SHG-active. Pyramidal cell bodies were characterized by intense cytoplasmic endogenous TPEF. Furthermore, diffuse TPEF around blood vessels was observed that co-localized with positive albumin immunohistochemistry and might indicate degeneration-associated vascular leakage. We present a label-free and fast optical approach that analyzes pathologic aspects of HS. Hippocampal layering, loss of pyramidal cells, and presence of CoA indicative of sclerosis are visualized. Label-free multiphoton microscopy has the potential to extend the histopathologic armamentarium for ex vivo assessment of changes of the hippocampal formation on fresh tissue and prospectively in vivo. Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 International League Against Epilepsy.

Dopamine is a key regulator in the signalling pathway underlying predator-induced defences in Daphnia

PubMed Central

Weiss, Linda C.; Leese, Florian; Laforsch, Christian; Tollrian, Ralph

2015-01-01

The waterflea Daphnia is a model to investigate the genetic basis of phenotypic plasticity resulting from one differentially expressed genome. Daphnia develops adaptive phenotypes (e.g. morphological defences) thwarting predators, based on chemical predator cue perception. To understand the genomic basis of phenotypic plasticity, the description of the precedent cellular and neuronal mechanisms is fundamental. However, key regulators remain unknown. All neuronal and endocrine stimulants were able to modulate but not induce defences, indicating a pathway of interlinked steps. A candidate able to link neuronal with endocrine responses is the multi-functional amine dopamine. We here tested its involvement in trait formation in Daphnia pulex and Daphnia longicephala using an induction assay composed of predator cues combined with dopaminergic and cholinergic stimulants. The mere application of both stimulants was sufficient to induce morphological defences. We determined dopamine localization in cells found in close association with the defensive trait. These cells serve as centres controlling divergent morphologies. As a mitogen and sclerotization agent, we anticipate that dopamine is involved in proliferation and structural formation of morphological defences. Furthermore, dopamine pathways appear to be interconnected with endocrine pathways, and control juvenile hormone and ecdysone levels. In conclusion, dopamine is suggested as a key regulator of phenotypic plasticity. PMID:26423840

Primary malignant perivascular epithelioid cell neoplasm (PEComa) of the bone mimicking granular cell tumor in core biopsy: A case report and literature review

PubMed Central

Sadigh, Sam; Shah, Preya; Weber, Kristy; Sebro, Ronnie; Zhang, Paul J.

2018-01-01

The present study investigated the case of a 46-year-old female with primary malignant perivascular epithelioid cell neoplasm (PEComa) of the femur. The patient presented with a 5-month history of right distal thigh pain following trauma. Radiographs of the right distal femur revealed a mixed lytic and sclerotic lesion with subtle areas of cortical destruction and soft tissue extension, consistent with an aggressive tumor. A core biopsy revealed an epithelioid tumor with granular cell features, but a definitive diagnosis could not be made. Due to the aggressive features on radiologic evaluation, the patient underwent a resection of the distal femur and reconstruction with a distal femoral megaprosthesis and hinged knee replacement. The post-resection pathology led to a final diagnosis of primary bone PEComa, with histologic features including epithelioid, granular cell and spindled cell morphologies and biphasic immunoreactivity for melanocytic and smooth muscle markers. The large tumor size (>5 cm), rapid mitotic rate, infiltrative growth pattern, high nuclear grade and cellularity, and the presence of necrosis rendered this a malignant PEComa. The present study discussed the case, including radiographic (radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography scans) and histologic appearance and a literature review. PMID:29435023

CT Guided Bone Biopsy Using a Battery Powered Intraosseous Device

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

Schnapauff, Dirk, E-mail: dirk.schnapauff@charite.de; Marnitz, Tim, E-mail: tim.marnitz@charite.de; Freyhardt, Patrick, E-mail: Patrick.freyhardt@charite.de

2013-10-15

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility of a battery powered intraosseous device to perform CT-fluoroscopy guided bone biopsy. Methods: Retrospective analysis of 12 patients in whom bone specimen were acquired from different locations under CT-fluoroscopy guidance using the OnControl bone marrow biopsy system (OBM, Vidacare, Shavano Park, TX, USA). Data of the 12 were compared to a historic cohort in whom the specimen were acquired using the classic Jamshidi Needle, as reference needle using manual force for biopsy. Results: Technical success was reached in 11 of 12 cases, indicated by central localisation of the needle within the target lesion. All specimenmore » sampled were sufficient for histopathological workup. Compared to the historical cohort the time needed for biopsy decreased significantly from 13 {+-} 6 to 6 {+-} 4 min (P = 0.0001). Due to the shortened intervention time the radiation dose (CTDI) during CT-fluoroscopy was lowered significantly from 169 {+-} 87 to 111 {+-} 54 mGy Multiplication-Sign cm (P = 0.0001). Interventional radiologists were confident with the performance of the needle especially when using in sclerotic or osteoblastic lesions. Conclusion: The OBM is an attractive support for CT-fluoroscopy guided bone biopsy which is safe tool and compared to the classical approach using the Jamshidi needle leading to significantly reduced intervention time and radiation exposure.« less

[Computed tomography of the temporal bone in diagnosis of chronic exudative otitis media].

PubMed

Zelikovich, E I

2005-01-01

Computed tomography (CT) of the temporal bone was made in 37 patients aged 2 to 55 years with chronic exudative otitis media (CEOM). In 21 of them the pathology was bilateral. The analysis of 58 CT images has identified CT signs of chronic exudative otitis media. They include partial (17 temporary bones) or complete (38 temporal bones) block of the bone opening of the auditory tube, pneumatic defects of the tympanic cavity (58 temporal bones), pneumatic defects of the mastoid process and antrum (47 temporal bones), pathologic retraction of the tympanic membrane. The examination of the temporal bone detected both CT-signs of CEOM and other causes of hearing disorders in 14 patients (26 temporal bones) with CEOM symptoms and inadequately high hypoacusis. Among these causes were malformation of the auditory ossicula (n=5), malformation of the labynthine window (n=2), malformation of the middle and internal ear (n=4), a wide aqueduct of the vestibule, labyrinthine anomaly of Mondini's type (n=1), cochlear hypoplasia (n=4), stenosis of the internal acoustic meatuses (n=2). Sclerotic fibrous dysplasia was suggested in 2 temporal bones (by CT data). CT was repeated after surgical treatment of 10 patients (14 temporal bones) and visual assessment of tympanostomy results was made.

Lineage-specific expansion and loss of tyrosinase genes across platyhelminths and their induction profiles in the carcinogenic oriental liver fluke, Clonorchis sinensis.

PubMed

Kim, Seon-Hee; Bae, Young-An

2017-09-01

Tyrosinase provides an essential activity during egg production in diverse platyhelminths by mediating sclerotization of eggshells. In this study, we investigated the genomic and evolutionary features of tyrosinases in parasitic platyhelminths whose genomic information is available. A pair of paralogous tyrosinases was detected in most trematodes, whereas they were lost in cyclophyllidean cestodes. A pseudophyllidean cestode displaying egg biology similar to that of trematodes possessed an orthologous gene. Interestingly, one of the paralogous tyrosinases appeared to have been multiplied into three copies in Clonorchis sinensis and Opisthorchis viverrini. In addition, a fifth tyrosinase gene that was minimally transcribed through all developmental stages was further detected in these opisthorchiid genomes. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that the tyrosinase gene has undergone duplication at least three times in platyhelminths. The additional opisthorchiid gene arose from the first duplication. A paralogous copy generated from these gene duplications, except for the last one, seemed to be lost in the major neodermatans lineages. In C. sinensis, tyrosinase gene expressions were initiated following sexual maturation and the levels were significantly enhanced by the presence of O2 and bile. Taken together, our data suggest that tyrosinase has evolved lineage-specifically across platyhelminths related to its copy number and induction mechanism.

Biomechanics of ant adhesive pads: frictional forces are rate- and temperature-dependent.

PubMed

Federle, Walter; Baumgartner, Werner; Hölldobler, Bert

2004-01-01

Tarsal adhesive pads enable insects to hold on to smooth plant surfaces. Using a centrifuge technique, we tested whether a "wet adhesion" model of a thin film of liquid secreted between the pad and the surface can explain adhesive and frictional forces in Asian Weaver ants (Oecophylla smaragdina). When forces are acting parallel to the surface, pads in contact with the surface can slide smoothly. Force per unit pad contact area was strongly dependent on sliding velocity and temperature. Seemingly consistent with the effect of a thin liquid film in the contact zone, (1) frictional force linearly increased with sliding velocity, (2) the increment was greater at lower temperatures and (3) no temperature dependence was detected for low-rate perpendicular detachment forces. However, we observed a strong, temperature-independent static friction that was inconsistent with a fully lubricated contact. Static friction was too large to be explained by the contribution of other (sclerotized) body parts. Moreover, the rate-specific increase of shear stress strongly exceeded predictions derived from estimates of the adhesive liquid film's thickness and viscosity. Both lines of evidence indicate that the adhesive secretion alone is insufficient to explain the observed forces and that direct interaction of the soft pad cuticle with the surface ("rubber friction") is involved.

Prevalence of stroke/cardiovascular risk factors in Hungary

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bodo, M.; Sipos, K.; Thuroczy, G.; Panczel, G.; Ilias, L.; Szonyi, P.; Bodo, M., Jr.; Nebella, T.; Banyasz, A.; Nagy, Z.

2010-04-01

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Hungary using the Cerberus system which includes: 1) a questionnaire addressing the risk factors for stroke/cardiovascular disease; 2) amplifiers to record the pulse waves of cerebral arteries (rheoencephalography) and peripheral arteries, electrocardiogram and electroencephalogram. Additionally, subjects were measured for carotid stenosis by Doppler ultrasound and 12-lead electrocardiogram; subjects were also screened for blood cholesterol, glucose, and triglyceride levels. Prevalence of the following stroke risk factors was identified: overweight, 63.25%; sclerotic brain arteries (by rheoencephalogram), 54.29%; heart disease, 37.92%; pathologic carotid flow, 34.24%; smoking, 30.55%; high blood cholesterol, 28.70%; hypertension, 27.83%; high triglyceride, 24.35%; abnormality in electrocardiogram, 20%; high glucose, 15.95%; symptoms of transient ischemic attack, 16.07%; alcohol abuse, 6.74%; and diabetes, 4.53%. The study demonstrates a possible model for primary cardiovascular disease/stroke prevention. This method offers a standardizable, cost effective, practical technique for mass screenings by identifying the population at high risk for cardiovascular disturbances, especially cerebrovascular disease (primary prevention). In this model, the rheoencephalogram can detect cerebrovascular arteriosclerosis in the susceptibility/presymptomatic phase, earlier than the Doppler ultrasound technique. The method also provides a model for storing analog physiological signals in a computer-based medical record and is a first step in applying an expert system to stroke prevention.

Notes on the genus Tunga (Siphonaptera: Tungidae) II – neosomes, morphology, classification, and other taxonomic notes

PubMed Central

Linardi, Pedro Marcos; Beaucournu, Jean-Claude; de Avelar, Daniel Moreira; Belaz, Sorya

2014-01-01

This review focuses on the neosomes, morphology, and taxonomy of adult species of the genus Tunga, complementing the previously published data on the phylogeny, ecology, and pathogenic role. Neosomes are structures formed after penetration of adult females into the skin of hosts resulting in significant enlargement, being the most characteristic and most frequently observed form in hosts. Neosomes can be differentiated by shape, measurements, and sites of attachment to principal hosts. The taxonomic value and morphometric data of the most widely used characteristics to separate species – such as frontal curvature, head chaetotaxy, preoral internal sclerotization, ventral and dorsal genal lobes, eyes, maxillary palps, fusion of pronotum and mesonotum, metacoxae, metatarsi chaetotaxy, spermatheca (females), manubrium, basimere, telomere, and phallosome (males) – are comparatively analyzed. The sexes, individual variations, undescribed species, higher taxa, as well as a proposal for division of the genus into two subgenera (Tunga and Brevidigita) are presented (as previously given by Wang). A key for females, males, and gravid females (neosomes) also is included for identifying the 13 known species. Data on host specificity and geographical distribution may also support the identification of Tunga species because some sand fleas and their hosts may have co-evolved. PMID:25514594

Activity of Fusion Prophenoloxidase-GFP and Its Potential Applications for Innate Immunity Study

PubMed Central

Yang, Bing; Lu, Anrui; Peng, Qin; Ling, Qing-Zhi; Ling, Erjun

2013-01-01

Insect prophenoloxidase (PPO) is essential for physiological functions such as melanization of invading pathogens, wound healing and cuticle sclerotization. The insect PPO activation pathway is well understood. However, it is not very clear how PPO is released from hemocytes and how PPO takes part in cellular immunity. To begin to assess this, three Drosophila melanogaster PPO genes were separately fused with GFP at the C-terminus (rPPO-GFP) and were over-expressed in S2 cells. The results of staining and morphological observation show that rPPO-GFP expressed in S2 cells has green fluorescence and enzyme activity if Cu2+ was added during transfection. Each rPPO-GFP has similar properties as the corresponding rPPO. However, cells with rPPO-GFP over-expressed are easier to trace without PO activation and staining. Further experiments show that rPPO1-GFP is cleaved and activated by Drosophila serine protease, and rPPO1-GFP binds to Micrococcus luteus and Beauveria bassiana spores as silkworm plasma PPO. The above research indicates that the GFP-tag has no influence on the fusion enzyme activation and PPO-involved innate immunity action in vitro. Thus, rPPO-GFP may be a convenient tool for innate immunity study in the future if it can be expressed in vivo. PMID:23717543

Functional morphology and evolution of specialized mouthparts of Cephenniini (Insecta, Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Scydmaeninae).

PubMed

Jałoszyński, Paweł; Beutel, Rolf G

2012-11-01

We present the results of a morphological study of the labium and labial (premental) discs in Cephenniini, ant-like stone beetles feeding on oribatid mites. The discs are composed of a cuticular plate connected by a circumferential ring with the hypopharyngeal suspensorium. The discs have likely developed from the premental cuticle and from internal sclerotizations of the labium. The shape of the external plate can be changed from flat to concave and vice versa by contractions and relaxations of the labial muscles. Contractions result in a flat or only slightly concave shape whereas during relaxation the discs become strongly concave and adhere tightly to the captured mite. Once this is achieved, detaining of the prey is energy-free. Based on known hypotheses concerning the evolution of Oribatida and Staphylinidae, we exclude the possibility of a co-evolution of "proto-Cephenniini" with yet unarmored "proto-Oribatida", and suggest three alternative scenarios: i) the predators co-evolved with a particular early lineage of Oribatida that has acquired the hard armor relatively recently; ii) ancestors of Cephenniini gradually shifted from feeding on other types of prey towards fully armored Oribatida; or iii) the labial discs have originally developed for functions not related to feeding. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Morphology of Labronemella major n. sp. (Nematoda: Dorylaimida), a soil-dwelling nematode from China, including a revised key to species of the genus.

PubMed

Wu, W J; Yan, L; Xie, H; Xu, C L; Wang, K; Jin, S Y

2017-01-01

One new species from Qinghai Province, China, Labronemella major n. sp., is described. The new species is characterized by a body length of 3.03-3.34 mm; lip region wide, offset by a distinct depression, disc-like with six separated inner liplets; amphid fovea funnel-shaped, distinctly bulged on body surface in scanning electron micrographs; odontostyle long (35-39 μm) with distinct lumen, aperture about 39-47% of its length; odontophore rod-like and long; guiding ring double; pharyngeal basal expansion about half of the total neck length; uterus relatively long and tripartite; vulva transverse and sclerotized; spicules 81-90 μm long; ventromedial supplements 19-23; tail short, rounded to conoid. It can be differentiated from all other species of the genus by its relatively longer body, odontostyle and spicules, and wider lip region. Due to the lip region being offset by a deep constriction, and the long (three or more times the body diameter at mid-body) tripartite uterus, the new species is close to Labronemella czernowitzensis (Micoletzky, 1922) Andrássy, 2002 and Labronemella labiata Andrássy, 1985. An improved key to the genus including the new species is provided.

Do Bone Graft and Cracking of the Sclerotic Cavity Improve Fixation of Titanium and Hydroxyapatite-coated Revision Implants in an Animal Model?

PubMed

Elmengaard, Brian; Baas, Joergen; Jakobsen, Thomas; Kold, Soren; Jensen, Thomas B; Bechtold, Joan E; Soballe, Kjeld

2017-02-01

We previously introduced a manual surgical technique that makes small perforations (cracks) through the sclerotic bone shell that typically forms during the process of aseptic loosening ("crack" revision technique). Perforating just the shell (without violating the proximal cortex) can maintain overall bone continuity while allowing marrow and vascular elements to access the implant surface. Because many revisions require bone graft to fill defects, we wanted to determine if bone graft could further increase implant fixation beyond what we have experimentally shown with the crack technique alone. Also, because both titanium (Ti6Al4V) and hydroxyapatite (HA) implant surfaces are used in revisions, we also wanted to determine their relative effectiveness in this model. We hypothesized that both (1) allografted plasma-sprayed Ti6Al4V; and (2) allografted plasma-sprayed HA-coated implants inserted with a crack revision technique have better fixation compared with a noncrack revision technique in each case. Under approval from our Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, a female canine animal model was used to evaluate the uncemented revision technique (crack, noncrack) using paired contralateral implants while implant surface (Ti6Al4V, HA) was qualitatively compared between the two (unpaired) series. All groups received bone allograft tightly packed around the implant. This revision model includes a cylindrical implant pistoning 500 μm in a 0.75-mm gap, with polyethylene particles, for 8 weeks. This engenders a bone and tissue response representative of the metaphyseal cancellous region of an aseptically loosened component. At 8 weeks, the original implants were revised and followed for an additional 4 weeks. Mechanical fixation was assessed by load, stiffness, and energy to failure when loaded in axial pushout. Histomorphometry was used to determine the amount and location of bone and fibrous tissue in the grafted gap. The grafted crack revision improved mechanical shear strength, stiffness, and energy to failure (for Ti6Al4V 27- to 69-fold increase and HA twofold increases). The histomorphometric analysis demonstrated primarily fibrous membrane ongrowth and in the gap for the allografted Ti6Al4V noncrack revisions. For allografted HA noncrack revisions, bone ongrowth at the implant surface was observed, but fibrous tissue also was present in the inner gap. Although both Ti6Al4V and HA surfaces showed improved fixation with grafted crack revision, and Ti6Al4V achieved the highest percent gain, HA demonstrated the strongest overall fixation. The results of this study suggest that novel osteoconductive or osteoinductive coatings and bone graft substitutes or tissue-engineered constructs may further improve bone-implant fixation with the crack revision technique but require evaluation in a rigorous model such as presented here. This experimental study provides data on which to base clinical trials aimed to improve fixation of revision implants. Given the multifactorial nature of complex human revisions, such a protocoled clinical study is required to determine the clinical applicability of this approach.

Neuromechanical simulation of the locust jump

PubMed Central

Cofer, D.; Cymbalyuk, G.; Heitler, W. J.; Edwards, D. H.

2010-01-01

The neural circuitry and biomechanics of kicking in locusts have been studied to understand their roles in the control of both kicking and jumping. It has been hypothesized that the same neural circuit and biomechanics governed both behaviors but this hypothesis was not testable with current technology. We built a neuromechanical model to test this and to gain a better understanding of the role of the semi-lunar process (SLP) in jump dynamics. The jumping and kicking behaviors of the model were tested by comparing them with a variety of published data, and were found to reproduce the results from live animals. This confirmed that the kick neural circuitry can produce the jump behavior. The SLP is a set of highly sclerotized bands of cuticle that can be bent to store energy for use during kicking and jumping. It has not been possible to directly test the effects of the SLP on jump performance because it is an integral part of the joint, and attempts to remove its influence prevent the locust from being able to jump. Simulations demonstrated that the SLP can significantly increase jump distance, power, total energy and duration of the jump impulse. In addition, the geometry of the joint enables the SLP force to assist leg flexion when the leg is flexed, and to assist extension once the leg has begun to extend. PMID:20228342

Parietal cells-new perspectives in glomerular disease.

PubMed

Miesen, Laura; Steenbergen, Eric; Smeets, Bart

2017-07-01

In normal glomeruli, parietal epithelial cells (PECs) line the inside of Bowman's capsule and form an inconspicuous sheet of flat epithelial cells in continuity with the proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTECs) at the urinary pole and with the podocytes at the vascular pole. PECs, PTECs and podocytes have a common mesenchymal origin and are the result of divergent differentiation during embryogenesis. Podocytes and PTECs are highly differentiated cells with well-established functions pertaining to the maintenance of the filtration barrier and transport, respectively. For PECs, no specific function other than a structural one has been known until recently. Possible important functions for PECs in the fate of the glomerulus in glomerular disease have now become apparent: (1) PECs may be involved in the replacement of lost podocytes; (2) PECs form the basis of extracapillary proliferative lesions and subsequent sclerosis in glomerular disease. In addition to the acknowledgement that PECs are crucial in glomerular disease, knowledge has been gained regarding the molecular processes driving the phenotypic changes and behavior of PECs. Understanding these molecular processes is important for the development of specific therapeutic approaches aimed at either stimulation of the regenerative function of PECs or inhibition of the pro-sclerotic action of PECs. In this review, we discuss recent advances pertaining to the role of PECs in glomerular regeneration and disease and address the major molecular processes involved.

Serum levels of innate immunity cytokines are elevated in dogs with metaphyseal osteopathy (hypertrophic osteodytrophy) during active disease and remission.

PubMed

Safra, Noa; Hitchens, Peta L; Maverakis, Emanual; Mitra, Anupam; Korff, Courtney; Johnson, Eric; Kol, Amir; Bannasch, Michael J; Pedersen, Niels C; Bannasch, Danika L

2016-10-15

Metaphyseal osteopathy (MO) (hypertrophic osteodystrophy) is a developmental disorder of unexplained etiology affecting dogs during rapid growth. Affected dogs experience relapsing episodes of lytic/sclerotic metaphyseal lesions and systemic inflammation. MO is rare in the general dog population; however, some breeds (Weimaraner, Great Dane and Irish Setter) have a much higher incidence, supporting a hereditary etiology. Autoinflammatory childhood disorders of parallel presentation such as chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO), and deficiency of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (DIRA), involve impaired innate immunity pathways and aberrant cytokine production. Given the similarities between these diseases, we hypothesize that MO is an autoinflammatory disease mediated by cytokines involved in innate immunity. To characterize immune dysregulation in MO dogs we measured serum levels of inflammatory markers in 26 MO and 102 control dogs. MO dogs had significantly higher levels (pg/ml) of serum Interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), IL-18, IL-6, Granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), C-X-C motif chemokine 10 (CXCL10), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and IL-10. Notably, recovered MO dogs were not different from dogs during active MO disease, providing a suggestive mechanism for disease predisposition. This is the first documentation of elevated immune markers in MO dogs, uncovering an immune profile similar to comparable autoinflammatory disorders in children. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Changes in flip/flop splicing of astroglial AMPA receptors in human temporal lobe epilepsy.

PubMed

Seifert, Gerald; Schröder, Wolfgang; Hinterkeuser, Stefan; Schumacher, Thekla; Schramm, Johannes; Steinhäuser, Christian

2002-01-01

Recent data suggested a role for glial cells in epilepsy. This study sought to identify and functionally characterize AMPA receptors expressed by astrocytes in human hippocampal tissue resected from patients with intractable temporal lobe epilepsy. Patch-clamp and fast application methods were combined to investigate astrocytes in situ and after fresh isolation from the stratum radiatum of the hippocampal CA1 subfield. Relying on presurgical and histopathologic analysis, we divided human specimens into two groups, Ammon's horn sclerosis (AHS) and lesion-associated epilepsy. Fast application of glutamate and kainate evoked receptor currents in all cells studied. Reversal-potential analysis revealed an intermediate Ca2+ permeability of the receptor channels that did not vary between the two groups of patients. However, preapplication of the AMPA receptor-specific modulator, cyclothiazide, disclosed differences in flip-flop splicing. This treatment considerably enhanced the receptor conductance, with potentiation being significantly stronger in cells from AHS specimens compared with lesion-associated cells, suggesting upregulation of AMPA receptor flip splice variants in astrocytes of the sclerotic tissue. Compelling evidence has been accumulated showing direct and rapid signaling between neurons and glial cells. Our data suggest that in AHS patients, neuronally released glutamate will lead to an enhanced and prolonged depolarization of astrocytes, which might be involved in seizure generation and spread in this particular condition of human temporal lobe epilepsy.

Evaluating aquatic invertebrate vulnerability to insecticides based on intrinsic sensitivity, biological traits, and toxic mode of action.

PubMed

Rico, Andreu; Van den Brink, Paul J

2015-08-01

In the present study, the authors evaluated the vulnerability of aquatic invertebrates to insecticides based on their intrinsic sensitivity and their population-level recovery potential. The relative sensitivity of invertebrates to 5 different classes of insecticides was calculated at the genus, family, and order levels using the acute toxicity data available in the US Environmental Protection Agency ECOTOX database. Biological trait information was linked to the calculated relative sensitivity to evaluate correlations between traits and sensitivity and to calculate a vulnerability index, which combines intrinsic sensitivity and traits describing the recovery potential of populations partially exposed to insecticides (e.g., voltinism, flying strength, occurrence in drift). The analysis shows that the relative sensitivity of arthropods depends on the insecticide mode of action. Traits such as degree of sclerotization, size, and respiration type showed good correlation to sensitivity and can be used to make predictions for invertebrate taxa without a priori sensitivity knowledge. The vulnerability analysis revealed that some of the Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera taxa were vulnerable to all insecticide classes and indicated that particular gastropod and bivalve species were potentially vulnerable. Microcrustaceans (e.g., daphnids, copepods) showed low potential vulnerability, particularly in lentic ecosystems. The methods described in the present study can be used for the selection of focal species to be included as part of ecological scenarios and higher tier risk assessments. © 2015 SETAC.

Obesity-induced chronic inflammation in high fat diet challenged C57BL/6J mice is associated with acceleration of age-dependent renal amyloidosis

PubMed Central

van der Heijden, Roel A.; Bijzet, Johan; Meijers, Wouter C.; Yakala, Gopala K.; Kleemann, Robert; Nguyen, Tri Q.; de Boer, Rudolf A.; Schalkwijk, Casper G.; Hazenberg, Bouke P. C.; Tietge, Uwe J. F.; Heeringa, Peter

2015-01-01

Obesity-induced inflammation presumably accelerates the development of chronic kidney diseases. However, little is known about the sequence of these inflammatory events and their contribution to renal pathology. We investigated the effects of obesity on the evolution of age-dependent renal complications in mice in conjunction with the development of renal and systemic low-grade inflammation (LGI). C57BL/6J mice susceptible to develop age-dependent sclerotic pathologies with amyloid features in the kidney, were fed low (10% lard) or high-fat diets (45% lard) for 24, 40 and 52 weeks. HFD-feeding induced overt adiposity, altered lipid and insulin homeostasis, increased systemic LGI and adipokine release. HFD-feeding also caused renal upregulation of pro-inflammatory genes, infiltrating macrophages, collagen I protein, increased urinary albumin and NGAL levels. HFD-feeding severely aggravated age-dependent structural changes in the kidney. Remarkably, enhanced amyloid deposition rather than sclerosis was observed. The degree of amyloidosis correlated significantly with body weight. Amyloid deposits stained positive for serum amyloid A (SAA) whose plasma levels were chronically elevated in HFD mice. Our data indicate obesity-induced chronic inflammation as a risk factor for the acceleration of age-dependent renal amyloidosis and functional impairment in mice, and suggest that obesity-enhanced chronic secretion of SAA may be the driving factor behind this process. PMID:26563579

Obesity-induced chronic inflammation in high fat diet challenged C57BL/6J mice is associated with acceleration of age-dependent renal amyloidosis.

PubMed

van der Heijden, Roel A; Bijzet, Johan; Meijers, Wouter C; Yakala, Gopala K; Kleemann, Robert; Nguyen, Tri Q; de Boer, Rudolf A; Schalkwijk, Casper G; Hazenberg, Bouke P C; Tietge, Uwe J F; Heeringa, Peter

2015-11-13

Obesity-induced inflammation presumably accelerates the development of chronic kidney diseases. However, little is known about the sequence of these inflammatory events and their contribution to renal pathology. We investigated the effects of obesity on the evolution of age-dependent renal complications in mice in conjunction with the development of renal and systemic low-grade inflammation (LGI). C57BL/6J mice susceptible to develop age-dependent sclerotic pathologies with amyloid features in the kidney, were fed low (10% lard) or high-fat diets (45% lard) for 24, 40 and 52 weeks. HFD-feeding induced overt adiposity, altered lipid and insulin homeostasis, increased systemic LGI and adipokine release. HFD-feeding also caused renal upregulation of pro-inflammatory genes, infiltrating macrophages, collagen I protein, increased urinary albumin and NGAL levels. HFD-feeding severely aggravated age-dependent structural changes in the kidney. Remarkably, enhanced amyloid deposition rather than sclerosis was observed. The degree of amyloidosis correlated significantly with body weight. Amyloid deposits stained positive for serum amyloid A (SAA) whose plasma levels were chronically elevated in HFD mice. Our data indicate obesity-induced chronic inflammation as a risk factor for the acceleration of age-dependent renal amyloidosis and functional impairment in mice, and suggest that obesity-enhanced chronic secretion of SAA may be the driving factor behind this process.

Comparative larvicidal toxicities of three ecdysone agonists on the mosquitoes Aedes aegypti, Culex quinquefasciatus, and Anopheles gambiae.

PubMed

Beckage, Nancy E; Marion, Ken M; Walton, William E; Wirth, Margaret C; Tan, Frances F

2004-11-01

Ecdysone agonists are hormonally active insect growth regulators that disrupt development of pest insects and have potential for development as insecticides. Their effects have been particularly well-studied in Lepidoptera and Coleoptera, but significantly less is known about their effects on dipterans, particularly aquatic species. The potency of three ecdysone agonists on larvae of 3 mosquito species, Aedes aegypti, Anopheles gambiae, and Culex quinquefasciatus, was examined. Anopheles gambiae was the most susceptible species and Ae. aegypti was the most resistant species to the effects of the three compounds tested. Potency, in descending order, was RH-2485 > RH-5992 > RH-5849. Dose-response relationships were determined for the three agonists; RH-2485 was found to be the most effective endocrine disruptor against all three species. The observed biological effects of these compounds were similar to those reported for other insects, and mosquitoes initiated molting and apolysis but did not complete a molt. In some cases, mosquito larvae synthesized a new cuticle that appeared to be normally sclerotized but the larvae failed to ecdyse and shed the exuvium. These compounds may prove to be valuable insect growth regulators for control of mosquitoes to decrease the frequency of pathogen transmission to humans. Prospects for using these compounds to control mosquitoes in the field are discussed, along with possible impacts on non-target arthropods in mosquito habitats. (c) 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Astrocyte uncoupling as a cause of human temporal lobe epilepsy

PubMed Central

Bedner, Peter; Dupper, Alexander; Hüttmann, Kerstin; Müller, Julia; Herde, Michel K.; Dublin, Pavel; Deshpande, Tushar; Schramm, Johannes; Häussler, Ute; Haas, Carola A.; Henneberger, Christian; Theis, Martin

2015-01-01

Glial cells are now recognized as active communication partners in the central nervous system, and this new perspective has rekindled the question of their role in pathology. In the present study we analysed functional properties of astrocytes in hippocampal specimens from patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy without (n = 44) and with sclerosis (n = 75) combining patch clamp recording, K+ concentration analysis, electroencephalography/video-monitoring, and fate mapping analysis. We found that the hippocampus of patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with sclerosis is completely devoid of bona fide astrocytes and gap junction coupling, whereas coupled astrocytes were abundantly present in non-sclerotic specimens. To decide whether these glial changes represent cause or effect of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with sclerosis, we developed a mouse model that reproduced key features of human mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with sclerosis. In this model, uncoupling impaired K+ buffering and temporally preceded apoptotic neuronal death and the generation of spontaneous seizures. Uncoupling was induced through intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide, prevented in Toll-like receptor4 knockout mice and reproduced in situ through acute cytokine or lipopolysaccharide incubation. Fate mapping confirmed that in the course of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with sclerosis, astrocytes acquire an atypical functional phenotype and lose coupling. These data suggest that astrocyte dysfunction might be a prime cause of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with sclerosis and identify novel targets for anti-epileptogenic therapeutic intervention. PMID:25765328

Unicameral bone cyst of a cervical vertebral body and lateral mass with associated pathological fracture in a child. Case report and review of the literature.

PubMed

Snell, B E; Adesina, A; Wolfla, C E

2001-10-01

The authors present the case of a 10-year-old girl with a history of cervical trauma in whom a cystic lesion was found to involve all three columns of C-7 with evidence of pathological fracture. Computerized tomography scanning revealed a lytic lesion with sclerotic margins involving the left vertebral body, pedicle, lateral mass, and lamina of C-7 with an associated pathological compression fracture. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated mixed signal on both T1- and T2-weighted sequences, with cystic and enhancing solid portions. Magnetic resonance angiography demonstrated anterior displacement of the left vertebral artery at C-7. The patient underwent C-7 subtotal corpectomy and posterior resection of the tumor mass; anterior and posterior fusion were performed in which instrumentation was placed. Histological examination disclosed cystic areas lined by fibromembranous tissue with calcification and osteoid deposits consistent with unicameral bone cyst. Of the four previously reported cases of unicameral bone cysts in the cervical spine, none involved all three columns simultaneously or was associated with pathological fracture. The most common differential diagnostic considerations for cystic lesions in the spine are aneurysmal bone cyst, osteoblastoma, or giant cell tumor of bone. Unicameral bone cyst, in this location, although rare, must be considered in the differential diagnosis and may require resection and spinal reconstruction.

Advanced sclerosis of the chest wall skin secondary to chronic graft-versus-host disease: a case with severe restrictive lung defect.

PubMed

Ödek, Çağlar; Kendirli, Tanil; İleri, Talia; Yaman, Ayhan; Fatih Çakmakli, Hasan; Ince, Elif; İnce, Erdal; Ertem, Mehmet

2014-10-01

Pulmonary chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGvHD) is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT). Herein, we describe a patient with severe restrictive lung defect secondary to cGvHD. A 21-year-old male patient was admitted to our pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) with pneumonia and respiratory distress. He had a history of aHSCT for chronic myelogeneous leukemia at the age of 17 years. Six months after undergoing aHSCT, he had developed cGvHD involving skin, mouth, eye, lung, liver, and gastrointestinal tract. At the time of PICU admission he had respiratory distress and required ventilation support. Thorax high-resolution computed tomography was consistent with bronchiolitis obliterans. Although bronchiolitis obliterans is an obstructive lung defect, a restrictive pattern became prominent in the clinical course because of the sclerotic chest wall skin. The activity of cGvHD kept increasing despite the therapy and we lost the patient because of severe respiratory distress and massive hemoptysis secondary to bronchiectasis. In conclusion, pulmonary cGvHD can present with restrictive changes related with the advanced sclerosis of the chest wall skin. Performing a fasciotomy or a scar revision for the rigid chest wall in selected patients may improve the patients ventilation.

Different Pathological Roles of Toll-Like Receptor 9 on Mucosal B Cells and Dendritic Cells in Murine IgA Nephropathy

PubMed Central

Kajiyama, Tadahiro; Suzuki, Yusuke; Kihara, Masao; Suzuki, Hitoshi; Horikoshi, Satoshi; Tomino, Yasuhiko

2011-01-01

Although pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is still obscure, pathological contribution of mucosal immunity including production of nephritogenic IgA and IgA immune complex (IC) has been discussed. We have reported that mucosal toll-like receptor (TLR)-9 is involved in the pathogenesis of human and murine IgAN. However, cell-type expressing TLR9 in mucosa remains unclear. To address this, we nasally challenged cell-specific CpG DNA ((i): dendritic cell: (DC), (ii): B cell, (iii): both), known as ligand for TLR9, to IgAN prone mice and analyzed disease phenotype of each group. After 8 times of the weekly administration, every group showed deterioration of glomerular damage. However, CpG-A-group showed clear extension of mesangial proliferative lesions with increase of serum IgA-IgG2a IC and its glomerular depositions, while CpG-B-group showed extent of glomerular sclerotic lesions with increase of serum and glomerular IgA and M2 macrophage infiltration. Present results indicate that mucosal TLR9 on B cells and DC may differently contribute to the progression of this disease via induction of nephritogenic IgA or IgA-IgG IC, respectively. This picture is suggestive for the pathological difference between child and adult IgAN. PMID:21765852

Mineral features of connective dental hard tissues in hypoplastic amelogenesis imperfecta.

PubMed

Kammoun, R; Behets, C; Mansour, L; Ghoul-Mazgar, S

2018-04-01

To explore the mineral features of dentin and cementum in hypoplastic Amelogenesis imperfecta AI teeth. Forty-four (44) teeth cleaned and free of caries were used: 20 control and 24 affected by hypoplastic amelogenesis imperfecta. Thirty-two teeth were studied by pQCT, cut in sections, and analyzed under microradiography, polarized light microscopy, and confocal Raman spectroscopy. Eight teeth were observed under scanning electron microscope. Four teeth were used for an X-ray diffraction. The mineral density data were analyzed statistically with the Mann-Whitney U test, using GraphPad InStat software. Both coronal dentin and radicular dentin were less mineralized in AI teeth when compared to control (respectively 6.2% and 6.8%; p < .001). Root dentinal walls were thin and irregular, while the cellular cementum layers were thick, reaching sometimes the cervical region of the tooth. Regular dentinal tubules and sclerotic dentin areas were noticed. Partially tubular or cellular dysplastic dentin and hyper-, normo-, or hypomineralized areas were noticed in the inter-radicular areas of hypoplastic AI teeth. The main mineral component was carbonate hydroxyapatite as explored by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Dentin and cementum in hypoplastic AI teeth are (i) hypomineralized, (ii) constituted of carbonate hydroxyapatite, and (iii) of non-homogenous structure. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Orthodontic treatment of patients medicated with bisphosphonates-a clinical case report].

PubMed

Krieger, Elena; d'Hoedt, Bernd; Scheller, Herbert; Jacobs, Collin; Walter, Christian; Wehrbein, Heinrich

2013-01-01

Bisphosphonates (BP) are an established medication, e.g., for the prevention/therapy of osteoporosis. The effects of the changed bone metabolism for orthodontic treatments are unknown. A 66-year-old woman underwent a total oral rehabilitation. The therapy included (1) tooth extractions, (2) periodontal treatment, (3) insertion of dental implants, (4) provisional implant restorations, (5) orthodontic treatment, and (6) definite implant restorations. The orthodontic tooth movements were in- and retrusion of the upper frontal teeth, intrusion of the lower front teeth, using the dental implants as skeletal anchorage. After implant insertion and one month before beginning the orthodontic treatment, osteoporosis was diagnosed in this patient and, without notification to our facility, BP treatment was initiated by her general practitioner (alendronate oral, 70 mg/week), with an overall duration of intake of 7 months. After 13 months, the orthodontic treatment was successfully accomplished; however enlarged periodontal gaps, sclerotic bone areas, and mild apical root resorptions of the upper frontal teeth were found in this patient. Currently, there are no recommendations for orthodontic patients undergoing BP therapy. Orthodontic tooth movement in this low-risk patient with a short duration of intake and a low-dose BP medication was possible. Because of the reduced bone metabolism and the higher amount of side effects, the treatment should be performed with extremely light forces and frequent monitoring.

Colour Doppler ultrasound in preoperative assessment of the neck vessels in patients with tumours of the oral cavity and the neck region.

PubMed

Falkowski, Aleksander; Wilk, Grazyna; Mokrzyński, Stanisław; Dul, Przemysław; Toloczko-Grabarek, Aleksandra; Huzarski, Tomasz; Kowalczyk, Robert

2004-06-01

The aim of the study was not only to establish the applicability of color Doppler ultrasound of the neck vessels in patients with tumors of the oral cavity and the neck region but also to check whether the coexistence of sclerotic changes in the carotid arteries is essential in determination of the sequence of surgical procedure. Color Doppler ultrasound was performed on 110 patients, aged 15 -71 years with tumors of the oral cavity and the neck. The localization, size, echogenicity, as well as the tumor relationship to the surrounding structures and big vessels of the neck region was analyzed. Compression of the veins was observed in 27 cases, and of the arteries only in 20 cases. Infiltration of the jugular vein was observed in 8 patients, whereas infiltration of the carotid artery were seen only in 6 patients. Severe internal carotid artery stenosis, due to arteriosclerosis, was observed in 10 patients. Three persons were suggested to be operated on, first due to carotid artery stenosis, later on, due to the oral cavity tumor. It was found that color Doppler ultrasound is useful in deciding upon the method of treatment, while the examination of the neck vessels is helpful in establishing the sequence of surgical procedures in patients with tumors and coexisting arteriosclerosis.

Vertebral sarcoidosis: demonstration of bone involvement by computerized axial tomography

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

Dinerstein, S.L.; Kovarsky, J.

1984-08-01

A report is given of a rare case of vertebral sarcoidosis with negative conventional spinal x-ray films, yet with typical cystic lesions of the spine found incidentally during abdominal computerized axial tomography (CAT). The patient was a 28-year-old black man, who was admitted for evaluation of a 1 1/2-year history of diffuse myalgias, intermittent fever to 102 F orally, bilateral hilar adenopathy, and leukopenia. A technetium polyphosphate bone scan revealed diffuse areas of increased uptake over the sternum, entire vertebral column, and pelvis. Conventional x-ray films of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine, and an AP view of the pelvismore » were all normal. Chest x-ray film revealed only bilateral hilar adenopathy. During the course of an extensive negative evaluation for infection, an abdominal CAT scan was done, showing multiple, small, sclerotic-rimmed cysts at multiple levels of the lower thoracic and lumbar spine. Bone marrow biopsy revealed only changes consistent with anemia of chronic disease. Mediastinal lymph node biopsy revealed noncaseating granulomas. A tentative diagnosis of sarcoidosis was made, and treatment with prednisone, isoniazid and rifampin was begun. Within two weeks of initiation of prednisone therapy, the patient was symptom-free. A repeat technetium polyphosphate bone scan revealed only a small residual area of mildly increased uptake over the upper thoracic vertebrae.« less

Deletion of mTOR in Reactive Astrocytes Suppresses Chronic Seizures in a Mouse Model of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy.

PubMed

Wang, Xueqin; Sha, Longze; Sun, Nannan; Shen, Yan; Xu, Qi

2017-01-01

Germline and somatic mutations in key genes of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway have been identified in seizure-associated disorders. mTOR mutations lead to aberrant activation of mTOR signaling, and, although affected neurons are critical for epileptogenesis, the role of mTOR activation in glial cells remains poorly understood. We previously reported a consistent activation of the mTOR pathway in astrocytes in the epileptic foci of temporal lobe epilepsy. In this study, it was demonstrated that mTOR deletion from reactive astrocytes prevents increases in seizure frequency over the disease course. By using a tamoxifen-inducible mTOR conditional knockout system and kainic acid, a model was developed that allowed astrocyte-specific mTOR gene deletion in mice with chronic epilepsy. Animals in which mTOR was deleted from 44 % of the astrocyte population exhibited a lower seizure frequency compared with controls. Down-regulation of mTOR significantly ameliorated astrogliosis in the sclerotic hippocampus but did not rescue mossy fiber sprouting. In cultured astrocytes, the mTOR pathway modulated the stability of the astroglial glutamate transporter 1 (Glt1) and influenced the ability of astrocytes to remove extracellular glutamate. Taken together, these data indicate that astrocytes with activated mTOR signaling may provide conditions that are favorable for spontaneous recurrent seizures.

Measurement of transepidermal water loss in localized scleroderma.

PubMed

Ďurčanská, Veronika; Jedličková, Hana; Vašků, Vladimír

2016-05-01

Localized scleroderma (LS) is a disease characterized by fibrotic changes in the dermis. Connective tissue growth factor and transforming growth factor β2 are the main mediators of fibrogenesis; this, along with excessive connective tissue production, affects epidermal keratinocytes, and thereby contributes to the changed quality of skin barrier. The objective of this article was to study the objective measurement of the skin barrier quality in LS with transepidermal water loss (TEWL) meter. The measurements of TEWL were performed on LS plaques in all three stages of various body locations. Control measurements were made on the contralateral side of healthy skin. The difference between TEWL in LS area and the contralateral side of the healthy skin was evaluated. A higher average TEWL 7.86 g/m(2) /h (SD 5.29) was observed on LS plaques compared with the control measurements on healthy skin 6.39 g/m(2) /h (SD 2.77). TEWL average values decreased from the inflammatory stage, through the sclerotic and to the atrophic stage. The mean difference 1.301 g/m(2) /h (SD 5.16) was found between TEWL on LS plaques and on the contralateral healthy skin in 82 measurements, i.e., a higher TEWL was observed in LS. The difference was statistically significant with p = 0.0250. Although fibrogenesis in scleroderma is localized in dermis, the skin barrier changes can be detected. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Mechanical properties of elytra from Tribolium castaneum wild-type and body color mutant strains.

PubMed

Lomakin, Joseph; Arakane, Yasuyuki; Kramer, Karl J; Beeman, Richard W; Kanost, Michael R; Gehrke, Stevin H

2010-12-01

Cuticle tanning in insects involves simultaneous cuticular pigmentation and hardening or sclerotization. The dynamic mechanical properties of the highly modified and cuticle-rich forewings (elytra) from Tribolium castaneum (red flour beetle) wild-type and body color mutant strains were investigated to relate body coloration and elytral mechanical properties. There was no statistically significant variation in the storage modulus E' among the elytra from jet, cola, sooty and black mutants or between the mutants and the wild-type GA-1 strain: E' averaged 5.1 ± 0.6 GPa regardless of body color. E' is a power law function of oscillation frequency for all types. The power law exponent, n, averaged 0.032 ± 0.001 for elytra from all genotypes except black; this small value indicated that the elytra are cross-linked. Black elytra, however, displayed a significantly larger n of 0.047 ± 0.004 and an increased loss tangent (tan δ), suggesting that metabolic differences in the black mutant strain result in elytra that are less cross-linked and more pigmented than the other types. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that black elytra have a β-alanine-deficient and dopamine-abundant metabolism, leading to greater melanin (black pigment) production, probably at the expense of cross-linking of cuticular proteins mediated by N-β-alanyldopamine quinone. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Philometrid nematodes (Philometridae) of marine teleosts from Balinese waters, Indonesia, including the description of Philometra damriyasai sp. nov.

PubMed

Dewi, Kartika; Palm, Harry W

2017-11-01

Based on light and scanning electron microscopy, one new species of philometrid nematodes, Philometra damriyasai sp. nov. (Nematoda: Dracunculoidea: Philometridae) from the body cavity of Tylerius spinosissimus (Regan, 1908) (Tetraodontiformes, Tetraodontidae), and five known species are reported in different marine teleosts from South Bali, Indonesia. The new species can be distinguished from the most closely related P. javensis Moravec, Walter & Juniar, 2012 by the absence of sclerotized denticles on the cuticle of the anterior oesophageal lobes of the mouth and smaller larvae. Philometra nemipteri Luo, 2001 of Nemipterus japonicus (Bloch, 1791), P. otolithi Moravec & Manoharan, 2013 of Otolithes ruber (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) (both from gonads) and Philometroides marinus Moravec & Buron, 2009 from the body cavity of Rachycentron canadum (Linnaeus, 1766) are reported for the first time from Indonesian waters, thus extending their range of distribution into the tropical Indo-Pacific Ocean. Philometra lobotidis Moravec, Walter & Yuniar, 2012 from the body cavity of Lobotes surinamensis (Bloch, 1790) and P. ocularis Moravec, Ogawa, Suzuki, Miyaki & Donai, 2002 from the eye cavity of Variola louti (Forsskål, 1775) represent new geographical records, and Philometra sp. was recorded for the first time from Cephalopholis sexmaculata (Rüppell, 1830). A total of 14 philometrids have been so far identified from marine fishes in Indonesia.

Extraction of membrane structure in eyeball from MR volumes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oda, Masahiro; Kin, Taichi; Mori, Kensaku

2017-03-01

This paper presents an accurate extraction method of spherical shaped membrane structures in the eyeball from MR volumes. In ophthalmic surgery, operation field is limited to a small region. Patient specific surgical simulation is useful to reduce complications. Understanding of tissue structure in the eyeball of a patient is required to achieve patient specific surgical simulations. Previous extraction methods of tissue structure in the eyeball use optical coherence tomography (OCT) images. Although OCT images have high resolution, imaging regions are limited to very small. Global structure extraction of the eyeball is difficult from OCT images. We propose an extraction method of spherical shaped membrane structures including the sclerotic coat, choroid, and retina. This method is applied to a T2 weighted MR volume of the head region. MR volume can capture tissue structure of whole eyeball. Because we use MR volumes, out method extracts whole membrane structures in the eyeball. We roughly extract membrane structures by applying a sheet structure enhancement filter. The rough extraction result includes parts of the membrane structures. Then, we apply the Hough transform to extract a sphere structure from the voxels set of the rough extraction result. The Hough transform finds a sphere structure from the rough extraction result. An experimental result using a T2 weighted MR volume of the head region showed that the proposed method can extract spherical shaped membrane structures accurately.

The mesangial matrix in the normal and sclerotic glomerulus.

PubMed

Rosenblum, N D

1994-02-01

Mesangial sclerosis is a final common pathway to glomerular destruction in a variety of glomerular diseases. The expression of several classes of extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules has been defined in the normal and diseased mesangial matrix (MM). However, the manner in which these ECM components determine the three dimensional structure and function of the MM remains to be defined. Structural studies of the MM suggest that its constituent molecules are regionally organized into subcompartments with different three dimensional structures. The diversity of matrix molecules expressed within the MM as well as the organization of these components in nonrenal ECM's, such as the cornea, provides further support for this organizational model. The study of the cornea has also revealed that novel short chain collagenous proteins partially determine the three dimensional structure of the matrix. Recently, a novel collagen, type VIII collagen, has been described in mesangial cells and in the intact glomerulus. It is hypothesized that type VIII collagen is expressed both as a polymer and as a monomer within the glomerulus, and depending on its conformation, may serve unique functions. In the chronically diseased MM, normal MM components are overexpressed and fibrillar collagens are expressed de novo in a delayed fashion. Enhanced proteoglycan expression, observed early in disease, may determine increased volume of the mesangium. This, in turn, may stimulate the production of fibrillar collagens by mesangial cells resulting in a fibrillar noncompliant mesangial matrix.

Systemic complications of trinitrotoluene (TNT) in exposed workers.

PubMed

Naderi, Mostafa; Ghanei, Mostafa; Shohrati, Majid; Saburi, Amin; Babaei, Mahmoud; Najafian, Bita

2013-03-01

2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) has been widely used as an explosive. TNT can induce some well-recognized toxic impacts comprising toxic hepatitis, aplastic anemia and cataract. The aim of study was evaluation of TNT exposed workers for systemic complication. In a cross-sectional study, we carried out Liver Function Test (LFT), complete blood count (CBC) and slit lamp biomicroscopy to compare the prevalence and severity of these 3 complications between 47 male TNT exposed workers (with at least one year continuous experience of TNT exposure) and 43 unexposed male hospital worker who hadn't had any previous contacts with TNT. We also performed Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) to assess the probable obstructive/restrictive abnormalities, caused by TNT. Mean alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level of TNT exposed group was significantly higher than the unexposed group (p = 0.023) Forced Expiratory Volume in one second to Forced Vital Capacity (FEV1/FVC) ratios of both groups were in the range of restrictive pattern (82.03% and 81.42% for the exposed and unexposed group, respectively) with no meaningful difference. We didn't find out any specific TNT induced cataract and general cortical cataract (CC) and nuclear sclerotic cataract (NSC) prevalence was not significantly different. we haven't found TNT as a chemical, causing toxic hepatitis or aplastic anemia; neither did we find it as a compound, responsible for a meaningful increase in cataract prevalence. However, due to the increased ALP serum levels and FEV1/FVC ratios among TNT workers, safety precautions are advised.

Osteoporosis and Osteopathy Markers in Patients with Mastocytosis

PubMed Central

Alpay Kanıtez, Nilüfer; Erer, Burak; Doğan, Öner; Büyükbabani, Nesimi; Baykal, Can; Sindel, Dilşad; Tanakol, Refik; Yavuz, Akif Selim

2015-01-01

Objective: Osteoporosis, osteosclerosis, and lytic bone lesions have been observed in patients with systemic mastocytosis (SM). We examined bone mineral density (BMD) biochemical turnover markers and serum tryptase levels in SM, which is considered a rare disease. Materials and Methods: Seventeen adult patients (5 females, 12 males; median age: 33 years, range: 20-64) with mastocytosis were included in this study. We investigated the value of quantitative ultrasound (QUS) of the calcaneus in the assessment of BMD in SM patients, as well as BMD of the lumbar spine (L1-L4), femoral neck, and distal radius using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and plasma tryptase levels, biochemical markers of bone turnover. Results: At lumbar spine L1-L4, the femoral neck, and the distal radius or as calcaneus stiffness, 12 of 17 patients had T-scores of less than -1 at least at 1 site, reflecting osteopenia. Three of 17 patients had T-scores showing osteoporosis (T-score <-2.5). There was no relationship between DXA and bone lesion severity. We also found a significant positive correlation between tryptase levels and disease severity, as well as between disease severity and pyridinoline (p<0.01 by Spearman’s test). Conclusion: DXA and calcaneal QUS may not be appropriate techniques to assess bone involvement in SM patients because of the effects of osteosclerosis. This study further shows that the osteoclastic marker pyridinoline is helpful in patients with severe disease activity and sclerotic bone lesions to show bone demineralization. PMID:25805674

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty using helical blade to optimize glenoid fixation and bone preservation: preliminary results in thirty five patients with minimum two year follow-up.

PubMed

Zilber, Sebastien; Camana, Eleonora; Lapner, Peter; Haritinian, Emil; Nove Josserand, Laurent

2018-03-26

Glenoid loosening is a common cause of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) failure, and grafting of the glenoid is often required for revision due to bone loss due to the central peg in most glenoid baseplates. Helical blades have been used in the hip to optimize bone fixation in proximal femoral fracture. This study presents the initial results of specifically designed helical blade in the shoulder to optimize glenoid bone fixation and preservation as part of RTSA. Thirty-five patients underwent RTSA with glenoid helical blade fixation. An uncemented glenoid baseplate was used with a central helical blade partially coated with hydroxyapatite and two or three screws. Outcome analysis was performed pre-operatively and at two years. All patients were satisfied with the results and significant improvement was observed in functional outcome scores between baseline and final follow-up. There was a single intra-operative undisplaced glenoid fracture which did not compromise the baseplate fixation. There was no radiographic evidence of loosening or radiolucencies around the helical blade. The helical blade provides a satisfactory primary fixation. Because of its length (21 mm), care should be taken in cases of pre-existing bone loss or sclerotic bone to avoid glenoid fracture or anterior cortical perforation. Helical blade has the potential to facilitate glenoid implant revision by preserving the glenoid bone stock.

Multicentric visceral epithelioid hemangioendothelioma, with extremity dermal deposits, unusual late recurrence on the nasal bridge, and TFE3 gene rearrangement.

PubMed

Thway, Khin; Mentzel, Thomas; Perrett, Conal M; Calonje, Eduardo

2018-02-01

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a malignant neoplasm with vascular differentiation that most frequently occurs within soft tissues, bone, lung, and liver. It is histologically typified by epithelioid or spindle cells present singly or in cords or clusters, many with cytoplasmic vacuoles that can contain intraluminal erythrocytes (in keeping with primitive vascular differentiation), within myxohyaline or sclerotic matrix. Up to 50% present with synchronous lesions as multifocal disease. The WWTR1-CAMTA1 fusion has been demonstrated in EHEs at a variety of sites and is considered to represent its genetic hallmark. We describe a case of EHE in a patient who initially presented with multiple liver and pulmonary deposits, was found to have a soft tissue lesion in the foot, and then presented with further lesions on the nasal bridge and the arm approximately 6 years after initial presentation. Interestingly, the case showed diffuse CAMTA1 expression but negative TFE3 immunohistochemically, but in contrast showed TFE3 gene rearrangement with fluorescence in situ hybridization but no evidence of WWTR1-CAMTA1 translocation. The clinical behavior of EHE is unpredictable, and this case highlights unusual anatomic, immunohistochemical, and molecular cytogenetic findings. Characterization of the genetics of EHE is important because targeted therapies toward products of the specific WWTR1-CAMTA1 gene fusion may have an impact in the near future. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Saccular function in otosclerosis patients: bone conducted-vestibular evoked myogenic potential analysis.

PubMed

Amali, Amin; Mahdi, Parvane; Karimi Yazdi, Alireza; Khorsandi Ashtiyani, Mohammad Taghi; Yazdani, Nasrin; Vakili, Varasteh; Pourbakht, Akram

2014-01-01

Vestibular involvements have long been observed in otosclerotic patients. Among vestibular structures saccule has the closest anatomical proximity to the sclerotic foci, so it is the most prone vestibular structure to be affected during the otosclerosis process. The aim of this study was to investigate the saccular function in patients suffering from otosclerosis, by means of Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (VEMP). The material consisted of 30 otosclerosis patients and 20 control subjects. All participants underwent audiometric and VEMP testing. Analysis of tests results revealed that the mean values of Air-Conducted Pure Tone Average (AC-PTA) and Bone-Conducted Pure Tone Average (BC-PTA) in patients were 45.28 ± 15.57 and 19.68 ± 10.91, respectively and calculated 4 frequencies Air Bone Gap (ABG) was 25.64 ± 9.95. The VEMP response was absent in 14 (28.57%) otosclerotic ears. A statistically significant increase in latency of the p13 was found in the affected ears (P=0.004), differences in n23 latency did not reach a statistically significant level (P=0.112). Disparities in amplitude of p13-n23 in between two study groups was statistically meaningful (P=0.009), indicating that the patients with otosclerosis had lower amplitudes. This study tends to suggest that due to the direct biotoxic effect of the materials released from the otosclerosis foci on saccular receptors, there might be a possibility of vestibular dysfunction in otosclerotic patients.

Shrinkage vectors of a flowable composite in artificial cavity models with different boundary conditions: Ceramic and Teflon.

PubMed

Kaisarly, Dalia; El Gezawi, Moataz; Xu, Xiaohui; Rösch, Peter; Kunzelmann, Karl-Heinz

2018-01-01

Polymerization shrinkage of dental resin composites leads to stress build-up at the tooth-restoration interface that predisposes the restoration to debonding. In contrast to the heterogeneity of enamel and dentin, this study investigated the effect of boundary conditions in artificial cavity models such as ceramic and Teflon. Ceramic serves as a homogenous substrate that provides optimal bonding conditions, which we presented in the form of etched and silanized ceramic in addition to an etched, silanized and bonded ceramic cavity. In contrast, the Teflon cavity presented a non-adhesive boundary condition that provided an exaggerated condition of poor bonding as in the case of contamination during the application procedure or a poor bonding substrate such as sclerotic or deep dentin. The greatest 3D shrinkage vectors and movement in the axial direction were observed in the ceramic cavity with the bonding agent followed by the silanized ceramic cavity, and smallest shrinkage vectors and axial movements were observed in the Teflon cavity. The shrinkage vectors in the ceramic cavities exhibited downward movement toward the cavity bottom with great downward shrinkage of the free surface. The shrinkage vectors in the Teflon cavity pointed towards the center of the restoration with lateral movement greater at one side denoting the site of first detachment from the cavity walls. These results proved that the boundary conditions, in terms of bonding substrates, significantly influenced the shrinkage direction. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Epidermal elafin expression is an indicator of poor prognosis in cutaneous graft-versus-host disease.

PubMed

Brüggen, Marie-Charlotte; Petzelbauer, Peter; Greinix, Hildegard; Contassot, Emmanuel; Jankovic, Dragana; French, Lars; Socié, Gérard; Rabitsch, Werner; Kuzmina, Zoya; Kalhs, Peter; Knobler, Robert; Stingl, Georg; Stary, Georg

2015-04-01

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) remains a common and potentially life-threatening complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. In the skin, GVHD can present in an acute (aGVHD), chronic lichenoid (clGVHD), or chronic sclerotic form (csGVHD). Measuring peripheral blood levels of the keratinocyte-derived protease inhibitor elafin has recently emerged as a promising tool for the diagnosis of cutaneous aGVHD. We evaluated whether the analysis of elafin expression in skin would allow distinguishing aGVHD from drug hypersensitivity rashes (DHR) and whether cutaneous elafin expression would correlate with disease severity or altered prognosis of aGVHD and clGVHD/csGVHD. Skin biopsies from aGVHD (n=22), clGVHD (n=15), csGVHD (n=7), and DHR (n=10) patients were collected and epidermal elafin expression and its association with diverse clinical/histological parameters were analyzed. Acute GVHD and DHR displayed varying degrees of elafin expression. No elafin was detectable in csGVHD, whereas the molecule was increased in clGVHD as compared with aGVHD. Elafin-high aGVHD/clGVHD lesions presented with epidermal thickening and were associated with poor prognosis-i.e., decreased overall survival in aGVHD and corticosteroid resistance in clGVHD. Although cutaneous elafin does not seem to discriminate aGVHD from DHR lesions, our study strongly suggests an association between cutaneous elafin expression and poor prognosis for patients with cutaneous GVHD.

Bile duct adenoma and von Meyenburg complex-like duct arising in hepatitis and cirrhosis: pathogenesis and histological characteristics.

PubMed

Aishima, Shinichi; Tanaka, Yuki; Kubo, Yuichiro; Shirabe, Ken; Maehara, Yoshihiko; Oda, Yoshinao

2014-11-01

Morphologic features and neoplastic potentials of bile duct adenoma (BDA) and von Meyenburg complex (VMC)-like duct arising in chronic liver disease were unknown. Thirty-five BDAs and 12 VMC-like duct lesions were observed in 39 cases with chronic liver disease. BDAs were divided into the EMA-cytoplasmic type (n = 14) and EMA-luminal type (n = 21). EMA-cytoplasmic BDA composed of a proliferation of cuboidal to low-columnar cells forming an open lumen with NCAM(+)/MUC6(-), resembling an interlobular bile duct. EMA-luminal BDA showed uniform cuboidal cells with narrow lumen, and NCAM(++)/MUC6(++), resembling a ductular reaction. VMC-like duct showed positive MUC1 expression and negative MUC6. The expression of S100P, glucose transporter-1 (GLUT-1) and insulin-like growth factor II mRNA-binding protein 3 (IMP-3) were not detected in three lesions. p16 expression was higher than those of the ductular reaction, and the Ki67 and p53 indexes were very low (<1.0%). Large-sized EMA-luminal BDA shows sclerotic stroma. We classified small nodular lesions of ductal or ductular cells in chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis into the following groups: BDA, interlobular bile duct type; BDA, ductular/peribiliary gland type; and VMC-like duct. They may be reactive proliferation rather than neoplastic lesions. © 2014 Japanese Society of Pathology and Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

Conservation of pancreatic tissue by combined gastric, biliary, and pancreatic duct drainage for pain from chronic pancreatitis.

PubMed

Warshaw, A L

1985-04-01

In patients with chronic pancreatitis, the sclerosing process of the pancreas may constrict not only the pancreatic duct for also the bile duct and duodenum. This study analyzes the prevalence of these obstructive lesions in 58 consecutive patients with chronic pancreatitis requiring surgery for either pain (57 patients) or for painless jaundice (1 patient). There was significant biliary obstruction in 21, 4 of whom also had symptomatic duodenal obstruction. All 21 patients with biliary and duodenal obstruction were among the 38 with a dilated pancreatic duct suitable for pancreaticojejunostomy (modified Puestow procedure). None of the 20 patients with small duct pancreatitis had biliary or duodenal obstruction. Pseudocysts were distributed evenly between the two groups (9 of 38 patients with a dilated duct versus 4 of 20 patients with small duct pancreatitis). Pancreaticojejunostomy combined with choledochoenterostomy and gastrojejunostomy in appropriately selected patients provided good to excellent long-term (mean 3.6 years) relief of pain in 30 of 36 patients (83 percent). There was no correlation between successful relief of pain and development of pancreatic exocrine or endocrine insufficiency or calcification. Stenosis of the bile duct developed some years subsequent to pancreaticojejunostomy in four patients and required a second operation for choledochoenterostomy in three. Three other patients required secondary pancreatic resections due to failure of the pancreaticojejunostomy to relieve pain. It is often possible to effect excellent relief of symptoms with maximal conservation of remaining pancreatic functions despite sclerotic obstruction of multiple organ systems.

Testicular seminomatous mixed germ cell tumor with choriocarcinoma and teratoma with secondary somatic malignancy: a case report.

PubMed

Aneja, Amandeep; Bhattacharyya, Siddharth; Mydlo, Jack; Inniss, Susan

2014-01-01

Testicular tumors are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms exhibiting diverse histopathology and can be classified as seminomatous and non-seminomatous germ cell tumor types. Mixed germ cell tumors contain more than one germ cell component and various combinations have been reported. Here, we present a rare case of a mixed germ cell tumor composed of seminoma, choriocarcinoma and teratoma with a secondary somatic malignancy. A 31-year-old Caucasian man presented with splenic rupture to our hospital. A right-sided testicular swelling had been present for 6 months and his alpha-fetoprotein, beta-human chorionic gonadotropin, and lactose dehydrogenase were increased. An ultrasound of his scrotum revealed an enlarged right testis with heterogeneous echogenicity. Multiple hypervascular lesions were noted in his liver and spleen. He underwent transcatheter embolization therapy of his splenic artery followed by splenectomy and right-sided orchiectomy. A computed tomography scan also showed metastasis to both lungs. During his last follow up after four cycles of cisplatin-based chemotherapy, the level of tumor markers had decreased, decreases in the size of his liver and pulmonary lesions were noted but new sclerotic lesions were evident in his thoracolumbar region raising concern for bony metastasis. Prognosis of testicular tumor depends mainly on the clinical stage, but emergence of a sarcomatous component presents a challenge in the treatment of germ cell tumors and the histological subtype of this component can be used as a guide to specific chemotherapy in these patients.

Decrease in laminin content and protein excretion rate after five sixths nephrectomy and low-dose irradiation in the rat.

PubMed

Aunapuu, Marina; Arend, Andres; Kolts, Ivo; Egerbacher, Monika; Ots, Mai

2004-04-01

The effect of low-dose irradiation on laminin distribution and urine protein excretion in the remnant rat kidney has been studied. The rat remnant kidney formed after 5/6 nephrectomy is an experimental model of chronic renal failure. In the remnant kidney, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis is developed characterized by focal or segmental sclerosis in glomeruli, alterations in the tubules and thickening of the glomerular basement membrane. Low dose irradiation has been presumed to suppress sclerotic processes. In this study 24 male Wistar rats were subdivided into the nephrectomized group, nephrectomized and irradiated groups (1 or 3 Grey), and healthy control group. Animals were sacrificed at 2, 4 and 8 weeks after beginning the experiment. Laminin immunohistochemical staining was found along the tubular and glomerular basement membranes in all experimental groups, but with varying intensity. Laminin content in the basement membranes was decreased in early stages (week 2), especially after irradiation followed by increase during the later stages with relatively high levels at the end of the experiment (week 8). Irradiation at a dose of 3 Grey decreased protein excretion compared to the nephrectomized rats at all stages, while 1 Grey dose was ineffective. Based on decreased proteinuria we conclude that moderate low-dose irradiation has beneficial effects on the rat remnant kidney and that laminin in basement membranes is probably not the most crucial component in regulating membrane permeability.

Metabolic rate and life stage of the mites Tetranychus cinnabarinus boisd. (Prostigmata) and Phytoseiulus persimilis A-H. (Mesostigmata).

PubMed

Thurling, D J

1980-09-01

Respiration rates (oxygen uptake per individual) of the herbivorous mite Tetranychus cinnabarinus Boisd. and of the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis A-H. were measured at 25°C for all life stages, including eggs, using a Cartesian Diver micro-respirometer.Metabolic rates (oxygen uptake per unit weight) ranged between 0.27 and 2.32 nl O 2 μg -1 live weight h -1 in T. cinnabarinus, and between 0.99 and 3.69 nl O 2 μg -1 live weight h -1 in P. persimilis. The difference in metabolic rate ranges is attributed to different modes of life. The metabolic rates of both species are higher than those of comparable mite species, which is attributed to their small size, rapid development and limited sclerotization.Respiration-body weight regression gave the single equation log 10 R=-0.091+1.213 log 10 W for all post-embryonic stages of T. cinnabarinus but two equations for P. persimilis of log 10 R=0.394+1.116 log 10 W for gravid females and log 10 R=0.880+0.348 log 10 W for all non-reproducing post-embryonic stages. The single respiration-body weight relationship for T. cinnabarinus reflects the continuous growth pattern of this species, and the two relationships for P. persimilis reflect the accelerated growth following fertilization. The significance of these results for invertebrate population metabolism studies is discussed.

Fine structures of the ejaculatory sac and sperm pump of the scorpionfly Panorpa liui Hua (Mecoptera: Panorpidae).

PubMed

Shen, Jian; Hua, Baozhen

2013-08-01

Male adults of Panorpidae possess a special sperm pump, through which the males transfer liquid sperm to the females. However, the structures of the sperm pump and the transfer mechanism have not been satisfactorily elucidated hitherto. In this paper the structures of the ejaculatory sac and sperm pump of the scorpionfly Panorpa liui Hua were investigated using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The ejaculatory sac is located between the basal end of the paired vasa deferentia and the aedeagus, comprising a small anterior part and a large posterior part. The anterior part is simple and functions only as a channel for sperm transfer. The epithelial cells of the large posterior part likely have secretory functions. The sperm pump is formed by the posterior region of the ejaculatory sac and derivates of the genital field, which enclose the pumping chamber, a piston and the associated muscles. The orifice of the ejaculatory duct lies ventrad of the piston. The piston of the sperm pump is heavily sclerotized and controlled by two antagonistic muscle pairs. A pair of simple tubular accessory glands opens to the pumping chamber. Two well-developed sex pheromone glands are located on the ventral side of the ejaculatory sac, and are composed of two fan-shaped lamellae. The epithelium of the sex pheromone glands is single-layered, and forms densely filamentous processes. The ejaculation mechanism is briefly discussed based on the morphology of ejaculatory sac and sperm pump. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Hemocyanin with phenoloxidase activity in the chitin matrix of the crayfish gastrolith.

PubMed

Glazer, Lilah; Tom, Moshe; Weil, Simy; Roth, Ziv; Khalaila, Isam; Mittelman, Binyamin; Sagi, Amir

2013-05-15

Gastroliths are transient extracellular calcium deposits formed by the crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus von Martens on both sides of the stomach wall during pre-molt. Gastroliths are made of a rigid chitinous organic matrix, constructed as sclerotized chitin-protein microfibrils within which calcium carbonate is deposited. Although gastroliths share many characteristics with the exoskeleton, they are simpler in structure and relatively homogeneous in composition, making them an excellent cuticle-like model for the study of cuticular proteins. In searching for molt-related proteins involved in gastrolith formation, two integrated approaches were employed, namely the isolation and mass spectrometric analysis of proteins from the gastrolith matrix, and 454-sequencing of mRNAs from both the gastrolith-forming and sub-cuticular epithelia. SDS-PAGE separation of gastrolith proteins revealed a set of bands at apparent molecular masses of 75-85 kDa; mass spectrometry data matched peptide sequences from the deduced amino acid sequences of seven hemocyanin transcripts. This assignment was then examined by immunoblot analysis using anti-hemocyanin antibodies, also used to determine the spatial distribution of the proteins in situ. Apart from contributing to oxygen transport, crustacean hemocyanins were previously suggested to be involved in several aspects of the molt cycle, including hardening of the new post-molt exoskeleton via phenoloxidation. The phenoloxidase activity of gastrolith hemocyanins was demonstrated. It was also noted that hemocyanin transcript expression during pre-molt was specific to the hepatopancreas. Our results thus reflect a set of functionally versatile proteins, expressed in a remote metabolic tissue and dispersed via the hemolymph to perform different roles in various organs and structures.

Therapeutic Mastoidectomy in the Management of Noncholesteatomatous Chronic Otitis Media: Literature Review and Cost Analysis.

PubMed

Trinidade, Aaron; Page, Joshua C; Dornhoffer, John L

2016-12-01

Despite evidence that therapeutic mastoidectomy does not improve outcomes in noncholesteatomatous chronic otitis media, it remains widely performed. An up-to-date systematic review is undertaken and conclusions drawn regarding the best evidence-based practice of its management. PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science. A combination of the following words was used: chronic otitis media, chronic suppurative otitis media, COM, CSOM, mastoidectomy, tympanoplasty, atelectasis, retraction, tympanic perforation, and therapeutic. From 1742 studies, 7 were selected for full analysis with respect to the benefit of mastoidectomy in the management of active and inactive mucosal chronic otitis media. Most were retrospective studies, with 1 prospective randomized controlled trial available. Overall, there was no evidence to support routine mastoidectomy in conjunction with tympanoplasty in chronic otitis media. For ears with sclerotic mastoids, the evidence suggested that there may be some benefit as a staged procedure. Two studies were analyzed for the benefit of mastoidectomy in addition to tympanoplasty for the management of the atelectatic ear (inactive squamous chronic otitis media). The conclusion was also that mastoidectomy added no benefit. Examination of the available literature supports the notion that therapeutic mastoidectomy does not lend any additional benefit to the management of noncholesteatomatous chronic otitis media. This has implications for patient care, both clinically and financially. Further research, ideally in the form of a prospective, multi-institutional, geographically wide, ethnically diverse, randomized controlled trial, is needed to further support this notion. © American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation 2016.

PATHOLOGICAL SPROUTING OF ADULT NOCICEPTORS IN CHRONIC PROSTATE CANCER-INDUCED BONE PAIN

PubMed Central

Jimenez-Andrade, Juan M.; Bloom, Aaron P.; Stake, James I.; Mantyh, William G.; Taylor, Reid N.; Freeman, Katie T.; Ghilardi, Joseph R.; Kuskowski, Michael A.; Mantyh, Patrick W.

2012-01-01

Pain frequently accompanies cancer. What remains unclear is why this pain frequently becomes more severe and difficult to control with disease progression. Here we test the hypothesis that with disease progression, sensory nerve fibers that innervate the tumor-bearing tissue undergo a pathological sprouting and reorganization, which in other non-malignant pathologies has been shown to generate and maintain chronic pain. Injection of canine prostate cancer cells into mouse bone induces a remarkable sprouting of calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP+) and neurofilament 200 kDa (NF200+) sensory nerve fibers. Nearly all sensory nerve fibers that undergo sprouting also co-express tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA+). This ectopic sprouting occurs in sensory nerve fibers that are in close proximity to colonies of prostate cancer cells, tumor-associated stromal cells and newly formed woven bone, which together form sclerotic lesions that closely mirror the osteoblastic bone lesions induced by metastatic prostate tumors in humans. Preventive treatment with an antibody that sequesters nerve growth factor (NGF), administered when the pain and bone remodeling were first observed, blocks this ectopic sprouting and attenuates cancer pain. Interestingly, RT-PCR analysis indicated that the prostate cancer cells themselves do not express detectable levels of mRNA coding for NGF. This suggests that the tumor-associated stromal cells express and release NGF, which drives the pathological reorganization of nearby TrkA+ sensory nerve fibers. Therapies that prevent this reorganization of sensory nerve fibers may provide insight into the evolving mechanisms that drive cancer pain and lead to more effective control of this chronic pain state. PMID:21048122

Comparison of Morphological Characteristics of the Subaxial Cervical Spine between Athetoid Cerebral Palsy and Normal Control.

PubMed

Kim, Jun Young; Kwon, Jae Yeol; Kim, Moon Seok; Lee, Jeong Jae; Kim, Il Sup; Hong, Jae Taek

2018-03-01

To compare the morphometry of subaxial cervical spine between cerebral palsy (CP) and normal control. We retrospectively analyzed 72 patients with CP, as well as 72 patients from normal population. The two groups were matched for age, sex, and body mass index. Pedicle, lateral mass (LM), and vertebral foramen were evaluated using computed tomography (CT) imaging. Pedicle diameter, LM height, thickness, width and vertebral foramen asymmetry (VFA) were measured and compared between the two groups. Cervical dynamic motion, disc and facet joint degeneration were investigated. Additionally, we compared the morphology of LM between convex side and concave side with cervical scoliotic CP patients. LM height was smaller in CP group. LM thickness and width were larger in CP group at mid-cervical level. In 40 CP patients with cervical scoliosis, there were no height and width differences between convex and concave side. Pedicle outer diameter was not statistically different between two groups. Pedicle inner diameter was significantly smaller in CP group. Pedicle sclerosis was more frequent in CP patients. VFA was larger in CP group at C3, C4, and C5. Disc/facet degeneration grade was higher in the CP group. Cervical motion of CP group was smaller than those of the control group. LM morphology of CP patients was different from normal population. Sclerotic pedicles and vertebral foramen asymmetry were more commonly identified in CP patients. CP patients were more likely to demonstrate progressive disc/facet degeneration. This data may provide useful information on cervical posterior instrumentation in CP patients.

Aseptic loosening of cobalt chromium monoblock sockets after hip resurfacing.

PubMed

Amstutz, Harlan C; Le Duff, Michel J

2015-01-01

Acetabular component loosening is a leading cause for revision after metal-on-metal hip resurfacing arthroplasty (MMHRA). We aimed to identify potential risk factors and determine radiographic signs associated with this mode of failure. From a series of 1375 hips treated with MMHRA, 21 (20 patients) underwent revision surgery secondary to aseptic loosening of the acetabular component and 6 patients had a radiographically loose acetabular component. A control group of 27 hips (26 patients) was selected among the patients that did not have a revision, and was matched for age, gender, component size and diagnosis. Mean time to revision in the loosening group was 103.0 months and the mean time of follow-up in the control group was 161.4 months. We found greater activity levels, range of motion scores, and cup abduction angles in the loosening group. The centre-edge (CE) angle of Wiberg was 10° lower in the loosening group compared with the control group. In addition, 11 of the hips from the study group presented a sclerotic halo superior to the cup on the last radiograph vs. none in the control group. There was no difference in the prevalence of postoperative reaming gaps or radiographic signs of neck-cup impingement between the 2 groups. Risk factors for acetabular loosening included hip dysplasia with low CE angle, and a large cup abduction angle. The patient's level of activity influences the appearance of symptoms and the time to revision. We recommend selecting patients with a sufficient CE angle and properly orienting the cup.

An example of how barcodes can clarify cryptic species: the case of the calanoid copepod Mastigodiaptomus albuquerquensis (Herrick).

PubMed

Gutiérrez-Aguirre, Martha Angélica; Cervantes-Martínez, Adrián; Elías-Gutiérrez, Manuel

2014-01-01

The freshwater calanoid Mastigodiaptomus is a genus with high richness in the Americas and is composed of nine species, seven recorded in Mexico and four that are apparently endemic to small areas. Mastigodiaptomus albuquerquensis is a common, widely distributed species ranging from the southern USA to Central America. This species can be easily identified by a notable butterfly-like sclerotization on the basis of the right fifth leg of males. Nevertheless, morphological differences observed among populations throughout this species distributional range have led to the description of several related species or subspecies, such as M. albuquerquensis patzcuarensis from Lake Pátzcuaro in the Central Plateau of Mexico. Genetic results based on barcodes, morphology based on scanning electron and light microscopy images, and morphometric analyses were used to describe cryptic species within the M. albuquerquensis complex. The morphological analyses coincided partially with the genetic markers, suggesting the existence of at least two sibling species: M. albuquerquensis s. str. and M. patzcuarensis. A third species was genetically separated but was morphologically indistinguishable from the M. patzcuarensis group. Hidden diversity has been a major problem in establishing real patterns of species distribution and genetic acquisition from megadiverse hotspots such as Mexico, where the Nearctic and the Neotropical regions of the Americas meet. Barcodes can help taxonomists to reveal and formally name these new species. Here, we describe two of three potential species highlighted by the use of barcodes: M. albuquerquensis s. str. in the northern semi-desert and M. patzcuarensis on the Central Plateau at more than 2000 m above sea level.

Molecular phylogeny of the Trechus brucki group, with description of two new species from the Pyreneo-Cantabrian area (France, Spain) (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Trechinae)

PubMed Central

Faille, Arnaud; Bourdeau, Charles; Fresneda, Javier

2012-01-01

Abstract A molecular phylogeny of the species from the Trechus brucki clade (previously Trechus uhagoni group)based on fragments of four mitochondrial genes and one nuclear gene is given. We describe Trechus (Trechus) bouilloni sp. n. from the western pre–Pyrenees: Sierras de Urbasa–Andía, Navarra, Spain. The species was collected in mesovoid shallow substratum (mss), a subterranean environment. Molecular as well as morphological evidences demonstrate that the new species belongs to the Trechus brucki clade. A narrow endemic species of high altitude in western French Pyrenees merged with Trechus brucki Fairmaire, 1862a, Trechus bruckoides sp. n., is described. A lectotype is designated for Trechus brucki and Trechus planiusculus Fairmaire, 1862b (junior synonym of Trechus brucki). The species group is redefined based on molecular and morphological characters, and renamed as the brucki group, as Trechus brucki was the first described species of the clade. A unique synapomorphy of the male genitalia, a characteristic secondary sclerotization of the sperm duct, which is shared by all the species of the brucki group sensu novo, is described and illustrated. The Trechus brucki group sensu novo is composed of Trechus beusti (Schaufuss, 1863), Trechus bouilloni sp. n., Trechus brucki, Trechus bruckoides sp. n., Trechus grenieri Pandellé, 1867, T. uhagoni uhagoni Crotch, 1869, T. uhagoni ruteri Colas, 1935 and Trechus pieltaini Jeannel, 1920. We discuss the taxonomy of the group and provide illustrations of structures showing the differences between the species, along with distribution data and biogeographical comments. PMID:22977341

Technique of antroduodenectomy without ulcer excision as a safe alternative treatment for bleeding chronic duodenal ulcers.

PubMed

Guinier, David; Destrumelle, Nicolas; Denue, Pierre Olivier; Mathieu, Pierre; Heyd, Bruno; Mantion, Georges Andre

2009-05-01

The treatment of a bleeding chronic posterior duodenal ulcer, with bleeding recurrence or persistence despite endoscopic therapy, requires surgical treatment and constitutes a challenge for the surgeon; furthermore such chronic ulcers are often wide and sclerotic, so the surgeon needs to avoid the risk of recurrent bleeding if conservative surgery is applied. If radical surgery must be performed, the greater risk involves duodenal leakage, hepatic hilar injury, or pancreatic injury. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and complications arising from a surgical procedure, described by Dubois in 1971 (Gastrectomy and gastroduodenal anastomosis for post-bulbar ulcers and peptic ulcers of the second part of the duodenum. J Chir 101:177-186). This operation involves antroduonectomy with gastroduodenal anastomosis. It is similar to a Billroth I gastrectomy but without dissection of the ulcer. We retrospectively studied the medical data of patients who underwent this procedure for the treatment of bleeding chronic posterior duodenal ulcers during the past 20 years. There were 28 such patients admitted to our institution for emergency surgery, who went on to be treated by the Dubois procedure. Ulcerous disease was efficiently treated without rebleeding or duodenal leakage. The mortality rate was 17%; most deaths resulted from medical failure in older patients suffering from massive bleeding. The rate of medical complications reached 21%. Surgical complications developed in 14% of patients. The Dubois antroduodenectomy is a safe and effective surgical procedure for the treatment of bleeding chronic duodenal ulcers. The number of fatal outcomes among patients with this condition remains high, particularly in older and vulnerable patients experiencing massive bleeding.

Micro- and nano-structural details of a spider's filter for substrate vibrations: relevance for low-frequency signal transmission

PubMed Central

Erko, Maxim; Younes-Metzler, Osnat; Rack, Alexander; Zaslansky, Paul; Young, Seth L.; Milliron, Garrett; Chyasnavichyus, Marius; Barth, Friedrich G.; Fratzl, Peter; Tsukruk, Vladimir; Zlotnikov, Igor; Politi, Yael

2015-01-01

The metatarsal lyriform organ of the Central American wandering spider Cupiennius salei is its most sensitive vibration detector. It is able to sense a wide range of vibration stimuli over four orders of magnitude in frequency between at least as low as 0.1 Hz and several kilohertz. Transmission of the vibrations to the slit organ is controlled by a cuticular pad in front of it. While the mechanism of high-frequency stimulus transfer (above ca 40 Hz) is well understood and related to the viscoelastic properties of the pad's epicuticle, it is not yet clear how low-frequency stimuli (less than 40 Hz) are transmitted. Here, we study how the pad material affects the pad's mechanical properties and thus its role in the transfer of the stimulus, using a variety of experimental techniques, such as X-ray micro-computed tomography for three-dimensional imaging, X-ray scattering for structural analysis, and atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy for surface imaging. The mechanical properties were investigated using scanning acoustic microscopy and nanoindentation. We show that large tarsal deflections cause large deformation in the distal highly hydrated part of the pad. Beyond this region, a sclerotized region serves as a supporting frame which resists the deformation and is displaced to push against the slits, with displacement values considerably scaled down to only a few micrometres. Unravelling the structural arrangement in such specialized structures may provide conceptual ideas for the design of new materials capable of controlling a technical sensor's specificity and selectivity, which is so typical of biological sensors. PMID:25631567

Micro- and nano-structural details of a spider's filter for substrate vibrations: relevance for low-frequency signal transmission.

PubMed

Erko, Maxim; Younes-Metzler, Osnat; Rack, Alexander; Zaslansky, Paul; Young, Seth L; Milliron, Garrett; Chyasnavichyus, Marius; Barth, Friedrich G; Fratzl, Peter; Tsukruk, Vladimir; Zlotnikov, Igor; Politi, Yael

2015-03-06

The metatarsal lyriform organ of the Central American wandering spider Cupiennius salei is its most sensitive vibration detector. It is able to sense a wide range of vibration stimuli over four orders of magnitude in frequency between at least as low as 0.1 Hz and several kilohertz. Transmission of the vibrations to the slit organ is controlled by a cuticular pad in front of it. While the mechanism of high-frequency stimulus transfer (above ca 40 Hz) is well understood and related to the viscoelastic properties of the pad's epicuticle, it is not yet clear how low-frequency stimuli (less than 40 Hz) are transmitted. Here, we study how the pad material affects the pad's mechanical properties and thus its role in the transfer of the stimulus, using a variety of experimental techniques, such as X-ray micro-computed tomography for three-dimensional imaging, X-ray scattering for structural analysis, and atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy for surface imaging. The mechanical properties were investigated using scanning acoustic microscopy and nanoindentation. We show that large tarsal deflections cause large deformation in the distal highly hydrated part of the pad. Beyond this region, a sclerotized region serves as a supporting frame which resists the deformation and is displaced to push against the slits, with displacement values considerably scaled down to only a few micrometres. Unravelling the structural arrangement in such specialized structures may provide conceptual ideas for the design of new materials capable of controlling a technical sensor's specificity and selectivity, which is so typical of biological sensors.

[Vitrectomy for idiopathic and secondary preretinal macular membrane].

PubMed

Oficjalska-Młyńczak, Jolanta; Jamrozy-Witkowska, Agnieszka

2004-01-01

To evaluate the results of pars plana vitrectomy and membrane stripping for idiopathic and secondary preretinal macular membrane (PMM). Twenty one consecutive subjects (21 eyes) ranging in age from 40 to 78 (mean 66.9) with PMM underwent vitrectomy and membrane peeling. 17 cases had membranes that were considered idiopathic, and 4 cases were associated with other disorders: 3 occurred after successful retinal reattachment surgery, 1--after laserotherapy in the course of diabetic retinopathy. Visual acuity (VA), Amsler grid, and postoperative complications were assessed. The follow-up was 1 to 22 months, mean 5.7. Visual acuity improved postoperatively in 15 eyes (71.4%), at least two lines on the Snellen chart in 8 eyes (38.1%), entirely in patients with idiopathic PMM. It remained unchanged in 3 eyes (14.3%) and deteriorated in 3 eyes (14.3%). Eyes with transparent membrane showed greater visual improvement than opaque ones. The preoperative Amsler test was positive in 15 patients (71.4%), postoperatively--in 4 cases (19%). 2 idiopathic cases with VA of 0.7 showed postoperatively VA of 1.0. Complications included retinal detachment in 2 eyes (1 in idiopathic and 1 in secondary PMM), and development of nuclear sclerotic cataract in 2 eyes. At 6 months of follow-up, a residual membrane formation in 1 cases appeared. Macular pseudohole was observed in 1 eye with no impact on visual results. 1. Vitrectomy with membrane peeling for preretinal macular membrane provides improvement in visual acuity and reduces metamorphopsia 2. Thin, cellophane-like appearance of the membrane gives a better prognosis of visual function improvement.

Comparison of femoroacetabular impingement-related radiographic features in a convenience sample of Japanese patients with and without herniation pits.

PubMed

Mineta, Kazuaki; Goto, Tomohiro; Wada, Keizo; Tamaki, Yasuaki; Hamada, Daisuke; Higashino, Kosaku; Sairyo, Koichi

2016-08-01

To examine the prevalence of herniation pits (HPs) and to evaluate differences in radiographic features related to femoroacetabular impingement-a hip disorder with abnormal abutment between the acetabulum and femur-between hips with and without HPs in a convenience sample of Japanese patients. We reviewed 1,178 hips on each side (695 men, 483 women; mean age, 58.2 years) using computed tomographic images. The radiological assessments of hip morphology were performed by measuring the lateral center edge angle, acetabular index, acetabular version, alpha angle, and femoral head-neck offset. HPs were defined as the round or oval cystic lesions surrounded by sclerotic bone located below the anterior femoral neck cortex. Intraclass and interclass reproducibility of all radiographic measurements was acceptable (ICC: 0.71-0.98). The prevalence of HPs was 13.9 % in all subjects and was significantly higher in men (18.1 %) than in women (7.8 %; p < 0.001). HPs were larger in male (p < 0.001) and elderly subjects (p < 0.005). In subjects with HPs, the alpha angle was larger and femoral head-neck offset and offset ratio were smaller in the cohort overall and in men. Logistic regression analysis revealed the association between radiological cam-type FAI and HPs in all subjects (odds ratio: 1.86, p < 0.001). We revealed the prevalence of HPs and showed it has a predilection for men in this Japanese cohort. Femoral head asphericity or small head-neck offset was more common in subjects with HPs than those without HPs.

Gene Expression Profiling of Multiple Sclerosis Pathology Identifies Early Patterns of Demyelination Surrounding Chronic Active Lesions

PubMed Central

Hendrickx, Debbie A. E.; van Scheppingen, Jackelien; van der Poel, Marlijn; Bossers, Koen; Schuurman, Karianne G.; van Eden, Corbert G.; Hol, Elly M.; Hamann, Jörg; Huitinga, Inge

2017-01-01

In multiple sclerosis (MS), activated microglia and infiltrating macrophages phagocytose myelin focally in (chronic) active lesions. These demyelinating sites expand in time, but at some point turn inactive into a sclerotic scar. To identify molecular mechanisms underlying lesion activity and halt, we analyzed genome-wide gene expression in rim and peri-lesional regions of chronic active and inactive MS lesions, as well as in control tissue. Gene clustering revealed patterns of gene expression specifically associated with MS and with the presumed, subsequent stages of lesion development. Next to genes involved in immune functions, we found regulation of novel genes in and around the rim of chronic active lesions, such as NPY, KANK4, NCAN, TKTL1, and ANO4. Of note, the presence of many foamy macrophages in active rims was accompanied by a congruent upregulation of genes related to lipid binding, such as MSR1, CD68, CXCL16, and OLR1, and lipid uptake, such as CHIT1, GPNMB, and CCL18. Except CCL18, these genes were already upregulated in regions around active MS lesions, showing that such lesions are indeed expanding. In vitro downregulation of the scavenger receptors MSR1 and CXCL16 reduced myelin uptake. In conclusion, this study provides the gene expression profile of different aspects of MS pathology and indicates that early demyelination, mediated by scavenger receptors, is already present in regions around active MS lesions. Genes involved in early demyelination events in regions surrounding chronic active MS lesions might be promising therapeutic targets to stop lesion expansion. PMID:29312322

Gene Expression Profiling of Multiple Sclerosis Pathology Identifies Early Patterns of Demyelination Surrounding Chronic Active Lesions.

PubMed

Hendrickx, Debbie A E; van Scheppingen, Jackelien; van der Poel, Marlijn; Bossers, Koen; Schuurman, Karianne G; van Eden, Corbert G; Hol, Elly M; Hamann, Jörg; Huitinga, Inge

2017-01-01

In multiple sclerosis (MS), activated microglia and infiltrating macrophages phagocytose myelin focally in (chronic) active lesions. These demyelinating sites expand in time, but at some point turn inactive into a sclerotic scar. To identify molecular mechanisms underlying lesion activity and halt, we analyzed genome-wide gene expression in rim and peri-lesional regions of chronic active and inactive MS lesions, as well as in control tissue. Gene clustering revealed patterns of gene expression specifically associated with MS and with the presumed, subsequent stages of lesion development. Next to genes involved in immune functions, we found regulation of novel genes in and around the rim of chronic active lesions, such as NPY, KANK4, NCAN, TKTL1 , and ANO4 . Of note, the presence of many foamy macrophages in active rims was accompanied by a congruent upregulation of genes related to lipid binding, such as MSR1, CD68, CXCL16 , and OLR1 , and lipid uptake, such as CHIT1, GPNMB , and CCL18 . Except CCL18 , these genes were already upregulated in regions around active MS lesions, showing that such lesions are indeed expanding. In vitro downregulation of the scavenger receptors MSR1 and CXCL16 reduced myelin uptake. In conclusion, this study provides the gene expression profile of different aspects of MS pathology and indicates that early demyelination, mediated by scavenger receptors, is already present in regions around active MS lesions. Genes involved in early demyelination events in regions surrounding chronic active MS lesions might be promising therapeutic targets to stop lesion expansion.

Endotoxin, Toll-like Receptor-4, and Atherosclerotic Heart Disease

PubMed Central

Horseman, Michael A.; Surani, Salim; Bowman, John D.

2017-01-01

Background: Endotoxin is a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) constituent of the outer membrane of most gram negative bacteria. Ubiquitous in the environment, it has been implicated as a cause or con-tributing factor in several disparate disorders from sepsis to heatstroke and Type II diabetes mellitus. Starting at birth, the innate immune system develops cellular defense mechanisms against environmen-tal microbes that are in part modulated through a series of receptors known as toll-like receptors. Endo-toxin, often referred to as LPS, binds to toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/ myeloid differentiation protein 2 (MD2) complexes on various tissues including cells of the innate immune system, smooth muscle and endothelial cells of blood vessels including coronary arteries, and adipose tissue. Entry of LPS into the systemic circulation ultimately leads to intracellular transcription of several inflammatory mediators. The subsequent inflammation has been implicated in the development and progression atherosclerosis and subsequent coronary artery disease and heart failure. Objective: The potential roles of endotoxin and TLR4 are reviewed regarding their role in the pathogen-esis of atherosclerotic heart disease. Conclusion: Atherosclerosis is initiated by inflammation in arterial endothelial and subendothelial cells, and inflammatory processes are implicated in its progression to clinical heart disease. Endotoxin and TLR4 play a central role in the inflammatory process, and represent potential targets for therapeutic intervention. Therapy with HMG-CoA inhibitors may reduce the expression of TLR4 on monocytes. Other therapeutic interventions targeting TLR4 expression or function may prove beneficial in athero-sclerotic disease prevention and treatment.

Two new species of Cichlidogyrus (Monogenea: Dactylogyridae) parasitizing the gills of African cichlid fishes (Perciformes) from Senegal: morphometric and molecular characterization.

PubMed

Rehulková, Eva; Mendlová, Monika; Simková, Andrea

2013-04-01

Two new species of Cichlidogyrus are described from the gills of three species of African cichlids collected from the Gambia River basin in the Niokolo-Koba National Park, Senegal: Cichlidogyrus dracolemma n. sp. from Hemichromis letourneuxi and Cichlidogyrus nageus n. sp. from Sarotherodon galilaeus and Tilapia guineensis. The new species are recognized on the basis of morphological differences in the male copulatory organs (MCOs) and apparent differences in the SSU rDNA and ITS1 sequence data. C. dracolemma n. sp. resembles specimens of Cichlidogyrus from Hemichromis bimaculatus, probably misidentified as Cichlidogyrus bychowskii by Paperna in 1965, in having morphologically similar types of haptoral sclerites and MCO. The new species is characterized by possessing an MCO with a kite-shaped termination of the accessory piece and a vagina distally surrounded by a circular superficial sclerotization of the body surface. Molecular phylogenetic analyses showed a strongly supported clade including C. dracolemma n. sp. and two species collected from Hemichromis fasciatus, namely Cichlidogyrus longicirrus Paperna, 1965 and Cichlidogyrus falcifer Dossou and Birgi, 1984. Based on both morphology and molecular phylogeny, C. nageus n. sp. appears to be closely related to Cichlidogyrus acerbus Dossou, 1982 obtained from S. galilaeus. Morphologically, C. nageus n. sp. is readily separated from all known congeners by the characteristic pestle shaped termination of the accessory piece of the MCO. Molecular phylogenetic reconstruction showed that C. dracolemma n. sp. and C. nageus n. sp. cluster with the Cichlidogyrus species possessing the same haptoral configuration and host preferences (on subfamily and tribe level, respectively).

Diverse T-cell responses characterize the different manifestations of cutaneous graft-versus-host disease.

PubMed

Brüggen, Marie-Charlotte; Klein, Irene; Greinix, Hildegard; Bauer, Wolfgang; Kuzmina, Zoya; Rabitsch, Werner; Kalhs, Peter; Petzelbauer, Peter; Knobler, Robert; Stingl, Georg; Stary, Georg

2014-01-09

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a major complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) and can present in an acute (aGVHD), a chronic lichenoid (clGVHD), and a chronic sclerotic form (csGVHD). It is unclear whether similar or different pathomechanisms lead to these distinct clinical presentations. To address this issue, we collected lesional skin biopsies from aGVHD (n = 25), clGVHD (n = 17), and csGVHD (n = 7) patients as well as serial nonlesional biopsies from HCT recipients (prior to or post-HCT) (n = 14) and subjected them to phenotypic and functional analyses. Our results revealed striking differences between aGVHD and clGVHD. In aGVHD, we found a clear predominance of T helper (Th)2 cytokines/chemokines and, surprisingly, of interleukin (IL)-22 messenger RNA as well as an increase of IL-22-producing CD4(+) T cells. Thymic stromal lymphopoietin, a cytokine skewing the immune response toward a Th2 direction, was elevated at day 20 to 30 post-HCT in the skin of patients who later developed aGVHD. In sharp contrast to aGVHD, the immune response occurring in clGVHD showed a mixed Th1/Th17 signature with upregulated Th1/Th17 cytokine/chemokine transcripts and elevated numbers of interferon-γ- and IL-17-producing CD8(+) T cells. Our findings shed new light on the T-cell responses involved in the different manifestations of cutaneous GVHD and identify molecular signatures indicating the development of the disease.

Thysanoptera infestation on skin and periorbital cellulitis in ostriches (Struthio camelus) aged 14 months.

PubMed

Cooper, R G

2007-06-01

To report the infestation of Thysanoptera (Limothrips denticornis) on ostriches (Struthio camelus) and to determine their relative density. A farm in Poland was studied on which ostriches aged 14 months were severely infested with L. denticornis (thrips). Thrips were collected and their density on the neck, torso and legs (10 cm2) of 85 ostriches determined at 0600, 1200 and 1800 h, respectively, over 7 days. At the same times, apparent densities of thrips/m2 were determined in adjacent grassy areas (120 m2) on a muslin cloth impregnated with permethrin. Thrips were mounted onto slides in Hoyer's medium, for identification. The apparent density of thrips was greatest at 1200 h, and was greater on the neck than the torso and legs (p=0.03). In adjacent surroundings, densities were also highest at 1200 h (mean 199 (SE 9.3) thrips/m2) and were similar to the maximum densities recorded on the necks of ostriches at that time (mean 205 (SE 6.4) thrips/m2). Ostriches engaged in excessive preening and attempted to scratch their head/neck with their feet. Numerous small, pale red papules were observed on the skin. Observations of periorbital cellulitis, conjunctivitis, blepharitis, watery discharge, inflammation, and sclerotic discolouration were noted in 65 ostriches. Observations were commensurate with L. denticornis infestation. Infestation may exacerbate stress levels and subsequently lead to a reduction in feed intake and performance. The infestation and subsequent irritation from thrips impacts negatively on the general health of ostriches by damaging skin and irritating eyes.

Sorghum ergot (Claviceps africana) associated with agalactia and feed refusal in pigs and dairy cattle.

PubMed

Blaney, B J; McKenzie, R A; Walters, J R; Taylor, L F; Bewg, W S; Ryley, M J; Maryam, R

2000-02-01

To establish the aetiology and define the main clinical features of a syndrome characterised by severe feed refusal, death of piglets and reduced milk production in pigs and dairy cattle. Clinical, pathological, toxicological and epidemiological examination of clinical cases in 10 piggeries and 4 dairies, located between 50 and 150 km south-west of Rockhampton. All cases were associated with the feeding of sorghum grain infected with sorghum ergot (Claviceps africana). There was mild to severe feed refusal when the sorghum was first offered. Sows fed ergot before farrowing had shrunken udders, produced no colostrum, and displayed signs of oestrus. All of their piglets died, apparently from starvation: necropsy of a few piglets showed that they were born alive and walked, but had ingested no milk. Sows fed the grain after farrowing had severe reductions in milk production despite aggressive sucking by piglets, leading to very poor growth of piglets. There were no signs of infectious disease. Ergot in sorghum samples ranged from 1 to 31% ergot sclerotes by weight. Total alkaloid concentrations in mixed feeds ranged from 5 to 40 mg/kg, with dihydroergosine accounting for approximately 90%. At the same time, in the same districts, there were reports of feed refusal and reduced milk production from 4 dairy farms. Grain samples from these farms contained up to 17% C africana ergot sclerotia. Agalactia and feed refusal are classical signs of poisoning by rye ergot (C purpurea), but this is the first time that sorghum ergot has been associated with a similar syndrome.

Thyroid sclerosing mucoepidermoid carcinoma with eosinophilia distinct from the salivary type.

PubMed

Hirokawa, Mitsuyoshi; Takada, Nami; Abe, Hideyuki; Suzuki, Ayana; Higuchi, Miyoko; Miya, Akihiro; Hayashi, Toshitetsu; Fukushima, Mitsuhiro; Kawahara, Akihiko; Miyauchi, Akira

2018-04-26

We report three cases of thyroid sclerosing mucoepidermoid carcinoma with eosinophilia (SMECE), which is an extremely rare variant of mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC). The aims of this report were to describe the clinicopathological findings, including results from immunohistochemical and fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of thyroid SMECE, as well as to discuss the distinction between thyroid SMECE and its salivary counterpart. The cases included a 63-year-old female, a 44-year-old male, and a 66-year-old female, with all patients presenting with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Nodal metastasis was not found in any of the three cases. Neither regional recurrences nor distant metastases were found in any patient during the follow-up, which was 20 years, 3 years, and 18 months, respectively. Histologically, tumors were composed of epidermoid carcinoma cells, intermediate type carcinoma cells, and goblet cell-type mucus-secreting carcinoma cells, with all tumors displaying a sclerotic stroma with eosinophilic and lymphocytic infiltration. The formation of eosinophilic abscess in the tumor nests that might be a novel characteristic finding of SMECE was observed. Immunohistochemically, the carcinoma cells were positive for cytokeratin 34βE12, TTF-1, and PAX8, but negative for thyroglobulin. In two cases, increased IgG4-positive plasma cells were observed. Mastermind-like transcriptional coactivator 2 (MAML2), according to fluorescence in situ hybridization, was intact in all cases. In conclusion, thyroid SMECE has favorable outcomes and seems to be genetically different from salivary MEC. This is the first report to describe the presence of increased IgG4-positive plasma cells in the stroma of SMECE.

Cytomegalovirus retinitis associated with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

PubMed

Geng, Shuang; Ye, Jun-jie; Zhao, Jia-liang; Li, Tai-sheng; Han, Yang

2011-04-01

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis is the most severe intraocular complication that results in total retinal destruction and loss of visual acuity in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). This study aimed to investigate the fundus characteristics, systemic manifestations and therapeutic outcomes of CMV retinitis associated with AIDS. It was a retrospective case series. CMV retinitis was present in 39 eyes (25 patients). Best corrected visual acuities, anterior segment, fundus features, fundus fluorescence angiography (FFA) and CD4(+) T-lymphocyte counts of the patients with CMV retinitis associated with AIDS were analyzed. Intravitreal injections of ganciclovir (400 µg) were performed in 4 eyes (2 patients). Retinal vasculitis, dense, full-thickness, yellow-white lesions along vascular distribution with irregular granules at the border, and hemorrhage on the retinal surface were present in 28 eyes. The vitreous was clear or mildly opaque. Late stage of the retinopathy was demonstrated in 8 eyes characterized as atrophic retina, sclerotic and attenuated vessels, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) atrophy, and optic nerve atrophy. Retinal detachment was found in 3 eyes. The average CD4(+) T-lymphocyte count in peripheral blood of the patients with CMV retinitis was (30.6 ± 25.3) × 10(6)/L (range, (0 - 85) × 10(6)/L). After intravitreal injections of ganciclovir, visual acuity was improved and fundus lesions regressed. CMV retinitis is the most severe and the most common intraocular complication in patients with AIDS. For the patients with yellow-white retinal lesions, hemorrhage and retinal vasculitis without clear cause, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) serology should be performed. Routine eye examination is also indicated in HIV positive patients.

Astrocyte uncoupling as a cause of human temporal lobe epilepsy.

PubMed

Bedner, Peter; Dupper, Alexander; Hüttmann, Kerstin; Müller, Julia; Herde, Michel K; Dublin, Pavel; Deshpande, Tushar; Schramm, Johannes; Häussler, Ute; Haas, Carola A; Henneberger, Christian; Theis, Martin; Steinhäuser, Christian

2015-05-01

Glial cells are now recognized as active communication partners in the central nervous system, and this new perspective has rekindled the question of their role in pathology. In the present study we analysed functional properties of astrocytes in hippocampal specimens from patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy without (n = 44) and with sclerosis (n = 75) combining patch clamp recording, K(+) concentration analysis, electroencephalography/video-monitoring, and fate mapping analysis. We found that the hippocampus of patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with sclerosis is completely devoid of bona fide astrocytes and gap junction coupling, whereas coupled astrocytes were abundantly present in non-sclerotic specimens. To decide whether these glial changes represent cause or effect of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with sclerosis, we developed a mouse model that reproduced key features of human mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with sclerosis. In this model, uncoupling impaired K(+) buffering and temporally preceded apoptotic neuronal death and the generation of spontaneous seizures. Uncoupling was induced through intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide, prevented in Toll-like receptor4 knockout mice and reproduced in situ through acute cytokine or lipopolysaccharide incubation. Fate mapping confirmed that in the course of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with sclerosis, astrocytes acquire an atypical functional phenotype and lose coupling. These data suggest that astrocyte dysfunction might be a prime cause of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with sclerosis and identify novel targets for anti-epileptogenic therapeutic intervention. © The Author (2015). Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Guarantors of Brain. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Holding tight on feathers - structural specializations and attachment properties of the avian ectoparasite Crataerina pallida (Diptera, Hippoboscidae).

PubMed

Petersen, Dennis S; Kreuter, Nils; Heepe, Lars; Büsse, Sebastian; Wellbrock, Arndt H J; Witte, Klaudia; Gorb, Stanislav N

2018-04-30

The louse fly Crataerina pallida is an obligate blood-sucking ecto-parasite of the common swift Apus apus Due to reduction of the wings, C. pallida is unable to fly, thus an effective and reliable attachment to their host's plumage is of outmost importance. Its attachment system shows several modifications in comparison to other calyptrate flies. The most prominent ones are the large tridentate claws and the dichotomously shaped setae located on the pulvilli. Based on data from morphological analysis, confocal laser scanning microscopy, cryo-scanning electron microscopy and traction force experiments, performed on native (feathers) as well as artificial substrates (glass, epoxy-resin and silicone rubber), we showed that the entire attachment system is highly adapted to the fly's lifestyle as an ectoparasite. The claws in particular are the main contributor to strong attachment to the host. Resulting attachment forces on feathers make it impossible to detach C. pallida without damage of feathers or legs of the fly itself. Well-developed pulvilli are responsible for the attachment to smooth surfaces. Both dichotomously shaped setae and high setal density explain high safety factors observed on smooth substrates. For the first time, we demonstrated a material gradient within the setae with soft, resilin dominated apical tips and stiff, more sclerotized bases in Diptera. The empodium seems not to be directly involved in the attachment process, but it might operate as a cleaning device and may be essential to maintain the functionality of the entire attachment system. © 2018. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

Changing patterns of traumatic bile duct injuries: a review of forty years experience

PubMed Central

Huang, Zhi-Qiang; Huang, Xiao-Qiang

2002-01-01

AIM: To summarize the experiences of treating bile duct injuries in 40 years of clinical practice. MATHODS: Based on the experience of more than 40 years of clinical work, 122 cases including a series of 61 bile duct injuries of the Southwest Hospital, Chongqing, and 42 cases (1989-1997) and 19 cases (1998-2001) of the General Hospital of PLA, Beijing, were reviewed with special reference to the pattern of injury. A series of cases of the liver and the biliary tract injuries following interventional therapy for hepatic tumors, most often hemangioma of the liver, were collected. Chinese medical literature from 1995 to 1999 dealing with 2742 traumatic bile duct strictures were reviewed. RESULTS: There was a changing pattern of the bile duct injury. Although most of the cases of bile duct injuries resulted from open cholecystectomy. Other types of trauma such as laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and hepatic surgery were increased in recent years. Moreover, serious hepato-biliary injuries following HAE using sclerotic agents such as sodium morrhuate and absolute ethanol for the treatment of hepatic hemangiomas were encountered in recent years. Experiences in how to avoid bile duct injury and to treat traumatic biliary strictures were presented. CONCLUSION: Traumatic bile duct stricture is one of the serious complications of hepato-biliary surgery, its prevalence seemed to be increased in recent years. The pattern of bile duct injury was also changed and has become more complicated. Interventional therapy with sclerosing agents may cause serious hepatobiliary complications and should be avoided. PMID:11833062

Latent NOTCH3 epitopes unmasked in CADASIL and regulated by protein redox state.

PubMed

Zhang, Xiaojie; Lee, Soo Jung; Young, Kelly Z; Josephson, David A; Geschwind, Michael D; Wang, Michael M

2014-10-02

Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy CADASIL is caused by more than a hundred NOTCH3 mutations. Virtually all encoded mutant proteins contain an odd number of cysteines. As such, structural changes in NOTCH3 may be the primary molecular abnormality in CADASIL. Thus, we sought evidence for structurally altered NOTCH3 protein in CADASIL tissue. Four antibodies were raised in rabbits against two non-overlapping N-terminal NOTCH3 sequences. These reagents were used in immunohistochemical experiments to detect epitopes in post-mortem CADASIL brains (n=8), control brains, and cells overexpressing NOTCH3. To determine the biochemical nature of NOTCH3 epitopes, we used these antibodies to probe pure NOTCH3-Fc fusion proteins treated with acid, urea, guanidinium, ionic detergents, acrylamide, and thiol- and phosphorus-based reductants. All antibodies avidly stained arteries in 8 of 8 CADASIL brain samples. The most prominent staining was in degenerating media of leptomeningeal arteries and sclerotic penetrating vessels. Normal appearing vessels from control brains were not reactive. Antibodies did not react with cultured cells overexpressing NOTCH3 or with purified NOTCH3-Fc protein. Furthermore, treatment of pure protein with acid, chaotropic denaturants, alkylators, and detergents failed to unmask N-terminal NOTCH3 epitopes. Antibodies, however, recognized novel N-terminal epitopes in purified NOTCH3-Fc protein treated with three different reductants (DTT, beta-mercaptoethanol, and TCEP). We conclude that CADASIL arteries feature latent N-terminal NOTCH3 epitopes, suggesting the first evidence in vivo of NOTCH3 structural alterations. Published by Elsevier B.V.

The relationship between renal volume and histology in obese and nonobese kidney donors.

PubMed

Tatar, Erhan; Sen, Sait; Harman, Mustafa; Kircelli, Fatih; Gungor, Ozkan; Sarsik, Banu; Asci, Gulay; Hoscoskun, Cuneyt; Basci, Ali; Toz, Huseyin

2015-06-01

Obesity and related kidney diseases have become a global epidemic problem. However, the underlying pathogenesis of obesity-related renal diseases has not been clearly understood. In this study, we explored the link between renal volume (RV) determined by computed tomography (CT) and renal histology together with functional parameters in an obese population. Eighty-two kidney donors who underwent CT for the measurement of kidney volume and zero-hour renal biopsy for renal histology were included in this cross-sectional study. Protein creatinine clearance and eGFR were evaluated in 24-h urine specimens as indicators of renal function. Mean body mass index (BMI) was 28 ± 4.2 kg/m(2); 32.9% (n = 27) were obese. Mean RV was 196 ± 36 cm(3). RV was positively correlated with BMI, body surface area and creatinine clearance and negatively with HDL-cholesterol in the whole population. Renal function parameters of obese subjects were better, and their renal volumes were higher compared with the nonobese subjects. In obese subjects, corrected RV was positively correlated with glomerular filtration rate (r = 0.46, P = 0.01) and negatively with sclerotic glomeruli (r = -0.38, P = 0.04) and chronicity index (r = -0.43, P = 0.02). In adjusted ordinal logistic regression analysis, corrected RV was significantly associated with chronicity index (OR: 0.96; P = 0.01). In obese cases, decreased RV determined by CT is associated with worse renal histology. In this population, kidney imaging techniques may provide important clues about renal survival. © 2015 Stichting European Society for Clinical Investigation Journal Foundation.

A New Anthropophilic Species of Simulium (Trichodagmia) (Diptera: Simuliidae) From Amazonia: Morphology, Chromosomes, and DNA Sequences.

PubMed

Nascimento, Jeane Marcelle Cavalcante Do; Hamada, Neusa; Andrade-Souza, Vanderly; Adler, Peter H

2018-01-10

The black fly Simulium (Trichodagmia) hirtipupa Lutz (Diptera: Simuliidae) is widely distributed in southern Brazil, with one report from Amapá state in the northern region of Brazilian Amazonia. Morphological comparison of northern and southern populations revealed differences in all life stages, corroborated by chromosomal and molecular analyses, and indicated that the population previously identified as S. hirtipupa from Amapá state represents an undescribed species. This new species is described based on all life stages above the egg, and its chromosomal and molecular divergence from S. hirtipupa is highlighted. Simulium criniferum n. sp. can be diagnosed by the deeply concave male ventral plate with a prominent median projection bearing a ventral keel; female anal lobe in lateral view with a broadly rounded, distal membranous area about as long as wide; pupa with a boot-shaped cocoon bearing a minutely bubbled surface, cephalic plate and thorax with abundant hair-like tubercles, and gill of 12 translucent filaments with darkly sclerotized, acuminate tips; and larva with the body cuticle bearing spiniform setae, abdomen truncated posteriorly, and gill histoblast in situ with the filament tips directed ventrally. Chromosomally, the new species has five unique fixed inversions and uniquely shares three additional fixed inversions with its nearest relative, S. hirtipupa. Partial COI sequences indicate a genetic distance of ~9% between the new species and S. hirtipupa. Females of the new species are anthropophilic. © The Author(s) 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Evolution of insect arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferases: Structural evidence from the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti

PubMed Central

Han, Qian; Robinson, Howard; Ding, Haizhen; Christensen, Bruce M.; Li, Jianyong

2012-01-01

Arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (aaNAT) catalyzes the transacetylation from acetyl-CoA to arylalkylamines. aaNATs are involved in sclerotization and neurotransmitter inactivation in insects. Phyletic distribution analysis confirms three clusters of aaNAT-like sequences in insects: typical insect aaNAT, polyamine NAT-like aaNAT, and mosquito unique putative aaNAT (paaNAT). Here we studied three proteins: aaNAT2, aaNAT5b, and paaNAT7, each from a different cluster. aaNAT2, a protein from the typical insect aaNAT cluster, uses histamine as a substrate as well as the previously identified arylalkylamines. aaNAT5b, a protein from polyamine NAT -like aaNAT cluster, uses hydrazine and histamine as substrates. The crystal structure of aaNAT2 was determined using single-wavelength anomalous dispersion methods, and that of native aaNAT2, aaNAT5b and paaNAT7 was detected using molecular replacement techniques. All three aaNAT structures have a common fold core of GCN5-related N-acetyltransferase superfamily proteins, along with a unique structural feature: helix/helices between β3 and β4 strands. Our data provide a start toward a more comprehensive understanding of the structure–function relationship and physiology of aaNATs from the mosquito Aedes aegypti and serve as a reference for studying the aaNAT family of proteins from other insect species. The structures of three different types of aaNATs may provide targets for designing insecticides for use in mosquito control. PMID:22753468

Effects of ethylenediaminetetraacetic, etidronic and peracetic acid irrigation on human root dentine and the smear layer.

PubMed

Lottanti, S; Gautschi, H; Sener, B; Zehnder, M

2009-04-01

To evaluate the effects of ethylenediaminetetraacetic (EDTA), etidronic (EA) and peracetic acid (PA) when used in conjunction with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) as root canal irrigants on calcium eluted from canals, smear layer, and root dentine demineralization after instrumentation/irrigation. Single-rooted human premolars were irrigated as follows (n = 12 per group): (1) 1% NaOCl during instrumentation, deionized water after instrumentation, (2) 1% NaOCl during, 17% EDTA after instrumentation, (3) a 1 : 1-mixture of 2% NaOCl and 18% EA during and after instrumentation, and (4) 1% NaOCl during, 2.25% PA after instrumentation. Irrigant volumes and contact times were 10 mL/15 min during and 5 mL/3 min after instrumentation. The evaluated outcomes were eluted calcium by atomic absorption spectroscopy, smear-covered areas by scanning electron microscopy in secondary electron mode and apparent canal wall decalcifications on root transsections in backscatter mode. For the smear layer analysis, sclerotic dentine was taken into consideration. Results were compared using appropriate parametric and nonparametric tests, alpha = 0.05. The statistical comparison of the protocols regarding calcium elution revealed that protocol (1) yielded less calcium than (3), which yielded less than protocols (2) and (4). Most of the instrumented canal walls treated with one of the decalcifying agents were free of smear layer. Protocols (1) and (3) caused no decalcification of root dentine, whilst (2) and (4) showed substance typical demineralization patterns. The decalcifying agents under investigation were all able to remove or prevent a smear layer. However, they eroded the dentine wall differently.

A Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy Analysis of Carious Dentin from Transparent Zone to Normal Zone

PubMed Central

Liu, Y.; Yao, X.; Liu, Y.W.; Wang, Y.

2015-01-01

It is well known that caries invasion leads to the differentiation of dentin into zones with altered composition, collagen integrity and mineral identity. However, understanding of these changes from the fundamental perspective of molecular structure has been lacking so far. In light of this, the present work aims to utilize Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to directly extract molecular information regarding collagen's and hydroxyapatite's structural changes as dentin transitions from the transparent zone (TZ) into the normal zone (NZ). Unembedded ultrathin dentin films were sectioned from carious teeth, and an FTIR imaging system was used to obtain spatially resolved FTIR spectra. According to the mineral-to-matrix ratio image generated from large-area low-spectral-resolution scan, the TZ, the NZ and the intermediate subtransparent zone (STZ) were identified. High-spectral-resolution spectra were taken from each zone and subsequently examined with regard to mineral content, carbonate distribution, collagen denaturation and carbonate substitution patterns. The integrity of collagen's triple helical structure was also evaluated based on spectra collected from demineralized dentin films of selected teeth. The results support the argument that STZ is the real sclerotic layer, and they corroborate the established knowledge that collagen in TZ is hardly altered and therefore should be reserved for reparative purposes. Moreover, the close resemblance between the STZ and the NZ in terms of carbonate content, and that between the STZ and the TZ in terms of being A-type carbonate-rich, suggest that the mineral that initially occludes dentin tubules is hydroxyapatite newly generated from odontoblastic activities, which is then transformed into whitlockite in the demineralization/remineralization process as caries progresses. PMID:24556607

A Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis of carious dentin from transparent zone to normal zone.

PubMed

Liu, Y; Yao, X; Liu, Y W; Wang, Y

2014-01-01

It is well known that caries invasion leads to the differentiation of dentin into zones with altered composition, collagen integrity and mineral identity. However, understanding of these changes from the fundamental perspective of molecular structure has been lacking so far. In light of this, the present work aims to utilize Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to directly extract molecular information regarding collagen's and hydroxyapatite's structural changes as dentin transitions from the transparent zone (TZ) into the normal zone (NZ). Unembedded ultrathin dentin films were sectioned from carious teeth, and an FTIR imaging system was used to obtain spatially resolved FTIR spectra. According to the mineral-to-matrix ratio image generated from large-area low-spectral-resolution scan, the TZ, the NZ and the intermediate subtransparent zone (STZ) were identified. High-spectral-resolution spectra were taken from each zone and subsequently examined with regard to mineral content, carbonate distribution, collagen denaturation and carbonate substitution patterns. The integrity of collagen's triple helical structure was also evaluated based on spectra collected from demineralized dentin films of selected teeth. The results support the argument that STZ is the real sclerotic layer, and they corroborate the established knowledge that collagen in TZ is hardly altered and therefore should be reserved for reparative purposes. Moreover, the close resemblance between the STZ and the NZ in terms of carbonate content, and that between the STZ and the TZ in terms of being A-type carbonate-rich, suggest that the mineral that initially occludes dentin tubules is hydroxyapatite newly generated from odontoblastic activities, which is then transformed into whitlockite in the demineralization/remineralization process as caries progresses. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Chromoblastomycosis: study of 27 cases and review of medical literature.

PubMed

Correia, Rafaela Teixeira Marinho; Valente, Neusa Y S; Criado, Paulo Ricardo; Martins, José Eduardo da Costa

2010-01-01

Chromoblastomycosis is a subcutaneous mycosis that occurs mainly in rural workers although is being more commonly found among people working in other sectors. The fungus penetrates the skin after its inoculation and the most frequently isolated agent is the Fonsecaea pedrosoi. This study aims at evaluating patients suffering from chromoblastomycosis admitted into the Department of Dermatology of the University Hospital of the Faculty of Medicine of São Paulo State during the ten-year period from 1997 to 2007. It is a retrospective study and the medical report cards of 27 Brazilian patients diagnosed as suffering from Chromoblastomycosis from 1997 to 2007 at the Dermatology Department of the Medical School, University of Sao Paulo were reviewed. The following items were analyzed: previous therapeutic approaches; treatment implemented by the group; length of time between the appearing of the lesion and diagnosis; age; gender; profession; origin; site of lesions; isolated agents found in culture and histopathology. Twenty two patients were from the state of Sao Paulo whereas the others came from the states of Bahia and Rondonia. 37% of them were rural workers. Men were more frequently infected (85%). Lesions were more commonly found on the lower limbs (59.2%). In 52% of the cases the isolated agent was the dematiaceous fungus Fonsecaea. pedrosoi. Biopsies showed sclerotic bodies in 92.5% of the cases. Data found are in accordance with medical literature on the subject. The disease had been previously studied in our institution in 1983 by Cucé et al. This present study is the second retrospective one about the characteristics of patients suffering from chromoblastmycosis which has been published in indexed medical literature in the state of Sao Paulo.

Aortic stenosis concomitant with microscopic polyangiitis: a challenge in medical reasoning and thinking.

PubMed

Gutierrez, Paulo Sampaio; Aiello, Vera Demarchi

2014-01-01

Microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) is part of the anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)-related vasculitis, which usually presents as renal pulmonary syndrome. It is defined as a pauci-immune necrotizing small vessel vasculitis, which usually affects the kidneys, followed by the lungs. It also presents systemic symptoms. The etiology of MPA is still unclear, but evidence reinforces the autoimmune mechanisms as the main etiopathogenic factor. Aortic valve stenosis (AS) is not an uncommon disease whose etiology varies according to geographical differences and the patient's age. The natural history of AS begins with a prolonged asymptomatic period, but when symptomatic, respiratory failure is one of its main clinical presentations. The authors present the case of a 55-year-old woman who was admitted with the diagnosis of renal failure, anemia, and a cardiac murmur. The patient had been recently diagnosed with pneumonia. During hospitalization, diagnostic workup disclosed a normal kidney size as well as parenchymal thickness. A renal biopsy was undertaken but the specimen was exiguous, showing 4 sclerotic glomeruli and 1 glomerulus with crescentic glomerulonephritis. The search for ANCA was positive. The investigation of the cardiac murmur disclosed AS. The patient, on hemodialysis, presented episodes of respiratory failure, which was interpreted as acute pulmonary edema, but a suspicion of ANCA-related pulmonary renal syndrome was raised. However, the aortic valve replacement was prioritized. While awaiting cardiac surgery, the patient died because of respiratory insufficiency. Autopsy findings concluded that MPA with pulmonary hemorrhage due to vasculitis was the immediate cause of death. Although AS was present at autopsy and classified as moderate/severe, this lesion was a bystander in the process of this patient's end of life, demonstrating the value of autopsy for medical learning and reasoning purposes.

Aortic stenosis concomitant with microscopic polyangiitis: a challenge in medical reasoning and thinking

PubMed Central

Aiello, Vera Demarchi

2014-01-01

Microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) is part of the anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)-related vasculitis, which usually presents as renal pulmonary syndrome. It is defined as a pauci-immune necrotizing small vessel vasculitis, which usually affects the kidneys, followed by the lungs. It also presents systemic symptoms. The etiology of MPA is still unclear, but evidence reinforces the autoimmune mechanisms as the main etiopathogenic factor. Aortic valve stenosis (AS) is not an uncommon disease whose etiology varies according to geographical differences and the patient’s age. The natural history of AS begins with a prolonged asymptomatic period, but when symptomatic, respiratory failure is one of its main clinical presentations. The authors present the case of a 55-year-old woman who was admitted with the diagnosis of renal failure, anemia, and a cardiac murmur. The patient had been recently diagnosed with pneumonia. During hospitalization, diagnostic workup disclosed a normal kidney size as well as parenchymal thickness. A renal biopsy was undertaken but the specimen was exiguous, showing 4 sclerotic glomeruli and 1 glomerulus with crescentic glomerulonephritis. The search for ANCA was positive. The investigation of the cardiac murmur disclosed AS. The patient, on hemodialysis, presented episodes of respiratory failure, which was interpreted as acute pulmonary edema, but a suspicion of ANCA-related pulmonary renal syndrome was raised. However, the aortic valve replacement was prioritized. While awaiting cardiac surgery, the patient died because of respiratory insufficiency. Autopsy findings concluded that MPA with pulmonary hemorrhage due to vasculitis was the immediate cause of death. Although AS was present at autopsy and classified as moderate/severe, this lesion was a bystander in the process of this patient’s end of life, demonstrating the value of autopsy for medical learning and reasoning purposes. PMID:28652987

Activated ERK1/2 increases CD44 in glomerular parietal epithelial cells leading to matrix expansion

PubMed Central

Roeder, Sebastian S.; Barnes, Taylor J.; Lee, Jonathan S.; Kato, India; Eng, Diana G.; Kaverina, Natalya V.; Sunseri, Maria W.; Daniel, Christoph; Amann, Kerstin; Pippin, Jeffrey W.; Shankland, Stuart J.

2017-01-01

The glycoprotein CD44 is barely detected in normal mouse and human glomeruli, but is increased in glomerular parietal epithelial cells following podocyte injury in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). To determine the biological role and regulation of CD44 in these cells, we employed an in vivo and in vitro approach. Experimental FSGS was induced in CD44 knockout and wildtype mice with a cytotoxic podocyte antibody. Albuminuria, focal and global glomerulosclerosis (periodic acid-Schiff stain) and collagen IV staining were lower in CD44 knockout compared with wild type mice with FSGS. Parietal epithelial cells had lower migration from Bowman’s capsule to the glomerular tuft in CD44 knockout mice with disease compared with wild type mice. In cultured murine parietal epithelial cells, overexpressing CD44 with a retroviral vector encoding CD44 was accompanied by significantly increased collagen IV expression and parietal epithelial cells migration. Because our results showed de novo co-staining for activated ERK1/2 (pERK) in parietal epithelial cells in experimental FSGS, and also in biopsies from patients with FSGS, two in vitro strategies were employed to prove that pERK regulated CD44 levels. First, mouse parietal epithelial cells were infected with a retroviral vector for the upstream kinase MEK-DD to increase pERK, which was accompanied by increased CD44 levels. Second, in CD44 overexpressing parietal epithelial cells, decreasing pERK with U0126 was accompanied by reduced CD44. Finally, parietal epithelial cell migration was higher in cells with increased and reduced in cells with decreased pERK. Thus, pERK is a regulator of CD44 expression and increased CD44 expression leads to a pro-sclerotic and migratory parietal epithelial cells phenotype. PMID:27998643

Mechanistic and Structural Analysis of a Drosophila melanogaster Enzyme, Arylalkylamine N-Acetyltransferase Like 7, an Enzyme That Catalyzes the Formation of N-Acetylarylalkylamides and N-Acetylhistamine.

PubMed

Dempsey, Daniel R; Jeffries, Kristen A; Handa, Sumit; Carpenter, Anne-Marie; Rodriguez-Ospina, Santiago; Breydo, Leonid; Merkler, David J

2015-04-28

Arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase like 7 (AANATL7) catalyzes the formation of N-acetylarylalkylamides and N-acetylhistamine from acetyl-CoA and the corresponding amine substrate. AANATL7 is a member of the GNAT superfamily of >10000 GCN5-related N-acetyltransferases, many members being linked to important roles in both human metabolism and disease. Drosophila melanogaster utilizes the N-acetylation of biogenic amines for the inactivation of neurotransmitters, the biosynthesis of melatonin, and the sclerotization of the cuticle. We have expressed and purified D. melanogaster AANATL7 in Escherichia coli and used the purified enzyme to define the substrate specificity for acyl-CoA and amine substrates. Information about the substrate specificity provides insight into the potential contribution made by AANATL7 to fatty acid amide biosynthesis because D. melanogaster has emerged as an important model system contributing to our understanding of fatty acid amide metabolism. Characterization of the kinetic mechanism of AANATL7 identified an ordered sequential mechanism, with acetyl-CoA binding first followed by histamine to generate an AANATL7·acetyl-CoA·histamine ternary complex prior to catalysis. Successive pH-activity profiling and site-directed mutagenesis experiments identified two ionizable groups: one with a pKa of 7.1 that is assigned to Glu-26 as a general base and a second pKa of 9.5 that is assigned to the protonation of the thiolate of the coenzyme A product. Using the data generated herein, we propose a chemical mechanism for AANATL7 and define functions for other important amino acid residues involved in substrate binding and regulation of catalysis.

[A new subspecies of Heraclides androgeus (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae) and its biogeographical aspects].

PubMed

Vargas-Fernández, Isabel; Luis-Martínez, Armando; Llorente-Bousquets, Jorge

2013-06-01

A new subspecies of Heraclides androgeus (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae) and its biogeographical aspects. Heraclides androgeus epidaurus was described and illustrated by Godman & Salvin in 1890 based on specimens obtained in Veracruz, indicating that their distribution encompassed both the Pacific and Atlantic sides of Mexico. Later authors commented that there were morphological differences between the male wings from both populations. We analyzed, described and nominated Heraclides androgeus reyesorum ssp. nov. Vargas, Llorente & Luis distributed in the Mexican Pacific coast, based on 62 specimens, and compared it with H a. epidaurus from the Gulf of Mexico, based on more than 200 specimens housed at UNAM: Museo de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias and the Colección Nacional de Insectos of the Instituto de Biologia, as well as some collections from the USA. The main characters were the width of the yellow and black bands on forewings in males, which had a significant difference between the populations of both sides of Mexico, although some characters were variable and showed partial overlap. In the hindwings, the differences were the extent of the subterminal lunules in dorsal and ventral view. We also analyzed the male genitalia, finding notorious differences in both sclerotic processes of the harpe. Subspecific differences between females refer to the brightness and extent of green spots on the hindwings and the extent of lunules in the ventral view. The greatest abundance of H. a. reyesorum ssp. nov. was in the tropical deciduous forest, with gallery forest and in the lower range of the cloud forest, present at altitudes of 500-800 m and 1000-1 750 m, respectively. We discussed the pattern of endemism due to historical vicariant processes and explain the presence of the new subspecies of H. androgeus and other taxa of specific level.

Assessment of bone dysplasia by micro-CT and glycosaminoglycan levels in mouse models for mucopolysaccharidosis type I, IIIA, IVA, and VII

PubMed Central

Rowan, Daniel J.; Tomatsu, Shunji; Grubb, Jeffrey H.; Montaño, Adriana M.; Sly, William S.

2012-01-01

Summary Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are a group of lysosomal storage diseases caused by mutations in lysosomal enzymes involved in degradation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Patients with MPS grow poorly and become physically disabled due to systemic bone disease. While many of the major skeletal effects in mouse models for MPS have been described, no detailed analysis that compares GAGs levels and characteristics of bone by micro-CT has been done. The aims of this study were to assess severity of bone dysplasia among four MPS mouse models (MPS I, IIIA, IVA and VII), to determine the relationship between severity of bone dysplasia and serum keratan sulfate (KS) and heparan sulfate (HS) levels in those models, and to explore the mechanism of KS elevation in MPS I, IIIA, and VII mouse models. Clinically, MPS VII mice had the most severe bone pathology; however, MPS I and IVA mice also showed skeletal pathology. MPS I and VII mice showed severe bone dysplasia, higher bone mineral density, narrowed spinal canal, and shorter sclerotic bones by micro-CT and radiographs. Serum KS and HS levels were elevated in MPS I, IIIA, and VII mice. Severity of skeletal disease displayed by micro-CT, radiographs and histopathology correlated with the level of KS elevation. We showed that elevated HS levels in MPS mouse models could inhibit N-acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfate sulfatase enzyme. These studies suggest that KS could be released from chondrocytes affected by accumulation of other GAGs and that KS could be useful as a biomarker for severity of bone dysplasia in MPS disorders. PMID:22971960

The association of serum angiogenic growth factors with renal structure and function in patients with adult autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.

PubMed

Coban, Melahat; Inci, Ayca

2018-07-01

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a common congenital chronic kidney disease (CKD). We report here the relationship of serum angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1), Ang-2, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) with total kidney volume (TKV), total cyst volume (TCV), and renal failure in adult ADPKD patients at various stages of CKD. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 50 patients diagnosed with ADPKD and a control group of 45 age-matched healthy volunteers. In patient group, TKV and TCV were determined with upper abdominal magnetic resonance imaging, whereas in controls, TKV was determined with ultrasonography according to ellipsoid formula. Renal function was assessed with serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and spot urinary protein/creatinine ratio (UPCR). Ang-1, Ang-2, and VEGF were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Patients with ADPKD had significantly higher TKV (p < 0.001) and UPCR (p < 0.001), and lower eGFR (p ≤ 0.001) compared to the controls. Log 10 Ang-2 was found to be higher in ADPKD patients at all CKD stages. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that there was no association between log 10 Ang-1, log 10 Ang-2, or log 10 VEGF and creatinine, eGFR, UPCR, log 10 TKV (p > 0.05). There was no association of serum angiogenic growth factors with TKV or renal failure in ADPKD patients. Increased serum Ang-2 observed in stages 1-2 CKD suggests that angiogenesis plays a role in the progression of early stage ADPKD, but not at later stages of the disease. This may be explained by possible cessation of angiogenesis in advanced stages of CKD due to the increased number of sclerotic glomeruli.

Hole-pin joining structure with fiber-round-hole distribution of lobster cuticle and biomimetic study.

PubMed

Chen, Bin; Fan, Jinghong; Gou, Jihua; Lin, Shiyun

2014-12-01

Observations of the cuticle of the Boston Spiny Lobster using scanning electron microscope (SEM) show that it is a natural biocomposite consisting of chitin fibers and sclerotic-protein matrix with hierarchical and helicoidal structure. The SEM images also indicate that there is a hole-pin joining structure in the cuticle. In this joining structure, the chitin fibers in the neighborhood of the joining holes continuously round the holes to form a fiber-round-hole distribution. The maximum pullout force of the fibers in the fiber-round-hole distribution, which is closely related to the fracture toughness of the cuticle, is investigated and compared with that of the fibers in non-fiber-round-hole distribution based on their representative models. It is revealed that the maximum pullout force of the fibers in the fiber-round-hole distribution is significantly larger than that of the fibers in the non-fiber-round-hole distribution, and that a larger diameter of the hole results in a larger difference in the maximum pullout forces of the fibers between the two kinds of the fiber distributions. Inspired by the fiber-round-hole distribution found in the cuticle, composite specimens with the fiber-round-hole distribution were fabricated with a special mold and process to mirror the fiber-round-hole distribution. The fracture toughness of the biomimetic composite specimens is tested and compared with that of the conventional composite specimens with the non-fiber-round-hole distribution. It is demonstrated that the fracture toughness of the biomimetic composite specimens with the fiber-round-hole distribution is significantly larger than that of the conventional composite specimens with the non-fiber-round-hole distribution. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Melorheostosis associated with arteriovenous malformation of the ear].

PubMed

Ingen-Housz-Oro, S; Chigot, V; Hamel-Teillac, D; Brunelle, F; De Prost, Y

2001-09-01

Melorheostosis is a rare bone dystrophy that may be associated with various vascular malformations. We report a case of arteriovenous fistulae of the ear associated with melorheostosis limited to the same side of the body. A 13 year-old boy presented a congenital port-wine nevus of the right side of the head complicated by an arteriovenous fistulae and angiomatous nodules of the ear. He was treated by laser, surgery of the nodules, arterial embolisations and sclerotherapy. In 1999, he had a benign trauma of the right hand. The X-ray showed hyperostosis resembling wax flowing down a candle reaching the carpus and some of the metacarpals and the phalanges of the right hand, typical of melorheostosis. The complete radiographic check-up showed the same characteristic appearance on the right side of the skull and the long bones of the right upper limb. Except a deformation of the right fingers, there were no others symptoms. Melorheostosis is a rare, sporadic and benign bone dysplasia that may be localized to a single limb or disseminated. The diagnosis is usually made in late childhood. Pain, stiffness, deformation of a limb are the main clinical manifestations. The skin may be erythematous and sclerotic. The radiographic appearance is characteristic with hyperostosis on one side of the bone resembling wax flowing down a candle. A vascular abnormality is present in 17 p. 100 of cases (hemangiomas, aneurysms, renal artery stenosis.). In these cases, melorheostosis is usually limited to the same side of the vascular lesion. We report the first case of arteriovenous fistulae of the ear associated with melorheostosis, on the same side of the body. The physiopathology of melorheostosis is still unknown but the association with a homolateral vascular abnormality suggests a localized defect in embryogenesis of the vascular and skeletal systems.

Melorheostosis: A Retrospective Clinical Analysis of 24 Patients at the Mayo Clinic.

PubMed

Smith, Gabriel C; Pingree, Matthew J; Freeman, Laura A; Matsumoto, Jane M; Howe, Benjamin M; Kannas, Stephanie N; Pyfferoen, Mary D; Struss, Leah T; Wenger, Doris E; Amrami, Kimberly K; Matsumoto, Martha; Jurisson, Mary L

2017-03-01

Current understanding of the clinical features of persons with melorheostosis is restricted primarily to individual case reports and small case series. To assess the clinical features of patients with melorheostosis treated at our institution from 1972 through 2010. Chart review. Tertiary academic medical center. Twenty-three patients with "definite" and one patient with "probable" melorheostosis based on radiographic criteria. The eligible study cohort was identified through the Rochester Medical Index database. Further diagnostic confirmation of patients with melorheostosis was performed by radiographic review. We evaluated age at first visit to our institution, gender, affected body area, number of bones affected, presenting symptoms, surgical evaluation, and therapies provided. The average age at first evaluation at our clinic was 36.5 years (median 41.5 years, range 3-68 years). The female to male ratio was 4:1. The lower extremity was most commonly affected (66.6%), followed by upper extremity (33.3%), spine (16.6%), and head (8.3%). One-third of patients had involvement of a single bone; two-thirds had multiple bone involvement. Pain was the most common presenting concern (83.3%), followed by deformity (54.1%), limitation of movement (45.8%), numbness (37.5%), and weakness (25.0%). Most patients had a physician evaluation (87.5%); patients also underwent orthopedic surgery (45.8%), physical therapy (33.3%), and occupational therapy (12.5%). Melorheostosis is a rare sclerotic bone disease resulting in pain, deformity, and dysfunction. An interdisciplinary approach to care should include nonoperative and operative evaluation, as well as appropriate therapies. A prospective approach to evaluation, including imaging and physical examinations, would provide valuable longitudinal data. IV. Copyright © 2017 American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Myopic refractive shift represents dense nuclear sclerosis and thin lens in lenticular myopia.

PubMed

Cho, Yang Kyung; Huang, Wei; Nishimura, Eiichi

2013-09-01

It is not rare to meet unilateral nuclear sclerotic cataracts with myopic refractive changes (lenticular myopia) compared with the fellow eye in the ophthalmic examination of patients with decreased visual acuity. To determine the relationship between the myopic refractive changes and interocular differences of parameters, we investigated the interocular differences of ocular parameters between a lenticular myopic eye and the fellow eye. This retrospective study included 68 eyes of 34 patients, who showed unilateral lenticular myopia. We compared the dimensions of ocular component, such as anterior chamber depth, anterior chamber volume, lens thickness, vitreous chamber depth, lens position, lens density of nuclear sclerosis, anterior lens curvature and myopic refractive changes (spherical equivalent refraction) between the lenticular myopic eye and the myopic refractive change were examined. Statistically significant differences were found between the lenticular myopic eye and the fellow eye for anterior chamber depth (p = 0.015) anterior chamber volume (p = 0.031), lens thickness (p < 0.001), lens density of the nuclear sclerosis (p < 0.001) and the spherical equivalent myopic refractive changes (p < 0.001). Based on univariate analysis, the interocular difference in spherical equivalent refraction was significantly correlated with interocular differences of the density of the nuclear sclerosis (r = 0.79, p < 0.001), lens thickness (r = -0.70, p < 0.001) and vitreous chamber depth (r = 0.43, p = 0.012). Based on multiple regression analysis, the interocular difference in spherical equivalent refraction was significantly correlated with interocular differences of density of nuclear sclerosis (p < 0.001) and lens thickness (p = 0.007). The difference in myopic spherical change reflects the differences in the severity of nuclear sclerosis and lens thickness between the lenticular myopic eye and the fellow eye. © 2013 The Authors. Clinical and Experimental Optometry © 2013 Optometrists Association Australia.

Relation between the axial length and lenticular progressive myopia.

PubMed

Lin, H-Y; Chang, C-W; Wang, H-Z; Tsai, R-K

2005-08-01

To investigate the possible risk factors associated with lenticular progressive myopia and to compare the differences between patients with lenticular progressive myopias and senile cataracts. We retrospectively reviewed cases that had been diagnosed as lenticular progressive myopia with a discrete nuclear sclerotic cataract and progressive myopic changes in one hospital from January 1998 to February 2003. A total of 47 eyes of 35 patients were enrolled in this study. In all, 32 eyes of 29 cases of common senile cataract receiving cataract extraction surgery during the study period were randomly chosen (every four cases in time sequence within a 2-month period by two ophthalmologists' clinic in 2002) as the control group. We compared the preoperative refraction status, keratometry (K-values) and axial lengths between these two groups. The possible ocular or systemic associating diseases were also investigated in the study group. In the lenticular progressive myopia group, the mean age at surgery (52.9+/-9.2 years) is younger than that in the senile cataract group (68.1+/-7.3 years). The mean axial length in the study group (25.68+/-1.93 mm) is statistically significant longer than that in the control group (22.97+/-0.83 mm) (P<0.0001). Besides, patients with lenticular progressive myopia had significantly lower mean K-values (43.25+/-1.42 diopters) than patients with senile cataracts (44.25+/-1.28 diopters) (P<0.01). There were no other ocular or systemic diseases closely associated with lenticular progressive myopia. Patients with nuclear cataract combined with lenticular progressive myopia have longer axial length than patients with senile cataract. The longer axial length may be one of the important risk factors predisposing to lenticular progressive myopia.

Light to Moderate Alcohol Consumption Is Associated With Lower Risk of Aortic Valve Sclerosis: The Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP).

PubMed

Markus, Marcello Ricardo Paulista; Lieb, Wolfgang; Stritzke, Jan; Siewert, Ulrike; Troitzsch, Paulina; Koch, Manja; Dörr, Marcus; Felix, Stephan Burkhard; Völzke, Henry; Schunkert, Heribert; Baumeister, Sebastian Edgar

2015-05-01

In developed countries, sclerotic and calcific degeneration of the aortic valve is a common disorder showing pathophysiologic similarities with atherothrombotic coronary disease. Light to moderate alcohol consumption has been associated with a lower risk for atherothrombotic coronary disease and mortality. Whether alcohol consumption affects the development of aortic valve sclerosis (AVS) is not well known. In the present study, we aim to analyze the cross-sectional association between average daily alcohol consumption and AVS in the general population. We analyzed cross-sectional data from 2022 men and women, aged 45 to 81 years, from the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania. We used a computer-assisted interview that included beverage-specific questions about quantity and frequency of alcohol over the last 30 days to calculate the average quantity of alcohol consumption (in grams of ethanol per day). AVS was ascertained by echocardiography. The prevalence of AVS was 32.3%. Average daily alcohol intake displayed a J-type relation with AVS (fully adjusted P value: 0.005). Compared with individuals with an average consumption of 10 g of alcohol per day, multivariable-adjusted odds ratios were 1.60 (95% confidence interval, 1.19-2.14) among current abstainers and 1.56 (95% confidence interval, 1.01-2.41) among individuals with an average consumption of 60 g per day. Our findings indicate that light to moderate alcohol consumption was associated with a lower odd of having AVS. Prospective data need to address whether alcohol consumption and related changes over time in several biological markers affect the progression of AVS. © 2015 American Heart Association, Inc.

Sustained, long-term renal stabilization after 54 months of agalsidase beta therapy in patients with Fabry disease.

PubMed

Germain, Dominique P; Waldek, Stephen; Banikazemi, Maryam; Bushinsky, David A; Charrow, Joel; Desnick, Robert J; Lee, Philip; Loew, Thomas; Vedder, Anouk C; Abichandani, Rekha; Wilcox, William R; Guffon, Nathalie

2007-05-01

Fabry disease, an inherited deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme alpha-galactosidase A, causes progressive intralysosomal accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (GL-3) and premature death from renal, cardiac, and cerebrovascular manifestations. To determine the long-term safety and efficacy of recombinant human alpha-galactosidase A, an open-label, phase III extension study was conducted, involving 58 patients who had classic Fabry disease and completed a 20-wk, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, phase III study of agalsidase beta and were transitioned to an extension trial to receive biweekly 1 mg/kg agalsidase beta for up to an additional 54 mo. GL-3 accumulation was evaluated in the capillary endothelia of the skin, kidney, and heart. Renal function was assessed. By month 54, all patients with optional kidney biopsies (n = 8) maintained complete GL-3 clearance in renal capillary endothelial cells and multiple cell types. Continued, complete clearance of skin (31 of 36) and heart (six of eight) capillary endothelium was demonstrated. Mean plasma GL-3 levels remained decreased in the normal range. Median serum creatinine and estimated GFR remained stable (normal) in patients with renal data at month 54 (n = 41). Six patients had renal disease progression; most (four of six) were older than 40 yr and had significant proteinuria at baseline and evidence of sclerotic glomeruli pretreatment. Adverse events were generally mild and unrelated to treatment. The most common treatment-related adverse events were infusion-associated reactions, which decreased over time. Long-term agalsidase beta therapy stabilizes renal function in patients without renal involvement at baseline, maintains reduction of plasma GL-3, and sustains GL-3 clearance in capillary endothelial cells and multiple renal cell types.

Microbiology of peritonsillar abscess in the South Estonian population

PubMed Central

Vaikjärv, Risto; Kasenõmm, Priit; Jaanimäe, Liis; Kivisild, Ave; Rööp, Tiiu; Sepp, Epp; Mändar, Reet

2016-01-01

Objective The first aim of this study was to compare the microbiota of different locations (pus, tonsillar fossa, blood) in peritonsillar abscess (PTA) patients in order to optimize the sampling scheme. The second aim was to estimate the occurrence of tonsillitis episodes and macroscopic oropharyngeal signs characteristic of recurrent tonsillitis in PTA patients. Methods The study group consisted of 22 consecutive patients with PTA undergoing bilateral tonsillectomy. The PTA was punctured; pus and tonsillar fossa biopsy samples and the peripheral blood cultures were collected. The index of tonsillitis was calculated by multiplying the number of tonsillitis episodes per year by the morbidity period in years. Macroscopic oropharyngeal signs were evaluated and they were as follows: tonsillar sclerosis, obstruction of the tonsillar crypts, scar tissue on tonsils, cryptic debris, and lymphatic tissue aggregates. Results The cultures of the pus were positive in 16 out of 22 patients and the cultures of the tonsillar fossa samples were positive in all cases. In total, 62 different organisms were found from tonsillar fossa, pus, and blood samples, which belonged to 5 different phyla and 18 different families. In the tonsillar fossa, the most frequent bacteria found were Streptococcus spp. In pus samples, the most frequently found bacteria were Streptococcus spp. and bacteria from the Streptococcus milleri group. Conclusion PTA patients had mixed anaerobic and aerobic microbiota both in the tissue of the tonsillar fossa and the pus of the peritonsillar space. We demonstrated that the tonsillar fossa specimen is a better material for microbiological analyses, because it reveals more bacteria per culture. PTA patients usually have a low number of tonsillitis episodes in their previous history, but a relatively high number of macroscopic oropharyngeal signs, indicating the sclerotic process in palatal tonsils. PMID:27113570

Associations between age, body size and nephron number with individual glomerular volumes in urban West African males.

PubMed

McNamara, Bridgette J; Diouf, Boucar; Hughson, Michael D; Hoy, Wendy E; Bertram, John F

2009-05-01

Glomerulomegaly has been associated with an increased risk of renal disease. Few reports have investigated the heterogeneity of glomerular size within kidneys and associated risk factors. This study measured the individual glomerular volume (IGV) of 720 non-sclerotic glomeruli in kidneys of adult West African males, and investigated associations of IGV with age, total glomerular (nephron) number and body surface area (BSA). IGVs were determined in the kidneys of 24 Senegalese males from two age groups (12 subjects aged 20- 30 years and 12 subjects aged 50-70 years). Subjects were randomly chosen at autopsies performed at Le Dantec Hospital in Dakar. Volumes of 30 glomeruli per subject were determined using the disector/Cavalieri stereological method. IGVs ranged from 1.31 x 10(6) microm3 to 12.40 x 10(6) microm3 (a 9.4-fold variation). IGV varied up to 5.3-fold within single kidneys. The trimmed range of IGV within subjects (10th to 90th percentile of IGV) was directly correlated with median glomerular size. The mean and standard deviation (SD) of IGV did not differ significantly between age groups or between subjects with higher (> or =1.78 m2) and lower BSA (<1.78 m2). In older subjects the SD of IGV was significantly and directly correlated with BSA. Kidneys with less than 1 million nephrons had significantly larger mean IGV than kidneys with more than 1 million nephrons, and the trimmed range of IGVs within subjects was inversely correlated with total glomerular number. There was a considerable variation in IGV within kidneys of Senegalese males at autopsy. The heterogeneity of IGV was increased in association with low nephron number and increased BSA, with more pronounced effects in older subjects.

Fossil moss mites (Arthropoda: Oribatida): an introduction to their morphology and potential for Quaternary paleoecological interpretation

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

Erickson, J.M.

1985-01-01

Although attention has been called to their presence as fossils in Quaternary lake and bog deposits a number of times, the moss mites (Arthropoda; Oribatida) have never been given serious attention during paleoecological work. This study is the first to demonstrate the quality and quantity of oribatid fossil material preserved in post-glacial lacustrine sediments. Oribatids have been identified from Jurassic rocks and from Tertiary ambers in Mexico and the Baltic Region. They are sclerotized, chelicerate, arachnids (Acari) which possess many features that make them readily identifiable from fossil material. Setae, tarsi, genital and anal plates, sensilla, notogastral pits and pores,more » and a wide variety of ornamentation are particularly useful. More than 5000 species in 700 genera occur worldwide. Most are less than 500..mu..m in size. Oribatids are often ecologically specific and may be assigned to restricted habitats. They do not fly and are thus unlikely to be found in sediments beyond their local ranges. Some species are lacustrine; many favor bog habitats. A large literature describes ecological preferences of extant species. More than 10,000 specimens of larval and adult mites have been taken from 72 samples of lake sediment, ranging from <14,700 to <2000 years in age. This report focuses on a dozen 10-gram samples which yielded more than 1300 specimens from 7 genera. Species of Hydrozetes and Limnozetes are abundant in lake sediments; these become rarer and are replaced in peats by a diverse fauna including species of Oripoda, Scapheremaeus, Sphaerozetes, Scheloribates, Magnobates(.), and unidentified taxa. Preservation of delicate setal hairs, genital plates and sensilla allows ready generic identification. SEM photomicrographs serve to illustrate the quality of preservation and the morphologically important features by way of introduction to this under-utilized group.« less

Mouthparts in Leptotrombidium larvae (Acariformes: Trombiculidae).

PubMed

Shatrov, Andrey B; Takahashi, Mamoru; Misumi, Hitoko; Takahashi, Yumi

2016-04-01

Mouthparts of Leptotrombidium larvae (Acariformes: Trombiculidae), potential vectors of tsutsugamushi disease agents, were studied in detail using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The mouthparts incorporated within the pseudotagma gnathosoma are composed of the infracapitulum ventrally and the chelicerae dorsally. The ventral wall of the infracapitulum is formed by a wide mentum posteriorly and a narrowed malapophysis anteriorly. The malapophysis firmly envelops the distal cheliceral portions by its lateral walls. The lateral lips of the malapophysis are flexible structures hiding the cheliceral blades in inactive condition and turning back forming a type of temporary sucker closely applied to the host skin during feeding. The roof of the infracapitulum is formed by a weakly sclerotized labrum anteriorly and a cervix with the capitular apodemes extending posteriorly. The labral muscles are lacking. The capitular apodemes serve as origin for pharyngeal dilators running to the dorsal wall of the pharynx fused with the bottom of the infracapitulum. The basal cheliceral segments are separated from each other besides the very posterior portions where they are movably joined by the inner walls. The sigmoid pieces serve for insertion of the cheliceral elevators originating at the posterior portions of the basal segments. The movable digits reveal the solid basal sclerite and the cheliceral blade curved upward with a tricuspid cap on its tip. Dendrites of nerve cells run along the digits to their tips. The ganglia are placed within the basal segments just behind the movable digits. The chelicerae also reveal well developed flexible fixed digits overhanging the basal portions of the blades. The gnathosoma possesses several sets of extrinsic muscles originating at the scutum and at the soft cuticle behind it. Laterally, the gnathosoma bears five-segmented palps with a trifurcate palpal claw. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Surgical treatment of osteoid osteomas in children and adolescents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gubina, E. V.; Ryzhikov, D. V.; Podorozhnaya, V. T.; Kirilova, I. A.; Senchenko, E. V.; Sadovoy, M. A.; Fomichev, N. G.; Bondarenko, A. V.; Afanasev, L. M.; Andreev, A. V.; Anastasieva, E. A.

2017-09-01

The article is about on the problems of diagnosis and surgical treatment of osteoid osteomas having various localization in children and adolescents. The results of the treatment of 5 patients (2 boys and 3 girls) aged 4-13 years with osteoid osteomas have been analyzed. In 2 cases, lesions were located in the tibia, in 1 case—femoral neck, in 1 case—ischium (fragment of the acetabulum), in 1 case—vertebra (half-arch). At the clinic, all patients underwent preoperative examination by osteoncologist; there was no disagreement as for the preoperative diagnosis and treatment strategy. In all cases, there was a monostotic lesion and all patients underwent scheduled operations. Scheduled surgery included resection of the "nest" and adjacent sclerotic areas, plastic repair of the post-resection defect was not required. In the case of the periarticular location, we replaced defect the bone defects with allogeneic "straw". This material is widely used in the treatment of bone diseases in children and adolescents: it is free of organic substances, has low immunogenicity, and can be used in the patients with positive allergic history; it is versatile, sterile, has high reparative regeneration activity, and does not require prolongation of postoperative antibiotic therapy or administration of antihistamines. In one patient, an autologous bone from the iliac wing was used. Steel structures have not been used. Microscopic description of preparations: among the reactively sclerosed trabeculae, having compact and coarsely glomerular structure, there is a "nest" consisting of poorly calcified small primitive and osteoid trabeculae, having different stages of cell differentiation with no signs of a typia. Pain relief occurred immediately after surgery, resection accuracy was confirmed by the control MSCT examination. Dynamic follow up time was 2 months to 7 years, recovery was achieved in 100% of cases.

Hyperglycemia and Arterial Stiffness: the Atherosclerosis Risk in the Communities Study

PubMed Central

Rubin, Jonathan; Nambi, Vijay; Chambless, Lloyd E.; Steffes, Michael W.; Juraschek, Stephen P.; Coresh, Josef; Sharrett, A. Richey; Selvin, Elizabeth

2014-01-01

Objectives Hyperglycemia has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Although numerous studies have demonstrated that hyperglycemia is associated with the atherosis component of atherosclerosis, limited studies have addressed the independent role of hyperglycemia in the pathophysiology of sclerotic vascular disease. We hypothesized that hyperglycemia, as assessed by hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), would be independently associated two common indices of arterial stiffness (pressure-strain elastic modulus (Ep) and Young’s elastic modulus (YEM)). Methods We examined the cross-sectional association between HbA1c and arterial stiffness using B-mode ultrasound examination of the carotid artery in 9,050 participants from the community-based Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study. We used multivariable linear and logistic regression models to characterize the association between HbA1c and increased Ep and YEM. Results Higher values of HbA1c were associated in a graded fashion with increased arterial stiffness (P-trend <0.001 for both EP and YEM). After adjusting for traditional risk factors, increasing HbA1c deciles were significantly associated with elevated EP (OR for the highest decile of HbA1c compared to the lowest, 2.01, 95% CI 1.30, 3.11) and YEM (OR = 1.71, 95% CI 1.15, 2.55). Conclusion Elevated HbA1c is associated with measures of increased arterial stiffness, even after accounting for arterial wall thickness. This is consistent with the hypothesis that hyperglycemia contributes to arterial stiffness beyond its effects on atherosis and suggests that hyperglycemia is associated with altered material within the arterial wall. PMID:23031361

Combined endovascular and surgical approach for the treatment of palpebral arteriovenous malformations: experience of a single center.

PubMed

Clarençon, F; Blanc, R; Lin, C-J; Mounayer, C; Galatoire, O; Morax, S; Moret, J; Piotin, M

2012-01-01

Palpebral AVMs (pAVMs) are rare vascular lesions for which the treatment is challenging. Our aim was to present the technical aspects of the presurgical treatment by interventional neuroradiology of pAVMs and to report the clinical and angiographic results of combined (interventional neuroradiology/surgery) treatment of these malformations. Nine patients (5 females, 4 males) with a mean age of 22 years (range, 12-35 years) were treated in our department from December 1992 to April 2007 for superficial pAVMs. Seven patients presented with isolated pAVMs, while 2 had hemifacial AVMs. Ten TAE procedures, by using a liquid embolic agent (glue or Onyx) or microparticles, were performed in 7 patients. Six patients underwent absolute alcohol, glue, or sclerotic agent injection by direct puncture in 8 procedures. Clinical and angiographic follow-up were performed with a mean delay of, respectively, 6.3 and 5 years. Three patients had a single EVT. Iterative procedures were performed in 5 patients. In 1 patient, EVT was not performed because of the risk of occlusion of the central retinal artery. No complication occurred except 1 case of transient palpebral hematoma. No visual acuity loss related to an endovascular procedure was reported. Exclusion of the AVMs at the end of the procedure was >75% in all cases and total in 3/8 cases. All the patients except 2 underwent at least 1 surgical procedure after the embolization. Good clinical regression of the mass was obtained in all patients at long-term follow-up. Combined endovascular and surgical treatment of pAVMs is an effective and safe technique with good clinical results at long-term follow-up.

Diagnostic value of apparent diffusion coefficients to differentiate benign from malignant vertebral bone marrow lesions.

PubMed

Balliu, E; Vilanova, J C; Peláez, I; Puig, J; Remollo, S; Barceló, C; Barceló, J; Pedraza, S

2009-03-01

The aim of this study is to evaluate the value of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) obtained in diffusion-weighted (DW) MR sequences for the differentiation between malignant and benign bone marrow lesions. Forty-five patients with altered signal intensity vertebral bodies on conventional MR sequences were included. The cause of altered signal intensity was benign osteoporotic collapse in 16, acute neoplastic infiltration in 15, and infectious processes in 14; based on plain-film, CT, bone scintigraphy, conventional MR studies, biopsy or follow-up. All patients underwent isotropic DW MR images (multi-shot EPI, b values of 0 and 500 s/mm(2)). Signal intensity at DW MR images was evaluated and ADC values were calculated and compared between malignancy, benign edema and infectious spondylitis. Acute malignant fractures were hyperintense compared to normal vertebral bodies on the diffusion-weighted sequence, except in one patient with sclerotic metastases. Mean ADC value from benign edema (1.9+/-0.39 x 10(-3) mm(2)/s) was significantly (p<0.0001) higher than untreated metastasic lesions (0.9+/-1.3 x 10(-3)mm (2)/s). Mean ADC value of infectious spondilytis (0.96+/-0.49 x 10(-3) mm(2)/s) was not statistically (p>0.05) different from untreated metastasic lesions. ADC value was low (0.75 x 10(-3) mm(2)/s) in one case of subacute benign fracture. ADC values are a useful complementary tool to characterize bone marrow lesions, in order to distinguish acute benign fractures from malignant or infectious bone lesions. However, ADC values are not valuable in order to differentiate malignancy from infection.

The effects of hydroxyapatite coating and bone allograft on fixation of loaded experimental primary and revision implants.

PubMed

Søballe, Kjeld; Mouzin, Olivier R G; Kidder, Louis A; Overgaard, Søren; Bechtold, Joan E

2003-06-01

We used our established experimental model of revision joint replacement to examine the roles of hydroxyapatite coating and bone graft in improving the fixation of revision implants. The revision protocol uses the Søballe micromotion device in a preliminary 8-week period of implant instability for the presence of particulate polyethylene. During this procedure, a sclerotic endosteal bone rim forms, and a dense fibrous membrane is engendered, having macrophages with ingested polyethylene and high levels of inflammatory cytokines. At the time of revision after 8 weeks, the cavity is revised with either a titanium alloy (Ti) or a hydroxyapatite (HA) 6.0 mm plasma-sprayed implant, in the presence or absence of allograft packed into the initial 0.75 mm peri-implant gap. The contralateral limb is subjected to primary surgery with the same implant configuration, and serves as control. 8 implants were included in each of the 8 treatment groups (total 64 implants in 32 dogs). The observation period was 4 weeks after revision. Outcome measures are based on histomorphometry and mechanical pushout properties. The revision setting was always inferior to its primary counterpart. Bone graft improved the revision fixation in all treatment groups, as also did the HA coating. The sole exception was revision-grafted HA implants, which reached the same fixation as primary Ti and HA grafted implants. The revision, which was less active in general, seems to need the dual stimulation of bone graft and HA implant surface, to obtain the same level of fixation associated with primary implants. Our findings suggest that the combination of HA implant and bone graft may be of benefit in the clinical revision implant setting.

The effects of hydroxyapatite coating and bone allograft on fixation of loaded experimental primary and revision implants

PubMed Central

Søballe, Kjeld; Mouzin, Olivier R G; Kidder, Louis A; Overgaard, Søren; Bechtold, Joan E

2015-01-01

We used our established experimental model of revision joint replacement to examine the roles of hydroxyapatite coating and bone graft in improving the fixation of revision implants. The revision protocol uses the Søballe micromotion device in a preliminary 8-week period of implant instability for the presence of particulate polyethylene. During this procedure, a sclerotic endosteal bone rim forms, and a dense fibrous membrane is engendered, having macrophages with ingested polyethylene and high levels of inflammatory cytokines. At the time of revision after 8 weeks, the cavity is revised with either a titanium alloy (Ti) or a hydroxyapatite (HA) 6.0 mm plasma-sprayed implant, in the presence or absence of allograft packed into the initial 0.75 mm peri-implant gap. The contralateral limb is subjected to primary surgery with the same implant configuration, and serves as control. 8 implants were included in each of the 8 treatment groups (total 64 implants in 32 dogs). The observation period was 4 weeks after revision. Outcome measures are based on histomorphometry and mechanical pushout properties. The revision setting was always inferior to its primary counterpart. Bone graft improved the revision fixation in all treatment groups, as also did the HA coating. The sole exception was revision-grafted HA implants, which reached the same fixation as primary Ti and HA grafted implants. The revision, which was less active in general, seems to need the dual stimulation of bone graft and HA implant surface, to obtain the same level of fixation associated with primary implants. Our findings suggest that the combination of HA implant and bone graft may be of benefit in the clinical revision implant setting. PMID:12899541

A case of pediatric live-donor liver transplantation with a left lateral segment reduction by a linear stapler after reperfusion.

PubMed

Zenitani, Masahiro; Ueno, Takehisa; Nara, Keigo; Nakahata, Kengo; Uehara, Shuichiro; Soh, Hideki; Oue, Takaharu; Kondo, Hiroki; Nagano, Hiroaki; Usui, Noriaki

2014-09-01

In pediatric LDLT, graft reduction is sometimes required because of the graft size mismatch. Dividing the portal triad and hepatic veins with a linear stapler is a rapid and safe method of reduction. We herein present a case with a left lateral segment reduction achieved using a linear stapler after reperfusion in pediatric LDLT. The patient was a male who had previously undergone Kasai procedure for biliary atresia. We performed the LDLT with his father's lateral segment. According to the pre-operative volumetry, the GV/SLV ratio was 102.5%. As the patient's PV was narrow, sclerotic and thick, we decided to put an interposition with the IMV graft of the donor between the confluence and the graft PV. The graft PV was anastomosed to the IMV graft. The warm ischemic time was 34 min, and the cold ischemic time was 82 min. The ratio of the graft size to the recipient weight (G/R ratio) was 4.2%. After reperfusion, we found that the graft had poor perfusion and decided to reduce the graft size. We noted good perfusion in the residual area after the lateral edge was clamped with an intestinal clamp. The liver tissue was sufficiently fractured with an intestinal clamp and then was divided with a linear stapler. The final G/R ratio was 3.6%. The total length of the operation was 12 h and 20 min. The amount of blood lost was 430 mL. No surgical complications, including post-operative hemorrhage and bile leakage, were encountered. We believe that using the linear stapler decreased the duration of the operation and was an acceptable technique for reducing the graft after reperfusion. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

A Clinico-Mycological Study on Suspected Cases of Chromoblastomycosis: Challenges in Diagnosis and Management

PubMed Central

Majumdar, Banashree; Jain, Atul; Maiti, Prasanta Kumar; Chatterjee, Gobinda

2015-01-01

Introduction Verrucous plaques mimicking chromoblastomycosis are frequently seen in dermatology outpatient departments (OPD). However, no scientific evaluation has been carried out till date from eastern India. So this present endeavour is aimed at a thorough study of those cases to readdress the challenges in diagnosis and management in chromoblastomycosis from this part of the country. Aim The study is to observe the incidence of proved chromoblastomycosis cases from clinically mimicking conditions and to note therapeutic prospects by use of different antifungal agents. Materials and Methods Twenty clinically suspected cases attending dermatology OPD were included in this study. Relevant histories were taken. Apart from routine hematological and biochemical investigations, scrapings from lesions were examined by direct microscopy with KOH wet mount, calcoflour white mount and fungal culture. Histopatholgical examination was also done. Any fungal growth was identified by growth characteristics and morphological features. Results Sclerotic bodies were detected in five samples. Of them three were found to be culture positive. Two growths were identified as Fonsecaea pedrosoi and one as Cladosporium carrionii. Rest 12 cases were diagnosed as either lupus vulgaris (3 cases; 15%), atypical mycobacterial infections (3 cases, 15%), Hypertrophic lichen planus (2, 10%), Hypertrophic DLE plaque (2; 10%), Wart (1, 5%) or fixed cutaneous sporothricosis (1, 5%), zygomycosis (1, 5%). Three cases (15%) were lost in follow up. Cases of chromoblastomycosis were managed with prolonged use of antifungal alone or in combination with saturated solution of potassium iodide and/or debridement. They were followed up for at least six months post treatment. Conclusion A database comprising diagnostic clues and effective therapeutic intervention have been proposed for these rare subcutaneous mycoses. PMID:26816977

National benthic surveillance project: Pacific coast. Fish histopathology and relationships between toxicopathic lesions and exposure to chemical contaminants for cycles 1 to 5 (1984-88). Technical memo

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

Myers, M.S.; Stehr, C.M.; Olson, O.P.

1993-02-01

The report presents and interprets the results of histopathology studies conducted on 17 species of bottomfish captured at 45 sites between 1984 and 1988 as part of the Pacific Coast portion of the National Benthic Surveillance Program (NBSP) in conjunction with NOAA's National Status and Trends Program (NS T). The location of sampling sites ranged from Prudhoe Bay in Alaska to San Diego Bay in California, and incorporated sites. Twenty-three were located in or near urban embayments, and the 22 remaining sites were in nonurban embayments, five of which served as comparison or reference sites on the basis of minimalmore » levels of sediment contaminants detected (Kamishak Bay, AK; Nisqually Reach, WA; and Bodega Bay, Dana Point, and outer Mission Bay, CA). These comparison sites were selected so that the same fish species could be collected from minimally contaminated environments as opposed to those obtained at urban or more contaminated sites. Six primary target species were identified for statistical analyses that examined the relationships between occurrence of particular toxicopathic diseases or lesions in the liver and kidney and levels of potential or actual exposure to contaminants. These species were selected because they were broadly distributed geographically and were abundant among the sampling sites, they had previously documented significant prevalences of contaminant-associated diseases, or the geographic distribution of similar diseases among the sites suggested an association with contaminant exposure. These primary target species were flathead sole, English sole, starry flounder, hornyhead turbot, white croaker, and black croaker. All specimens were examined for the presence of necrotic, sclerotic and proliferative lesions in the kidney, as well as lesions.« less

Increasing bone sclerosis during bortezomib therapy in multiple myeloma patients: results of a reduced-dose whole-body MDCT study.

PubMed

Schulze, Maximilian; Weisel, Katja; Grandjean, Caroline; Oehrlein, Katharina; Zago, Manola; Spira, Daniel; Horger, Marius

2014-01-01

The objective of our study was to assess the frequency, location, extent, and patterns of bone sclerosis occurring in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) during bortezomib-based therapy. From June 2003 through December 2011, 593 whole-body reduced-dose MDCT studies were performed of 79 consecutive patients receiving bortezomib. The median surveillance time was 21 months (range, 3-67 months). Baseline studies were compared with follow-up studies during therapy (follow-up 1), at the end of therapy (follow-up 2), and 12 months after cessation of bortezomib therapy (follow-up 3). We recorded any sclerotic change occurring inside or along the margins of the osteolytic lesions, in the cancellous bone, or inside preexistent medullary or extramedullary lesions. The time point of occurrence of bone sclerosis was correlated with the best hematologic response category. Fourteen (17.7%) patients developed focal (n = 11) or diffuse (n = 3) bone sclerosis. The time window from bortezomib initiation to radiographic detection of bone sclerosis was 8 months (SD, 7 months). Sclerosis occurred at multiple sites (n = 7) or at an isolated site (n = 7). On subsequent whole-body reduced-dose MDCT studies, sclerosis further increased in seven (50%) patients. Hematologic best response during bortezomib treatment was complete response (n = 1), very good partial response (n = 2), partial response (n = 8), and stable disease (n = 3). Radiologic response at the time of sclerosis detection was partial response (n = 8), stable disease (n = 2), and progressive disease (n = 4). Bone remineralization may occur during bortezomib-based therapy for MM in a substantial proportion of patients. The extent, location, and patterns of sclerosis differ among patients and are unpredictable. Sclerosis was documented even in patients showing suboptimal hematologic response.

Changes of articular cartilage and subchondral bone after extracorporeal shockwave therapy in osteoarthritis of the knee

PubMed Central

Wang, Ching-Jen; Cheng, Jai-Hong; Chou, Wen-Yi; Hsu, Shan-Ling; Chen, Jen-Hung; Huang, Chien-Yiu

2017-01-01

We assessed the pathological changes of articular cartilage and subchondral bone on different locations of the knee after extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) in early osteoarthritis (OA). Rat knees under OA model by anterior cruciate ligament transaction (ACLT) and medial meniscectomy (MM) to induce OA changes. Among ESWT groups, ESWT were applied to medial (M) femur (F) and tibia (T) condyles was better than medial tibia condyle, medial femur condyle as well as medial and lateral (L) tibia condyles in gross osteoarthritic areas (p<0.05), osteophyte formation and subchondral sclerotic bone (p<0.05). Using sectional cartilage area, modified Mankin scoring system as well as thickness of calcified and un-calcified cartilage analysis, the results showed that articular cartilage damage was ameliorated and T+F(M) group had the most protection as compared with other locations (p<0.05). Detectable cartilage surface damage and proteoglycan loss were measured and T+F(M) group showed the smallest lesion score among other groups (p<0.05). Micro-CT revealed significantly improved in subchondral bone repair in all ESWT groups compared to OA group (p<0.05). There were no significantly differences in bone remodeling after ESWT groups except F(M) group. In the immunohistochemical analysis, T+F(M) group significant reduced TUNEL activity, promoted cartilage proliferation by observation of PCNA marker and reduced vascular invasion through observation of CD31 marker for angiogenesis compared to OA group (P<0.001). Overall the data suggested that the order of the effective site of ESWT was T+F(M) ≧ T(M) > T(M+L) > F(M) in OA rat knees. PMID:28367081

Changes of articular cartilage and subchondral bone after extracorporeal shockwave therapy in osteoarthritis of the knee.

PubMed

Wang, Ching-Jen; Cheng, Jai-Hong; Chou, Wen-Yi; Hsu, Shan-Ling; Chen, Jen-Hung; Huang, Chien-Yiu

2017-01-01

We assessed the pathological changes of articular cartilage and subchondral bone on different locations of the knee after extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) in early osteoarthritis (OA). Rat knees under OA model by anterior cruciate ligament transaction (ACLT) and medial meniscectomy (MM) to induce OA changes. Among ESWT groups, ESWT were applied to medial (M) femur (F) and tibia (T) condyles was better than medial tibia condyle, medial femur condyle as well as medial and lateral (L) tibia condyles in gross osteoarthritic areas (p<0.05), osteophyte formation and subchondral sclerotic bone (p<0.05). Using sectional cartilage area, modified Mankin scoring system as well as thickness of calcified and un-calcified cartilage analysis, the results showed that articular cartilage damage was ameliorated and T+F(M) group had the most protection as compared with other locations (p<0.05). Detectable cartilage surface damage and proteoglycan loss were measured and T+F(M) group showed the smallest lesion score among other groups (p<0.05). Micro-CT revealed significantly improved in subchondral bone repair in all ESWT groups compared to OA group (p<0.05). There were no significantly differences in bone remodeling after ESWT groups except F(M) group. In the immunohistochemical analysis, T+F(M) group significant reduced TUNEL activity, promoted cartilage proliferation by observation of PCNA marker and reduced vascular invasion through observation of CD31 marker for angiogenesis compared to OA group (P<0.001). Overall the data suggested that the order of the effective site of ESWT was T+F(M) ≧ T(M) > T(M+L) > F(M) in OA rat knees.

Increased physical activity severely induces osteoarthritic changes in knee joints with papain induced sulfate-glycosaminoglycan depleted cartilage.

PubMed

Siebelt, Michiel; Groen, Harald C; Koelewijn, Stuart J; de Blois, Erik; Sandker, Marjan; Waarsing, Jan H; Müller, Cristina; van Osch, Gerjo J V M; de Jong, Marion; Weinans, Harrie

2014-01-29

Articular cartilage needs sulfated-glycosaminoglycans (sGAGs) to withstand high pressures while mechanically loaded. Chondrocyte sGAG synthesis is regulated by exposure to compressive forces. Moderate physical exercise is known to improve cartilage sGAG content and might protect against osteoarthritis (OA). This study investigated whether rat knee joints with sGAG depleted articular cartilage through papain injections might benefit from moderate exercise, or whether this increases the susceptibility for cartilage degeneration. sGAGs were depleted from cartilage through intraarticular papain injections in the left knee joints of 40 Wistar rats; their contralateral joints served as healthy controls. Of the 40 rats included in the study, 20 rats remained sedentary, and the other 20 were subjected to a moderately intense running protocol. Animals were longitudinally monitored for 12 weeks with in vivo micro-computed tomography (μCT) to measure subchondral bone changes and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/CT to determine synovial macrophage activation. Articular cartilage was analyzed at 6 and 12 weeks with ex vivo contrast-enhanced μCT and histology to measure sGAG content and cartilage thickness. All outcome measures were unaffected by moderate exercise in healthy control joints of running animals compared with healthy control joints of sedentary animals. Papain injections in sedentary animals resulted in severe sGAG-depleted cartilage, slight loss of subchondral cortical bone, increased macrophage activation, and osteophyte formation. In running animals, papain-induced sGAG-depleted cartilage showed increased cartilage matrix degradation, sclerotic bone formation, increased macrophage activation, and more osteophyte formation. Moderate exercise enhanced OA progression in papain-injected joints and did not protect against development of the disease. This was not restricted to more-extensive cartilage damage, but also resulted in pronounced subchondral sclerosis, synovial macrophage activation, and osteophyte formation.

Preoperative easily misdiagnosed telangiectatic osteosarcoma: clinical-radiologic-pathologic correlations.

PubMed

Gao, Zhen-Hua; Yin, Jun-Qiang; Liu, Da-Wei; Meng, Quan-Fei; Li, Jia-Ping

2013-12-11

To describe the clinical, imaging, and pathologic characteristics and diagnostic methods of telangiectatic osteosarcoma (TOS) for improving the diagnostic level. The authors retrospectively reviewed patient demographics, serum alkaline phosphatase (AKP) levels, preoperative biopsy pathologic reports, pathologic materials, imaging findings, and treatment outcomes from 26 patients with TOS. Patient images from radiography (26 cases) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging (22 cases) were evaluated by 3 authors in consensus for intrinsic characteristics. There were 15 male and 11 female patients in the study, with an age of 9-32 years (mean age 15.9 years). Eighteen of 26 patients died of lung metastases within 5 years of follow-up. The distal femur was affected more commonly (14 cases, 53.8%). Regarding serum AKP, normal (8 cases) or mildly elevated (18 cases) levels were found before preoperative chemotherapy. Radiographs showed geographic bone lysis without sclerotic margin (26 cases), cortical destruction (26 cases), periosteal new bone formation (24 cases), soft-tissue mass (23 cases), and matrix mineralization (4 cases). The aggressive radiographic features of TOS simulated the appearance of conventional high-grade intramedullary osteosarcoma, though different from aneurysmal bone cyst. MR images demonstrated multiple big (16 cases) or small (6 cases) cystic spaces, fluid-fluid levels (14 cases), soft-tissue mass (22 cases), and thick peripheral and septal enhancement (22 cases). Nine of 26 cases were misdiagnosed as aneurysmal bone cysts by preoperative core-needle biopsy, owing to the absence of viable high-grade sarcomatous cells in the small tissue samples. The aggressive growth pattern with occasional matrix mineralization, and multiple big or small fluid-filled cavities with thick peripheral, septal, and nodular tissue surrounding the fluid-filled cavities are characteristic imaging features of TOS, and these features are helpful in making the correct preoperative diagnosis of TOS.

Steatosis influences the clinical profiles and long-term outcomes of interferon-treated chronic hepatitis C and liver cirrhosis patients.

PubMed

Nirei, Kazushige; Matsumura, Hiroshi; Kumakawa, Mariko; Matsumoto, Naoki; Nakamura, Hitomi; Yamagami, Hiroaki; Matsuoka, Shunichi; Moriyama, Mitsuhiko

2017-01-01

Objective: This study aimed to assess the relationship between steatosis and long-term outcomes of patients with chronic hepatitis C (CH) and liver cirrhosis (LC). Patients and methods: The study population included 282 subjects with CH or LC who underwent liver biopsy at our institute. All patients achieved a sustained virological response (SVR) to interferon (IFN). Clinical characteristics, including age, gender and body mass index (BMI), were compared. The liver biopsy specimens of all patients were examined and scores were assigned to indicate the severity of each of the following features: inflammatory cell infiltration in the periportal, parenchymal and portal areas; F (fibrosis) stage; portal sclerotic change; perivenular fibrosis; pericellular fibrosis; bile duct damage; hepatic steatosis. Results: Of the 282 patients, 112 (39.7%) were free of steatosis. The other 170 patients (60.3%) had steatosis. The blood biochemical parameters of the patients with hepatic steatosis were significantly poorer than those of patients free of steatosis. Inflammatory cell infiltration and F stage were both significantly more severe in patients with than in those without steatosis. The incidences of hepatocellular carcinoma differed significantly between the two groups. However, the incidences of hepatocellular carcinoma did not differ significantly between the groups with BMI above and below 25. Conclusion: We consider hepatic steatosis to potentially affect the blood biochemical parameters and clinical profiles of Japanese patients with CH due to hepatitis virus type C. Patients with this form of CH showed favorable clinical responses to IFN. Furthermore, fibrosis and steatosis appear to affect the long-term outcomes of these patients. However, BMI alone cannot be used to predict HCC development.

Management of symptomatic florid cemento-osseous dysplasia: Literature review and a case report

PubMed Central

Gucciardino, Federico; Rapetti, Roberta; Siervo, Sandro; Bianch, Andrea-Edoardo

2018-01-01

Introduction Cemento-osseous dysplasia is a jaw disorder characterized by a reactive process in which normal bone is replaced by connective tissue matrix. There are different Cemento-osseous dysplasia entities. The treatment of these lesions, once diagnosed by radiology, is not required because generally they are asymptomatic. The localization is in the tooth-bearing areas of the jaws and its distribution is symmetric. Case Reports In this case report, a 57-year-old Caucasian female patient was referred to our attention complaining of painful inflammatory events localized in the right angle of the jaw. The radiographic appearance, the distribution of several lesions and the positive vitality test of the involved teeth, supported the diagnosis of Florid Cemento-osseous dysplasia. Because of the symptomatology, the patient was submitted to surgery and the lesion and the second inferior right molar were removed. The histological examination of the specimens confirmed the diagnosis. Discussion Many lesions that may exhibit a similar sclerotic appearance on conventional radiographs have to be differentiated and dental imaging can be used to discriminate between Florid COD and other lesions. Diagnosis of Florid Cemento-osseous dysplasia can be made with accurate clinical and radiographic assessment. In asymptomatic cases no treatment is required and the patient should have regular follow-up, but in this symptomatic case it was necessary to proceed with surgical intervention. The surgery treatment in the symptomatic case had a favourable prognosis and the two years follow-up has shown a complete healing. Given the abow, it is concluded that the choice of treatment must be selective according to the disease sites. Key words:Cemento-ossifying dysplasia, fibro-osseous lesions, florid cemento-osseous dysplasia, cementoma. PMID:29721232

Management of symptomatic florid cemento-osseous dysplasia: Literature review and a case report.

PubMed

Aiuto, Riccardo; Gucciardino, Federico; Rapetti, Roberta; Siervo, Sandro; Bianch, Andrea-Edoardo

2018-03-01

Cemento-osseous dysplasia is a jaw disorder characterized by a reactive process in which normal bone is replaced by connective tissue matrix. There are different Cemento-osseous dysplasia entities. The treatment of these lesions, once diagnosed by radiology, is not required because generally they are asymptomatic. The localization is in the tooth-bearing areas of the jaws and its distribution is symmetric. In this case report, a 57-year-old Caucasian female patient was referred to our attention complaining of painful inflammatory events localized in the right angle of the jaw. The radiographic appearance, the distribution of several lesions and the positive vitality test of the involved teeth, supported the diagnosis of Florid Cemento-osseous dysplasia. Because of the symptomatology, the patient was submitted to surgery and the lesion and the second inferior right molar were removed. The histological examination of the specimens confirmed the diagnosis. Many lesions that may exhibit a similar sclerotic appearance on conventional radiographs have to be differentiated and dental imaging can be used to discriminate between Florid COD and other lesions. Diagnosis of Florid Cemento-osseous dysplasia can be made with accurate clinical and radiographic assessment. In asymptomatic cases no treatment is required and the patient should have regular follow-up, but in this symptomatic case it was necessary to proceed with surgical intervention. The surgery treatment in the symptomatic case had a favourable prognosis and the two years follow-up has shown a complete healing. Given the abow, it is concluded that the choice of treatment must be selective according to the disease sites. Key words: Cemento-ossifying dysplasia, fibro-osseous lesions, florid cemento-osseous dysplasia, cementoma.

Oligosaccharide modification by N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase-V in macrophages are involved in pathogenesis of bleomycin-induced scleroderma.

PubMed

Kato, Arisa; Yutani, Mizuki; Terao, Mika; Kimura, Akihiro; Itoi, Saori; Murota, Hiroyuki; Miyoshi, Eiji; Katayama, Ichiro

2015-08-01

Oligosaccharide modification by N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase-V (GnT-V), which catalyses the formation of β1,6 GlcNAc (N-acetylglucosamine) branches on N-glycans, is associated with various pathologies, such as cancer metastasis, multiple sclerosis and liver fibrosis. In this study, we demonstrated the involvement of GnT-V in the pathophysiology of scleroderma. High expression of GnT-V was observed in infiltrating cells in skin section samples from systemic and localized patients with scleroderma. Most of the infiltrating cells were T cells and macrophages, most of which were CD163(+) M2 macrophages. To determine the role of GnT-V in scleroderma, we next investigated skin sclerosis in GnT-V knockout (MGAT5(-/-) ) mice. Expression of GnT-V was also elevated in bleomycin (BLM)-injected sclerotic skin, and MGAT5(-/-) mice were resistant to BLM-induced skin sclerosis with reduced collagen type 1 α1 content, suggesting the biological significance of GnT-V in skin sclerosis. Furthermore, the number of CD163(+) M2 macrophages and CD3-positive T cells in BLM-induced skin sclerosis was significantly fewer in MGAT5(-/-) mice. In bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs), IL-4-induced expressions of Fizz1 and Ym1 were significantly reduced in MGAT5(-/-) mice-derived BMDMs. Taken together, these results suggest the induction of GnT-V in skin sclerosis progression is possibly dependent on increased numbers of M2 macrophages in the skin, which are important for tissue fibrosis and remodelling. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Rhinoscleroma: a detailed histopathological diagnostic insight

PubMed Central

Ahmed, Ahmed RH; El-badawy, Zeinab H; Mohamed, Ibrahim R; Abdelhameed, Waleed AM

2015-01-01

Rhinoscleroma (RS) is a chronic specific disease of nose and upper respiratory passages caused by Klebsiella rhinoscleromatis bacilli. It is endemic in Egypt and in sporadic areas worldwide. Diagnosis of RS depends on identification of the pathognomonic Mickulicz cells (MCs) which is most prominent during granulomatous phase but spares or absent during catarrhal or sclerotic phases of the disease. This study aimed to identify the potential diagnostic features of nasal RS when MCs are absent. Nasal biopsies from 125 patients complaining of chronic nasal symptoms were retrieved for this study; including 72 chronic non specific inflammatory lesions and 53 RS diagnosed by PAS and Geimsa stains. The detailed histological differences among the two groups were measured statistically. RS was frequently a bilateral disease (P < 0.05) of young age (P < 0.001) with a female predominance (P < 0.05) and usually associated with nasal crustations (P < 0.001). Five strong histological indicators of RS were specified by univariate binary logistic regression analyses including squamous metaplasia (OR 27.2, P < 0.0001), dominance of plasma cells (OR 12.75, P < 0.0001), Russell bodies (OR 8.83, P < 0.0001), neutrophiles (OR 3.7, P < 0.001) and absence of oesinophiles (OR 12.0, P < 0.0001). According to Multivariate analysis, the diagnostic features of RS in absence of MCs can be classified into major criteria including dominance of plasma cells infiltration and absence of oesinophiles and minor criteria including young age, female gender, bilateral nasal involvement, nasal crustation, squamous metaplasia, Russell bodies, and neutrophiles. The diagnostic model using the two major criteria confirmed or excluded RS in 84.3% of the investigated cases. PMID:26339415

[Morphological characteristics of kidneys connective tissue of mature fetuses and newborns from mothers, whose pregnancy was complicated by preeclampsia of varying degrees of severity].

PubMed

Sorokina, Iryna V; Myroshnychenko, Mykhailo S; Kapustnyk, Nataliia V; Khramova, Tetyana O; Dehtiarova, Oksana V; Danylchenko, Svitlana I

2018-01-01

Introduction: The kidneys connective tissue condition in the antenatal period affects the formation of tissues and it changes with the development of various general pathological processes in this organ. The aim of the study was to identify the morphological features of kidneys connective tissue of fetuses and newborns from mothers whose pregnancy was complicated by preeclampsia of varying degrees of severity. Materials and methods: The material of the study was the tissue of kidneys of mature fetuses and newborns from mothers with physiological pregnancy (28 cases), as well as from mothers whose pregnancy was complicated by preeclampsia of varying degrees of severity (78 cases). Immunohistochemical study was performed by an indirect Coons method according to M. Brosman's technique using monoclonal antibodies to collagen type I, III and IV. Results: The kidneys connective tissue of fetuses and newborns developing under the maternal preeclampsia conditions is characterized by the qualitative and quantitative changes that indicate the development of sclerotic processes in this organ, the severity of which increase with the age and with the increase of the maternal preeclampsia severity. Qualitative changes are characterized by an increase of the fibrous component, thickening of the bundles of connective tissue fibers, and a decrease in the distance between them. Quantitative changes are characterized by a pronounced predominance of collagen fibers over elastic fibers, almost total absence in some field of view elastic fibers and the violation of the content of collagen type I, III and IV. Conclusion: Maternal preeclampsia underlies the development of qualitative and quantitative changes in kidneys connective tissue of fetuses and newborns, which as a result will lead to disruption of the functions of these organs in such children.

An Example of How Barcodes Can Clarify Cryptic Species: The Case of the Calanoid Copepod Mastigodiaptomus albuquerquensis (Herrick)

PubMed Central

Gutiérrez-Aguirre, Martha Angélica; Cervantes-Martínez, Adrián; Elías-Gutiérrez, Manuel

2014-01-01

Background The freshwater calanoid Mastigodiaptomus is a genus with high richness in the Americas and is composed of nine species, seven recorded in Mexico and four that are apparently endemic to small areas. Mastigodiaptomus albuquerquensis is a common, widely distributed species ranging from the southern USA to Central America. This species can be easily identified by a notable butterfly-like sclerotization on the basis of the right fifth leg of males. Nevertheless, morphological differences observed among populations throughout this species distributional range have led to the description of several related species or subspecies, such as M. albuquerquensis patzcuarensis from Lake Pátzcuaro in the Central Plateau of Mexico. Methods Genetic results based on barcodes, morphology based on scanning electron and light microscopy images, and morphometric analyses were used to describe cryptic species within the M. albuquerquensis complex. Results The morphological analyses coincided partially with the genetic markers, suggesting the existence of at least two sibling species: M. albuquerquensis s. str. and M. patzcuarensis. A third species was genetically separated but was morphologically indistinguishable from the M. patzcuarensis group. Conclusions Hidden diversity has been a major problem in establishing real patterns of species distribution and genetic acquisition from megadiverse hotspots such as Mexico, where the Nearctic and the Neotropical regions of the Americas meet. Barcodes can help taxonomists to reveal and formally name these new species. Here, we describe two of three potential species highlighted by the use of barcodes: M. albuquerquensis s. str. in the northern semi-desert and M. patzcuarensis on the Central Plateau at more than 2000 m above sea level. PMID:24465470

Endocrine testicular function and spermatogenesis persist in calves after partial scrotal resection but not Burdizzo castration.

PubMed

Pieler, D; Wohlsein, P; Peinhopf, W; Aurich, J E; Erber, R; Ille, N; Baumgärtner, W; Aurich, C

2014-06-01

Bull calves for fattening are often castrated during the first weeks of life. Because androgens stimulate growth, there is an interest in males that are infertile but exposed to endogenous testicular steroids. Such a situation occurs in cryptorchids and has been imitated by shortening the scrotum to an extent that the testes are located in a near-inguinal position. In this study, effects of partial scrotal resection (SR) and Burdizzo castration (BZ) on endocrine testicular function, testes histology and on weight at slaughter were studied and compared to orchidectomized (OR) and gonad-intact calves (CO; n = 10 per group; age at castration, 54 ± 3 days; fattening period, 474 ± 11 days). Plasma testosterone concentrations were determined repeatedly, and testes were collected for histopathology at slaughter. We hypothesized that SR inhibits spermatogenesis without loss of testicular steroidogenesis. Group SR animals gained more weight than groups OR and BZ (P < 0.01). Plasma testosterone concentration increased in groups SR and CO (P < 0.01 vs. BZ and OR). Histologically, in all SR animals, testicular and epididymal tissue was identified with a seminiferous epithelium of up to three-cell layers in two animals. Germ cells including elongated spermatids were present in three animals. Shortening of the scrotum thus induced varying degrees of testicular degeneration but 3/10 animals had to be suspected as fertile. In one BZ animal, spermatids were identified whereas in the remaining BZ animals, testes and epididymides consisted of sclerotic fibrous tissue. Partial SR thus induced a cryptorchid-like status but fertility in individual animals must be assumed. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Epstein-Barr virus in the enlarged salivary tissues of patients with IgG4-related disease.

PubMed

Furukawa, Takatoshi; Shimotai, Yoshitaka; Ohta, Nobuo; Ishida, Akihiro; Kurakami, Kazuya; Suzuki, Hitoshi; Yamakawa, Mitsunori; Hongo, Seiji; Kakehata, Seiji

2015-09-01

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a recently recognized disease entity characterized by high-serum IgG4 concentration and IgG4-producing plasma cell production with fibrotic or sclerotic changes in affected organs. We aimed to clarify the roles of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in patients with IgG4-RDs. A retrospective clinical study at the Yamagata University School of Medicine, Yamagata, Japan. The patient group consisted of four males and four females with an average age of 62 years (range: 48-73). Expression of IgG4, latent member protein 1, EBV nuclear antigens-2, and EBV-encoded RNA in affected salivary glands from patients with IgG4-RD was examined by using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. The copy number of EBV DNA in the salivary glands was also investigated by real-time polymerase chain reaction. All patients had hard masses in the salivary or lacrimal glands, or both, bilaterally. Serum concentrations of IgG4 were elevated in all cases (mean 589.1, range 129-1750), and IgG4-positive plasmacytes were observed in the involved salivary glands. Four patients developed potentially life-threatening systemic involvement after initial salivary gland swelling. EBV-associated molecules (EBNA and EBER) were overexpressed in the affected salivary glands. The copy number of EBV DNA was significantly higher in patients with potentially life-threatening systemic involvement than in patients without systemic involvement (P < 0.05). These results suggest that the copy number of EBV DNA could be useful as diagnostic findings in IgG4-RD to predict potentially life-threatening systemic involvement. 4. © 2015 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.

Evaluation of pre-implantation kidney biopsies: comparison of Banff criteria to a morphometric approach.

PubMed

Lopes, José António; Moreso, Francesc; Riera, Luis; Carrera, Marta; Ibernon, Meritxell; Fulladosa, Xavier; Grinyó, Josep Maria; Serón, Daniel

2005-04-01

Donor glomerulosclerosis, interstitial fibrosis, and fibrous intimal thickening correlate with graft outcome. We evaluate chronic lesions in donor biopsies according to Banff criteria and with a morphometric technique to ascertain their predictive value on graft outcome. We evaluated 77 cadaveric donor biopsies according to Banff criteria. Glomerulosclerosis was expressed as the percentage of global sclerotic glomeruli. The following morphometric parameters were obtained: cortical interstitial volume fraction (Vvint/c), cortical glomerular volume fraction (Vvglom/c), mean glomerular volume (Vg), mean and maximal intimal arterial volume fraction (Vvintima/art), and Vvintima/art of the largest artery. We evaluated the correlation of histologic lesions with delayed graft function, 3 months' glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and death-censored graft survival. Multivariate logistic regression showed that delayed graft function was associated with cv score [relative risk (RR) 4.2 and 95% CI 1.1 to 16.0) and glomerulosclerosis (RR 1.06 and 95% CI 1.01 to 1.13). Stepwise regression showed that Vvint/c and glomerulosclerosis were independent predictors of 3 months' GFR (R= 0.62, P= 0.0001). Repeated analysis not considering morphometric parameters showed that glomerulosclerosis, cv score and ci score were independent predictors of 3 months' GFR (R= 0.64, P= 0.0001). A donor chronic damage score was generated considering glomerulosclerosis, cv score and ci score. This score after adjusting for clinical variables was associated with 3 months' GFR (R= 0.71, P < 0.0001) and death-censored graft survival (RR 2.2 and 95% CI 1.3 to 3.7). Combined evaluation of donor glomerulosclerosis, chronic vascular and interstitial damage according to Banff criteria allows a precise prediction of graft outcome. Morphometric evaluation of donor biopsies does not improve the predictive value of semiquantitative grading.

Comparative morphology of spermatozoa and reproductive systems of zorapteran species from different world regions (Insecta, Zoraptera).

PubMed

Dallai, Romano; Gottardo, Marco; Mercati, David; Machida, Ryuichiro; Mashimo, Yuta; Matsumura, Yoko; Rafael, José Albertino; Beutel, Rolf Georg

2014-07-01

The male and female reproductive apparatus of Zorotypus magnicaudelli (Malaysia), Zorotypus huxleyi (Ecuador) and Zorotypus weidneri (Brazil) were examined and documented in detail. The genital apparatus and sperm of the three species show only minor differences. The testes are larger in Z. magnicaudelli. Z. huxleyi lacks the helical appendage in the accessory glands. A long cuticular flagellum is present in Z. magnicaudelli and in the previously studied Zorotypus caudelli like in several other species, whereas it is absent in Z. weidneri, Z. huxleyi, Zorotypus hubbardi, Zorotypus impolitus and Zorotypus guineensis. Characteristic features of the very similar sperm are the presence of: a) two dense arches above the axoneme; b) a 9 + 9+2 axoneme with detached subtubules A and B of doublets 1 and 6; c) the axonemal end degenerating with enlarging accessory tubules; d) accessory tubules with 17 protofilaments; e) three accessory bodies beneath the axoneme; and f) two mitochondrial derivatives of equal shape. The first characteristic (a) is unknown outside of Zoraptera and possibly autapomorphic. The sperm structure differs distinctly in Z. impolitus and Z. hubbardi, which produce giant sperm and possess a huge spermatheca. The presence of the same sperm type in species either provided with a sclerotized coiled flagellum in males or lacking this structure indicates that a different organization of the genital apparatus does not necessarily affect the sperm structure. The flagellum and its pouch has probably evolved within Zoraptera, but it cannot be excluded that it is a groundplan feature and was reduced several times. The fossil evidence and our findings suggest that distinct modifications in the genital apparatus occurred before the fragmentation of the Gondwanan landmass in the middle Cretaceous. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The morphology and evolution of the female postabdomen of Holometabola (Insecta).

PubMed

Hünefeld, Frank; Missbach, Christine; Beutel, Rolf Georg

2012-07-01

In the present article homology issues, character evolution and phylogenetic implications related to the female postabdomen of the holometabolan insects are discussed, based on an earlier analysis of a comprehensive morphological data set. Hymenoptera, the sistergroup of the remaining Holometabola, are the only group where the females have retained a fully developed primary ovipositor of the lepismatid type. There are no characters of the female abdomen supporting a clade Coleopterida + Neuropterida. The invagination of the terminal segments is an autapomorphy of Coleoptera. The ovipositor is substantially modified in Raphidioptera and distinctly reduced in Megaloptera and Neuroptera. The entire female abdomen is extremely simplified in Strepsiptera. The postabdomen is tapering posteriorly in Mecopterida and retractile in a telescopic manner (oviscapt). The paired ventral sclerites of segments VIII and IX are preserved, but valvifers and valvulae are not distinguishable. In Amphiesmenoptera sclerotizations derived from the ventral appendages VIII are fused ventromedially, forming a solid plate, and the appendages IX are reduced. The terminal segments are fused and form a terminal unit which bears the genital opening subapically. The presence of two pairs of apophyses and the related protraction of the terminal unit by muscle force are additional autapomorphies, as is the fusion of the rectum with the posterior part of the genital chamber (cloaca). Antliophora are supported by the presence of a transverse muscle between the ventral sclerites of segment VIII. Secondary egg laying tubes have evolved independently within Boreidae (absent in Caurinus) and in Tipulomorpha. The loss of two muscle associated with the genital chamber are likely autapomorphies of Diptera. The secondary loss of the telescopic retractability of the postabdomen is one of many autapomorphies of Siphonaptera. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Radiation-induced ocular injury in the dog: a histological study.

PubMed

Ching, S V; Gillette, S M; Powers, B E; Roberts, S M; Gillette, E L; Withrow, S J

1990-08-01

Radiation-induced ocular injury secondary to treatment of nasal cancer occurs in humans and animals. Dogs with nasal carcinomas were randomized to receive 36 to 67.5 Gy in fractionated doses given in 4 weeks using a 6 MV linear accelerator. Ophthalmic examinations were performed according to a predetermined protocol and eyes were removed for histologic examination when dogs were euthanatized. The eye in the radiation field exhibited greater injury than the contralateral eye with nasal areas of the globe having more severe lesions than temporal areas. Lesions occurred in all dogs and at all doses. At 1 month or less postirradiation treatment, all dogs had blepharitis, keratoconjunctivitis and corneal epithelial atrophy. Surface lesions persisted in all eyes, becoming less severe and more chronic with time. At 3-6 months postirradiation treatment, degenerative angiopathy of retinal vessels appeared with multifocal retinal hemorrhage and mild diffuse retinal degeneration which affected outer layers first and progressed inwardly with time. At 6 months postirradiation treatment, there were cataracts, fibrosis of retinal vessel walls with loss of vascular smooth muscle, retinal hemorrhage, and mild to moderate retinal degeneration. At 1 year postirradiation treatment, retinal vessels remained sclerotic, retinal hemorrhage was less frequent, and there was moderate retinal degeneration with swelling and loss of ganglion cells. By 2 years or more postirradiation treatment, optic nerve axonal degeneration secondary to retinal changes had appeared. Tapetal and choroidal atrophy were inconsistently seen. Thus, ocular lesions at the doses received developed along a relatively predictable time course and recovery was not seen. Structures of the canine eye appear sufficiently sensitive that even relatively low total doses given in small doses per fraction cause significant long-term injury.

[Impaired endometrial receptivity in primary infertility in women with undifferentiated connective tissue dysplasia and hereditary thrombophilia].

PubMed

Zanozin, A S; Demura, T A; Kolosovsky, D Yu; Faizullina, N M; Kogan, E A

The concurrence of undifferentiated connective tissue dysplasia (uCTD) and hereditary thrombophilia (HT) often accompanies female infertility, in the pathogenesis of which impaired endometrial receptivity plays an important role. to investigate endometrial morphological and immunophenotypic features in patients with primary infertility in the presence of uCTD and HT. The pipelle endometrial biopsy specimens taken in the implantation window were examined in 81 patients, including 13 women with a clinical diagnosis of uCTD, 40 with HT, 19 with uCTD concurrent with HT, and in a control group of 9 heathy surrogate mothers. Morphological, immunohistochemical, and morphometric examinations were done to study the paraffin-embedded endometrial biopsy sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin, pikrofuksin by van Gieson, and with toluidine blue. Immunohistochemical tests were carried out using primary antibodies against ER, PgR, LIF, PAI-1, VEGF, Collagen I, Collagen III, fibronectin, laminin, MMP-2, and MMP-9. The uCTD, HT, and uCTD + HT groups were found to have signs of decreased endometrial receptivity as dramatically lower counts of mature pinopodes, slower endometrial maturation, reduced expression of the receptivity marker LIF, and deviations of the stromal progesterone-estrogen index from the normal value. Sclerotic foci with type III collagen accumulation were detected in the endometrial stroma. uCTD and HT and especially their concurrence are commonly a concomitant disease and risk factors for infertility in women due to impaired endometrial receptivity. In uCTD, connective tissue remodeling processes are substantially retarded, which ultimately leads to increased processes of endometrial stromal sclerosis, reduced endometrial receptivity, and infertility. The most pronounced morphological and immunophenotypical changes have been ascertained to develop in the uCTD + NT group. The findings may be used to predict and devise new infertility treatments in patients with uCTD + NT.

Comparative Analyses of Reproductive Structures in Harvestmen (Opiliones) Reveal Multiple Transitions from Courtship to Precopulatory Antagonism

PubMed Central

Burns, Mercedes M.; Hedin, Marshal; Shultz, Jeffrey W.

2013-01-01

Explaining the rapid, species-specific diversification of reproductive structures and behaviors is a long-standing goal of evolutionary biology, with recent research tending to attribute reproductive phenotypes to the evolutionary mechanisms of female mate choice or intersexual conflict. Progress in understanding these and other possible mechanisms depends, in part, on reconstructing the direction, frequency and relative timing of phenotypic evolution of male and female structures in species-rich clades. Here we examine evolution of reproductive structures in the leiobunine harvestmen or “daddy long-legs” of eastern North America, a monophyletic group that includes species in which males court females using nuptial gifts and other species that are equipped for apparent precopulatory antagonism (i.e., males with long, hardened penes and females with sclerotized pregenital barriers). We used parsimony- and Bayesian likelihood-based analyses to reconstruct character evolution in categorical reproductive traits and found that losses of ancestral gift-bearing penile sacs are strongly associated with gains of female pregenital barriers. In most cases, both events occur on the same internal branch of the phylogeny. These coevolutionary changes occurred at least four times, resulting in clade-specific designs in the penis and pregenital barrier. The discovery of convergent origins and/or enhancements of apparent precopulatory antagonism among closely related species offers an unusual opportunity to investigate how major changes in reproductive morphology have occurred. We propose new hypotheses that attribute these enhancements to changes in ecology or life history that reduce the duration of breeding seasons, an association that is consistent with female choice, sexual conflict, and/or an alternative evolutionary mechanism. PMID:23762497

Bryophyte-Feeders in a Basal Brachyceran Lineage (Diptera: Rhagionidae: Spaniinae): Adult Oviposition Behavior and Changes in the Larval Mouthpart Morphology Accompanied with the Diet Shifts

PubMed Central

Kato, Makoto

2016-01-01

Dipteran larval morphology exhibits overwhelming variety, affected by their diverse feeding habits and habitat use. In particular, larval mouthpart morphology is associated with feeding behavior, providing key taxonomic traits. Despite most larval Brachycera being carnivorous, a basal brachyceran family, Rhagionidae, contains bryophyte-feeding taxa with multiple feeding habits. To elucidate the life history, biology, and morphological evolution of the bryophyte-feeding rhagionids, the larval feeding behavior and morphology, and the adult oviposition behavior of four species belonging to three genera of Spaniinae (Spania Meigen, Litoleptis Chillcott and Ptiolina Zetterstedt) are described. Moreover, changes of the larval morphology associated with the evolution of bryophyte-feeding are traced by molecular phylogenetic analyses. Spania and Litoleptis (thallus-miners of thallose liverworts) share a toothed form of apical mandibular sclerite with an orifice on its dorsal surface, which contrasts to those of the other members of Rhagionidae possessing a blade-like mandibular hook with an adoral groove; whereas, Ptiolina (stem borer of mosses) exhibits a weak groove on the adoral surface of mandible and highly sclerotized maxilla with toothed projections. Based on the larval feeding behavior of the thallus-miners, it is inferred that the toothed mandibles with the dorsal orifice facilitate scraping plant tissue and then imbibing it with a great deal of the sap. A phylogeny indicated that the bryophyte-feeding genera formed a clade with Spaniopsis and was sister to Symphoromyia, which presumably are detritivores. This study indicates that the loss or reduction of adoral mandibular groove and mandibular brush is coincident with the evolution of bryophyte-feeding, and it is subsequently followed by the occurrence of dorsal mandibular orifice and the loss of creeping welts accompanying the evolution of thallus-mining. PMID:27812169

Description of Eucyclops tziscao sp. n., E. angeli sp. n., and a new record of E. festivus Lindberg, 1955 (Cyclopoida, Cyclopidae, Eucyclopinae) in Chiapas, Mexico

PubMed Central

Gutiérrez-Aguirre, Martha Angélica; Mercado-Salas, Nancy Fabiola; Cervantes-Martínez, Adrián

2013-01-01

Abstract Two new species of the freshwater cyclopoid genera Eucyclops are described, Eucyclops tziscao sp. n. and E. angeli sp. n. Both species belong to the serrulatus-group defined by morphological features such as: the presence of distal spinules or hair-like setae (groups N1 and N2) on frontal surface of antennal basis; the fourth leg coxa with a strong inner spine that bears dense setules on inner side, yet proximally naked (large gap) on outer side; and a 12-segmented antennule with smooth hyaline membrane on the three distalmost segments. Eucyclops tziscao sp. n. is morphologically similar to E. bondi and E. conrowae but differs from these species in having a unique combination of characters, including a caudal ramus 4.05±0.25 times as long as wide, lateral seta of Enp3P4 modified as a strong, sclerotized blunt seta, coxal spine of fourth leg with inner spinule-like setules distally, and sixth leg of males bearing a strong and long inner spine 2.3 times longer than median seta. Eucyclops angeli sp. n. can be distinguished by an unique combination of morphological features: the short caudal ramus; the long spine on the sixth antennular segment of A1; the presence of one additional group of spinules (N12’) on the caudal surface of A2; the presence of long setae in females, or short spinules in males on the lateral margin of fourth prosomite; the strong ornamentation of the intercoxal sclerite of P4, specially group I modified as long denticles; the distal modified setae of Exp3P3 and Exp3P4 in females and males; and the short lateral seta of P5. Finally, we report on a new record of E. festivus in México, and add data on morphology of the species. PMID:24294085

Long-term absorption of poly-L-lactic Acid interference screws.

PubMed

Barber, F Alan; Dockery, W Dee

2006-08-01

To evaluate the long term in vivo degradation of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) interference screws with computed tomography (CT) and radiography as used in patellar tendon autograft anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. A total of 20 patients who had undergone patellar tendon autograft ACL reconstruction fixed with PLLA screws at least 7 years earlier were evaluated by physical examination, radiography, and CT to determine whether PLLA screw reabsorption and bone ingrowth had occurred. This study was granted Institutional Review Board approval. Lysholm, Tegner, Cincinnati, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores were obtained. CT data were measured in Hounsfield units. In all, 15 men and 5 women were evaluated 104 months after surgery (range, 89 to 124 months). CT and radiography demonstrated that the bone plug had fused to the tunnel wall, and that no intact interference screw was left. A parallel, threaded, and corticated screw tract was visible adjacent to the bone plug. No bone ingrowth had occurred at the screw site, although, occasionally, minimal calcification was seen. This was never as dense as cancellous bone, and no trabeculae were ever present. No positive pivot-shift test results were obtained. Lysholm, Tegner, and Cincinnati scores were 83, 5.6, and 75, respectively, at follow-up. Average KT difference was 0.7 mm. PLLA interference screws completely degraded, and the resulting area demonstrated a low Hounsfield count, consistent with soft tissue 7 years after insertion. No significant bone ingrowth occurred at the screw site. Femoral and tibial ACL tunnels were absent of anything but fibrous tissue and usually had a sclerotic cortical lining. PLLA biodegradable ACL screws eventually disappear completely. PLLA material is not replaced by bone. ACL graft tunnels are filled with nonossified material. This study provides a baseline for comparison with other biodegradable interference screws that may encourage bone ingrowth as they degrade. Level IV (no or historical control).

Calcaneal stress fracture: an adverse event following total hip and total knee arthroplasty: a report of five cases.

PubMed

Miki, Takaaki; Miki, Takahito; Nishiyama, Akihiro

2014-01-15

Stress fractures have been reported to occur in the pubis, femoral neck, proximal part of the tibia, and fabella during the postoperative period following total knee or total hip arthroplasty. However, to our knowledge, calcaneal stress fractures after total hip or total knee arthroplasty have not been reported in the English-language literature. Most orthopaedic surgeons are not familiar with calcaneal stress fractures that may occur in elderly patients after a total knee or total hip arthroplasty. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical features, imaging findings, and bone mineral content of the proximal part of the femur and the distal end of the radius in five patients who had a calcaneal stress fracture after a total knee or total hip arthroplasty. All patients were women with a mean age of 76.8 years. All fractures occurred in the calcaneus on the same side as the arthroplasty. The fracture appeared at a mean of 10.2 weeks postoperatively. All patients reported heel pain on walking. Swelling and local heat were found in four and three patients, respectively. Pain was elicited by squeezing the calcaneus in all patients. Early radiographs had normal findings in two patients, and an irregular sclerotic line appeared later in the radiographs of all patients. All fractures were treated conservatively. Four fractures healed uneventfully, but one fracture displaced. All patients had osteoporosis. Calcaneal stress fractures during the postoperative period following total knee or total hip arthroplasty may not be as rare as previously thought. Because clinical symptoms of the fracture appear insidiously and radiographic findings are absent or subtle in the early stage, a high index of suspicion is needed for orthopaedic surgeons to make the correct diagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging or repeated radiographs may be necessary to make the correct diagnosis when no abnormality is apparent on the initial radiograph.

Osteoid osteoma: Magnetic resonance guided high intensity focused ultrasound for entirely non-invasive treatment. A prospective developmental study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Napoli, A.; de Soccio, V.; Cartocci, G.; Boni, F.; Anzidei, M.; Catalano, C.

2017-03-01

To determine the effect of acoustic energy delivered during MR guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) treatment of symptomatic osteoid osteomas. This prospective, IRB approved study involved 15 consecutive patients (11 m; 4f; mean age, 21) with clinical and imaging diagnosis of Osteoid Osteoma; all patients underwent MRgFUS ablation (ExAblate, InSightec; Discovery 750 MR unit, GE). Lesions located in the vertebral body were excluded, while lesions in proximity to joints or neurovascular bundles were included. Treatment success was determined at clinical and imaging follow-up at 1, 6 and 12 months post-treatment. A visual Analog Pain Score (VAS) was used to assess changes in symptoms. Bone changes at nidus site were evaluated on the basis of CT and dynamic ce-MR imaging (Gd-Bopta; Bracco) pre- and post-treatment. Treatment was carried out using a variable number of sonications (mean 4±1.8) with a mean energy deposition of 866±211 J. There were no treatment- or anesthesia-related complications. A statistically significant (p=0.001) difference was noted between the overall pre- and post-treatment mean VAS scores (8.3±1.6 and 0.6±1.5, respectively). Two treatments were conducted in patients with prior CTgRFA failure and needed two different session for achieving complete clinical successful. At imaging, edema and hyperemia associated with typical osteoid osteoma, gradually disappeared in all lesions. No apparent relationship between nidus vascular extinction and successful outcome was found. Variable reabsorption degree of sclerotic reaction was observed with nidus disappearance in 4 cases (27%). Treatment of osteoid osteoma using MR guided Focused Ultrasound can be performed safely with a high rate of success and without treatment related morbidity; our results indicated also a positive trend to bone rearrangement after treatment.

A new Late Devonian genus with seed plant affinities.

PubMed

Wang, Deming; Liu, Le

2015-02-26

Many ovules of Late Devonian (Famennian) seed plants have been well studied. However, because few taxa occur with anatomically preserved stems and/or petioles, the vascular system of these earliest spermatophytes is little understood and available data come mostly from Euramerica. There remains great controversy over the anatomical differentiation of Late Devonian and Carboniferous seed plant groups of Buteoxylonales, Calamopityales and Lyginopteridales. Protostele evolution of these early spermatophytes needs more research. A new taxon Yiduxylon trilobum gen. et sp. nov. with seed plant affinities has been discovered in the Upper Devonian (Famennian) Tizikou Formation of Hubei Province, China. It is represented by stems, helically arranged and bifurcate fronds with two orders of pinnae and planate pinnules. Both secondary pinnae and pinnules are borne alternately. Stems contain a small protostele with three primary xylem ribs possessing a single peripheral protoxylem strand. Thick secondary xylem displays multiseriate bordered pitting on the tangential and radial walls of the tracheids, and has biseriate to multiseriate and high rays. A narrow cortex consists of inner cortex without sclerotic nests and sparganum-type outer cortex with peripheral bands of vertically aligned sclerenchyma cells. Two leaf traces successively arise tangentially from each primary xylem rib and they divide once to produce four circular-oval traces in the stem cortex. Four vascular bundles occur in two C-shaped groups at each petiole base with ground tissue and peripheral bands of sclerenchyma cells. Yiduxylon justifies the assignment to a new genus mainly because of the protostele with protoxylem strands only near the periphery of primary xylem ribs, leaf trace origination and petiolar vascular supply structure. It shares many definitive characters with Calamopityales and Lyginopteridales, further underscoring the anatomical similarities among early seed plants. The primary vascular system, pycnoxylic-manoxylic secondary xylem with bordered pits on both tangential and radial walls of a tracheid and leaf trace divergence of Yiduxylon suggest transitional features between the early spermatophytes and ancestral aneurophyte progymnosperms.

A comparison of the impact of amaranth flour and squalene on plasma cholesterol in mice with diet-induced dyslipidemia.

PubMed

Chmelík, Zdenek; Kotolová, Hana; Piekutowská, Zuzana; Horská, Katerina; Bartosová, Ladislava; Suchý, Pavel; Kollár, Peter

2013-01-01

Amaranth was identified as a possible component of an anti-sclerotic diet. To date, particular substances responsible for this effect have not been exactly specified. Squalene, which is contained in amaranth, could be responsible for this effect. However, there are also other potential substances and the hypolipidemic effect of amaranth can be caused by a synergistic effect of several components. This study investigated and compared the impact of amaranth flour and squalene on the total cholesterol (CHOL(TOT)) and LDL cholesterol (CHOL(LDL)) levels in mice with dyslipidemia induced by a cholesterol- and sugar-rich diet. The experiment included 40 inbred mice (C57Bl/6J SPF). After a 7-days acclimatization period, animals were divided into four groups by random. Individual groups were fed different diets for 49 days: control (group C), high energy diet (group HED), high energy diet with amaranth flour (group HED+A) and high energy diet with squalene (group HED+S). The sugar- and cholesterol-rich diet in HED resulted in the significant increase in the levels of CHOL(TOT) by 125% (P < 0.05) and CHOL(LDL) by 304% (P < 0.05), and at the same time in a decrease of HDL cholesterol (CHOL(HDL)) levels by 58% (P < 0.05) compared to group C. To the contrary, amaranth flour enriched diet in group HED+A led to a decrease of CHOL(TOT) levels by 33% (P < 0.05) and CHOL(LDL) by 37% (P < 0.05), compared to HED. Both, amaranth flour and squalene, had a positive impact on CHOL(HDL) levels. Compared to group HED, there was a 47% increase in HED+A and a 60% increase in HED+S. Results proved the favorable impact of amaranth flour on the levels of total cholesterol CHOL(TOT) and also on CHOL(LDL). Furthermore, the results imply that amaranth flour contains besides squalene other substances, which can actively participate in its hypolipidemic effect.

Dysosteosclerosis Presents as an “Osteoclast-Poor” Form of Osteopetrosis: Comprehensive Investigation of a 3-Year-Old Girl and Literature Review

PubMed Central

Whyte, Michael P; Wenkert, Deborah; McAlister, William H; Novack, Deborah V; Nenninger, Angie R; Zhang, Xiafang; Huskey, Margaret; Mumm, Steven

2010-01-01

Dysosteosclerosis (DSS), an extremely rare dense bone disease, features short stature and fractures and sometimes optic atrophy, cranial nerve palsy, developmental delay, and failure of tooth eruption in infancy or early childhood consistent with osteopetrosis (OPT). Bone histology during childhood shows unresorbed primary spongiosa from deficient osteoclast action. Additionally, there is remarkable progressive flattening of all vertebrae and, by adolescence, paradoxical metaphyseal osteopenia with thin cortical bone. Reports of consanguinity indicate autosomal recessive inheritance, yet more affected males than females suggest X-linked recessive inheritance. We investigated a nonconsanguineous girl with DSS. Osteosclerosis was discovered at age 7 months. Our studies, spanning ages 11 to 44 months, showed weight at approximately 50th percentile, and length diminishing from approximately 30th percentile to –2.3 SD. Head circumference was +4 SD. The patient had frontal bossing, blue sclera, normal teeth, genu valgum, and unremarkable joints. Radiographs showed orbital and facial sclerosis, basilar thickening, bone-in-bone appearance of the pelvis, sclerotic long bone ends, and fractures of ribs and extremities. Progressive metaphyseal widening occurred as vertebrae changed from ovoid to flattened and became beaked anteriorly. A hemogram was normal. Consistent with OPT, serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations reflected dietary calcium levels. Serum bone alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, and TRACP-5b were subnormal. The iliac crest contained excessive primary spongiosa and no osteoclasts. No mutations were identified in the splice sites or exons for the genes encoding chloride channel 7, T-cell immune regulator 1, OPT-associated transmembrane protein 1, and monocyte colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and its receptor C-FMS, ANKH, OPG, RANK, and RANKL. Genomic copy-number microarray was unrevealing. Hence, DSS is a distinctive OPT of unknown etiology featuring osteoclast deficiency during early childhood. How osteopenia follows is an enigma of human skeletal pathobiology. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research. PMID:20499338

Associations between age, body size and nephron number with individual glomerular volumes in urban West African males

PubMed Central

McNamara, Bridgette J.; Diouf, Boucar; Hughson, Michael D.; Hoy, Wendy E.; Bertram, John F.

2009-01-01

Background. Glomerulomegaly has been associated with an increased risk of renal disease. Few reports have investigated the heterogeneity of glomerular size within kidneys and associated risk factors. This study measured the individual glomerular volume (IGV) of 720 non-sclerotic glomeruli in kidneys of adult West African males, and investigated associations of IGV with age, total glomerular (nephron) number and body surface area (BSA). Methods. IGVs were determined in the kidneys of 24 Senegalese males from two age groups (12 subjects aged 20– 30 years and 12 subjects aged 50–70 years). Subjects were randomly chosen at autopsies performed at Le Dantec Hospital in Dakar. Volumes of 30 glomeruli per subject were determined using the disector/Cavalieri stereological method. Results. IGVs ranged from 1.31 × 106 μm3 to 12.40 × 106 μm3 (a 9.4-fold variation). IGV varied up to 5.3-fold within single kidneys. The trimmed range of IGV within subjects (10th to 90th percentile of IGV) was directly correlated with median glomerular size. The mean and standard deviation (SD) of IGV did not differ significantly between age groups or between subjects with higher (≥1.78 m2) and lower BSA (<1.78 m2). In older subjects the SD of IGV was significantly and directly correlated with BSA. Kidneys with less than 1 million nephrons had significantly larger mean IGV than kidneys with more than 1 million nephrons, and the trimmed range of IGVs within subjects was inversely correlated with total glomerular number. Conclusion. There was a considerable variation in IGV within kidneys of Senegalese males at autopsy. The heterogeneity of IGV was increased in association with low nephron number and increased BSA, with more pronounced effects in older subjects. PMID:19028752

GROWTH DISTURBANCES IN BONE AFTER X IRRADIATION AND RADIUM IRRADIATION FOR HEMANGIOMATA IN CHILDHOOD (in German)

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

Weiss, J.; Gregl, A.

1961-08-01

A number of injuries from radiation treatment of hemangiomata have been reported in the literature; two additional instances are reported here. The left hand of a 9-monthold child was treated for hemangiomata by exposure to 480 mg-hr of Ra. This was followed by skin necrosis with poor healing, and a permanent flexion of the wrist toward the radial side. At age 13, corrective surgery was required. The wrist was scarred on the thumb side, and the flexion formed almost a right angle. The left underarm on the ulnar side was shortened by 4 cm, the reach was shortened by 3.5more » cm, arsi the ball of the thumb was atrophied by 2 cm. The thumb was shortened by 1.7 cm, and the middle and forefinger were each shortened by 0.5 cm. The skeleta1 injuries visualized by x ray showed hypoplasia and shortening of the radius. The radial epiphysis was displaced. The distal end of the ulna was raised and bent. The os naviculare was stunted, the os multangulum was completely missing, and there was hypoplasia of metacarpal I. A satisfactory correction was made by partial resection of the ulna and osteotomy of the radius with 90 deg traction on the peripheral fragments. The patient reported that the hand became occupationally useful. In the second case, hemangioma on the right hand of an 18-month-old child was exposed to five x-ray treatments of 700 r each. After about seven months radial abduction increased at the right wrist. X ray showed 3.5-cm shortening of the right radius, with the epiphysis turned approximates 30 deg toward the radius side. The metaphysis was abnormal and partly sclerotic. The epiphysial trabeculae were coarsened. The wrist bones were hypoplastic. The radius was straightened and the ulna was shortened by osteotomy. (BBB)« less

Fossil chironomid d13C as a new proxy for past methanogenic contribution to benthic food-webs in lakes?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van Hardenbroek, M.; Heiri, O. M.; Grey, J.; Bodelier, P. L. E.; Lotter, A. F.

2009-04-01

Lake sediments are an important source of atmospheric methane. Methanogenic archaea in lake sediments produce 13C-depleted methane that is partly released to the water column and the atmosphere. Another part is utilized by methane oxidizing bacteria (MOB) that are an important food source for deposit-feeding chironomid larvae (Diptera: Chironomidae). If methane-derived carbon is a significant component of the chironomid diet this will lead to strongly negative d13C in the tissue and exoskeleton of chironomid larvae. Chironomid cuticles, especially the strongly sclerotized head capsules, are well preserved as fossils in lake sediments. If the relationship between modern methane fluxes in lakes and chironomid d13C can be established this would therefore provide an approach for estimating past methane fluxes based on d13C of fossil chironomid remains. Using culturing experiments we show that the stable carbon isotope signature of MOB and other food sources can be traced in chironomid muscle tissue as well as in the fossilizing exoskeleton. In addition we measured d13C in chironomid larval head capsules and other invertebrate remains from a range of surface and downcore sediment samples. Small intra-specific variability (-27.1 ± 0.08 permille) was measured in replicate samples of chironomid head capsules of Corynocera ambigua (n=7). d13C of chironomid head capsules from a several different taxa ranged from -28.0 to -25.8 permille, but in some instances we observed d13C values as low as -36.9 to -31.5 permille, suggesting that carbon from MOB can be successfully traced in fossil and subfossil chironomid remains. Our results demonstrate that the stable carbon isotope signature of MOB is incorporated into chironomid head capsules. Future research will focus on quantifying the relationship between methane fluxes, MOB, and head capsule d13C in order to reconstruct past methane fluxes based on the lake sediment record.

Oral Disease Profiles in Chronic Graft versus Host Disease

PubMed Central

Fassil, H.; Mays, J.W.; Edwards, D.; Baird, K.; Steinberg, S.M.; Cowen, E.W.; Naik, H.; Datiles, M.; Stratton, P.; Gress, R.E.; Pavletic, S.Z.

2015-01-01

At least half of patients with chronic graft-versus-host-disease (cGVHD), the leading cause of morbidity and non-relapse mortality after allogeneic stem cell transplantation, have oral manifestations: mucosal lesions, salivary dysfunction, and limited mouth-opening. cGVHD may manifest in a single organ or affect multiple organ systems, including the mouth, eyes, and the skin. The interrelationship of the 3 oral manifestations of cGVHD with each other and with the specific manifestations of extraoral cGVHD has not been studied. In this analysis, we explored, in a large group of patients with cGVHD, the potential associations between: (1) oral mucosal disease and erythematous skin disease, (2) salivary gland dysfunction and lacrimal gland dysfunction, and (3) limited mouth-opening and sclerotic skin cGVHD. Study participants, enrolled in a cGVHD Natural History Protocol (NCT00331968, n = 212), underwent an oral examination evaluating: (1) mucosal cGVHD [NIH Oral Mucosal Score (OMS)], (2) salivary dysfunction (saliva flow and xerostomia), and (3) maximum mouth-opening measurement. Parameters for dysfunction (OMS > 2, saliva flow ≤ 1 mL/5 min, mouth-opening ≤ 35 mm) were analyzed for association with skin cGVHD involvement (erythema and sclerosis, skin symptoms), lacrimal dysfunction (Schirmer’s tear test, xerophthalmia), Lee cGVHD Symptom Scores, and NIH organ scores. Oral mucosal disease (31% prevalence) was associated with skin erythema (P < 0.001); salivary dysfunction (11% prevalence) was associated with lacrimal dysfunction (P = 0.010) and xerostomia with xerophthalmia (r = 0.32, P = 0.001); and limited mouth-opening (17% prevalence) was associated with skin sclerosis (P = 0.008) and skin symptoms (P = 0.001). There was no association found among these 3 oral cGVHD manifestations. This analysis supports the understanding of oral cGVHD as 3 distinct diseases: mucosal lesions, salivary gland dysfunction, and mouth sclerosis. Clear classification of oral cGVHD as 3 separate manifestations will improve clinical diagnosis, observational research data collection, and the definitions of outcome measures in clinical trials. PMID:25740857

Periodontal and endodontic pathology delays extraction socket healing in a canine model

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Purpose The aim of the present exploratory study was to evaluate extraction socket healing at sites with a history of periodontal and endodontic pathology. Methods The mandibular 4th premolar teeth in 5 adult beagle dogs served as experimental units. Periodontal and endodontic lesions were induced in 1 premolar site in each animal using wire ligatures and pulpal exposure over 3 months (diseased sites). The contralateral premolar sites served as healthy controls. The mandibular 4th premolar teeth were then extracted with minimal trauma, followed by careful wound debridement. The animals were sacrificed at days 1, 7, 30, 60, and 90 post-extraction for analysis, and the healing patterns at the healthy and diseased extraction sites were compared using radiography, scanning electron microscopy, histology, and histometry. Results During the first 7 days of healing, a significant presence of inflammatory granulation tissue was noted at the diseased sites (day 1), along with a slightly accelerated rate of fibrin clot resolution on day 7. On day 30, the diseased extraction sites showed a greater percentage of persistent fibrous connective tissue, and an absence of bone marrow formation. In contrast, healthy sites showed initial signs of bone marrow formation on day 30, and subsequently a significantly greater proportion of mature bone marrow formation on both days 60 and 90. Radiographs exhibited sclerotic changes adjoining apical endodontic lesions, with scanning electron microscopy showing collapsed Volkmann canals protruding from these regions in the diseased sites. Furthermore, periodontal ligament fibers exhibited a parallel orientation to the alveolar walls of the diseased sites, in contrast to a perpendicular arrangement in the healthy sites. Conclusions Within the limitations of this study, it appears that a history of periodontal and endodontic pathology may critically affect bone formation and maturation, leading to delayed and compromised extraction socket healing. PMID:28680710

Combined Percutaneous and Endovascular Treatment of Symptomatic Aneurysmal Bone Cyst of the Spine: Clinical Six Months. Follow-up of Six Cases.

PubMed

Guarnieri, G; Ambrosanio, G; Vassallo, P; Granato, F; Setola, F R; Greco, B; Izzo, R; Muto, M

2010-03-01

We describe the usefulness of endovascular and direct percutaneous treatment as a therapy option for aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) of the spine. From January 2007 to December 2008, we treated six consecutive patients with symptomatic ABCs resistant to continuous medical management or with acute clinical onset of paraparesis at cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine level. Two patients were treated after emergency laminectomy. All patients were studied with an MRI protocol and multidetector CT with MPR reconstructions followed by angiographic control before treatment. The procedure was performed under general anaesthesia for all patients. Under CT or fluoroscopy guidance, percutaneous treatment was performed either by direct injection of Glubran(®) diluted at 30% with Lipiodol(®) only, or combined with endovascular treatment by Onyx® injection. Clinical and X-ray follow-up was performed at three and six months. Combined endovascular and percutaneous treatment for ABCs was successful and led to an excellent outcome in five out of six patients with clinical improvement. There were no periprocedural or subsequent clinical complications and the glue resulted in successful selective permanent occlusion with intralesional penetration. Direct sclerotherapy resulted in immediate thrombosis of the malformation with no progression of symptoms. Complete healing was observed in five out of six aggressive lesions. No major complications were noted. At six month follow-up the symptoms had completely resolved and X-ray control showed a partial or total sclerotic reaction of the lesion with stable clinical results (no partial or clinical abnormalities). One patient had a recurrence of the ABC with spinal cord cervical clinical symptomatology. Combined endovascular and percutaneous treatment or direct percutaneous sclerotherapy with glue alone are important, safe, effective therapy options for symptomatic aneurysmal bone cyst. Results are stable and confirmed by clinical and X-ray follow-up six months after treatment.

Redistribution of CB1 Cannabinoid Receptors in the Acute and Chronic Phases of Pilocarpine-Induced Epilepsy

PubMed Central

Karlócai, Mária R.; Tóth, Kinga; Watanabe, Masahiko; Ledent, Catherine; Juhász, Gábor; Freund, Tamás F.; Maglóczky, Zsófia

2011-01-01

The endocannabinoid system plays a central role in retrograde synaptic communication and may control the spread of activity in an epileptic network. Using the pilocarpine model of temporal lobe epilepsy we examined the expression pattern of the Type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1-R) in the hippocampi of CD1 mice at survival times of 2 hours, 1 day, 3 days and 2 months (acute, latent and chronic phases). Based on the behavioral signs of the acute seizures, animals were classified as “weakly” or “strongly” epileptic using the modified Racine scale. Mice of the weak group had mild seizures, whereas seizures in the strong group were frequent with intense motor symptoms and the majority of these animals developed sclerosis in the chronic phase. In control samples the most intense staining of CB1-R-positive fibers was found in the molecular layer of the dentate gyrus and in str. pyramidale of the cornu Ammonis. In weak animals no significant changes were seen at any survival time compared to controls. In strong animals, however, in the acute phase, a massive reduction in CB1-R-stained terminals occurred in the hippocampus. In the latent phase CB1-R immunoreactivity gradually recovered. In the chronic phase, CB1-immunostaining in sclerotic samples was stronger throughout the hippocampus. Quantitative electron microscopic analysis showed an increase in the number of CB1-R-positive terminals in the dentate gyrus. Moreover, the number of immunogold particles significantly increased in GABAergic terminals. Our results suggest a proconvulsive downregulation of CB1 receptors in the acute phase most probably due to receptor internalization, followed by compensatory upregulation and sprouting in the chronic phase of epilepsy. In conclusion, the changes in CB1 receptor expression pattern revealed in this study are associated with the severity of hippocampal injury initiated by acute seizures that ultimately leads to sclerosis in the vulnerable regions in the chronic phase. PMID:22076136

Description of a New Temnocephala Species (Platyhelminthes) from the Southern Neotropical Region.

PubMed

de León, Rodrigo Ponce; Vera, Bárbara Berón; Volonterio, Odile

2015-08-01

The genus Temnocephala is endemic to the Neotropical region. Temnocephala mexicana and Temnocephala chilensis are the only 2 temnocephalans whose known distribution ranges extend to the south beyond Parallel 40°S. No Temnocephala species has ever been recorded from the extensive area between Parallel 43°S and the southern end of the South American continent, which makes the study of the southern limit of the distribution of the genus a topic of great interest. The southernmost report corresponds to T. chilensis from the Telsen River, Chubut Province, Argentina. In March 2000, several temnocephalans were found on the freshwater anomuran crustacean Aegla neuquensis from the same locality; the specimens were identified as belonging to a new species, which is described here. This species is characterized by possessing an unusually thin-walled, narrow zone that has the appearance of a deep groove connecting the introvert to the shaft of the penial stylet; an introvert with 36 longitudinal rows of spines, each bearing 6-8 spines that are progressively smaller towards the distal end; a distal end of the introvert with a very thin, sclerotized wall without spines; a seminal vesicle that opens sub-polarly into the contractile vesicle; a pair of paranephrocytes at the level of the pharynx and a second pair at the level of the anterior portion of the anterior testes, and eggs with very long stalks. On the basis of their overall morphology, host preference, and geographical distribution, T. chilensis and the new species are closely related, so a diagnostic key for the southern species of Temnocephala is also included. The type locality of the new species is in the southern limit of the known distribution area of T. chilensis, so after this work there are 2 known species marking the southern limit of the distribution of the genus.

Prevalence by Computed Tomographic Angiography of Coronary Plaques in South Asian and White Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus at Low and High Risk Using Four Cardiovascular Risk Scores (UKPDS, FRS, ASCVD, and JBS3).

PubMed

Gobardhan, Sanjay N; Dimitriu-Leen, Aukelien C; van Rosendael, Alexander R; van Zwet, Erik W; Roos, Cornelis J; Oemrawsingh, Pranobe V; Kharagjitsingh, Aan V; Jukema, J Wouter; Delgado, Victoria; Schalij, Martin J; Bax, Jeroen J; Scholte, Arthur J H A

2017-03-01

The aim of this study was to explore the association between various cardiovascular (CV) risk scores and coronary atherosclerotic burden on coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) in South Asians with type 2 diabetes mellitus and matched whites. Asymptomatic type 2 diabetic South Asians and whites were matched for age, gender, body mass index, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia. Ten-year CV risk was estimated using different risk scores (United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study [UKPDS], Framingham Risk Score [FRS], AtheroSclerotic CardioVascular Disease [ASCVD], and Joint British Societies for the prevention of CVD [JBS3]) and categorized into low- and high-risk groups. The presence of coronary artery calcium (CAC) and obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD; ≥50% stenosis) was assessed using coronary CTA. Finally, the relation between coronary atherosclerosis on CTA and the low- and high-risk groups was compared. UKPDS, FRS, and ASCVD showed no differences in estimated CV risk between 159 South Asians and 159 matched whites. JBS3 showed a significant greater absolute CV risk in South Asians (18.4% vs 14.2%, p <0.01). Higher presence of CAC score >0 (69% vs 55%, p <0.05) and obstructive CAD (39% vs 27%, p <0.05) was observed in South Asians. South Asians categorized as high risk, using UKPDS, FRS, and ASCVD, showed more CAC and CAD compared than whites. JBS3 showed no differences. In conclusion, asymptomatic South Asians with type 2 diabetes mellitus more frequently showed CAC and obstructive CAD than matched whites in the population categorized as high-risk patients using UKPDS, FRS, and ASCVD as risk estimators. However, JBS3 seems to correlate best to CAC and CAD in both ethnicity groups compared with the other risk scores. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Cephalic and Limb Anatomy of a New Isoxyid from the Burgess Shale and the Role of “Stem Bivalved Arthropods” in the Disparity of the Frontalmost Appendage

PubMed Central

Aria, Cédric; Caron, Jean-Bernard

2015-01-01

We herein describe Surusicaris elegans gen. et sp. nov. (in Isoxyidae, amended), a middle (Series 3, Stage 5) Cambrian bivalved arthropod from the new Burgess Shale deposit of Marble Canyon (Kootenay National Park, British Columbia). Surusicaris exhibits 12 simple, partly undivided biramous trunk limbs with long tripartite caeca, which may illustrate a plesiomorphic “fused” condition of exopod and endopod. We construe also that the head is made of five somites (= four segments), including two eyes, one pair of anomalocaridid-like frontalmost appendages, and three pairs of poorly sclerotized uniramous limbs. This fossil may therefore be a candidate for illustrating the origin of the plesiomorphic head condition in euarthropods, and questions the significance of the “two-segmented head” in, e.g., fuxianhuiids. The frontalmost appendage in isoxyids is intriguingly disparate, bearing similarities with both dinocaridids and euarthropods. In order to evaluate the relative importance of bivalved arthropods, such as Surusicaris, in the hypothetical structuro-functional transition between the dinocaridid frontal appendage and the pre-oral—arguably deutocerebral—appendage of euarthropods, we chose a phenetic approach and computed morphospace occupancy for the frontalmost appendages of 36 stem and crown taxa. Results show different levels of evolutionary decoupling between frontalmost appendage disparity and body plans. Variance is greatest in dinocaridids and “stem bivalved” arthropods, but these groups do not occupy the morphospace homogeneously. Rather, the diversity of frontalmost appendages in “stem bivalved” arthropods, distinct in its absence of clear clustering, is found to link the morphologies of “short great appendages,” chelicerae and antennules. This find fits the hypothesis of an increase in disparity of the deutocerebral appendage prior to its diversification in euarthropods, and possibly corresponds to its original time of development. The analysis of this pattern, however, is sensitive to the—still unclear—extent of polyphyly of the “stem bivalved” taxa. PMID:26038846

Increased physical activity severely induces osteoarthritic changes in knee joints with papain induced sulfate-glycosaminoglycan depleted cartilage

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Introduction Articular cartilage needs sulfated-glycosaminoglycans (sGAGs) to withstand high pressures while mechanically loaded. Chondrocyte sGAG synthesis is regulated by exposure to compressive forces. Moderate physical exercise is known to improve cartilage sGAG content and might protect against osteoarthritis (OA). This study investigated whether rat knee joints with sGAG depleted articular cartilage through papain injections might benefit from moderate exercise, or whether this increases the susceptibility for cartilage degeneration. Methods sGAGs were depleted from cartilage through intraarticular papain injections in the left knee joints of 40 Wistar rats; their contralateral joints served as healthy controls. Of the 40 rats included in the study, 20 rats remained sedentary, and the other 20 were subjected to a moderately intense running protocol. Animals were longitudinally monitored for 12 weeks with in vivo micro-computed tomography (μCT) to measure subchondral bone changes and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/CT to determine synovial macrophage activation. Articular cartilage was analyzed at 6 and 12 weeks with ex vivo contrast-enhanced μCT and histology to measure sGAG content and cartilage thickness. Results All outcome measures were unaffected by moderate exercise in healthy control joints of running animals compared with healthy control joints of sedentary animals. Papain injections in sedentary animals resulted in severe sGAG-depleted cartilage, slight loss of subchondral cortical bone, increased macrophage activation, and osteophyte formation. In running animals, papain-induced sGAG-depleted cartilage showed increased cartilage matrix degradation, sclerotic bone formation, increased macrophage activation, and more osteophyte formation. Conclusions Moderate exercise enhanced OA progression in papain-injected joints and did not protect against development of the disease. This was not restricted to more-extensive cartilage damage, but also resulted in pronounced subchondral sclerosis, synovial macrophage activation, and osteophyte formation. PMID:24472689

Preoperative easily misdiagnosed telangiectatic osteosarcoma: clinical–radiologic–pathologic correlations

PubMed Central

Gao, Zhen-Hua; Yin, Jun-Qiang; Liu, Da-Wei; Meng, Quan-Fei

2013-01-01

Abstract Purpose: To describe the clinical, imaging, and pathologic characteristics and diagnostic methods of telangiectatic osteosarcoma (TOS) for improving the diagnostic level. Materials and methods: The authors retrospectively reviewed patient demographics, serum alkaline phosphatase (AKP) levels, preoperative biopsy pathologic reports, pathologic materials, imaging findings, and treatment outcomes from 26 patients with TOS. Patient images from radiography (26 cases) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging (22 cases) were evaluated by 3 authors in consensus for intrinsic characteristics. There were 15 male and 11 female patients in the study, with an age of 9–32 years (mean age 15.9 years). Results: Eighteen of 26 patients died of lung metastases within 5 years of follow-up. The distal femur was affected more commonly (14 cases, 53.8%). Regarding serum AKP, normal (8 cases) or mildly elevated (18 cases) levels were found before preoperative chemotherapy. Radiographs showed geographic bone lysis without sclerotic margin (26 cases), cortical destruction (26 cases), periosteal new bone formation (24 cases), soft-tissue mass (23 cases), and matrix mineralization (4 cases). The aggressive radiographic features of TOS simulated the appearance of conventional high-grade intramedullary osteosarcoma, though different from aneurysmal bone cyst. MR images demonstrated multiple big (16 cases) or small (6 cases) cystic spaces, fluid-fluid levels (14 cases), soft-tissue mass (22 cases), and thick peripheral and septal enhancement (22 cases). Nine of 26 cases were misdiagnosed as aneurysmal bone cysts by preoperative core-needle biopsy, owing to the absence of viable high-grade sarcomatous cells in the small tissue samples. Conclusion: The aggressive growth pattern with occasional matrix mineralization, and multiple big or small fluid-filled cavities with thick peripheral, septal, and nodular tissue surrounding the fluid-filled cavities are characteristic imaging features of TOS, and these features are helpful in making the correct preoperative diagnosis of TOS. PMID:24334494

Automated identification of Monogeneans using digital image processing and K-nearest neighbour approaches.

PubMed

Yousef Kalafi, Elham; Tan, Wooi Boon; Town, Christopher; Dhillon, Sarinder Kaur

2016-12-22

Monogeneans are flatworms (Platyhelminthes) that are primarily found on gills and skin of fishes. Monogenean parasites have attachment appendages at their haptoral regions that help them to move about the body surface and feed on skin and gill debris. Haptoral attachment organs consist of sclerotized hard parts such as hooks, anchors and marginal hooks. Monogenean species are differentiated based on their haptoral bars, anchors, marginal hooks, reproductive parts' (male and female copulatory organs) morphological characters and soft anatomical parts. The complex structure of these diagnostic organs and also their overlapping in microscopic digital images are impediments for developing fully automated identification system for monogeneans (LNCS 7666:256-263, 2012), (ISDA; 457-462, 2011), (J Zoolog Syst Evol Res 52(2): 95-99. 2013;). In this study images of hard parts of the haptoral organs such as bars and anchors are used to develop a fully automated identification technique for monogenean species identification by implementing image processing techniques and machine learning methods. Images of four monogenean species namely Sinodiplectanotrema malayanus, Trianchoratus pahangensis, Metahaliotrema mizellei and Metahaliotrema sp. (undescribed) were used to develop an automated technique for identification. K-nearest neighbour (KNN) was applied to classify the monogenean specimens based on the extracted features. 50% of the dataset was used for training and the other 50% was used as testing for system evaluation. Our approach demonstrated overall classification accuracy of 90%. In this study Leave One Out (LOO) cross validation is used for validation of our system and the accuracy is 91.25%. The methods presented in this study facilitate fast and accurate fully automated classification of monogeneans at the species level. In future studies more classes will be included in the model, the time to capture the monogenean images will be reduced and improvements in extraction and selection of features will be implemented.

Osteochondritis dissecans of the knee in a subadult from a medieval (ninth century A.D.) site in Croatia.

PubMed

Slaus, Mario; Cicvara-Pećina, Tatjana; Lucijanić, Ivica; Pećina, Marko; Stilinović, Davor

2010-06-01

Although osteochondritis dissecans of the knee has been known for a long time, we still do not fully understand why it develops. This prompted us to present and describe an example of osteochondritis dissecans identified in the Osteological Collection of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts. The case of osteochondritis dissecans described in this report was recovered from the Gluvine kuće cemetery in the Dalmatian hinterland, approximately 28 km north-east of Split. A total of 77 graves were excavated and the individual exhibiting osteochondritis dissecans was recovered from grave number 16 that belongs to the younger phase of the cemetery that lasted during the second half of the 9th century A.D. Osteochondritis dissecans was noted in a subadult individual. The pathological changes consistent with osteochondritis dissecans are present on both medial femoral condyles. The lesion on the right femoral condyle is an oval crater-like defect with well defined margins and a porous floor of rough trabecular bone. The lesion on the left femoral condyle is basically, with two small provisions, identical to the one on the right side. The first is that it is slightly smaller, while the second is that unlike its antimere, it has a well preserved bone fragment that fits perfectly into the ostechondritic pit. Radiographic analyses of the femoral condyles support a diagnosis of osteochondritis dissecans and show a well-demarcated radiolucent defect in the articular surfaces of both joints surrounded by a thin sclerotic repair zone. According to the classification systems this degree of change corresponds to stage 3 or grade 3 osteochondritis dissecans--a detached but non-displaced fragment. Returning, for a second, to the opinion that prompted us to present this case, it is clear that during the last 1100 years there have been no significant morphological or radiological changes in the characteristics of osteochondritis dissecans.

A comparative study of the ocular skeleton of fossil and modern chondrichthyans

PubMed Central

Pilgrim, Brettney L; Franz-Odendaal, Tamara A

2009-01-01

Many vertebrates have an ocular skeleton composed of cartilage and/or bone situated within the sclera of the eye. In this study we investigated whether modern and fossil sharks have an ocular skeleton, and whether it is conserved in morphology. We describe the scleral skeletal elements of three species of modern sharks and compare them to those found in fossil sharks from the Cleveland Shale (360 Mya). We also compare the elements to contemporaneous arthrodires from the same deposit. Surprisingly, the morphology of the skeletal support of the eye was found to differ significantly between modern and fossil sharks. All three modern shark species examined (spiny dogfish shark Squalus acanthias, porbeagle shark Lamna nasus and blue shark Prionace glauca) have a continuous skeletal element that encapsulates much of the eyeball; however, the tissue composition is different in each species. Histological and morphological examination revealed scleral cartilage with distinct tesserae in parts of the sclera of the porbeagle and blue shark, and more diffuse calcification in the dogfish. Strengthening of the scleral cartilage by means of tesserae has not been reported previously in the shark eye. In striking contrast, the ocular skeleton of fossil sharks comprises a series of individual elements that are arranged in a ring, similar to the arrangement in modern and fossil reptiles. Fossil arthrodires also have a multi-unit sclerotic ring but these are composed of fewer elements than in fossil sharks. The morphology of these elements has implications for the behaviour and visual capabilities of sharks that lived during the Devonian Period. This is the first time that such a dramatic variation in the morphology of scleral skeletal elements has been observed in a single lineage (Chondrichthyes), making this lineage important for broadening our understanding of the evolution of these elements within jawed vertebrates. PMID:19538630

White matter pathology and disconnection in the frontal lobe in cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL).

PubMed

Craggs, Lucinda J L; Yamamoto, Yumi; Ihara, Masafumi; Fenwick, Richard; Burke, Matthew; Oakley, Arthur E; Roeber, Sigrun; Duering, Marco; Kretzschmar, Hans; Kalaria, Raj N

2014-08-01

Magnetic resonance imaging indicates diffuse white matter (WM) changes are associated with cognitive impairment in cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL). We examined whether the distribution of axonal abnormalities is related to microvascular pathology in the underlying WM. We used post-mortem brains from CADASIL subjects and similar age cognitively normal controls to examine WM axonal changes, microvascular pathology, and glial reaction in up to 16 different regions extending rostro-caudally through the cerebrum. Using unbiased stereological methods, we estimated length densities of affected axons immunostained with neurofilament antibody SMI32. Standard immunohistochemistry was used to assess amyloid precursor protein immunoreactivity per WM area. To relate WM changes to microvascular pathology, we also determined the sclerotic index (SI) in WM arterioles. The degree of WM pathology consistently scored higher across all brain regions in CADASIL subjects (P<0.01) with the WM underlying the primary motor cortex exhibiting the most severe change. SMI32 immunoreactive axons in CADASIL were invariably increased compared with controls (P<0.01), with most prominent axonal abnormalities observed in the frontal WM (P<0.05). The SIs of arterioles in CADASIL were increased by 25-45% throughout the regions assessed, with the highest change in the mid-frontal region (P=0.000). Our results suggest disruption of either cortico-cortical or subcortical-cortical networks in the WM of the frontal lobe that may explain motor deficits and executive dysfunction in CADASIL. Widespread WM axonal changes arise from differential stenosis and sclerosis of arterioles in the WM of CADASIL subjects, possibly affecting some axons of projection neurones connecting to targets in the subcortical structures. © 2013 The Authors. Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Neuropathological Society.

External morphogenesis of the tardigrade Hypsibius dujardini as revealed by scanning electron microscopy.

PubMed

Gross, Vladimir; Minich, Irene; Mayer, Georg

2017-04-01

Tardigrada, commonly called water bears, is a taxon of microscopic panarthropods with five-segmented bodies and four pairs of walking legs. Although tardigrades have been known to science for several centuries, questions remain regarding many aspects of their biology, such as embryogenesis. Herein, we used scanning electron microscopy to document the external changes that occur during embryonic development in the tardigrade Hypsibius dujardini (Eutardigrada, Parachela, Hypsibiidae). Our results show an accelerated development of external features, with approximately 30 hrs separating the point at which external structures first become recognizable and a fully formed embryo. All segments appear to arise simultaneously between ∼20 and 25 hrs of development, and no differences in the degree of development could be detected between the limb buds at any stage. Claws emerge shortly after the limb buds and are morphologically similar to those of adults. The origin of the claws is concurrent with that of the sclerotized parts of the mouth, suggesting that all cuticular structures arise simultaneously at ∼30 hrs. The mouth arises as an invagination in the terminal region of the head at ∼25 hrs, closes later in development, and opens again shortly before hatching. The anlagen of the peribuccal lobes arise as one dorsal and one ventral row, each consisting of three lobes, and later form a ring in the late embryo, whereas there is no indication of a labrum anlage at any point during development. Furthermore, we describe limited postembryonic development in the form of cuticular pores that are absent in juveniles but present in adults. This study represents the first scanning electron micrographs of tardigrade embryos, demonstrating the utility of this technique for studying embryogenesis in tardigrades. This work further adds an external morphological perspective to the developmental data already available for H. dujardini, facilitating future comparisons to related panarthropod taxa. J. Morphol. 278:563-573, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Expression Is Enhanced in Renal Parietal Epithelial Cells of Zucker Diabetic Fatty Rats and Is Induced by Albumin in In Vitro Primary Parietal Cell Culture

PubMed Central

Zhang, Yuanyuan; George, Jasmine; Li, Yun; Olufade, Rebecca; Zhao, Xueying

2015-01-01

As a subfamily of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), gelatinases including MMP-2 and MMP-9 play an important role in remodeling and homeostasis of the extracellular matrix. However, conflicting results have been reported regarding their expression level and activity in the diabetic kidney. This study investigated whether and how MMP-9 expression and activity were changed in glomerular epithelial cells upon albumin overload. In situ zymography, immunostaining and Western blot for renal MMP gelatinolytic activity and MMP-9 protein expression were performed in Zucker lean and Zucker diabetic rats. Confocal microscopy revealed a focal increase in gelatinase activity and MMP-9 protein in the glomeruli of diabetic rats. Increased glomerular MMP-9 staining was mainly observed in hyperplastic parietal epithelial cells (PECs) expressing claudin-1 in the diabetic kidneys. Interestingly, increased parietal MMP-9 was often accompanied by decreased staining for podocyte markers (nephrin and podocalyxin) in the sclerotic area of affected glomeruli in diabetic rats. Additionally, urinary excretion of podocyte marker proteins was significantly increased in association with the levels of MMP-9 and albumin in the urine of diabetic animals. To evaluate the direct effect of albumin on expression and activity of MMP-9, primary cultured rat glomerular PECs were incubated with rat serum albumin (0.25 - 1 mg/ml) for 24 - 48 hrs. MMP-9 mRNA levels were significantly increased following albumin treatment. Meanwhile, albumin administration resulted in a dose-dependent increase in MMP-9 protein and activity in culture supernatants of PECs. Moreover, albumin activated p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in PECs. Inhibition of p44/42 MAPK suppressed albumin-induced MMP-9 secretion from glomerular PECs. Taken together, we have demonstrated that an up-regulation of MMP-9 in activated parietal epithelium is associated with a loss of adjacent podocytes in progressive diabetic nephropathy. Albumin overload may induce MMP-9 expression and secretion by PECs via the activation of p44/42 MAPK pathway. PMID:25849723

Arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase 1 gene (TcAANAT1) is required for cuticle morphology and pigmentation of the adult red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum.

PubMed

Noh, Mi Young; Koo, Bonwoo; Kramer, Karl J; Muthukrishnan, Subbaratnam; Arakane, Yasuyuki

2016-12-01

In the insect cuticle tanning pathway (sclerotization and pigmentation), the enzyme arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT) catalyzes the acetylation of dopamine to form N-acetyldopamine (NADA), which is one of the major precursors for quinone-mediated tanning. In this study we characterized and investigated the function of TcAANAT1 in cuticle pigmentation of the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. We isolated a full length TcAANAT1 cDNA that encodes a protein of 256 amino acid residues with a predicted GCN5-related acetyltransferase domain containing an acetyl-CoA binding motif. TcAANAT1 transcripts were detected at all stages of development with lowest expressions at the embryonic and pharate pupal stages. We expressed and purified the encoded recombinant TcAANAT1 protein (rTcAANAT1) that exhibited highest activity at slightly basic pH values (for example, pH 7.5 to 8.5 using dopamine as the substrate). In addition, rTcAANAT1 acts on a wide range of substrates including tryptamine, octopamine and norepinephrine with similar substrate affinities with K m values in the range of 0.05-0.11 mM except for tyramine (K m  = 0.56 mM). Loss of function of TcAANAT1 caused by RNAi had no effect on larval and pupal development. The tanning of pupal setae, gin traps and urogomphi proceeded normally. However, the resulting adults (∼70%) exhibited a roughened exoskeletal surface, separated elytra and improperly folded hindwings. The body wall, elytra and veins of the hindwing of the mature adults were significantly darker than those of control insects probably due to the accumulation of dopamine melanin. A dark pigmentation surrounding the bristles located on the inter-veins of the elytron was evident primarily because of the underlying darkly pigmented trabeculae that partition the dorsal and ventral layers of the elytron. These results support the hypothesis that TcAANAT1 acetylates dopamine and plays a role in development of the morphology and pigmentation of T. castaneum adult cuticle. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Correlations of External Landmarks With Internal Structures of the Temporal Bone.

PubMed

Piromchai, Patorn; Wijewickrema, Sudanthi; Smeds, Henrik; Kennedy, Gregor; O'Leary, Stephen

2015-09-01

The internal anatomy of a temporal bone could be inferred from external landmarks. Mastoid surgery is an important skill that ENT surgeons need to acquire. Surgeons commonly use CT scans as a guide to understanding anatomical variations before surgery. Conversely, in cases where CT scans are not available, or in the temporal bone laboratory where residents are usually not provided with CT scans, it would be beneficial if the internal anatomy of a temporal bone could be inferred from external landmarks. We explored correlations between internal anatomical variations and metrics established to quantify the position of external landmarks that are commonly exposed in the operating room, or the temporal bone laboratory, before commencement of drilling. Mathematical models were developed to predict internal anatomy based on external structures. From an operating room view, the distances between the following external landmarks were observed to have statistically significant correlations with the internal anatomy of a temporal bone: temporal line, external auditory canal, mastoid tip, occipitomastoid suture, and Henle's spine. These structures can be used to infer a low lying dura mater (p = 0.002), an anteriorly located sigmoid sinus (p = 0.006), and a more lateral course of the facial nerve (p < 0.001). In the temporal bone laboratory view, the mastoid tegmen and sigmoid sinus were also regarded as external landmarks. The distances between these two landmarks and the operating view external structures were able to further infer the laterality of the facial nerve (p < 0.001) and a sclerotic mastoid (p < 0.001). Two nonlinear models were developed that predicted the distances between the following internal structures with a high level of accuracy: the distance from the sigmoid sinus to the posterior external auditory canal (p < 0.001) and the diameter of the round window niche (p < 0.001). The prospect of encountering some of the more technically challenging anatomical variants encountered in temporal bone dissection can be inferred from the distance between external landmarks found on the temporal bone. These relationships could be used as a guideline to predict challenges during drilling and choosing appropriate temporal bones for dissection.

Bone Marrow Biopsy: RNA Isolation with Expression Profiling in Men with Metastatic Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer—Factors Affecting Diagnostic Success

PubMed Central

Afonso, P. Diana; Vinson, Emily N.; Turnbull, James D.; Morris, Karla K.; Foye, Adam; Madden, John F.; Roy Choudhury, Kingshuk; Febbo, Phillip G.; George, Daniel J.

2013-01-01

Purpose To determine the rate at which computed tomographically guided pelvic percutaneous bone biopsy in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) yields adequate tissue for genomic profiling and to identify issues likely to affect diagnostic yields. Materials and Methods This study was institutional review board approved, and written informed consent was obtained. In a phase II trial assessing response to everolimus, 31 men with mCRPC underwent 54 biopsy procedures (eight men before and 23 men both before and during treatment). Variables assessed were lesion location (iliac wing adjacent to sacroiliac joint, iliac wing anterior and/or superior to sacroiliac joint, sacrum, and remainder of pelvis), mean lesion attenuation, subjective lesion attenuation (purely sclerotic vs mixed), central versus peripheral lesion sampling, lesion size, core number, and use of zoledronic acid for more than 1 year. Results Of 54 biopsy procedures, 21 (39%) yielded adequate tissue for RNA isolation and genomic profiling. Three of four sacral biopsies were adequate. Biopsies of the ilium adjacent to the sacroiliac joints were more likely adequate than those from elsewhere in the ilium (48% vs 28%, respectively). All five biopsies performed in other pelvic locations yielded inadequate tissue for RNA isolation. Mean attenuation of lesions with inadequate tissue was 172 HU greater than those with adequate tissue (621.1 HU ± 166 vs 449 HU ± 221, respectively; P = .002). Use of zoledronic acid, peripheral sampling, core number, and lesion size affected yields, but the differences were not statistically significant. Histologic examination with hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that results of 36 (67%) biopsies were positive for cancer; only mean attenuation differences were significant (707 HU ± 144 vs 473 HU ± 191, negative vs positive, respectively; P < .001). Conclusion In men with mCRPC, percutaneous sampling of osseous metastases for genomic profiling is possible, but use of zoledronic acid for more than 1 year may reduce the yield of adequate tissue for RNA isolation. Sampling large low-attenuating lesions at their periphery maximizes yield. © RSNA, 2013 PMID:23925271

Infected nonunion of tibia

PubMed Central

Chaudhary, Milind Madhav

2017-01-01

Infected nonunions of tibia pose many challenges to the treating surgeon and the patient. Challenges include recalcitrant infection, complex deformities, sclerotic bone ends, large bone gaps, shortening, and joint stiffness. They are easy to diagnose and difficult to treat. The ASAMI classification helps decide treatment. The nonunion severity score proposed by Calori measures many parameters to give a prognosis. The infection severity score uses simple clinical signs to grade severity of infection. This determines number of surgeries and allows choice of hardware, either external or internal for definitive treatment. Co-morbid factors such as smoking, diabetes, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use, and hypovitaminosis D influence the choice and duration of treatment. Thorough debridement is the mainstay of treatment. Removal of all necrotic bone and soft tissue is needed. Care is exercised in shaping bone ends. Internal fixation can help achieve union if infection was mild. Severe infections need external fixation use in a second stage. Compression at nonunion site achieves union. It can be combined with a corticotomy lengthening at a distant site for equalization. Soft tissue deficit has to be covered by flaps, either local or microvascular. Bone gaps are best filled with the reliable technique of bone transport. Regenerate bone may be formed proximally, distally, or at both sites. Acute compression can fill bone gaps and may need a fibular resection. Gradual reduction of bone gap happens with bone transport, without need for fibulectomy. When bone ends dock, union may be achieved by vertical or horizontal compression. Biological stimulus from iliac crest bone grafts, bone marrow aspirate injections, and platelet concentrates hasten union. Bone graft substitutes add volume to graft and help fill defects. Addition of rh-BMP-7 may help in healing albeit at a much higher cost. Regeneration may need stimulation and augmentation. Induced membrane technique is an alternative to bone transport to fill gaps. It needs large amounts of bone graft from iliac crest or femoral canal. This is an expensive method physiologically and economically. Infection can resorb the graft and cause failure of treatment. It can be done in select cases after thorough eradication of infection. Patience and perseverance are needed for successful resolution of infection and achieving union. PMID:28566776

Infections and reduced functioning kidney mass induce chronic rejection in rat kidney allografts.

PubMed

Heemann, U W; Azuma, H; Tullius, S G; Schmid, C; Philipp, T; Tilney, N L

1996-07-01

The etiology of chronic rejection of kidney allografts is unknown, although hyperfiltration, acute rejection, viral infection and initial graft ischemia have been implicated. To test whether endothelial activation may be the link between these factors and chronic rejection, the endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide-LPS), a potent activator of endothelial cells, was evaluated in an established chronic rejection model. Bilaterally nephrectomized Lewis recipients of orthotopically transplanted Fisher 344 kidneys were treated briefly with low dose cyclosporine (1.5 mg/kg/day x 10). Recipients were given a non-lethal dose of LPS (2 mg) i.p. at 8 weeks and compared to allografted controls treated with vehicle. Urine protein was measured every 4 weeks. Rats in the treated group were sacrificed at 12 and 16 weeks, control animals at 12, 16 and 24 weeks (20/group) and examined histologically. In the chronically rejecting control allografts, progressive interstitial and glomerular sclerosis and vascular intimal proliferation had become apparent by 12 weeks. Infiltration of glomeruli, particularly by macrophages (M phi), and the coincident presence of cytokines were prominent, peaking at 16 weeks. LPS treatment accelerated and intensified these changes; proteinuria was more pronounced (16 weeks: 79 mg/24 h vs. 49 mg/24 h, p < 0.05). Numbers of infiltrating M phi peaked at 12 weeks in LPS treated hosts (69 c/FV vs. 27 c/FV in untreated controls, p < 0.01), accompanied by an increased upregulation of MHC class II and cytokine expression, particularly TNF alpha and PDGF around arteries and areas of infiltration. BY 16 weeks, 35 +/- 3% of glomeruli in LPS treated recipients had become sclerotic vs. 15 +/- 6% (p < 0.05) in controls, again associated with increased expression of cytokines (PDGF, TNF alpha, TGF beta), adhesion molecules (ICAM-1) and extracellular matrix proteins. Overall, the extent of chronic rejection of grafts in LPS treated rats at 16 weeks was similar to that developing in non-treated rats at 24 weeks. Activation of graft endothelium and/or host leucocytes increased the pace of graft infiltration and the expression of cytokines and other molecules. These events accelerate the process of chronic rejection.

Transcanal microscope-assisted endoscopic myringoplasty in children.

PubMed

Migirov, Lela; Wolf, Michael

2015-04-01

Myringoplasty can be technically difficult in the pediatric patients due to the narrowness of the external auditory canal and the generally small size of the ear. Moreover, temporalis fascia grafts and myringoplasties for anterior perforations are more likely to fail in children. Surgical management of anterior perforations requires total exposure of the anterior angle however a microscope may fail to provide a view of the anterior edge in most of perforations. Recently, different endoscopes are used in the performance of ear surgery in general and myringoplasty in particular. Current study aimed to investigate the outcome of transcanal microscope-assisted endoscopic myringoplasty in homogenous group of children. The medical records of 22 children were retrospectively reviewed for age, perforation size and location, surgical and audiological findings, and outcome. All myringoplasties were performed by first author with a chondro-perichondrial graft that has been harvested from the tragus and placed medial to the tympanic membrane remnants, utilizing the underlay technique and 14-mm length, 3-mm diameter, 0° and 30° endoscopes. A microscope was occasionally used for removal of the sclerotic plaques and releasing adhesions surrounding the ossicles when bimanual manipulations were needed. Surgical success was defined as a tympanic membrane with no perforation, retraction, or graft lateralization for at least 18 months following surgery. Thirteen large-, 8 medium- and 1 small-sized perforations (defined as 75, 50 or 25%, respectively, of the tympanic membrane area), of which 14 were anterior, 2 central and 6 posterior marginal, were repaired. The edges of the defect could not be visualized under a microscope due to bone overhanging or a curved or narrow EAC in 8 anterior perforations. Intact tympanic membranes and dry ears were achieved in all operated children. The audiometric air conduction level (average of 0.5-3 kHz) for the entire cohort ranged between 10-51.3 dB (mean 32.8) preoperatively and between 5-35 dB (mean 18.2) postoperatively. The transcanal microscope-assisted endoscopic myringoplasty had a 100% rate of surgical success in children. This technique can be especially appropriate for patients with narrow external canals, anterior defects and bone overhang making the perforation margins barely visible under a microscope.

Oral disease profiles in chronic graft versus host disease.

PubMed

Bassim, C W; Fassil, H; Mays, J W; Edwards, D; Baird, K; Steinberg, S M; Cowen, E W; Naik, H; Datiles, M; Stratton, P; Gress, R E; Pavletic, S Z

2015-04-01

At least half of patients with chronic graft-versus-host-disease (cGVHD), the leading cause of morbidity and non-relapse mortality after allogeneic stem cell transplantation, have oral manifestations: mucosal lesions, salivary dysfunction, and limited mouth-opening. cGVHD may manifest in a single organ or affect multiple organ systems, including the mouth, eyes, and the skin. The interrelationship of the 3 oral manifestations of cGVHD with each other and with the specific manifestations of extraoral cGVHD has not been studied. In this analysis, we explored, in a large group of patients with cGVHD, the potential associations between: (1) oral mucosal disease and erythematous skin disease, (2) salivary gland dysfunction and lacrimal gland dysfunction, and (3) limited mouth-opening and sclerotic skin cGVHD. Study participants, enrolled in a cGVHD Natural History Protocol (NCT00331968, n = 212), underwent an oral examination evaluating: (1) mucosal cGVHD [NIH Oral Mucosal Score (OMS)], (2) salivary dysfunction (saliva flow and xerostomia), and (3) maximum mouth-opening measurement. Parameters for dysfunction (OMS > 2, saliva flow ≤ 1 mL/5 min, mouth-opening ≤ 35 mm) were analyzed for association with skin cGVHD involvement (erythema and sclerosis, skin symptoms), lacrimal dysfunction (Schirmer's tear test, xerophthalmia), Lee cGVHD Symptom Scores, and NIH organ scores. Oral mucosal disease (31% prevalence) was associated with skin erythema (P < 0.001); salivary dysfunction (11% prevalence) was associated with lacrimal dysfunction (P = 0.010) and xerostomia with xerophthalmia (r = 0.32, P = 0.001); and limited mouth-opening (17% prevalence) was associated with skin sclerosis (P = 0.008) and skin symptoms (P = 0.001). There was no association found among these 3 oral cGVHD manifestations. This analysis supports the understanding of oral cGVHD as 3 distinct diseases: mucosal lesions, salivary gland dysfunction, and mouth sclerosis. Clear classification of oral cGVHD as 3 separate manifestations will improve clinical diagnosis, observational research data collection, and the definitions of outcome measures in clinical trials. © International & American Associations for Dental Research 2015.

Expression of Msx-1 is suppressed in bisphosphonate associated osteonecrosis related jaw tissue-etiopathology considerations respecting jaw developmental biology-related unique features

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background Bone-destructive disease treatments include bisphosphonates and antibodies against the osteoclast differentiator, RANKL (aRANKL); however, osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is a frequent side-effect. Current models fail to explain the restriction of bisphosphonate (BP)-related and denosumab (anti-RANKL antibody)-related ONJ to jaws. Msx-1 is exclusively expressed in craniofacial structures and pivotal to cranial neural crest (CNC)-derived periodontal tissue remodeling. We hypothesised that Msx-1 expression might be impaired in bisphosphonate-related ONJ. The study aim was to elucidate Msx-1 and RANKL-associated signal transduction (BMP-2/4, RANKL) in ONJ-altered and healthy periodontal tissue. Methods Twenty ONJ and twenty non-BP exposed periodontal samples were processed for RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. An automated staining-based alkaline phosphatase-anti-alkaline phosphatase method was used to measure the stained cells:total cell-number ratio (labelling index, Bonferroni adjustment). Real-time RT-PCR was performed on ONJ-affected and healthy jaw periodontal samples (n = 20 each) to quantitatively compare Msx-1, BMP-2, RANKL, and GAPDH mRNA levels. Results Semi-quantitative assessment of the ratio of stained cells showed decreased Msx-1 and RANKL and increased BMP-2/4 (all p < 0.05) expression in ONJ-adjacent periodontal tissue. ONJ tissue also exhibited decreased relative gene expression for Msx-1 (p < 0.03) and RANKL (p < 0.03) and increased BMP-2/4 expression (p < 0.02) compared to control. Conclusions These results explain the sclerotic and osteopetrotic changes of periodontal tissue following BP application and substantiate clinical findings of BP-related impaired remodeling specific to periodontal tissue. RANKL suppression substantiated the clinical finding of impaired bone remodelling in BP- and aRANKL-induced ONJ-affected bone structures. Msx-1 suppression in ONJ-adjacent periodontal tissue suggested a bisphosphonate-related impairment in cellular differentiation that occurred exclusively jaw remodelling. Further research on developmental biology-related unique features of jaw bone structures will help to elucidate pathologies restricted to maxillofacial tissue. PMID:20942943

Expression of Msx-1 is suppressed in bisphosphonate associated osteonecrosis related jaw tissue-etiopathology considerations respecting jaw developmental biology-related unique features.

PubMed

Wehrhan, Falk; Hyckel, Peter; Ries, Jutta; Stockmann, Phillip; Nkenke, Emeka; Schlegel, Karl A; Neukam, Friedrich W; Amann, Kerstin

2010-10-13

Bone-destructive disease treatments include bisphosphonates and antibodies against the osteoclast differentiator, RANKL (aRANKL); however, osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is a frequent side-effect. Current models fail to explain the restriction of bisphosphonate (BP)-related and denosumab (anti-RANKL antibody)-related ONJ to jaws. Msx-1 is exclusively expressed in craniofacial structures and pivotal to cranial neural crest (CNC)-derived periodontal tissue remodeling. We hypothesised that Msx-1 expression might be impaired in bisphosphonate-related ONJ. The study aim was to elucidate Msx-1 and RANKL-associated signal transduction (BMP-2/4, RANKL) in ONJ-altered and healthy periodontal tissue. Twenty ONJ and twenty non-BP exposed periodontal samples were processed for RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. An automated staining-based alkaline phosphatase-anti-alkaline phosphatase method was used to measure the stained cells:total cell-number ratio (labelling index, Bonferroni adjustment). Real-time RT-PCR was performed on ONJ-affected and healthy jaw periodontal samples (n = 20 each) to quantitatively compare Msx-1, BMP-2, RANKL, and GAPDH mRNA levels. Semi-quantitative assessment of the ratio of stained cells showed decreased Msx-1 and RANKL and increased BMP-2/4 (all p < 0.05) expression in ONJ-adjacent periodontal tissue. ONJ tissue also exhibited decreased relative gene expression for Msx-1 (p < 0.03) and RANKL (p < 0.03) and increased BMP-2/4 expression (p < 0.02) compared to control. These results explain the sclerotic and osteopetrotic changes of periodontal tissue following BP application and substantiate clinical findings of BP-related impaired remodeling specific to periodontal tissue. RANKL suppression substantiated the clinical finding of impaired bone remodelling in BP- and aRANKL-induced ONJ-affected bone structures. Msx-1 suppression in ONJ-adjacent periodontal tissue suggested a bisphosphonate-related impairment in cellular differentiation that occurred exclusively jaw remodelling. Further research on developmental biology-related unique features of jaw bone structures will help to elucidate pathologies restricted to maxillofacial tissue.

Unlocking the "Black box": internal female genitalia in Sepsidae (Diptera) evolve fast and are species-specific

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background The species-specificity of male genitalia has been well documented in many insect groups and sexual selection has been proposed as the evolutionary force driving the often rapid, morphological divergence. The internal female genitalia, in sharp contrast, remain poorly studied. Here, we present the first comparative study of the internal reproductive system of Sepsidae. We test the species-specificity of the female genitalia by comparing recently diverged sister taxa. We also compare the rate of change in female morphological characters with the rate of fast-evolving, molecular and behavioral characters. Results We describe the ectodermal parts of the female reproductive tract for 41 species representing 21 of the 37 described genera and define 19 morphological characters with discontinuous variation found in eight structures that are part of the reproductive tract. Using a well-resolved molecular phylogeny based on 10 genes, we reconstruct the evolution of these characters across the family [120 steps; Consistency Index (CI): 0.41]. Two structures, in particular, evolve faster than the rest. The first is the ventral receptacle, which is a secondary sperm storage organ. It accounts for more than half of all the evolutionary changes observed (7 characters; 61 steps; CI: 0.46). It is morphologically diverse across genera, can be bi-lobed or multi-chambered (up to 80 chambers), and is strongly sclerotized in one clade. The second structure is the dorsal sclerite, which is present in all sepsids except Orygma luctuosum and Ortalischema albitarse. It is associated with the opening of the spermathecal ducts and is often distinct even among sister species (4 characters; 16 steps; CI: 0.56). Conclusions We find the internal female genitalia are diverse in Sepsidae and diagnostic for all species. In particular, fast-evolving structures like the ventral receptacle and dorsal sclerite are likely involved in post-copulatory sexual selection. In comparison to behavioral and molecular data, the female structures are evolving 2/3 as fast as the non-constant third positions of the COI barcoding gene. They display less convergent evolution in characters (CI = 0.54) than the third positions or sepsid mating behavior (CICOI = 0.36; CIBEHAV = 0.45). PMID:20831809

Two new synanthropic species of Anyphaena Sundevall (Araneae: Anyphaenidae) associated to houses in Mexico City.

PubMed

Durán-Barrón, César G; Pérez, Tila M; Brescovit, Antonio D

2016-04-12

The family Anyphaenidae is composed by 56 genera and 542 species worldwide (World Spider Catalog 2015). These spiders, known as "ghost spiders", are wandering hunters living in a variety of environments, from forests to deserts, and can be quite abundant in different crops such as cotton, sorghum and rice (Brescovit 1996; Young & Edwards 1990; Taylor & Pfannenstiel 2008). They typically live on vegetation, among dead leaves or under loose bark and rocks (Richman & Ubick 2005) but synanthropic associations have been reported for a few species (Jiménez 1998; Guarisco 1999; Durán-Barrón et al. 2009). The genus Anyphaena has 81 species widely distributed in Asia, Central Europe, North America and Mexico (Brescovit 1996; Richman & Ubick 2005; World Spider Catalog 2015). The species from Noth America and Mexico were revised by Platnick (1974) who recognized four species groups (accentuata, celer, pectorosa and pacifica). Platnick (1977), Platnick & Lau (1975) and Brescovit & Lise (1989) complemented the revision of the genus in Central America. Presently, there are 27 species of Anyphaena recorded in Mexico (World Spider Catalog 2015), 24 of them from the celer group. Here, two new species of Anyphaena are described based in material collected during an inventory of spiders associated to houses in Mexico City, carried out by Durán-Barrón et al. (2009). Both species have the diagnostic characters of the members of the pacifica group as defined by Platnick (1974), such as the lack of leg coxal spurs and the presence of a lightly sclerotized atrium in the female epigynum. These species represent the first record of the pacifica group in Mexico. The occurrence of Anyphaenidae associated to houses was reported in Mexico by Durán-Barrón et al. (2009), who recorded Anyphaena obregon Platnick & Lau, 1975 and Hibana futilis (Banks, 1898) as frequent inhabitants inside houses. The species herein described are reported solely from urban areas and can be also characterized as frequent in these anthropic environments.

Strikingly higher interleukin (IL)-1alpha, IL-1beta and soluble interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (sIL-1RA) but similar IL-2, sIL-2R, IL-3, IL-4, IL-6, sIL-6R, IL-10, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta and interferon IFN-gamma urine levels in healthy females compared to healthy males: protection against urinary tract injury?

PubMed

Sadeghi, M; Daniel, V; Naujokat, C; Weimer, R; Opelz, G

2005-11-01

The aim of this prospective study was to examine gender-related differences of cytokines in the plasma and urine of healthy individuals that might provide a clue concerning the lower rate of chronic renal diseases in females. Soluble interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (sIL-1RA), interleukin (IL)-1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-2, sIL-2R, IL-3, IL-4, IL-6, sIL-6R, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta(2) and interferon (IFN)-gamma were determined using standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cytokine levels were determined in simultaneously obtained plasma and urine samples of 18 male and 28 female healthy members of our laboratory staff. Urine cytokine levels were studied three times at 1-month intervals. All individuals had a negative urine nitrite test and showed no symptoms of urinary tract infection (UTI). Plasma levels of all studied cytokines were similar in males and females (P = n.s.). However, females had significantly higher urine IL-1alpha (P < 0.0001; P < 0.0001; P < 0.0001) and sIL-1RA (P = 0.0001; P = 0.0003; P = 0.0002) than males at three and higher IL-1beta at one of the three investigations (P = 0.098; P = 0.003; P = 0.073). Urine levels of the other cytokines were similar in males and females. Higher urine levels of IL-1alpha, IL-1beta and sIL-1RA in females may result from stimulation of cells in the urinary tract. Increased sIL-1RA might block T lymphocyte activation. The elevated cytokines may play a role in the protection of the female urinary tract from certain renal diseases, such as pyelonephritis and other inflammatory and sclerotic kidney diseases.

Temperature Prediction Model for Bone Drilling Based on Density Distribution and In Vivo Experiments for Minimally Invasive Robotic Cochlear Implantation.

PubMed

Feldmann, Arne; Anso, Juan; Bell, Brett; Williamson, Tom; Gavaghan, Kate; Gerber, Nicolas; Rohrbach, Helene; Weber, Stefan; Zysset, Philippe

2016-05-01

Surgical robots have been proposed ex vivo to drill precise holes in the temporal bone for minimally invasive cochlear implantation. The main risk of the procedure is damage of the facial nerve due to mechanical interaction or due to temperature elevation during the drilling process. To evaluate the thermal risk of the drilling process, a simplified model is proposed which aims to enable an assessment of risk posed to the facial nerve for a given set of constant process parameters for different mastoid bone densities. The model uses the bone density distribution along the drilling trajectory in the mastoid bone to calculate a time dependent heat production function at the tip of the drill bit. Using a time dependent moving point source Green's function, the heat equation can be solved at a certain point in space so that the resulting temperatures can be calculated over time. The model was calibrated and initially verified with in vivo temperature data. The data was collected in minimally invasive robotic drilling of 12 holes in four different sheep. The sheep were anesthetized and the temperature elevations were measured with a thermocouple which was inserted in a previously drilled hole next to the planned drilling trajectory. Bone density distributions were extracted from pre-operative CT data by averaging Hounsfield values over the drill bit diameter. Post-operative [Formula: see text]CT data was used to verify the drilling accuracy of the trajectories. The comparison of measured and calculated temperatures shows a very good match for both heating and cooling phases. The average prediction error of the maximum temperature was less than 0.7 °C and the average root mean square error was approximately 0.5 °C. To analyze potential thermal damage, the model was used to calculate temperature profiles and cumulative equivalent minutes at 43 °C at a minimal distance to the facial nerve. For the selected drilling parameters, temperature elevation profiles and cumulative equivalent minutes suggest that thermal elevation of this minimally invasive cochlear implantation surgery may pose a risk to the facial nerve, especially in sclerotic or high density mastoid bones. Optimized drilling parameters need to be evaluated and the model could be used for future risk evaluation.

Alteration of Wnt5a expression and of the non-canonical Wnt/PCP and Wnt/PKC-Ca2+ pathways in human osteoarthritis osteoblasts

PubMed Central

Martineau, Xavier; Abed, Élie; Martel-Pelletier, Johanne; Pelletier, Jean-Pierre; Lajeunesse, Daniel

2017-01-01

Objective Clinical and in vitro studies suggest that subchondral bone sclerosis due to abnormal osteoblasts (Ob) is involved in the progression and/or onset of osteoarthritis (OA). Human Ob isolated from sclerotic subchondral OA bone tissue show an altered phenotype, a decreased canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway (cWnt), and a reduced mineralization in vitro. In addition to the cWnt pathway, at least two non-canonical signaling pathways, the Wnt/PKC and Wnt/PCP pathway have been described. However, there are no reports of either pathway in OA Ob. Here, we studied the two non-canonical pathways in OA Ob and if they influence their phenotype. Methods Human primary subchondral Ob were isolated from the subchondral bone plate of tibial plateaus of OA patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty, or of normal individuals at autopsy. The expression of genes involved in non-canonical Wnt signaling was evaluated by qRT-PCR and their protein production by Western blot analysis. Alkaline phosphatase activity and osteocalcin secretion (OC) were determined with substrate hydrolysis and EIA, respectively. Mineralization levels were evaluated with Alizarin Red Staining, Wnt/PKC and Wnt/PCP pathways by target gene expression and their respective activity using the NFAT and AP-1 luciferase reporter assays. Results OA Ob showed an altered phenotype as illustrated by an increased alkaline phosphatase activity and osteocalcin release compared to normal Ob. The expression of the non-canonical Wnt5a ligand was increased in OA Ob compared to normal. Whereas, the expression of LGR5 was significantly increased in OA Ob compared to normal Ob, the expression of LGR4 was similar. Wnt5a directly stimulated the expression and production of LGR5, contrasting, Wnt5a did not stimulate the expression of LGR4. Wnt5a also stimulated the phosphorylation of both JNK and PKC, as well as the activity of both NFAT and AP-1 transcription factors. The inhibition of Wnt5a expression partially corrects the abnormal mineralization, OC secretion and ALPase activity of OA Ob. Conclusion These data indicate that the alteration of Wnt5a, a non-canonical Wnt signaling activator, is implicated in the modified signalisation and phenotype observed in OA Ob. PMID:28777797

Antibody-induced albuminuria and accelerated focal glomerulosclerosis in the Thy-1.1 transgenic mouse.

PubMed

Assmann, Karel J M; van Son, Jacco P H F; Dïjkman, Henry B P M; Mentzel, Stef; Wetzels, Jack F M

2002-07-01

Podocytes play an important role in the development of proteinuria and focal glomerulosclerosis. Previously we have demonstrated that a combination of two monoclonal antibodies (mAb) against aminopeptidase A (APA), an enzyme present on podocytes, induces a massive acute albuminuria in mice. The present study examined the relationship between the acute antibody-induced albuminuria and the development of focal glomerulosclerosis in the Thy-1.1 transgenic mouse. This mouse expresses a hybrid human-mouse Thy-1.1 antigen on the podocytes, and slowly but spontaneously develops albuminuria and focal glomerulosclerosis. Five-week-old non-albuminuric Thy-1.1 transgenic and non-transgenic control mice were injected with anti-APA and anti-Thy-1.1 mAb or saline. Albuminuria was measured at days 1, 7, 14 and 21. At day 21 kidneys were processed for light microscopy, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopy. Injection of anti-APA and anti-Thy1.1 mAb in Thy-1.1 transgenic mice induced an albuminuria at day 1 that persisted at day 21. The acute albuminuria after injection of anti-APA mAb was more prominent but transient in non-transgenic mice. In non-trangenic mice no albuminuria could be induced with anti-Thy 1.1 mAb. Light microscopy revealed normal glomeruli at day 1 in all transgenic mice, however, at day 21 advanced glomerulosclerotic lesions were seen in mice injected with either anti-APA mAb (37+/-19% of glomeruli affected) or anti-Thy-1.1 mAb (71+/-5%). Non-transgenic mice did not reveal sclerotic lesions at any time investigated. In the transgenic mice the percentage of focal glomerulosclerosis at day 21 did not correlate with albuminuria at day 21. However, we found a highly significant correlation between percentage of focal glomerulosclerosis and the time-averaged albuminuria over the three-week study period (P < 0.001). Injection of a combination of anti-APA or anti-Thy-1.1 mAb into one mo old, non-albuminuric Thy-1.1 transgenic mice induces an acute albuminuria at day 1 that is accompanied by an accelerated focal glomerulosclerosis at day 21. We suggest that the Thy-1.1 transgenic mouse is an excellent model to study specifically the relation between podocytic injury, albuminuria and the development of focal glomerulosclerosis.

Glaucoma diagnostic accuracy of optical coherence tomography parameters in early glaucoma with different types of optic disc damage.

PubMed

Shin, Hye-Young; Park, Hae-Young Lopilly; Jung, Younhea; Choi, Jin-A; Park, Chan Kee

2014-10-01

To compare the initial visual field (VF) defect pattern and the spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) parameters and investigate the effects of distinct types of optic disc damage on the diagnostic performance of these OCT parameters in early glaucoma. Retrospective, observational study. A total of 138 control eyes and 160 eyes with early glaucoma were enrolled. The glaucomatous eyes were subdivided into 4 groups according to the type of optic disc damage: focal ischemic (FI) group, myopic (MY) group, senile sclerotic (SS) group, and generalized enlargement (GE) group. The values of total deviation (TD) maps were analyzed, and superior-inferior (S-I) differences of TD were calculated. The optic nerve head (ONH) parameters, peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL), and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thicknesses were measured. Comparison of diagnostic ability using area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs). The S-I and central S-I difference of the FI group were larger than those of the GE group. The rim area of the SS group was larger than those of the 3 other groups, and the vertical cup-to-disc ratio (CDR) of the GE group was larger than that of the MY group. In addition, the minimum and inferotemporal GCIPL thicknesses of the FI group were smaller than those of the GE group. The AUC of the rim area (0.89) was lower than that of the minimum GCIPL (0.99) in the SS group, and the AUC of the vertical CDR (0.90) was lower than that of the minimum GCIPL (0.99) in the MY group. Furthermore, the AUCs of the minimum GCIPL thicknesses of the FI and MY group were greater than those of the average pRNFL thickness for detecting glaucoma, as opposed to the SS and GE. The OCT parameters differed among the 4 groups on the basis of the distinct optic disc appearance and initial glaucomatous damage pattern. Clinicians should be aware that the diagnostic capability of OCT parameters could differ according to the type of optic disc damage in early glaucoma. Copyright © 2014 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Cutaneous Clear Cell Sarcoma: a clinicopathologic, immunohistochemical and molecular analysis of 12 cases emphasizing its distinction from dermal melanoma

PubMed Central

Hantschke, Markus; Mentzel, Thomas; Rütten, Arno; Palmedo, Gabriele; Calonje, Eduardo; Lazar, Alexander J.; Kutzner, Heinz

2010-01-01

Clear cell sarcoma (CCS) of tendons and aponeuroses / malignant melanoma of soft parts is a rare tumor and in the majority of cases presents a characteristic reciprocal translocation t(12;22)(q13;q12) that results in fusion of the EWS and ATF1 genes. Although the melanocytic differentiation of CCS is indisputable, its precise lineage remains unclear. Typically, the slowly growing tumor affects the extremities of adolescents or young adults, especially around the ankle and foot. CCS is classically regarded as a deep soft tissue tumor associated with tendons or aponeuroses. This traditional view is put into perspective by the description of primary CCS of the gastrointestinal tract, which may have a variant fusion gene EWSR1-CREB1. We describe 12 cases of cutaneous CCS and discuss the differential diagnoses. These 12 cases share an identical immunohistochemical profile with malignant melanoma (MM) and thus can easily be confused with a dermal variant of spindle cell MM or metastasis of MM. The patients' ages ranged from 6 to 74 years (median: 25 y), and there was a female predominance (10 females, 2 males). Most tumors (n = 9) were located on the extremities, 2 tumors arose on the back, and 1 on the abdomen. The mean tumor size was 0,97 cm (range, 0,4 to 1,7 cm). Six cases showed invasion of the subcutis, the other 6 cases were entirely dermal. Tumor necrosis was evident in 2 cases, melanin pigment in 2 cases, and ulceration in 1 tumor. All cases showed uniform nests and fascicles of pale spindled or slightly epitheloid cells with finely granular eosinophilic or clear cytoplasm. There was fair pleomorphism with plump spindled nuclei and significantly prominent nucleoli. Multinucleated wreath-like tumor giant cells were observed in two-thirds of cases, but were usually present only focally. The dense cellular aggregates were encased by delicate fibrous septa. The stroma showed a sclerotic reticulated pattern. Partly, the nests of spindle cells bordered the epidermis, prima vista mimicking junctional nests of melanocytes. The specific translocation pattern was confirmed in all cases by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Local recurrences and metastases developed in 2 and 3 patients, respectively, and 1 patient was dead of the disease. PMID:20087159

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

Ramlov, Anne, E-mail: anraml@rm.dk; Pedersen, Erik Morre; Røhl, Lisbeth

Purpose: To investigate the incidence of and risk factors for pelvic insufficiency fracture (PIF) after definitive chemoradiation therapy for locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC). Methods and Materials: We analyzed 101 patients with LACC treated from 2008-2014. Patients received weekly cisplatin and underwent external beam radiation therapy with 45 Gy in 25 fractions (node-negative patients) or 50 Gy in 25 fractions with a simultaneous integrated boost of 60 Gy in 30 fractions (node-positive patients). Pulsed dose rate magnetic resonance imaging guided adaptive brachytherapy was given in addition. Follow-up magnetic resonance imaging was performed routinely at 3 and 12 months after the end of treatment or basedmore » on clinical indication. PIF was defined as a fracture line with or without sclerotic changes in the pelvic bones. D{sub 50%} and V{sub 55Gy} were calculated for the os sacrum and jointly for the os ileum and pubis. Patient- and treatment-related factors including dose were analyzed for correlation with PIF. Results: The median follow-up period was 25 months. The median age was 50 years. In 20 patients (20%), a median of 2 PIFs (range, 1-3 PIFs) were diagnosed; half were asymptomatic. The majority of the fractures were located in the sacrum (77%). Age was a significant risk factor (P<.001), and the incidence of PIF was 4% and 37% in patients aged ≤50 years and patients aged >50 years, respectively. Sacrum D{sub 50%} was a significant risk factor in patients aged >50 years (P=.04), whereas V{sub 55Gy} of the sacrum and V{sub 55Gy} of the pelvic bones were insignificant (P=.33 and P=.18, respectively). A dose-effect curve for sacrum D{sub 50%} in patients aged >50 years showed that reduction of sacrum D{sub 50%} from 40 Gy{sub EQD2} to 35 Gy{sub EQD2} reduces PIF risk from 45% to 22%. Conclusions: PIF is common after treatment of LACC and is mainly seen in patients aged >50 years. Our data indicate that PIFs are not related to lymph node boosts but rather to dose and volume associated with irradiation of the elective pelvic target. Reducing the prescribed elective dose from 50 to 45 Gy may reduce the risk of PIF considerably.« less

Detection and quantification of angiogenesis in experimental valve disease with integrin-targeted nanoparticles and 19-fluorine MRI/MRS

PubMed Central

Waters, Emily A; Chen, Junjie; Allen, John S; Zhang, Huiying; Lanza, Gregory M; Wickline, Samuel A

2008-01-01

Background Angiogenesis is a critical early feature of atherosclerotic plaque development and may also feature prominently in the pathogenesis of aortic valve stenosis. It has been shown that MRI can detect and quantify specific molecules of interest expressed in cardiovascular disease and cancer by measuring the unique fluorine signature of appropriately targeted perfluorocarbon (PFC) nanoparticles. In this study, we demonstrated specific binding of ανβ3 integrin targeted nanoparticles to neovasculature in a rabbit model of aortic valve disease. We also showed that fluorine MRI could be used to detect and quantify the development of neovasculature in the excised aortic valve leaflets. Methods New Zealand White rabbits consumed a cholesterol diet for ~180 days and developed aortic valve thickening, inflammation, and angiogenesis mimicking early human aortic valve disease. Rabbits (n = 7) were treated with ανβ3 integrin targeted PFC nanoparticles or control untargeted PFC nanoparticles (n = 6). Competitive inhibition in vivo of nanoparticle binding (n = 4) was tested by pretreatment with targeted nonfluorinated nanoparticles followed 2 hours later by targeted PFC nanoparticles. 2 hours after treatment, aortic valves were excised and 19F MRS was performed at 11.7T. Integrated 19F spectral peaks were compared using a one-way ANOVA and Hsu's MCB (multiple comparisons with the best) post hoc t test. In 3 additional rabbits treated with ανβ3 integrin targeted PFC nanoparticles, 19F spectroscopy was performed on a 3.0T clinical scanner. The presence of angiogenesis was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Results Valves of rabbits treated with targeted PFC nanoparticles had 220% more fluorine signal than valves of rabbits treated with untargeted PFC nanoparticles (p < 0.001). Pretreatment of rabbits with targeted oil-based nonsignaling nanoparticles reduced the fluorine signal by 42% due to competitive inhibition, to a level not significantly different from control animals. Nanoparticles were successfully detected in all samples scanned at 3.0T. PECAM endothelial staining and ανβ3 integrin staining revealed the presence of neovasculature within the valve leaflets. Conclusion Integrin-targeted PFC nanoparticles specifically detect early angiogenesis in sclerotic aortic valves of cholesterol fed rabbits. These techniques may be useful for assessing atherosclerotic components of preclinical aortic valve disease in patients and could assist in defining efficacy of medical therapies. PMID:18817557

Insufficiency Fractures After Pelvic Radiation Therapy for Uterine Cervical Cancer: An Analysis of Subjects in a Prospective Multi-institutional Trial, and Cooperative Study of the Japan Radiation Oncology Group (JAROG) and Japanese Radiation Oncology Study Group (JROSG)

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

Tokumaru, Sunao, E-mail: tokumaru@cc.saga-u.ac.jp; Toita, Takafumi; Oguchi, Masahiko

2012-10-01

Purpose: To investigate pelvic insufficiency fractures (IF) after definitive pelvic radiation therapy for early-stage uterine cervical cancer, by analyzing subjects of a prospective, multi-institutional study. Materials and Methods: Between September 2004 and July 2007, 59 eligible patients were analyzed. The median age was 73 years (range, 37-84 years). The International Federation of Gynecologic Oncology and Obstetrics stages were Ib1 in 35, IIa in 12, and IIb in 12 patients. Patients were treated with the constant method, which consisted of whole-pelvic external-beam radiation therapy of 50 Gy/25 fractions and high-dose-rate intracavitary brachytherapy of 24 Gy/4 fractions without chemotherapy. After radiation therapymore » the patients were evaluated by both pelvic CT and pelvic MRI at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Diagnosis of IF was made when the patients had both CT and MRI findings, neither recurrent tumor lesions nor traumatic histories. The CT findings of IF were defined as fracture lines or sclerotic linear changes in the bones, and MRI findings of IF were defined as signal intensity changes in the bones, both on T1- and T2-weighted images. Results: The median follow-up was 24 months. The 2-year pelvic IF cumulative occurrence rate was 36.9% (21 patients). Using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 3.0, grade 1, 2, and 3 IF were seen in 12 (21%), 6 (10%), and 3 patients (5%), respectively. Sixteen patients had multiple fractures, so IF were identified at 44 sites. The pelvic IF were frequently seen at the sacroileal joints (32 sites, 72%). Nine patients complained of pain. All patients' pains were palliated by rest or non-narcotic analgesic drugs. Higher age (>70 years) and low body weight (<50 kg) were thought to be risk factors for pelvic IF (P=.007 and P=.013, Cox hazard test). Conclusions: Cervical cancer patients with higher age and low body weight may be at some risk for the development of pelvic IF after pelvic radiation therapy.« less

Bone lesions in Chinese POEMS syndrome patients: imaging characteristics and clinical implications.

PubMed

Wang, Fengdan; Huang, Xufei; Zhang, Yan; Li, Jian; Zhou, Daobin; Jin, Zhengyu

2016-01-01

Objective. Bone lesion is crucial for diagnosing and management of polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal protein, and skin change (POEMS) syndrome, a rare plasma cell disorder. This study is to compare the effectiveness of X-ray skeletal survey (SS) and computed tomography (CT) for detecting bone lesions in Chinese POEMS syndrome patients, and to investigate the relationship between bone lesion features and serum markers. Methods. SS and chest/abdomen/pelvic CT images of 38 Chinese patients (26 males, 12 females, aged 21-70 years) with POEMS syndrome recruited at our medical center between January 2013 and January 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. Bone lesions identified by CT were further categorized according to the size (<5 mm, 5-10 mm, >10 mm) and appearance (osteosclerotic, lytic, mixed). The percentage of plasma cells in bone marrow smears, type of immunoglobulin, platelet (Plt), and levels of serum bone metabolic markers and inflammatory factors including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), calcium, phosphate, parathyroid hormone (PTH), beta-isomerized C-telopeptide (β-CTx), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and interleukin (IL)-6 levels were also recorded. Results. Of the 38 POEMS syndrome patients, the immunoglobulin heavy chain isotypes were IgA in 25 patients (65.8%; 25/38) and IgG in 13 patients (34.2%; 13/38), and the light chain isotypes were λ in 35 patients (92.1%; 35/38) and κ in 3 patients (7.9%; 3/38). There were 23 patients with thrombocytosis. More patients with bone lesions were detected by CT than by SS (97.4% vs. 86.8%). The most commonly affected location was the pelvis (89.5%), followed by the spine, clavicle/scapula/sternum/ribs, skull, and long bones. Of the 38 POEMS syndrome patients, 35 (94.6%) had osteosclerotic and 32 (86.5%) had mixed lesions. Osteosclerotic lesions were typically scattered, variable in size, and plaque-like, whereas mixed lesions were pouch-shaped or soup bubble-like with a clear sclerotic margin and were generally larger. Although the majority of bone lesions were small in size, 23 (62.2%) had at least one lesion >10 mm. There was no correlation between serum marker levels and bone lesion patterns after Bonferroni correction (all P > 0.001). Conclusions. CT is more sensitive and accurate than SS in detecting bone lesions in POEMS syndrome.

A survey of nematodes of the genus Cucullanus Müller, 1777 (Nematoda, Seuratoidea) parasitic in marine fishes off Brazil, including description of three new species.

PubMed

Vieira, Fabiano M; Pereira, Felipe B; Pantoja, Camila; Soares, Iris A; Pereira, Aldenice N; Timi, Juan T; Scholz, Tomáš; Luque, José L

2015-11-05

A taxonomic survey of six nematode species (including three new taxa) from the genus Cucullanus Müller, 1777, parasites of marine fishes off the Brazilian coast, is provided. Nematodes were studied using light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Cucullanus gastrophysi n. sp. parasitic in Lophius gastrophysus Miranda Ribeiro differs from its congeners by the combination of the following features: shape and number of sclerotized structures in the oesophastome (a pair of lateral elongate structures and a single small reniform one), position of deirids and excretory pore (both anterior to oesophagus base), spicule length and spicule/body length ratio (0.97-1.29 mm and 6.5-10.5%, respectively), morphology and length of gubernaculum (V-shaped, 107-135 µm long). Cucullanus protrudens n. sp. from Pagrus pagrus (Linnaeus) has the cloacal lips broadly protruded, which differentiates it from several species of Cucullanus; other features, e.g., the length of spicules and gubernaculum (400-415 µm and 91-103 µm, respectively), arrangement of caudal papillae and position of excretory pore (slightly posterior to oesophagus-intestine junction) also characterize this species. Cucullanus pseudopercis n. sp. from Pseudopercis semifasciata (Cuvier) has deirids and excretory pore posterior to the oesophagus-intestine junction, which distinguishes the species from most of the congeners; furthermore, the arrangement of caudal papillae in combination with the length of spicules and gubernaculum (1.0-1.5 mm and 178-196 µm, respectively) separate this species from other taxa. Newly collected specimens of C. cirratus Müller, 1777 (type species of the genus) from Urophycis brasiliensis (Kaup), C. pedroi from Conger orbignianus Valenciennes (type host of the species) and C. genypteri Sardella, Navone & Timi, 1997 from Genypterus brasiliensis Regan, were studied as well. Comparisons between newly collected samples and the taxonomic data available for each respective species revealed features that were not previously mentioned (e.g. presence of unpaired cloacal papilla, detailed morphology of cloacal lips), as well as negligible differences in morphometry and caudal papillae arrangement. Observations on the type material of C. carioca suggested affinities with the genus Dichelyne Jägerskiöld, 1902; however, the poor preservation of these specimens does not allow further conclusions. Cucullanus rougetae is considered to be a species inquirenda.

Up-Regulation of Endothelin Type A Receptor in Human and Rat Radiation Proctitis: Preclinical Therapeutic Approach With Endothelin Receptor Blockade

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

Jullien, Nicolash; Blirando, Karl; Milliat, Fabien

2009-06-01

Purpose: Rectum radiation damage and fibrosis are often associated with radiation therapy of pelvic tumors. The endothelin (ET) system has been implicated in several fibrotic diseases but never studied in the context of gastrointestinal radiation damage. This study assessed modifications in ET type 1 (ET-1), ET type A receptor (ET{sub A}), and ET type B receptor (ET{sub B}) localization and/or expression in irradiated human rectal tissue and in a rat model of delayed colorectal injury. We also evaluated the therapeutic potential of long-term ET receptor blockade. Methods and Materials: Routine histological studies of sections of healthy and radiation-injured human rectummore » tissue were done; the sections were also immunostained for ET{sub A} and ET{sub B} receptors. The rat model involved the delivery of 27 Gy in a single dose to the colons and rectums of the animals. The ET-1/ET{sub A}/ET{sub B} expression and ET{sub A}/ET{sub B} localization were studied at 10 weeks postexposure. The abilities of bosentan and atrasentan to protect against delayed rectal injury were also investigated. Results: The immunolocalization of ET{sub A} and ET{sub B} in healthy human rectums was similar to that in rat rectums. However, strong ET{sub A} immunostaining was seen in the presence of human radiation proctitis, and increased ET{sub A} mRNA levels were seen in the rat following colorectal irradiation. Immunostaining for ET{sub A} was also strongly positive in rats in areas of radiation-induced mucosal ulceration, atypia, and fibroproliferation. However, neither bosentan nor atrasentan prevented radiation damage to the rectum when given long term. The only effect seen for atrasentan was an increased number of sclerotic vessel sections in injured tissues. Conclusions: As the result of the overexpression of ET{sub A}, radiation exposure deregulates the endothelin system through an 'ET{sub A} profile' in the human and rodent rectum. However, therapeutic interventions involving mixed or specific ET{sub A} receptor blockade do not prevent radiation damage. Further studies are necessary to identify the precise roles of ET in the gastrointestinal response to radiation exposure.« less

Risk Factors for Pelvic Insufficiency Fractures in Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer Following Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy.

PubMed

Ramlov, Anne; Pedersen, Erik Morre; Røhl, Lisbeth; Worm, Esben; Fokdal, Lars; Lindegaard, Jacob Chr; Tanderup, Kari

2017-04-01

To investigate the incidence of and risk factors for pelvic insufficiency fracture (PIF) after definitive chemoradiation therapy for locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC). We analyzed 101 patients with LACC treated from 2008-2014. Patients received weekly cisplatin and underwent external beam radiation therapy with 45 Gy in 25 fractions (node-negative patients) or 50 Gy in 25 fractions with a simultaneous integrated boost of 60 Gy in 30 fractions (node-positive patients). Pulsed dose rate magnetic resonance imaging guided adaptive brachytherapy was given in addition. Follow-up magnetic resonance imaging was performed routinely at 3 and 12 months after the end of treatment or based on clinical indication. PIF was defined as a fracture line with or without sclerotic changes in the pelvic bones. D 50% and V 55Gy were calculated for the os sacrum and jointly for the os ileum and pubis. Patient- and treatment-related factors including dose were analyzed for correlation with PIF. The median follow-up period was 25 months. The median age was 50 years. In 20 patients (20%), a median of 2 PIFs (range, 1-3 PIFs) were diagnosed; half were asymptomatic. The majority of the fractures were located in the sacrum (77%). Age was a significant risk factor (P<.001), and the incidence of PIF was 4% and 37% in patients aged ≤50 years and patients aged >50 years, respectively. Sacrum D 50% was a significant risk factor in patients aged >50 years (P=.04), whereas V 55Gy of the sacrum and V 55Gy of the pelvic bones were insignificant (P=.33 and P=.18, respectively). A dose-effect curve for sacrum D 50% in patients aged >50 years showed that reduction of sacrum D 50% from 40 Gy EQD2 to 35 Gy EQD2 reduces PIF risk from 45% to 22%. PIF is common after treatment of LACC and is mainly seen in patients aged >50 years. Our data indicate that PIFs are not related to lymph node boosts but rather to dose and volume associated with irradiation of the elective pelvic target. Reducing the prescribed elective dose from 50 to 45 Gy may reduce the risk of PIF considerably. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Magnetic resonance venography and three-dimensional image fusion guidance provide a novel paradigm for endovascular recanalization of chronic central venous occlusion.

PubMed

Schwein, Adeline; Lu, Tony; Chinnadurai, Ponraj; Kitkungvan, Danai; Shah, Dipan J; Chakfe, Nabil; Lumsden, Alan B; Bismuth, Jean

2017-01-01

Endovascular recanalization is considered first-line therapy for chronic central venous occlusion (CVO). Unlike arteries, in which landmarks such as wall calcifications provide indirect guidance for endovascular navigation, sclerotic veins without known vascular branching patterns impose significant challenges. Therefore, safe wire access through such chronic lesions mostly relies on intuition and experience. Studies have shown that magnetic resonance venography (MRV) can be performed safely in these patients, and the boundaries of occluded veins may be visualized on specific MRV sequences. Intraoperative image fusion techniques have become more common to guide complex arterial endovascular procedures. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and utility of MRV and intraoperative cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) image fusion technique during endovascular CVO recanalization. During the study period, patients with symptomatic CVO and failed standard endovascular recanalization underwent further recanalization attempts with use of intraoperative MRV image fusion guidance. After preoperative MRV and intraoperative CBCT image coregistration, a virtual centerline path of the occluded segment was electronically marked in MRV and overlaid on real-time two-dimensional fluoroscopy images. Technical success, fluoroscopy times, radiation doses, number of venograms before recanalization, and accuracy of the virtual centerline overlay were evaluated. Four patients underwent endovascular CVO recanalization with use of intraoperative MRV image fusion guidance. Mean (± standard deviation) time for image fusion was 6:36 ± 00:51 mm:ss. The lesion was successfully crossed in all patients without complications. Mean fluoroscopy time for lesion crossing was 12.5 ± 3.4 minutes. Mean total fluoroscopy time was 28.8 ± 6.5 minutes. Mean total radiation dose was 15,185 ± 7747 μGy/m 2 , and mean radiation dose from CBCT acquisition was 2788 ± 458 μGy/m 2 (18% of mean total radiation dose). Mean number of venograms before recanalization was 1.6 ± 0.9, whereas two lesions were crossed without any prior venography. On qualitative analysis, virtual centerlines from MRV were aligned with actual guidewire trajectory on fluoroscopy in all four cases. MRV image fusion is feasible and may improve success, safety, and the surgeon's confidence during CVO recanalization. Similar to arterial interventions, three-dimensional MRV imaging and image fusion techniques could foster innovative solutions for such complex venous interventions and have the potential to affect a great number of patients. Copyright © 2016 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A Major Facilitator Superfamily protein encoded by TcMucK gene is not required for cuticle pigmentation, growth and development in Tribolium castaneum.

PubMed

Mun, Seulgi; Noh, Mi Young; Osanai-Futahashi, Mizuko; Muthukrishnan, Subbaratnam; Kramer, Karl J; Arakane, Yasuyuki

2014-06-01

Insect cuticle pigmentation and sclerotization (tanning) are vital physiological processes for insect growth, development and survival. We have previously identified several colorless precursor molecules as well as enzymes involved in their biosynthesis and processing to yield the mature intensely colored body cuticle pigments. A recent study indicated that the Bombyx mori (silkmoth) gene, BmMucK, which encodes a protein orthologous to a Culex pipiens quiquefasciatus (Southern house mosquito) cis,cis, muconate transporter, is a member of the "Major Facilitator Superfamily" (MFS) of transporter proteins and is associated with the appearance of pigmented body segments of naturally occurring body color mutants of B. mori. While RNA interference of the BmMucK gene failed to result in any observable phenotype, RNAi using a dsRNA for an orthologous gene from the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, was reported to result in molting defects and darkening of the cuticle and some body parts, leading to the suggestion that orthologs of MucK genes may differ in their functions among insects. To verify the role and essentiality of the ortholog of this gene in development and body pigmentation function in T. castaneum we obtained cDNAs for the orthologous gene (TcMucK) from RNA isolated from the GA-1 wild-type strain of T. castaneum. The sequence of a 1524 nucleotides-long cDNA for TcMucK which encodes the putatively full-length protein, was assembled from two overlapping RT-PCR fragments and the expression profile of this gene during development was analyzed by real-time PCR. This cDNA encodes a 55.8 kDa protein consisting of 507 amino acid residues and includes 11 putative transmembrane segments. Transcripts of TcMucK were detected throughout all of the developmental stages analyzed. The function of this gene was explored by injection of two different double-stranded RNAs targeting different regions of the TcMucK gene (dsTcMucKs) into young larvae to down-regulate transcripts during subsequent stages of insect development until the adult stage. RNA interference of TcMucK had no observable effects on larval, pupal or adult pigmentation. In addition, it did not affect larval-larval, larval-pupal and pupal-adult molting or survival. Thus, in contrast to the results of Zhao et al. (2012), our study demonstrates that TcMucK is not essential for growth, development or cuticle pigmentation of T. castaneum. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Oral and maxillofacial sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma: report of five cases.

PubMed

Folk, Gretchen S; Williams, Stephen B; Foss, Robert B; Fanburg-Smith, Julie C

2007-09-01

Sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma (SEF) has distinctive morphology and occurs mainly in deep soft tissue of adult extremities. Approximately 59 cases of SEF have been reported, with only 12 previously described in head and neck locations. Lesions involving the oral and maxillofacial region (OMFR) and intraosseous examples are rare. We present five cases of OMFRSEF. The OMF Pathology Department Registry was searched for cases coded from 1990 to the present as "SEF," "fibrosarcoma not otherwise specified" or "neoplasm of uncertain histiogenesis." Inclusion required OMFR location, an abundantly sclerotic sarcoma with epithelioid features, and lack of other phenotype by immunohistochemistry. Five cases of SEF included 3 males and 2 females. The age of the patients were: 19, 22, 35, 47 and 47 years. Tumor location included the infra-temporal fossa, buccal mucosa (recurrence extending into bone), anterior mandible (intraosseous primary, focally extending into soft tissue), and left parotid and submandibular gland (with metaplastic bone) regions. Tumor sizes ranged from 1.0 to 5.7 cm, median 3.5 cm. Histologically, the tumors were well delineated and multinodular, separated by fibrous septae. The spindled to primarily epithelioid tumor cells formed moderately cellular sheets and cords of irregularly contoured medium to large, round to oval, occasionally overlapping nuclei, indistinct nucleoli, wispy eosinophilic (retracting) cytoplasm, and distinctive cytoplasmic borders, embedded in osteoid-like stroma. Hemangiopericytoid (HPC-like) vessels were observed. Despite numerous apoptotic cells, mitoses were generally low; necrosis was present in two cases. Three tumors were graded as 2/3 and two 1/3. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for vimentin, 1 case focally for CD34, whereas all cases were negative for S100 protein, keratins, EMA, desmin, and SMA. Wide or radical excision was performed with no adjuvant therapy. Follow-up revealed that 4 cases recurred at a range of 12-120 months. One case had no recurrent/residual disease at 3 months. Metastatic disease was present in 2 cases, to chest wall and lumbar/thoracic spine at 12 and 21 months, respectively. One patient died of disease complications at 15 months. OMFRSEF occur in adults in various locations, but with a common propensity to involve bone; there is recurrent potential and morbidity with higher grade lesions. The differential diagnosis for these tumors in this site includes sclerosing carcinoma, Ewing/PNET, osteosarcoma, osteoblastoma, and benign and malignant myoepithelial salivary gland tumors. The collagen, focal spindle cell features, HPC-like vasculature, and weak focal CD34 reactivity in one case might have raised a possible relationship between OMFRSEF and low grade malignant solitary fibrous tumor, but the intraosseous propensity, epithelioid features and relative lack of CD34 make this a distinctive entity.

External morphology of Lightiella monniotae (Crustacea, Cephalocarida) in the light of Cambrian 'Orsten' crustaceans.

PubMed

Olesen, Jørgen; Haug, Joachim T; Maas, Andreas; Waloszek, Dieter

2011-09-01

The species-poor meiofaunal Cephalocarida have played an important role in discussions of the phylogeny and evolution of Crustacea since their discovery in 1955. One reason may be that the morphology of cephalocarids includes some aspects of putatively ancient appearance, such as the simple roof-shaped head shield, the anterior three head appendages resembling those of a nauplius larva, or the trunk-limb-like second maxilla. Cephalocarida have even been suggested to represent the sister taxon to all other Eucrustacea. Presence of possibly plesiomorphic characters, however, does not necessarily point to a basal position in the system. Growing evidence demonstrates that the modification of the fourth post-antennular cephalic appendage, the 'maxilla', into a "mouth part" may have occurred independently in the different eucrustacean lineages, so a trunk-limb-like maxilla is an ancient feature that does not hold only for cephalocarids. Retention of its plesiomorphic shape and function in the Cephalocarida remains, however, noteworthy. Cephalocarids are still little studied and incompletely known, especially their external morphology. By examining several adults and one young specimen of Lightiella monniotae Cals and Delamare Deboutteville, 1970 from New Caledonia, we aimed to a) document as many details as possible, and b) compare these data with other species of Cephalocarida. We also aimed to reconstruct aspects of the ground pattern of Cephalocarida, which is a pre-requisite for any comparisons in a broader perspective of crustacean phylogeny. Among the new findings or conclusions are: (1) Lightiella is in need of a revision since several assumed differences between the species are questionable or subject to intra-specific variability; (2) the cuticle of the trunk-limb basipod is sub-divided into a number of smaller sclerotized areas as in various exceptionally 3D preserved fossil crustaceans from Cambrian 'Orsten' faunal assemblages; (3) a small transitional portion on the post-maxillulary limbs in the area where the endopod and basipod connect is discussed as either a reduced, proximal endopod segment or as an evolutionary new joint of the basipod to enhance its flexibility; (4) the so-called pseud-epipod is interpreted as an outer branch of the exopod; (5) compared to 'Orsten' crustaceans many characters of the Cephalocarida are more modified than previously assumed, including the morphology of the trunk-limb basipod, and the unique, ring-shaped appearance of the abdominal segments. Also the development is not as plesiomorphic as sometimes assumed, at least not compared to that of the strictly anamorphic series of the 'Orsten' eucrustacean Rehbachiella kinnekullensis. The application of SEM techniques has again proved to be especially appropriate because of the small size of these animals, and because it permits direct comparisons with other similarly small crustaceans and the 'Orsten' crustaceans and their larvae. Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Effects of primary and recurrent sacral chordoma on the motor and nociceptive function of hindlimbs in rats: an orthotopic spine model.

PubMed

Sarabia-Estrada, Rachel; Ruiz-Valls, Alejandro; Shah, Sagar R; Ahmed, A Karim; Ordonez, Alvaro A; Rodriguez, Fausto J; Guerrero-Cazares, Hugo; Jimenez-Estrada, Ismael; Velarde, Esteban; Tyler, Betty; Li, Yuxin; Phillips, Neil A; Goodwin, C Rory; Petteys, Rory J; Jain, Sanjay K; Gallia, Gary L; Gokaslan, Ziya L; Quinones-Hinojosa, Alfredo; Sciubba, Daniel M

2017-08-01

OBJECTIVE Chordoma is a slow-growing, locally aggressive cancer that is minimally responsive to conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy and has high local recurrence rates after resection. Currently, there are no rodent models of spinal chordoma. In the present study, the authors sought to develop and characterize an orthotopic model of human chordoma in an immunocompromised rat. METHODS Thirty-four immunocompromised rats were randomly allocated to 4 study groups; 22 of the 34 rats were engrafted in the lumbar spine with human chordoma. The groups were as follows: UCH1 tumor-engrafted (n = 11), JHC7 tumor-engrafted (n = 11), sham surgery (n = 6), and intact control (n = 6) rats. Neurological impairment of rats due to tumor growth was evaluated using open field and locomotion gait analysis; pain response was evaluated using mechanical or thermal paw stimulation. Cone beam CT (CBCT), MRI, and nanoScan PET/CT were performed to evaluate bony changes due to tumor growth. On Day 550, rats were killed and spines were processed for H & E-based histological examination and immunohistochemistry for brachyury, S100β, and cytokeratin. RESULTS The spine tumors displayed typical chordoma morphology, that is, physaliferous cells filled with vacuolated cytoplasm of mucoid matrix. Brachyury immunoreactivity was confirmed by immunostaining, in which samples from tumor-engrafted rats showed a strong nuclear signal. Sclerotic lesions in the vertebral body of rats in the UCH1 and JHC7 groups were observed on CBCT. Tumor growth was confirmed using contrast-enhanced MRI. In UCH1 rats, large tumors were observed growing from the vertebral body. JHC7 chordoma-engrafted rats showed smaller tumors confined to the bone periphery compared with UCH1 chordoma-engrafted rats. Locomotion analysis showed a disruption in the normal gait pattern, with an increase in the step length and duration of the gait in tumor-engrafted rats. The distance traveled and the speed of rats in the open field test was significantly reduced in the UCH1 and JHC7 tumor-engrafted rats compared with controls. Nociceptive response to a mechanical stimulus showed a significant (p < 0.001) increase in the paw withdrawal threshold (mechanical hypalgesia). In contrast, the paw withdrawal response to a thermal stimulus decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in tumor-engrafted rats. CONCLUSIONS The authors developed an orthotopic human chordoma model in rats. Rats were followed for 550 days using imaging techniques, including MRI, CBCT, and nanoScan PET/CT, to evaluate lesion progression and bony integrity. Nociceptive evaluations and locomotion analysis were performed during follow-up. This model reproduces cardinal signs, such as locomotor and sensory deficits, similar to those observed clinically in human patients. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first spine rodent model of human chordoma. Its use and further study will be essential for pathophysiology research and the development of new therapeutic strategies.

Synonymy of Reikosiella Yoshimoto under Merostenus Walker (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Eupelmidae), with a checklist of world species and a revision of those species with brachypterous females.

PubMed

Gibson, Gary A P

2017-04-21

Reikosiella Yoshimoto, 1969 is synonymized under Merostenus Walker, 1837 n. syn. and treated as M. (Reikosiella), one of four subgenera recognized in the genus. Hirticauda Bouček, 1988, previously treated as a subgenus of Reikosiella, is synonymized under M. (Merostenus) n. syn., and two subgenera established in Reikosiella by Gibson (1995) are synonymized under Merostenus and treated as the subgenera M. (Capreocauda) and M. (Incohata) n. syns. The new generic synonymy is proposed after morphological comparison of females and males of Merostenus and Reikosiella sensu Gibson (1995), including reanalysis of features possessed by a basal group of genera of Eupelminae whose females share two hypothesized symplesiomorphies-a medially divided mesotrochantinal plate and lack of a mesotibial apical groove. A checklist of the 51 world species assigned to Merostenus is given, with 1 described species in M. (Incohata), 6 in M. (Capreocauda), 6 in M. (Reikosiella) and 38 in M. (Merostenus). All but one, the type species of Merostenus, represent new combinations. The species of Merostenus with brachypterous females are revised, with 8 of 10 species described as new. In addition to M. (Merostenus) excavatus (Dalman) (♀, ♂) from the Palaearctic, described in the same subgenus are one new species from Mexico, M. (Merostenus) mexicanus n. sp. (♀), and seven from the Afrotropical region, M. (Merostenus) distigma n. sp. (♀: Kenya, Tanzania), M. (Merostenus) micropterus n. sp. (♀: Democratic Republic of the Congo), M. (Merostenus) platyscapus n. sp. (♀: South Africa), M. (Merostenus) reticulatus n. sp. (♀, ♂: Kenya), M. (Merostenus) speculum n. sp. (♀: Burundi), M. (Merostenus) congoensis (♀: Democratic Republic of the Congo), and M. (Merostenus) longistylus n. sp. (♀, ♂: South Africa). The first seven species are assigned to the excavatus species-group of M. (Merostenus) based on females sharing a completely sclerotized pronotum and apically truncate syntergum. Also treated is M. (Reikosiella) melinus (Yoshimoto) n. comb. (♀: Argentina, Brazil, Hawaii), the only species known with macropterous to variably strongly brachypterous females. Six species are transferred to other genera. Merostenus ferrugineus Yoshimoto & Ishii is transferred to Anastatus Motschulsky as A. ferrugineus (Yoshimoto & Ishii) n. comb., Merostenus guamensis Yoshimoto & Ishii and Merostenus palauensis Yoshimoto & Ishii are transferred to Eupelmus Dalman and provisionally classified in E. (Eupelmus) as E. (Eupelmus) guamensis (Yoshimoto & Ishii) n. comb. and E. (Eupelmus) palauensis (Yoshimoto & Ishii) n. comb., Eupelminus subapterus Ashmead is transferred to E. (Eupelmus) as E. (Eupelmus) subapterus (Ashmead) n. comb., and Eupelminus robustus Brues and Eupelminus tarsatus Waterston are transferred to Arachnophaga (Parasolindenia Brues) as Arachnophaga (Parasolindenia) robusta (Brues) n. comb. and Arachnophaga (Parasolindenia) tarsata (Waterston) n. comb. The character-state analysis and treated species are illustrated through macrophotography and, except for A. robusta, notes and illustrations provided for the excluded species to assist their future recognition.

[Experimental xenogenic immune pancreatitis. --Immunohistological, enzyme histochemical and ultrastructural studies (author's transl)].

PubMed

Nizze, H

1975-01-01

Repeated intraperitoneal injections of anti-mouse pancreas rabbit serum or of anti-mouse pancreas guinea pig serum produce a chronical sclerotizing pancreatitis. This study has the aim to contribute to the further elucidation of the changes which occur in the acinar cells, as well as to the etiology and pathogenesis of immune pancreatitis, by means of immunohistological, enzyme histochemical and electron microscopic studies. Anti-mouse pancreas rabbit serum was obtained by sensitization of rabbits with an admixture of AB-mouse pancreas extract (100,000 g - supernatant) and complete Freund's adjuvant [details see NIZZE, Exp. Path. (1975a)]. The presence of precipitating mouse pancreas antibodies in the rabbit serum was ascertained by the agargel diffusion test according to Duchterlony (1958). The experiments were performed with 54 adult male white mice (AB colony strain) of 22 to 30 g.b.s. (averagely 26 g). The animals were divided into 4 groups which were treated as follows: 1. 24 mice with anti-mouse pancreas rabbit serum, 2. 12 mice with rabbit normal serum, 3. 12 mice with physiological saline, 4. 6 mice remained untreated (controls) Always 4 animals of the group 1 as well as each 2 of the groups 2 and 3 were administered in total 1, 3, 5, 9, 17 or 33 intraperitoneal injections of 0.3 ml of the correspondent serum or with physiological saline within 3 hours, 1, 2, 4, 8 or 16 days. The last injection was regularly applied 3 hours before sacrification by decapitation. The time of sacrification was always at 11.00 o'clock a.m. For immunohistological and enzyme histochemical investigations 10 mum thick cryostat sections were prepared consisting of pancreatic specimens piled up to a bloc. In each case the tissue samples were taken from the experimental animals and from one control animal sacrificed at the same day. The sections were incubated in FITC-labelled anti-rabbit globulin goat serum at room temperature for 30 min in a moist chamber. For control of specificity were employed: a) initial incubation of equal sections with unlabelled anti-rabbit globulin goat serum for 30 min ("blocking test''), b) pancreatic tissue specimens of each one untreated control animal present in the cryostat sections and thus incubated like the pancreatic tissue of the experimental animals, c) native nonincubated cryostat sections from the same bloc to exclude nonspecific autofluorescence. Evaluation of the sections was done in a Zeiss-Lg-microscope with HBO-50 high pressure mercury lamp. Exciter filters were UG 1/3.5 and 1/1.5, the eyepiece was screened with a GG 9/1 filter photographs were taken on ORWO X-ray film RS 2 (VEB Filmfabrik Wolfen). The enzyme histochemical studies were performed on cryostat sections of the same tissue bloc using the following methods: lead nitrate- or calcium-Co-method after GOMORI (1952) for demonstration of acid and alkaline phosphatase, naphthylacetate method (NACHLAS and SELIGMAN 1945) for nonspecific esterase, MTT-co-method (PEARSE et al...

Clinical and Radiological Regeneration of Large and Deep Osteochondral Defects of the Knee by Bone Augmentation Combined With Matrix-Guided Autologous Chondrocyte Transplantation.

PubMed

Zellner, Johannes; Grechenig, Stephan; Pfeifer, Christian G; Krutsch, Werner; Koch, Matthias; Welsch, Goetz; Scherl, Madeleine; Seitz, Johannes; Zeman, Florian; Nerlich, Michael; Angele, Peter

2017-11-01

Large osteochondral defects of the knee are a challenge for regenerative treatment. While matrix-guided autologous chondrocyte transplantation (MACT) represents a successful treatment for chondral defects, the treatment potential in combination with bone grafting by cancellous bone or bone block augmentation for large and deep osteochondral defects has not been evaluated. To evaluate 1- to 3-year clinical outcomes and radiological results on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after the treatment of large osteochondral defects of the knee with bone augmentation and MACT. Special emphasis is placed on different methods of bone grafting (cancellous bone grafting or bone block augmentation). Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Fifty-one patients were included. Five patients were lost to follow-up. This left 46 patients (mean age, 28.2 years) with a median follow-up time of 2 years. The 46 patients had 47 deep, large osteochondral defects of the knee joint (1 patient with bilateral defects; mean defect size, 6.7 cm 2 ). The origin of the osteochondral defects was osteochondritis dissecans (n = 34), osteonecrosis (n = 8), or subchondral cysts (n = 5). Depending on the depth, all defects were treated by cancellous bone grafting (defect depth ≤10 mm; n = 16) or bone block augmentation (defect depth >10 mm; n = 31) combined with MACT. Clinical outcomes were followed at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years and evaluated using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score and Cincinnati score. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation was performed at 1 and 2 years, and the magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue (MOCART) score with additional specific subchondral bone parameters (bone regeneration, bone signal quality, osteophytes, sclerotic areas, and edema) was analyzed. The clinical outcome scores revealed a significant increase at follow-up (6 months to 3 years) compared with the preclinical results. The median IKDC score increased from 42.6 preoperatively to 75.3 at 1 year, 79.7 at 2 years, and 84.3 at 3 years. The median Cincinnati score significantly increased from 39.8 preoperatively to 72.0 at 1 year, 78.0 at 2 years, and 80.3 at 3 years. The MRI evaluation revealed a MOCART score of 82.6 at 1 year without a deterioration at the later follow-up time point. Especially, the subchondral bone analysis showed successful regeneration. All bone blocks and cancellous bone grafts were integrated in the bony defects, and no chondrocyte transplant failure could be detected throughout the follow-up. Large and deep osteochondral defects of the knee joint can be treated successfully with bone augmentation and MACT. The treatment of shallow bony defects with cancellous bone grafting and deep bony defects with bone block augmentation shows promising results.

Ectopic sphenoid sinus pituitary adenoma (ESSPA) with normal anterior pituitary gland: a clinicopathologic and immunophenotypic study of 32 cases with a comprehensive review of the english literature.

PubMed

Thompson, Lester D R; Seethala, Raja R; Müller, Susan

2012-03-01

Ectopic sphenoid sinus pituitary adenoma (ESSPA) may arise from a remnant of Rathke's pouch. These tumors are frequently misdiagnosed as other neuroendocrine or epithelial neoplasms which may develop in this site (olfactory neuroblastoma, neuroendocrine carcinoma, sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma, paraganglioma, melanoma). Thirty-two patients with ESSPA identified in patients with normal pituitary glands (intact sella turcica) were retrospectively retrieved from the consultation files of the authors' institutions. Clinical records were reviewed with follow-up obtained. An immunohistochemical panel was performed on available material. Sixteen males and 16 females, aged 2-84 years (mean, 57.1 years), presented with chronic sinusitis, headache, obstructive symptoms, and visual field defects, although several were asymptomatic (n = 6). By definition, the tumors were centered within the sphenoid sinus and demonstrated, by imaging studies or intraoperative examination, a normal sella turcica without a concurrent pituitary adenoma. A subset of tumors showed extension into the nasal cavity (n = 5) or nasopharynx (n = 9). Mean tumor size was 3.4 cm. The majority of tumors were beneath an intact respiratory epithelium (n = 22), arranged in many different patterns (solid, packets, organoid, pseudorosette-rosette, pseudopapillary, single file, glandular, trabecular, insular). Bone involvement was frequently seen (n = 21). Secretions were present (n = 16). Necrosis was noted in 8 tumors. The tumors showed a variable cellularity, with polygonal, plasmacytoid, granular, and oncocytic tumor cells. Severe pleomorphism was uncommon (n = 5). A delicate, salt-and-pepper chromatin distribution was seen. In addition, there were intranuclear cytoplasmic inclusions (n = 25) and multinucleated tumor cells (n = 18). Mitotic figures were infrequent, with a mean of 1 per 10 HPFs and a <1% proliferation index (Ki-67). There was a vascularized to sclerotic or calcified stroma. Immunohistochemistry highlighted the endocrine nature of the tumors, with synaptophysin (97%), CD56 (91%), NSE (76%) and chromogranin (71%); while pan-cytokeratin was positive in 79%, frequently with a dot-like Golgi accentuation (50%). Reactivity with pituitary hormones included 48% reactive for 2 or more hormones (plurihormonal), and 33% reactive for a single hormone, with prolactin seen most frequently (59%); 19% of cases were non-reactive. The principle differential diagnosis includes olfactory neuroblastoma, neuroendocrine carcinoma, melanoma, and meningioma. All patients were treated with surgery. No patients died from disease, although one patient died with persistent disease (0.8 months). Surgery is curative in the majority of cases, although recurrence/persistence was seen in 4 patients (13.8%). In conclusion, ESSPAs are rare, affecting middle aged patients with non-specific symptoms, showing characteristic light microscopy and immunohistochemical features of their intrasellar counterparts. When encountering a tumor within the sphenoid sinus, ectopic pituitary adenoma must be considered, and pertinent imaging, clinical, and immunohistochemical evaluation undertaken to exclude tumors within the differential diagnosis. This will result in accurate classification, helping to prevent the potentially untoward side effects or complications of incorrect therapy.

Mechanics of biological polymer composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lomakin, Joseph

2009-12-01

Cartilage and cuticle are two natural materials capable of remarkable mechanical performance, especially considering the limitations on composition and processing conditions under which they are constructed. Their impressive properties are postulated to be a consequence of their complex multi-scale organization which has commonly been characterized by biochemical and microscopic methods. The objective of this dissertation is to overcome the limitations of such methods with mechanical analysis techniques generally reserved for the study of synthetic polymers. Methods for transient and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) of porcine TMJ disc sections and Tribolium castaneum and Tenebrio molitor elytral (modified forewing) cuticle were developed to characterize the mechanical performance of these biomaterials. The TMJ disc dynamic elastic modulus (E') was determined to be a strong function of disc orientation and pretension ranging from 700+/-240 kPa at (1g pretension) in the mediolateral direction to 73+/-8.5 MPa (150g preload) in the anteroposterior direction. Analogous mechanical testing was used to understand the relationship between composition and mechanical properties of beetle elytral cuticle at variable stages of maturation (tanning). Untanned elytra of both beetle species were ductile with a Young's modulus (E) of 44+/-8 MPa, but became brittle with an E of 2400+/-1100 MPa when fully tanned. Significantly, the E' of the TMJ disc and elytral cuticle exhibited a weak power law increase as a function of oscillation frequency. The exponent of the power law fit ( n) was determined to be a sensitive measure of molecular structure within these biomaterials. With increasing cuticular tanning, more so than with drying, the frequency dependence of cuticle E' diminished, suggesting cuticular cross-linking was an important component of tanning, as postulated by the quinone tanning hypothesis. The natural Black phenotype as well as TcADC iRNA suppressed Tribolium cuticle displayed a darker coloration and significantly increased n of 0.0470.004, suggesting both cuticles to be less cross-linked, a finding consistent with reduced beta-alanine metabolism. Suppression of the tanning enzyme laccase2 (TcLac2) resulted in a pale cuticle with an n of 0.043+/-0.005, implicating laccases in the formation of both pigments and cross-links during sclerotization. Cuticular cross-linking was increased and n decreased with decreased expression of structural proteins, CP10 and CP20. This work establishes n as an important novel parameter for confirming metabolic pathways within load bearing tissues and for understanding structure function relationships within biological polymer composites. Additionally, Tribolium castaneum elytral indentation modulus (800+/-200 MPa) was determined by nanoindentation and a 4nm regular hexagonal pattern on the dorsal side of elytra investigated via scanning, transmission and atomic microscopy. Based on studied biological materials, the combination of rigid macromolecules immersed in a ductile matrix was found to be significant in achieving exceptional mechanical performance. Inspired by this biological design principle, the synthesis, properties and structure of Poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate/agarose semi-interpenetrating network hydrogels were explored. The resulting novel composite materials were 9x stiffer than agarose and 5x tougher than PEGDA alone and showed good biocompatibility, suggesting promise as a scaffold material for tissue engineering constructs for cartilage regeneration.

Increased expression of latent TGF-β-binding protein 4 affects the fibrotic process in scleroderma by TGF-β/SMAD signaling.

PubMed

Lu, Jiaying; Liu, Qingmei; Wang, Lei; Tu, Wenzhen; Chu, Haiyan; Ding, Weifeng; Jiang, Shuai; Ma, Yanyun; Shi, Xiangguang; Pu, Weilin; Zhou, Xiaodong; Jin, Li; Wang, Jiucun; Wu, Wenyu

2017-05-01

Scleroderma is a fibrosis-related disorder characterized by cutaneous and internal organ fibrosis, and excessive collagen deposition in extracellular matrix (ECM) is a major cause of fibrosis. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/SMAD signaling has a central role in the pathogenesis of fibrosis by inducing abnormal collagen accumulation in ECM, and latent TGF-β-binding protein 4 (LTBP-4) affects the secretion of latent TGF-β to ECM. A previous study indicated that bleomycin (BLM) treatment increased LTBP-4 expression in lung fibroblasts of Thy-1 knockout mice with lung fibrosis, and LTBP-4 further promoted TGF-β bioavailability as well as SMAD3 phosphorylation. However, the expression and function of LTBP-4 in human scleroderma remain unclear. We aimed to investigate the potential role of LTBP-4 in scleroderma through clinical, in vivo and in vitro studies. LTBP-4 and TGF-β expressions were significantly upregulated in systemic scleroderma (SSc) patients' plasma compared with normal controls (LTBP-4, 1,215±100.2 vs 542.8±41.7 ng/ml, P<0.0001; TGF-β, 1.5±0.2 vs 0.7±0.1 ng/ml, P=0.0031), while no significant difference was found between localized scleroderma (LSc) and normal controls. The plasma concentrations of LTBP-4 and TGF-β were even higher in SSc patients with lung fibrosis (LTBP-4, 1462± 137.3 vs 892.8±113.4 ng/ml, P=0.0037; TGF-β, 2.0±0.4 vs 0.9±0.2 ng/ml, P=0.0212) and esophagus involvement (1390±134.4 vs 940.7±127.0 ng/ml, P=0.0269; TGF-β, 1.9±0.3 vs 0.9±0.2 ng/ml, P=0.0426). The area under receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve of LTBP-4 was 0.86. Immunohistochemistry measurement also demonstrated a higher LTBP-4 expression in sclerotic skin tissue of LSc and SSc compared with normal controls. More positive fibroblasts were also found in BLM-induced scleroderma mouse model than the saline-treated group. In in vitro studies, knockdown of LTBP-4 in SSc skin fibroblasts prominently reduced downstream COL1A1, COL1A2, and COL3A1 mRNA level by 84%, 82%, and 43%, respectively, and other fibrosis-related genes' expression were also decreased. Furthermore, extracellular TGF-β level and the SMAD2/3 phosphorylation were inhibited through LTBP-4 knockdown treatment, suggesting that the knockdown of LTBP-4 reduced the collagen expression through TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway. Taken together, these data suggest that LTBP-4 affects fibrotic process in scleroderma, and the high expression of LTBP-4 in SSc plasma may serve as a clinical biomarker in diagnosing this disease. In addition, this study also lays the theoretical foundation for targeting LTBP-4 as treatment of scleroderma.

The study of the use of a latex biomembrane and conjunctival autograft in rabbit conjunctiva wound healing.

PubMed

Pinho, Erika Christina Canarim Martha de; Chahud, Fernando; Lachat, João-José; Coutinho-Netto, Joaquim José; Sousa, Sidney Julio Faria E

2018-04-01

RESUMO Objetivo: Estudar o uso da biomembrana de látex e o transplante conjuntival autólogo na cicatrização conjuntival em coelhos. Métodos: Em nove coelhos albinos, neo-zelandeses, machos foram removidas áreas retangulares idênticas, do quadrante supero nasal, adjacente ao limbo, de ambos os olhos. As áreas desnudas da camada esclerótica nos olhos direitos foram recobertas com biomembrana de látex e a dos olhos esquerdos com enxerto conjuntival autólogo. Os animais foram sacrificados em grupos de três, aos 7, 14 e 21 dias após a cirurgia. Os tecidos do local cirúrgico, incluindo a córnea, foram fixados em formaldeído, antes de serem processados em parafina e corados com hematoxilina e eosina. A natureza e a intensidade da resposta inflamatória e o padrão de epitelização da superfície conjuntival foram avaliados sob microscopia óptica, em seções histológicas longitudinais, passando pelo centro dos espécimes anatômicos. Resultados: Até o décimo quarto dia pós-operatório, o grupo que recebeu a biomembrana apresentou reação inflamatória mais intensa do que o grupo com auto enxerto conjuntival. Aos 14 dias, os olhos com biomembrana apresentavam-se menos inflamados e com estroma mais espesso do que aos 7 dias. Aos 21 dias, a reparação conjuntival de ambos os grupos apresentavam características semelhantes. Conclusão: Apesar de apresentar uma cicatrização mais lenta, a biomembrana de látex se mostrou tão eficaz quanto o auto enxerto conjuntival na reconstrução da superfície ocular após três semanas de cicatrização pós-operatória. Devido as suas baixas toxicidade e alergenicidade, este material parece ser uma opção terapêutica promissora na reconstrução da conjuntiva.ABSTRACT Purpose: To study a latex biomembrane and conjunctival autograft with regard to the promotion of conjunctival healing in rabbits. The study included nine male albino rabbits. In these rabbits, a rectangular area of the conjunctiva was surgically removed from the superonasal quadrant adjacent to the limbus in both eyes. The bare area of the sclerotic coat of the right eye was reconstructed with a latex biomembrane, and the corresponding site of the left eye was reconstructed with a conjunctival autograft. The animals were killed in groups of three at 7, 14, and 21 days after surgery. The tissues from the surgical site, including the cornea, were fixed in formaldehyde, and were then processed in paraffin and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The nature and intensity of the inflammatory response and the epithelial pattern at the conjunctival surface were evaluated under optical microscopy with longitudinal histological sections through the center of the anatomical specimens. Until the 14th postoperative day, the inflammatory reaction was greater in the biomembrane group than in the conjunctival autograft group. In the latex biomembrane group, inflammation was less intense and the stroma was thicker on the 14th postoperative day than on the 7th postoperative day. After three weeks, conjunctival healing in both groups showed similar characteristics. Although healing was slower with a latex biomembrane, tissue reconstitution was almost the same as that with a conjunctival autograft by three weeks. A latex biomembrane is as effective as a conjunctival autograft for the reconstruction of the ocular surface. Owing to the lack of toxicity and allergenicity, a latex biomembrane appears to be a promising therapeutic option for conjunctival reconstruction.

Vulvar lichen sclerosus and squamous cell carcinoma: a cohort, case control, and investigational study with historical perspective; implications for chronic inflammation and sclerosis in the development of neoplasia.

PubMed

Carlson, J A; Ambros, R; Malfetano, J; Ross, J; Grabowski, R; Lamb, P; Figge, H; Mihm, M C

1998-09-01

The histological changes of lichen sclerosus (LS) are frequently found in association with vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The importance of chronic inflammation and scarring in oncogenesis is well recognized. Thirty-two patients with symptomatic vulvar LS and 60 with vulvar SCC were studied. Paraffin sections of vulvar LS, and three controls groups (acute scars, normal vulva, and vulvar lichen simplex chronicus [LSC]) were investigated with a panel of seven tissue markers and for DNA content in areas without vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN). All published cases to date of vulvar LS associated with SCC were reviewed. Of the cohort of symptomatic vulvar LS patients (mean/median age, 60 years), 9% developed VIN lesions and 21% invasive SCC; symptomatic LS preceded the carcinoma by a mean of 4 years (range, 1 to 23 years). Second and third primary tumors developed in three of these patients. Of the series of 60 patients presenting with vulvar SCCa, the clinical setting and histological features of SCCs associated with LS were significantly distinctive compared with SCCas without LS: SCCs associated with LS occurred in an older age-group (74 v 65 years; P = .01), were located on the clitoris (41% v 5%; P = .003), were of conventional SCCa type (85% v 57%; P = .02), were associated with a prominent fibromyxoid stromal response (46% v 10%; P = .004), were not associated with VIN 3 (SCC in situ) (5% v 67%; P = .02) and diffusely expressed tumor suppressor gene product p53 (43% v 19%; P = .01) and cytokine TGF-beta (33% v 9%; P = .05). The epidermis of vulvar LS was similar to that of acute scars and differed significantly compared with normal vulva with respect to keratinocytic expression of markers to keratin AE 1, involucrin and filaggrin, epidermal thickness (0.13 mm [LS] v 0.05 mm [normal]; P < .03), and proliferative index by PCNA and Mib-1 labeling (53/60 [LS] v 15/19 [normal] per 200 basal cells [bc]; P < .003). Vulvar LS showed significantly higher expression of p53 than all three control groups (80 [LS] v 3 [normal]/44 [acute scar]/28 [LSC] per 200 bc; P < .008), and aneuploidy (33% v diploid controls) in the absence of VIN. Comparing LS with and without associated SCCa found significant increases in age of patients (74 v 66 years; P = .001), and DNA aneuploidy (52% v 11%; P = .0001) and no differences in epidermal thickness, sclerotic thickness, proliferative index, or p53 expression. However, those cases of LS with an aneuploid DNA content showed significantly elevated p53 expression (88 v 60/200 bc; P = .01) and epidermal thickness (0.16 v 0.11 mm; P = .005) compared with LS with a diploid DNA content. Review of published cases supports an association between LS and vulvar SCC. The phenomenon of chronic inflammation and scarring giving rise to carcinoma has been well documented. Vulvar lichen sclerosus (LS) is an inflammatory dermatosis characterized by clinicopathologic persistence and hypocellular fibrosis (sclerosis). A subset of vulvar SCCs is significantly associated with the presence of LS and diffusely express the p53 gene product. Keratinocytes affected by LS show a proliferative phenotype and can exhibit markers of neoplastic progression such as increased p53 expression and DNA aneuploidy. As a chronic scarring inflammatory dermatosis, vulvar LS could act as both "initiator and promoter" of carcinogenesis, explaining the frequent coexistence of these diseases. Because keratinocytes of LS significantly express tumor suppressor gene p53 protein, the p53 gene may be involved early in this proposed pathway of carcinogenesis.

An intradural cervical chordoma mimicking schwannoma

PubMed Central

Samadian, Mohammad; Shafizad, Misagh

2012-01-01

Abstract: Chordoma is a relatively rare tumor originating from the embryonic remnants of the notochord. This is an aggressive, slow growing and invasive tumor. It occurs mostly at the two ends of neuroaxis which is more frequent in the sacrococcygeal region. Chordoma in vertebral column is very rare. This tumor is extradural in origin and compresses neural tissues and makes the patient symptomatic. This tumor found extremely rare in the spinal region as an intradural tumor. The present study reports a rare case of intradural chordoma tumor as well as its clinical manifestations and treatment options. Case: The patient was a 50-year-old female presented with 9 months history of progressively worsening neck pain, cervical spine chordoma resembling neurinoma and right arm numbness. Physical examination showed no weakness in her limbs, but she had upward plantar reflex and mild hyperreflexia. In a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the cervical spine there was an ill-defined enhancing mass in the posterior aspect of C2-C3 body caused cord compression more severe in right side as well as foraminal scalloping. The patient underwent surgery and after midline posterior cervical incision and paravertebral muscle stripping a laminectomy was performed from C1 through C4 using a high speed drill. Needle biopsy revealed chordoma on frozen section and all of accessible parts of tumor were excised. The gross and microscopic histopathological appearance was consistent with chordoma. Chordomas are malignant tumors that arise from remains of embryonic notochord. These ectopic rests of notochord termed “ecchordosis physaliphora “can be found in approximately 2% of autopsies. These are aggressive, slow growing, locally invasive and destructive tumors those occur in the midline of neuroaxis. They generally thought to account for 2% to 4% of all primary bone neoplasms and 1% to 4% malignant bone neoplasms. They are the most frequent primary malignant spinal tumors after plasmacytomas. The incidence has been estimated to be 0.51 cases per million. The most common location is sacrococcygeal region followed by the clivus. These two locations account for approximately 90% of chordomas. Of the tumors that do not arise in the sacrum or clivus, half occur in the cervical region, with the remainder found in the lumbar or thoracic region, in descending order of frequency. Cervical spine chordomas account for 6% of all cases. Distal metastasis most often occurs in young patients, those with sacrococcygeal or vertebral tumors, and those with atypical histological features. These tumors usually spread to contiguous anatomical structures, but they may be found in distant sites (skin, musculoskeletal system, brain, and other internal organs). Seeding of the tumor has also been reported, and the likely mechanism seems to be tumor cell of contamination during the surgical procedures. The usual radiological findings in chordomas of spine are destructive or lytic lesions with occasional sclerotic changes. They tend to lie anterolateral, rather than dorsal towards the cord, and reportedly known to invade the dura. The midline location, destructive nature, soft tissue mass formation and calcification are the radiological hallmarks of chordomas. Computed Tomography (CT) scan is the best imaging modality to delineate areas of osteolytic, osteosclerotic, or mixed areas of bone destruction.Chordoma is usually known as a hypovascular tumor which grows in a lobulated manner. Septal enhancement which reflects a lobulated growth pattern is seen in both CT and MRI and even in gross examination. Other epidural tumors include neurinoma, neurofibroma, meningioma, neuroblastoma, hemangioma, lymphoma and metastases. Their differentiation from chordoma may be difficult due to the same enhancement pattern on CT and MRI. A dumbbell-shaped chordoma is a rare pathogenic condition. The dumbbell shape is a characteristic finding of neurinomas in spine but in spinal neurinomas extention to transverse foramina has not yet been reported. Although our case mimicked a dumbbell shaped neurogenic tumor, its midline location and destructive pattern were characteristic feature indicating a clue to the diagnosis of chordoma that was already confirmed with histopathology. This unusual behavior of tumor extension can be explained by the soft and gelatinous nature of the tumor enabling the mass to extend or creep into the existing adjacent anatomical structures. Keywords: Cervical Chordoma, Intradural, Computed tomography

Paraneoplastic Scleroderma: Are There Any Clues?

PubMed

Jedlickova, Hana; Durčanská, Veronika; Vašků, Vladimír

2016-04-01

Dear Editor, Scleroderma associated with neoplasia is rare, with only a small number of cases reported. We describe 4 patients with paraneoplastic scleroderma who were treated at the I. Department of Dermatovenereology, St. Anna Hospital, during the period between 2004 and 2014. The patients were diagnosed with cholangiogenic carcinoma, endometrial carcinoma, prostatic adenocarcinoma, and adenoma of the suprarenal gland. In the case of concurrent scleroderma and tumor, four situations may occur: they can develop independently of each other; scleroderma may be induced by the tumor; the tumor can develop in the scleroderma; or the tumor can be induced by immunosuppressive therapy. Sclerotization of the skin was described in association with lung cancer, carcinoid, plasma cell dyscrasia, cancer of the ovary, cervix, breast, esophagus, stomach, nasopharynx, melanoma, and sarcoma (1,2,5,7,10). Symptoms may be induced by substances secreted by the tumor (hormones, cytokines, etc.) (9). Tumorous cells further induce cytotoxic and autoantibody response. Scleroderma is characterized by immunological dysregulation, vasculopathy, and hyperproduction of the extracellular matrix by activated fibroblasts. Endothelial, inflammatory, and mesenchymal cells produce cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors e.g. Interleukin-1 (IL1), Interleukin-6 (IL6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF α), collagen alpha 1, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) (3), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). This factor is also produced by lung cancer cells (4). The clinical picture of scleroderma and paraneoplastic scleroderma is similar. Diffuse thickening of the skin and/or sclerodermatous plaques can be seen. The histological picture is consistent with scleroderma. Capillaroscopy changes, antinuclear antibodies (ANA), sclerodactyly, and Raynaud phenomenon suggest the diagnosis of systemic scleroderma (SS) (4). Our patients did not fulfill enough of the criteria for SS. Both diffuse and localized scleroderma was seen in 3 patients and generalized localized scleroderma in one case. All patients had a histological picture consistent with scleroderma, negative ANA and ENA antibodies (Table 1, Figure 1). A 66-year-old woman presented with a 10 months history of sclerodermatous plaques on her neck, trunk, and upper and lower extremities. The skin on her breasts and cheeks was diffusely indurated. Examination showed thrombocytopenia, elevated transaminases, Cancer antigen 19-9 (Ca 19-9), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies, dysmotility of the lower part of esophagus, hepatosplenomegaly, cholecystolithiasis, and benign polyps of colon. She was given prednisone 40 mg/day but did not return for follow up. After 6 months she was diagnosed with cholangiogenic carcinoma with metastatic disease and died shortly afterwards. A 74-year-old woman had localized scleroderma on the trunk for three years. She was treated with procaine penicillin for positive borrelia Immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies. Her condition worsened suddenly with confluent scleroderma plaques on her trunk, extremities, and genital region, and vasoneurosis on her lower extremities; she was started on prednisone 35 mg/day. Examination revealed endometrial cancer. The patient underwent a hysterectomy, adnexectomy, and radiotherapy with curative effect. Scleroderma patches softened with residual hyperpigmentation, and prednisone was stopped two years later. A 80-year-old man had a month-long history of diffuse thickening and toughening of the skin on the forearms and lower legs and scleroderma patches on the thighs and shins. Examination revealed prostate adenocarcinoma, and therapy with antiandrogen bicalutamide and prednisone 15 mg/day was started. Two years after the diagnosis he continues with bicalutamide treatment, prednisone 5 mg q.a.d. and has residual toughening of the skin on his lower legs. A 62-year-old woman with seronegative rheumatoid arthritis presented with diffusely tough skin on her extremities and trunk, present for 2 months. Examination revealed cervicitis with a benign endometric polyp, cholecystolithiasis, borderline pulmonary hypertension, and a hormonally inactive suprarenal adenoma. She was given prednisone 40 mg/day and penicillamine with effect. In the 3rd year of therapy she has residual induration of her lower legs and a scleroderma plaque in the lumbar region. She is monitored for her suprarenal adenoma. Two patients had scleroderma at the same time as a malignant tumor; in one patient the localized scleroderma worsened rapidly at the time of the tumor diagnosis, and in one patient a clinically silent adenoma was found. Adrenal tissue can secrete molecules such as serotonine or bFGF involved in fibroplasia (3,6). One patient died of a metastatic disease, two patients after the successful treatment of the tumor, and the patient with suprarenal adenoma experienced softening of the skin and regression of scleroderma. Although paraneoplastic scleroderma is often classified as a pseudoscleroderma, we regard neoplasia as a distinct triggering impulse for scleroderma. Recently, an association between RNA polymerase I/III antibodies in systemic scleroderma and cancer was suggested (8). Such studies may confirm the true link between scleroderma and malignancy. These patients are characterized by older age, sudden onset, diffuse thickening of the skin, and/or generalized morphea with a concurrent neoplastic process. In the case of a successful tumor treatment, skin changes regress.

Folliculotropic Cutaneous Metastases and Lymphangitis Carcinomatosa: When Cutaneous Metastases of Breast Carcinoma Are Mistaken for Cutaneous Infections.

PubMed

Paolino, Giovanni; Panetta, Chiara; Didona, Dario; Donati, Michele; Donati, Pietro

2016-06-01

Dear Editor, Cutaneous metastases (CM) are detected in about 0.6-10.4% of patients with an internal malignancy (1-3). Excluding melanoma, breast and lung carcinomas are the main source of CM in women and men, respectively (1,4,5). CM can have different clinical features, and a diagnosis of CM is usually suspected before performing a biopsy. However, this can be a pitfall for clinicians when the clinical presentation is not the typical inflammatory nodule or mass. Herein we report 2 cases of cutaneous metastases of breast carcinoma, initially treated as a common skin infection. Case 1 A 51-year-old Caucasian woman presented to our Institute with a four-month history of diffuse and erythematous pustular, lesions on the right arm that were painless and non pruritic (Figure 1). The patient had undergone excision for a breast adenocarcinoma (stage IIIA) 5 years earlier. An initial diagnosis of folliculitis was established, and the patient started systemic and topical antibiotics without any improvement. Based on the clinical features and the patient medical history, we performed a skin biopsy. Pathologically dermal nests of tumor cells, arranged in a glandular-like pattern and involving the perifollicular and follicular areas (Figure 2, Figure 3), were highlighted. The tumor cells were positive to cytokeratin (CK) 7, CK19, and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and negative for CK20, CK5/6, CD10, and thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) (Figure 4). According to the clinical history and pathology, a final diagnosis of folliculotropic metastatic breast carcinoma was established. Unfortunately, the patient died after 10 months. Case 2 A 61-year old Caucasian woman presented to our Department with a two-month history of pink/violet macular lesions with diffuse telangiectasia on the left breast and arm (Figure 5, Figure 6). Five years earlier she had undergone excision for a breast adenocarcinoma (stage II A). A previous diagnosis of cellulitis had been made, and systemic antibiotic therapy had been started without any improvement. Based on the clinical features and the patient medical history, a punch biopsy was performed. Examination of skin biopsy showed a diffuse, sclerotic, and mixoid stroma with several dense ectatic lymphatic vessels (Figure 7, Figure 8). The dermal and hypodermal lymphatic lumens were filled with neoplastic cells. Thus, a diagnosis of cutaneous lymphangitis carcinomatosa (CLC) was established. Unfortunately, the patient died after 8 months. Discussion CM are present after breast carcinoma in about 23.9% of patients, often involving the chest and abdomen and manifesting on average 5 years after surgical removal of the first malignancy (1,6). CM of breast cancer are usually solitary or multiple nodular pinkish lesions (ranging between 1 and 3 cm) (1). However, several clinical features have been reported in the literature, including telangiectatic carcinoma, erythema-like, erythema annulare centrifugum-like, morphea-like, erysipelas-like, dermatofibroma-like, herpes-zoster-like, and alopecia-like lesions (1,7-10). Clinical and pathological images of folliculitis-like metastases are rarely reported in the literature, especially after breast cancer (11,13) Clinically, folliculitis-like metastases could resemble a zosteriform-like metastatic lesion (7,14,15) although they do not follow a dermatome and are pustular lesions rather than violaceous indurate papules and/or nodules (13,14) Pathologically, our cases showed an infiltration of the dermis and pilosebaceous units growing through the pilosebaceous unit in a "pseudo-eruptive way". In this regard, folliculitis-like CM could be similar to alopecia neoplastica, where the metastatic process involves and destroys the pilosebaceous units completely, leading to scarring alopecia (9,10). However, in our case, the pilosebaceous unit was still slightly recognizable, and clinically there were no scar-like features. The mechanism of folliculitis-like metastasis formation is currently unknown. As reported in zosteriform-like metastases, the lymphatic and hematogenous spread of malignant cells or the koebnerization at the site of a previous viral and/or bacterial infection could lead to metastasis (7,14-16). However, unlike zosteriform-like metastases, the spread of neoplastic cells from the dorsal root ganglia was not a plausible mechanism of metastasization in our cases because of the absence of dermatome involvement. Furthermore, there were no signs of possible koebnerization in a previous bacterial and/or viral infection site (7,13) In our opinion, folliculitis-like metastasis may be a result of the skin extruding malignant cells through the pilosebaceous unit to limit the neopalstic proliferation. This could explain the clinical and pathological features of folliculitis-like metastasis. Alternatively, the adnexotropic behavior of malignant cells may be explained by homing mechanisms, involving the up-regulation of the intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) on the follicular epithelium, such as folliculotropic mycosis fungoides (17). In our patient, the folliculitis-like eruption was the first sign of recurrence after 5 years of disease-free survival. It is evident that the unusual folliculitis-like eruption of CM led to a delay in the diagnosis. CLC is a rare presentation of skin metastasis, characterized by an occlusion of dermic lymphatic vessels by neoplastic cells (18). CLC has been reported in the literature in association with several malignancies, including lung, breast, and ovarian cancer (19). CLC shows pink/violet macular lesions with diffuse telangiectasias, often associated with itching and burning sensation. The main differential diagnoses are erysipelas and cellulitis. However, CLC is not associated with fever, chills, and leukocytosis. Furthermore, CLC shows no response to antibiotic therapies. Several clinicopathological types of cutaneous metastasis have been reported in the literature, including telangiectatic metastatic breast carcinoma (TMBC) and carcinoma erysipelatous (CE). TMBC is characterized by yellowish/reddish or violaceous papulo-vesicular lesions. CE usually shows blistering erythematous eruptions resembling erysipelas. However, CLC, TMBC, and CE are different clinical expressions of the same metastatic process, pathologically characterized by edema of the dermis and ectatic lymphatic vessels. Positivity to CD31 and podoplanin in the endothelial cells shows that the tumor metastatises predominantly via lymphatic vessels (20). In conclusion, we stress that every cutaneous lesion should be studied and examined carefully in patients with a personal history of cancer. Indeed, a correct diagnosis remains the pivotal point for a better management of these patients.