CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE, Issue 6 2006
Unni Krishnan MRCP
ABSTRACT We report a rare combination of congenital cardiac malformations in an asymptomatic adult,a bicuspid aortic valve and double fibrous diverticula of the left ventricle. We describe the presentation and course of events followed by a brief discussion of ventricular diverticula and the management of this rare combination of anomalies. [source]

Eccrine Syringofibroadenoma-Like Change Adjacent to a Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Potential Histologic Pitfall in Mohs Micrographic Surgery

DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 3 2009
KEITH L. DUFFY MD
First page of article [source]

Squamous Cell Carcinoma Arising Adjacent to a Recurrent Pilonidal Disease

DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 9 2006
HAKAN AGIR MD
No abstract is available for this article. [source]

Tectono-sedimentary evolution of the northernmost margin of the NE German Basin between uppermost Carboniferous and Late Permian (Rotliegend)

GEOLOGICAL JOURNAL, Issue 1 2001
H. Rieke
Abstract The tectono-sedimentary evolution of the Rotliegend deposits of the northernmost margin of NE German Basin (NEGB) has been analysed on the basis of detailed sedimentary logs of 300,m of core material together with the re-evaluation of 600,km of seismic lines. Three distinct phases were recognized. During the initial Phase I, basin geometry was largely controlled by normal faulting related to deep-seated ductile shearing leading to a strong asymmetric shape, with a steep fault-controlled eastern margin and a gently, dipping western margin. The results of forward modelling along a cross-section fit the basin geometry in width and depth and reveal a footwall uplift of c. 1000,m. Adjacent to the steep faults, local sedimentation of Lithofacies Type I was confined to non-cohesive debris flow-dominated alluvial fans, whereas the gently dipping western margin was dominated by alluvial-cone sedimentation. During the post-extensional period (Phase II), cooling of the lithosphere generated additional accommodation space. The sediments of Lithofacies Type II, comprising mainly clast-supported conglomerates, are interpreted as braided ephemeral stream flow-surge deposits. Tectonic quiescence and an increase in flood events resulting from wetter climate led to progradation of this facies over the entire region. At the end of this period, the accommodation space was almost completely filled resulting in a level topography. Phase III was controlled by the thermal-induced subsidence of the southerly located NEGB in post-Illawarra times. The formerly isolated region tilted towards the SW, thus forming the northern margin of the NEGB during uppermost Havel and Elbe Subgroup times. The sediments of Lithofacies Type III were divided into a marginal sandstone-dominated environment and a finer-grained facies towards the SW. The former consists of poorly-sorted coarse-grained sandstones of a proximal and medial ephemeral stream floodplain facies. The latter comprise mud flat fines and fine-grained distal ephemeral stream deposits. The end of the tectono-sedimentary evolution is marked by the basinwide Zechstein transgression. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

A complex, young subduction zone imaged by three-dimensional seismic velocity, Fiordland, New Zealand

GEOPHYSICAL JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL, Issue 3 2001
Donna Eberhart-Phillips
Summary The Fiordland subduction zone, where subduction developed in the late Miocene, has been imaged with P and S,P arrival-time data from 311 earthquakes in a simultaneous inversion for hypocentres and 3-D VP and VP/VS models. The three-month microearthquake survey, recorded with 24 portable seismographs, provides excellent coverage, and, since earthquakes to depths of 130 km are included, parts of the model are well-resolved to depths of 100 km. The crustal features are generally consistent with geology. The low velocity in the upper 10 km is associated with the Te Anau and Waiau basins. The Western Fiordland Orthogneiss is associated with a prominent feature from near-surface to over 40 km depth, which includes the residue from the basaltic source rocks. It is defined by high VP (7.4 km s,1 at 15 km depth) and slightly low VP/VS, and has distinct boundaries on its southern and eastern margins. Adjacent to the deepest earthquakes, there is high-velocity Pacific mantle below 80 km depth, inferred to be the mantle expression of ongoing shortening since the early Miocene. As the subducting slab moves down and northeast, it is hindered by the high-velocity body and bends to near-vertical. Bending is accommodated by distributed fracturing evidenced by high VP/VS and persistent deep earthquake activity. Buckling of the subducted plate pushes up the Western Fiordland Orthogneiss. In the transition to the Alpine fault in northern Fiordland, a prominent low-velocity crustal root is consistent with ductile thickening in combination with downwarp of the subducted plate. [source]

Gradients in vegetation cover, structure and species richness of Nama-Karoo shrublands in relation to distance from livestock watering points

JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY, Issue 2 2006
SIMON W. TODD
Summary 1Gradients of animal impact known as piospheres tend to develop around artificial watering points, particularly in arid zones. Such grazing gradients represent a potential opportunity for differentiating the long-term effects of livestock activity from other environmental patterns. In this study, the impact of watering point provision on the plant cover, species richness and community structure of Karoo shrublands, South Africa, was investigated in the context of the evolutionary history and current grazing management practices of the region. 2The impacts of watering point provision were investigated by sampling plant cover and composition along transects placed at set distances, ranging from 10 m to 2200 m, from 11 watering points. 3Karoo vegetation cover and structure are relatively resilient to livestock grazing. Karoo plant diversity, as measured by species richness, evenness and dominance, was not as resilient. Twice as many species decreased as increased near watering points. The majority of species that decreased were regarded as being highly palatable to livestock. Heavy grazing, leading to death or repeated reproductive failure, is the most likely mechanism leading to the decline of such species. 4The highly disturbed area immediately adjacent to watering points was dominated by forbs and contained a large proportion of alien species. Adjacent to this was a zone dominated by widespread shrub species of medium to low palatability. Areas most distant from watering points contained a greater proportion of species known to be highly palatable to livestock. The ability of dominant Karoo shrubs to tolerate heavy grazing may have allowed rangeland managers to maintain stocking rates above that which can be tolerated by the majority of species but which are supported by a minority of grazing-tolerant species. 5Synthesis and applications. Highly palatable species are more abundant in areas distant from water points. Larger paddocks therefore provide a refuge for sensitive species that might otherwise be lost from the rangeland as a whole. Species that tend to occur away from watering points represent potentially useful indicators of grazing pressure. The use of these species as indicators of rangeland condition among landowners should be promoted. [source]

Idiopathic Left Ventricular Arrhythmias Originating Adjacent to the Left Aortic Sinus of Valsalva: Electrophysiological Rationale for the Surface Electrocardiogram

JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 2 2010
TAKUMI YAMADA M.D.
IVT Arising Adjacent to the Left Sinus of Valsalva.Background: Idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) may be amenable to catheter ablation within or adjacent to the left sinus of Valsalva (LSOV). However, features that discriminate these sites have not been defined. The purpose of this study was to determine the electrocardiographic and electrophysiological features of VAs originating within or adjacent to the LSOV. Methods and Results: We studied 48 consecutive patients undergoing successful catheter ablation of idiopathic VAs originating from the left coronary cusp (LCC, n = 29), aortomitral continuity (AMC, n = 10) and great cardiac vein or anterior interventricular cardiac vein (Epi, n = 9). A small r wave, or rarely an R wave, was typically observed in lead I during the VAs and pacing in these regions. An S wave in lead V5 or V6 occurred significantly more often during both the VAs and pacing from the AMC than during that from the LCC and Epi (p < 0.05 to 0.0001). For discriminating whether VA origins can be ablated endocardially or epicardially, the maximum deflection index (MDI = the shortest time to the maximum deflection in any precordial lead/QRS duration) was reliable for VAs arising from the AMC (100%), but was less reliable for LCC (73%) and Epi (67%) VAs. In 3 (33%) of the Epi VAs, the site of an excellent pace map was located transmurally opposite to the successful ablation site (LCC = 1 and AMC = 2). Conclusions: The MDI has limited value for discriminating endocardial from epicardial VA origins in sites adjacent to the LSOV probably due to preferential conduction, intramural VA origins or myocardium in contact with the LCC. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 170-176, February 2010) [source]

Methodological aspects of 3D and automated 2D analyses of white matter neuronal density in temporal lobe epilepsy

NEUROPATHOLOGY & APPLIED NEUROBIOLOGY, Issue 3 2006
S. H. Eriksson
White matter neuronal density has been correlated with clinical outcome after temporal lobectomy for refractory epilepsy. Both morphometric 2D (two-dimensional) and stereological 3D (three-dimensional) analyses of neuronal density have been performed. 3D analyses are thought to be more accurate than 2D counts, but more time-consuming. We compared 3D and automated 2D measurements in the same specimens. Adjacent 20-µm (for 3D analyses) and 5-µm (for 2D analyses) sections from 10 temporal lobectomies were stained for NeuN immunohistochemistry. Analysis of 100% of a region of interest (ROI) in deep white matter was performed using an image analysis system (Histometrix, Kinetic Imaging, UK). 3D analyses were undertaken using ×,63 magnification (6 h/case). Automated 2D analyses were undertaken using automatic neuronal identification at ×,10 magnification with three to four repeats (1.5 h/case). The range of neuronal densities for 3D measurements was 2120,4910 neurones/mm3, and for automated 2D measurements 17.4,47.1 neurones/mm2. There was a linear correlation between the two methods with an r2 of 0.58. The limits of agreement for the two methods were 1718 to ,2234 neurones/mm3. Count,recount variability was 1.4,9.9% for the 3D and 5.1,36.6% for the automated 2D measurements. We found a wide range of white matter neuronal densities using either analysis. The low agreement between methods, and the high count,recount variability for the automated 2D analyses, indicate that despite being more time-consuming, rigorous 3D stereological analyses have to be performed to obtain reliable results. These findings have implications for studies requiring neuronal counts in normal and disease states. [source]

Segmental Pulmonary Vein Ablation: Success Rates with and without Exclusion of Areas Adjacent to the Esophagus

PACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 6 2008
KLAUS KETTERING M.D.
Background: Catheter ablation has become the first line of therapy in patients with symptomatic recurrent, drug-refractory atrial fibrillation (AF). The occurrence of an atrioesophageal fistula is a rare but serious complication after AF-ablation procedures. This risk is even present during segmental pulmonary vein (PV) ablation procedures because the esophagus does frequently have a very close anatomical relationship to the right or left PV ostia. The aim of the present study was to analyze whether the exclusion of areas adjacent to the esophagus does have a significant effect on the success rates after segmental pulmonary vein ablation procedures. Methods: Forty-three consecutive patients with symptomatic paroxysmal AF were enrolled in this study. In all patients, a segmental PV ablation procedure was performed. The procedures were facilitated by a 3D real-time visualization of the circumferential mapping catheter placed in the pulmonary veins using the NavXÔ system (St. Jude Medical, St. Paul, MN, USA; open irrigated tip ablation catheter; 43°C; 30 W). In 21 patients, a complete ostial PV isolation was attempted regardless of the anatomical relationship between the ablation sites and the esophagus (group A). In the remaining 22 patients, the esophagus was marked by a stomach tube and areas adjacent to the esophagus were excluded from the ablation procedure (group B). After discharge, patients were scheduled for repeated visits at the arrhythmia clinic at 1, 3, and 6 months after the ablation procedure. Results: The segmental pulmonary vein ablation procedure could be performed as planned in all patients. In group A, all pulmonary veins could be isolated successfully in 14 out of 21 patients (67%). A mean number of 3.7 pulmonary veins (SD ± 0.5 PVs) were isolated per patient. The main reasons for an incomplete PV isolation were: small diameter of the PVs, side branches close to the ostium, or poorly accessible PV ostia. In group B, all PVs could be isolated successfully in only 12 out of 22 patients (55%; P = 0.54). A mean number of 3.2 PVs (SD ± 0.9 PVs) were isolated per patient (P = 0.05). This was mostly due to a close anatomical relationship to the esophagus. The ablation strategy had to be modified in 16/22 patients in group B because of a close anatomical relationship between the left (n = 10) or right (n = 6) PV ostia and the esophagus. After 3 months, the percentage of patients free from an AF recurrence was not significantly different between the two groups (90% vs 95%; P = 0.61). After 6 months, there was no significant difference between the success rates either (81% vs 82%; P = 1.0). There were no major complications in both groups. Conclusions: The exclusion of areas adjacent to the esophagus results in a moderately higher percentage of incompletely isolated PVs. However, it does not have a significant effect on the AF recurrence rate during short-term and mid-term follow-up. [source]

Incision and Drainage of a Retropharyngeal Abscess Located Adjacent to C1 with InstaTrak Image Guidance,

THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 3 2006
Amar C. Suryadevara MD
No abstract is available for this article. [source]

Hydrogen-bonded supramolecular networks of N,N,-bis(4-pyridylmethyl)oxalamide and 4,4,-{[oxalylbis(azanediyl)]dimethylene}dipyridinium dinitrate

ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION C, Issue 5 2010
Gene-Hsiang Lee
The molecule of N,N,-bis(4-pyridylmethyl)oxalamide, C14H14N4O2, (I) or 4py-ox, has an inversion center in the middle of the oxalamide group. Adjacent molecules are then linked through intermolecular N,H...N and C,H...O hydrogen bonds, forming an extended supramolecular network. 4,4,-{[Oxalylbis(azanediyl)]dimethylene}dipyridinium dinitrate, C14H16N4O22+·2NO3,, (II), contains a diprotonated 4py-ox cation and two nitrate counter-anions. Each nitrate ion is hydrogen bonded to four 4py-ox cations via intermolecular N,H...O and C,H...O interactions. Adjacent 4py-ox cations are linked through weak C,H...O hydrogen bonding between an ,-pyridinium C atom and an oxalamide O atom, forming a two-dimensional extended supramolecular network. [source]

Overexpression of cyclooxygenase-2 in urothelial carcinoma in conjunction with tumor-associated-macrophage infiltration, hypoxia-inducible factor-1, expression, and tumor angiogenesis

APMIS, Issue 3 2009
WAN-TZU CHEN
This study examines whether the expression of cyclooxgenase-2 (COX-2) in urothelial carcinoma (UC) is associated with macrophage infiltration, hypoxia-inducible factor-1, (HIF-1,) expression and angiogenesis. We investigated the expression of COX-2 associated with HIF-1, and performed double immunohistochemical analysis of 216 UCs for COX-2 expression and the correlation with tumor-associated-macrophage (TAM) density and microvessel density (MVD) in situ. A high expression of COX-2 was positively correlated with tumor invasiveness, histologic grade and HIF-1, expression in UC (p<0.0001, p=0.003, p<0.0001, respectively). Quantification of double staining of COX-2/CD34 and COX-2/CD68 showed that a higher MVD and TAM density was found in COX-2 high-expression than in COX-2 low-expression tumor fields (p<0.0001). Adjacent to the principal of COX-2 expression areas, MVD value and TAM density were significantly increased in HIF-1, high-expression specimens compared with HIF-1, low-expression ones (p<0.0001). Interestingly, our data revealed that high COX-2 expression (p=0.002), high HIF-1, expression (p<0.0001) and TAM density (p<0.0001) were all associated with high MVD value. Our results suggest that COX-2 may produce a cooperative effect in promoting tumor progression and may be involved in the process of angiogenesis through increasing TAM infiltration or HIF-1, regulation by hypoxia. [source]

Apoptosis and Necrosis in the Ischemic Zone Adjacent to Third Degree Burns

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 6 2008
Adam J. Singer MD
Abstract Objectives:, Burns are characterized by a central zone of necrosis surrounded by a zone of potentially reversible ischemia. The authors explored the contribution of necrosis and apoptosis to cell death in the zone of ischemia. Methods:, A previously established rat contact thermal injury model that utilizes a brass comb to produce four distinctive burns sites separated by three "interspaces" of unburned skin was used. The interspaces represent the zone of stasis or ischemia while the burn sites represent the zone of coagulation. With this model, most unburned interspaces progress to necrosis over 2 to 3 days. Full-thickness 3-mm biopsies were obtained from the interspaces, burns, and normal skin controls at 30 minutes, 24 hours, and 48 hours after injury. Slides were stained with hematoxylin and eosin as well as activated cleaved caspase-3 (CC3a) for evidence of apoptosis and high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) for evidence of necrosis. Results:, Necrosis was not seen at 30 minutes, but was found in a large number of cells within the epidermis, sebaceous glands, and follicles at 24 and 48 hours. Faint nuclear CC3a staining indicative of apoptosis was present in a minority of cells within the epidermis, dermal fibroblasts, dermal follicles, and dermal sebaceous glands at 30 minutes and to a lesser degree at 24 and 48 hours. Conclusions:, Both early apoptosis and delayed necrosis are present in the zone of ischemia, contributing to injury progression. Necrosis appears to play a larger role than apoptosis in injury progression in the comb burn model. [source]

ChemInform Abstract: Selective Oxidation at Carbon Adjacent to Aromatic Systems with IBX.

CHEMINFORM, Issue 27 2001
K. C. Nicolaou
Abstract ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a "Full Text" option. The original article is trackable via the "References" option. [source]

Micro-focus X-ray computed tomography images of the 3D structure of the cranium of a fetus with asymmetric double malformation

CONGENITAL ANOMALIES, Issue 1 2006
Takashi Shibata
ABSTRACT,, Reconstructed micro computed tomography (Micro-CT, µ-CT) images have revealed the detailed three-dimensional structure of the cranium of human fetal congenital anomalies for the first time. The objects were a head and a cervix of female autosite and a parasite consisting of only a head conjoined to the scapular region of the autosite of an asymmetric double malformation (asymmetric conjoined twins, heteropagus twinning) at a gestational age of 8 months. The cranium of the autosite was normal, but that of the parasite was characterized by otocephaly (agnathia, synotia, and monorhina) and almost all the cranial bones were of an abnormal shape. It is suggested that a part of occipital bone (the basioccipital and exoccipital bones), the vomer and cribriform plate were absent and this resulted in the fusion and overlapping of bilateral temporal and craniofacial bones that should have been adjacent to them. This resulted in a reformation and relocation of most of the cranial bones. Micro-CT is a useful tool to visualize the detailed bone structure which has not been clarified by the conventional dissection methods and other imaging technologies and is a powerful instrument for studying congenital anomalies. [source]

Spatial Tests of the Pesticide Drift, Habitat Destruction, UV-B, and Climate-Change Hypotheses for California Amphibian Declines

CONSERVATION BIOLOGY, Issue 6 2002
Carlos Davidson
In California, the transport and deposition of pesticides from the agriculturally intensive Central Valley to the adjacent Sierra Nevada is well documented, and pesticides have been found in the bodies of Sierra frogs. Pesticides are therefore a plausible cause of declines, but to date no direct links have been found between pesticides and actual amphibian population declines. Using a geographic information system, we constructed maps of the spatial pattern of declines for eight declining California amphibian taxa, and compared the observed patterns of decline to those predicted by hypotheses of wind-borne pesticides, habitat destruction, ultraviolet radiation, and climate change. In four species, we found a strong positive association between declines and the amount of upwind agricultural land use, suggesting that wind-borne pesticides may be an important factor in declines. For two other species, declines were strongly associated with local urban and agricultural land use, consistent with the habitat-destruction hypothesis. The patterns of decline were not consistent with either the ultraviolet radiation or climate-change hypotheses for any of the species we examined. Resumen: Por mucho tiempo se ha sugerido que los pesticidas transportados por el viento son una causa de la declinación de anfibios en áreas sin destrucción de hábitat evidente. En California, el transporte y depósito de pesticidas provenientes del Valle Central, donde se practica la agricultura intensiva, hacia la Sierra Nevada adyacente está bien documentado y se han encontrado pesticidas en el cuerpo de ranas de la Sierra. Por lo tanto, los pesticidas son una causa verosímil de las declinaciones, pero a la fecha no se han encontrado relaciones directas entre los pesticidas y la declinación de anfibios. Construimos mapas de sistemas de información geográfica del patrón espacial de las declinaciones de ocho taxones de anfibios de California, y comparamos los patrones de declinación observados con los esperados por las hipótesis de pesticidas transportados por el viento, la destrucción del hábitat, la radiación ultravioleta y el cambio climático. En cuatro especies, encontramos una fuerte asociación positiva entre las declinaciones y la cantidad de tierras de uso agrícola en dirección contraria a los vientos, lo que sugiere que los pesticidas transportados por el viento pueden ser un factor importante en las declinaciones. Para otras dos especies, las declinaciones se asociaron contundentemente con el uso del suelo urbano y agrícola, lo cual es consistente con la hipótesis de la destrucción del hábitat. Los patrones de declinación no fueron consistentes con la hipótesis de la radiación ultravioleta ni la de cambio climático para ninguna de las especies examinadas. [source]

Space-Charge Limited Current from Plasma-Facing Material Surface

CONTRIBUTIONS TO PLASMA PHYSICS, Issue 1-3 2004
S. Takamura
Abstract We have derived an exact theoretical expression for the space-charge limited current from the solid surfaces adjacent to plasmas that is applicable for an arbitrary sheath voltage. Our expression shows that the spacecharge limited current tends to saturate with the sheath voltage. This new formula is evaluated by 1-D Particle in Cell (PIC) simulation and experiment, and is in a good agreement with the simulation and experimental results. We have also obtained an analytical equation fitted to the new formula based on conventional Child-Langmuir formula by taking into account a more sophisticated dependence of the electrode potential and the plasma density through the effect of Debye shielding and a sheath expansion due to increased voltage across the sheath. (© 2004 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source]

Platelet-derived growth factor receptors expressed in response to injury of differentiated vascular smooth muscle in vitro: effects on Ca2+ and growth signals

ACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 2 2001
A. Lindqvist
Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in the intact vascular wall are differentiated for contraction, whereas the response to vascular injury involves transition towards a synthetic phenotype, with increased tendency for proliferation. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is thought to be important for this process. We investigated expression and functional coupling of PDGF receptors (PDGFRs) , and , in rat tail arterial rings kept in organ culture, in order to capture early events in the phenotypic transition. In freshly dissected rings no PDGFR immunoreactivity was found in medial VSMCs, whereas PDGFR , was detected in nerve fibres. After organ culture for 1,4 days PDGFR , and , as well as phospholipase C,2 (PLC,2), known to couple to PDGFR, were expressed in VSMCs within 100 ,m of the cut ends. Calponin, a marker for the contractile phenotype, was decreased near the injured area, suggesting that cells were in transition towards synthetic phenotype. In these cells, which showed functional Ca2+ -release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, PDGF-AB (100 ng mL,1) had no effect on [Ca2+]i, whereas cultured VSMCs obtained from explants of rat tail arterial rings responded to PDGF-AB with an increase in [Ca2+]i. However, PDGFR within the cultured rings coupled to growth signalling pathways, as PDGF-AB caused a tyrphostin AG1295-sensitive activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 and of [3H]-thymidine incorporation. Thus, early expression of PDGFR in VSMC adjacent to sites of vascular injury coincides with signs of dedifferentiation. These receptors couple to growth signalling, but do not activate intracellular Ca2+ release. [source]

The ,II isotype of tubulin is present in the cell nuclei of a variety of cancers

CYTOSKELETON, Issue 2 2004
I-Tien Yeh
Abstract Tubulin, the subunit protein of microtubules, has generally been thought to be exclusively a cytoplasmic protein in higher eukaryotes. We have previously shown that cultured rat kidney mesangial cells contain the ,II isotype of tubulin in their nuclei in the form of an ,,II dimer [Walss et al., 1999: Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 42:274,284, 1999]. More recently, we examined a variety of cancerous and non-cancerous cell lines and found ,II in the nuclei of all of the former and only a few of the latter (Walss-Bass et al., 2002: Cell Tissue Res. 308:215,223]. In order to determine if ,II -tubulin occurs in the nuclei of actual cancers as well as in cancer cell lines, we used the immunoperoxidase method to look for nuclear ,II in a variety of tumors excised from 201 patients. We found that 75% of these tumors contain ,II in their nuclei. Distribution of nuclear ,II was highly dependent on the type of cancer, with 100% of the colon and prostate cancers, but only 19% of the skin tumors, having nuclear ,II. Nuclear ,II was particularly marked in tumors of epithelial origin, of which 83% showed nuclear ,II, in contrast to 54% in tumors of non-epithelial origin. In many cases, ,II staining occurred very strongly in the nuclei and not in the cytoplasm; in other cases, ,II was present in both. In many cases, particularly metastases, otherwise normal cells adjacent to the tumor also showed nuclear ,II, suggesting that cancer cells may influence nearby cells to synthesize ,II and localize it to their nuclei. Our results have implications for the diagnosis, biology, and chemotherapy of cancer. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 57:96,106, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Healing and prognosis of teeth with intra-alveolar fractures involving the cervical part of the root

DENTAL TRAUMATOLOGY, Issue 2 2002
Miomir Cvek
Abstract Healing and long-term prognosis of 94 cervical root fractures were evaluated. The teeth were divided into two groups according to type of fracture: transverse fractures limited to the cervical third of the root (51 incisors) and oblique fractures involving both the cervical and middle parts of the root (43 incisors). Neither the frequency nor the type of fracture healing differed significantly between the two groups. In the material as a whole, healing of the fracture with hard tissue formation was observed in 17 teeth (18%), and healing with interposition of periodontal ligament (PDL) and, in some cases, hard tissue between the fragments in 62 teeth (66%). Fifteen teeth (16%) showed no healing and a radiolucency adjacent to the fracture. Statistical analyses revealed that incomplete root formation and a positive sensibility test at the time of injury were significantly related to both healing and hard tissue repair. The same applied to concussion or subluxation compared with dislocation of coronal fragment, as well as optimal compared with suboptimal reposition of displaced coronal fragments. The type and duration of splinting (or no splinting) appeared to be of no significance for frequency or type of healing of cervical root fractures. During the observation time (mean = 75 months), 19 (44%) of the teeth with transverse fractures and 3 (8%) of those with oblique fractures were lost after healing. In conclusion, fractures in the cervical part of the root had a healing potential and the predictive parameters identified for fractures in other parts of the root seemed to be valid for the healing of cervical root fractures. Transverse fractures appeared to have a significantly poorer long-term prognosis compared to oblique fractures, apparently due to a marked post-treatment mobility, which often led to new luxation caused by even minor impacts. [source]

Ice Minimizes Discomfort Associated with Injection of Botulinum Toxin Type A for the Treatment of Palmar and Plantar Hyperhidrosis

DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 2007
KEVIN C. SMITH MD
BACKGROUND The value of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) for treatment of palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis (HH) has been limited by injection pain, which in the past has generally required administration of a nerve block. We describe the successful use of ice applied to the intended injection point followed immediately by application of either ice or vibration to skin adjacent to the injection point to reduce discomfort associated with injection of BTX-A for the treatment of palmar and plantar HH. RESULTS During needle insertion and injection of BTX-A, both the application of ice to the intended injection point followed by application of ice adjacent to the injection point (ice+ice) and the application of ice to the intended injection point followed by application of vibration adjacent to the injection point have been preferred by our patients to nerve block. These two techniques allow efficient treatment of both hands and/or both feet in a single session. CONCLUSION By eliminating the need for nerve blocks, the techniques described here will enlarge the pool of physicians who can administer BTX-A for palmar and plantar HH, and will enlarge the pool of patients who are willing to have this treatment. [source]

Comparison of Endovenous Radiofrequency Versus 810 nm Diode Laser Occlusion of Large Veins in an Animal Model

DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 1 2002
Robert A. Weiss MDArticle first published online: 27 FEB 200
background. Endovenous occlusion using radiofrequency (RF) energy has been shown to be effective for the elimination of sapheno-femoral reflux and subsequent elimination of varicose veins. Recently, endovenous laser occlusion has been introduced with initial clinical reports indicating effective treatment for varicose veins. However, in our practice we note increased peri-operative hematoma and tenderness with the laser. Little is known regarding the mechanism of action of this new laser vein therapy. objective. To better understand the mechanism of action of endovenous laser vs. the endovenous RF procedure in the jugular vein of the goat model. methods. A bilateral comparison was performed using 810 nm diode laser transmitted by a bare-tipped optical fiber vs. the RF delivery by engineered electrodes with a temperature feedback loop using a thermocouple (Closure procedure) in three goat jugular veins. Immediate and one-week results were studied radiographically and histologically. Temperature measurements during laser treatment were performed by using an array of up to five thermocouples, spaced 2 mm apart, placed adjacent to a laser fiber tip during goat jugular vein treatment. results. Immediate findings showed that 100% of the laser-treated veins showed perforations by histologic examination and immediate contrast fluoroscopy. The RF-treated side showed immediate constriction with maintenance of contrast material within the vein lumen and no perforations. The difference in acute vein shrinkage was also dramatic as laser treatments resulted in vein shrinkage of 26%, while RF-treated veins showed a 77% acute reduction in diameter. At one week, extravasated blood that leaked into the surrounding tissue of laser treated veins acutely, continued to occupy space and impinge on surrounding structures including nerves. For the laser treatment, the highest average temperature was 729°C (peak temperature 1334°C) observed flush with the laser fiber tip, while the temperature feedback mechanism of the RF method maintains temperatures at the electrodes of 85°C. conclusion. Vein perforations, extremely high intravascular temperatures, failure to cause significant collagen shrinkage, and intact endothelium in an animal model justify a closer look at the human clinical application of the 810 nm endovenous laser technique. Extravasated blood impinging on adjacent structures may theoretically lead to increased peri-operative hematoma and tenderness. Further study and clinical investigation is warranted. [source]

Immunohistochemical analysis of nervous system regeneration in chimeric individuals of Dorvillea bermudensis (Polychaeta, Dorvilleidae)

DEVELOPMENT GROWTH & DIFFERENTIATION, Issue 2 2004
Monika C. M. Müller
In regeneration experiments, 0.5% of the two- or five-segmented fragments of the polychaete Dorvillea bermudensis were found unexpectedly transplanted: two fragments of each that were lying close together during the initial period, fused and regenerated a chimeric individual. Of the three theoretical possibilities (i.e. fusion of (i) two posterior ends; (ii) one anterior and one posterior end; (iii) or two anterior ends) only the last two were realized. The similarly oriented fragments regenerated a normal animal while anterior,anterior fused ones produced two heads or a double head. Whether the ventral cords of the fragments are located vis-à-vis or adjacent, influences the course of regeneration as well. Immunohistochemical methods (anti-acetylated ,-tubulin) in conjunction with confocal laser scanning microscopy were used to investigate the wiring pattern of the nervous systems of the grafts. In all cases, at least two supraesophageal ganglia were formed and palps, antennae and nuchal organs were innervated by the correct nerves but, in special cases, were innervated vice versa from the other brain. From these results it can be concluded that fusion of a regenerating connective with another connective results in formation of a new brain, irrespective of whether it belongs to the same nerve cord or not. [source]

Development and fine structure of the yolk nucleus of previtellogenic oocytes in the medaka Oryzias latipes

DEVELOPMENT GROWTH & DIFFERENTIATION, Issue 6 2000
Hirokuni Kobayashi
The development and fine structure of yolk nuclei in the cytoplasm of previtellogenic oocytes were examined by electron microscopy during several stages of oogenesis in the medaka, Oryzias latipes. Shortly after oogenesis starts, oocytes 20,30 ,m in diameter have much electron-dense (basophilic) cytoplasm, within which a continuous or discontinuous, irregular ring-shaped lower electron-dense area of flocculent appearance (LF) begins to emerge around the nucleus. The yolk nucleus is first recognized within an LF area as a few fragments of dense granular thread measuring 20,25 nm in width. The threads consist of two rows of very dense granules resembling ribosomes or ribonucleoprotein (RNP)-like particles in size and electron density. These thread-like fragments gradually increase in number and length until they assemble into a compact, spherical mass of complicated networks. Analysis of serial sections suggests that the yolk nucleus is a complicated mass of numerous, small deformed vacuoles composed of a single lamella with double layers of ribosomes or RNP-like granules, rather than a mass of granular threads. When oocytes develop to greater than 100 ,m in diameter, the yolk nucleus begins to fragment before dispersing throughout the surrounding cytoplasm, concomitantly with the disappearance of LF areas. At this stage of oogenesis, a restricted region of the granulosa cell layer adjacent to the yolk nucleus becomes somewhat columnar in morphology, fixing the vegetal pole region of the oocyte. [source]

Mesenchymal cell remodeling during mouse secondary palate reorientation

DEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 7 2010
Jiu-Zhen Jin
Abstract The formation of mammalian secondary palate requires a series of developmental events such as growth, elevation, and fusion. Despite recent advances in the field of palate development, the process of palate elevation remains poorly understood. The current consensus on palate elevation is that the distal end of the vertical palatal shelf corresponds to the medial edge of the elevated horizontal palatal shelf. We provide evidence suggesting that the prospective medial edge of the vertical palate is located toward the interior side (the side adjacent to the tongue), instead of the distal end, of the vertical palatal shelf and that the horizontal palatal axis is generated through palatal outgrowth from the side of the vertical palatal shelf rather than rotating the pre-existing vertical axis orthogonally. Because palate elevation represents a classic example of embryonic tissue re-orientation, our findings here may also shed light on the process of tissue re-orientation in general. Developmental Dynamics 239:2110,2117, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Role of VEGF and tissue hypoxia in patterning of neural and vascular cells recruited to the embryonic heart

DEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 11 2009
Hongbin Liu
Abstract We hypothesized that oxygen gradients and hypoxia-responsive signaling may play a role in the patterning of neural or vascular cells recruited to the developing heart. Endothelial progenitor and neural cells are recruited to and form branched structures adjacent to the relatively hypoxic outflow tract (OFT) myocardium from stages 27,32 (ED6.5,7.5) of chick development. As determined by whole mount confocal microscopy, the neural and vascular structures were not anatomically associated. Adenoviral delivery of a VEGF trap dramatically affected the remodeling of the vascular plexus into a coronary tree while neuronal branching was normal. Both neuronal and vascular branching was diminished in the hearts of embryos incubated under hyperoxic conditions. Quantitative analysis of the vascular defects using our recently developed VESGEN program demonstrated reduced small vessel branching and increased vessel diameters. We propose that vascular and neural patterning in the developing heart share dependence on tissue oxygen gradients but are not interdependent. Developmental Dynamics 238:2760,2769, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Differential levels of tissue hypoxia in the developing chicken heart

DEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 1 2006
Jamie Wikenheiser
Abstract Tissue hypoxia plays a critical role in normal development, including cardiogenesis. Previously, we showed that oxygen concentration, as assessed by the hypoxia indicator EF5, is lowest in the outflow tract (OFT) myocardium of the developing chicken heart and may be regulating events in OFT morphogenesis. In this study, we identified additional areas of the embryonic chicken heart that were intensely positive for EF5 within the myocardium in discrete regions of the atrial wall and the interventricular septum (IVS). The region of the IVS that is EF5-positive includes a portion of the developing central conduction system identified by HNK-1 co-immunostaining. The EF5 positive tissues were also specifically positive for nuclear-localized hypoxia inducible factor 1, (HIF-1,), the oxygen-sensitive component of the hypoxia inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) heterodimer. The pattern of the most intensely EF5-stained myocardial regions of the atria and IVS resemble the pattern of the major coronary vessels that form in later stages within or immediately adjacent to these particular regions. These vessels include the sinoatrial nodal artery that is a branch of the right coronary artery within the atrial wall and the anterior/posterior interventricular vessels of the IVS. These findings indicate that a portion of the developing central conduction system and the patterning of coronary vessels may be subject to a level of regulation that is dependent on differential oxygen concentration within cardiac tissues and subsequent HIF-1 regulation of gene expression. Developmental Dynamics 235:115,123, 2006. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Identification of BOIP, a novel cDNA highly expressed during spermatogenesis that encodes a protein interacting with the orange domain of the hairy-related transcription factor HRT1/Hey1 in Xenopus and mouse

DEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 4 2003
Reginald Van Wayenbergh
Abstract Hairy-related transcription factor (HRT/Hey) genes encode a novel subfamily of basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors related to the Drosophila hairy and Enhancer-of-split (E(spl)) and the mammalian HES proteins that function as downstream mediators of Notch signaling. Using the yeast two-hybrid approach, a previously uncharacterized protein was identified in Xenopus that interacts with XHRT1 (originally referred to as bc8), one member of the HRT/Hey subclass. This protein is evolutionarily conserved in chordates. It binds to sequences adjacent to the bHLH domain of XHRT1 known as the Orange domain and has been named bc8 Orange interacting protein (BOIP). BOIP shows a rather uniform subcellular localization and is recruited to the nucleus upon binding to XHRT1. In Xenopus, XBOIP mRNA is detected by RNase protection analysis throughout embryogenesis. In the adult, the strongest expression is detected in testis. In the mouse, high levels of BOIP mRNA are also found in adult testis. No expression is detected in the embryo and in any of the other adult organs tested. In situ hybridization revealed that BOIP transcripts were detected almost exclusively in round spermatids and that this expression overlaps with that of Hey1 (HRT1), which is expressed throughout spermatogenesis. In view of the importance of the Orange domain for HRT/Hey function, the newly identified BOIP proteins may serve as regulators specifically of HRT1/Hey1 activity. Developmental Dynamics 228:716,725, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Integration and differentiation of human embryonic stem cells transplanted to the chick embryo

DEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 1 2002
Ronald S. Goldstein
Abstract Human embryonic stem (ES) cells are pluripotent cells that can differentiate into a large array of cell types and, thus, hold promise for advancing our understanding of human embryology and for contributing to transplantation medicine. In this study, differentiation of human ES cells was examined in vivo by in ovo transplantation to organogenesis-stage embryos. Colonies of human ES cells were grafted into or in place of epithelial-stage somites of chick embryos of 1.5 to 2 days of development. The grafted human ES cells survived in the chick host and were identified by vital staining with carboxyfluorescein diacetate or use of a green fluorescent protein,expressing cells. Histologic analysis showed that human ES cells are easily distinguished from host cells by their larger, more intensely staining nuclei. Some grafted cells differentiated en masse into epithelia, whereas others migrated and mingled with host tissues, including the dorsal root ganglion. Colonies grafted directly adjacent to the host neural tube produced primarily structures with the morphology and molecular characteristics of neural rosettes. These structures contain differentiated neurons as shown by ,-3-tubulin and neurofilament expression in axons and cell bodies. Axons derived from the grafted cells penetrate the host nervous system, and host axons enter the structures derived from the graft. Our results show that human ES cells transplanted in ovo survive, divide, differentiate, and integrate with host tissues and that the host embryonic environment may modulate their differentiation. The chick embryo, therefore, may serve as an accessible and unique experimental system for the study of in vivo development of human ES cells. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Synthetic matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor decreases early cardiac neural crest migration in chicken embryos

DEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 4 2002
D.H. Cai
Abstract During early embryonic development, cardiac neural crest (NC) cells emerge from the forming neural tube, migrate beneath the ectoderm, enter the pharyngeal arches, and subsequently participate in the septation of the heart. Like tumor cells, NC cells penetrate through basement membranes and invade extracellular matrix during their emigration and migration and, therefore, are liable to use similar invasive mechanisms. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc proteolytic enzymes known to be important in cell migration and invasion of normal and metastatic cells. In an earlier study, we found that the spatial and temporal distribution pattern of MMP-2 positively correlates with cardiac NC migration, suggesting MMP enzymatic activity may be important in mediating cardiac cell NC migration. To test this hypothesis, a synthetic MMP inhibitor, KB8301, was used to block MMP enzymatic activity during in vitro and in vivo cardiac NC cell migration in chick embryos. Injection of KB8301 into the cell-free space adjacent to the neural tube at the level of the second somite before the NC cells emigrated caused major morphologic anomalies in embryos and disrupted cardiac NC morphogenesis. Unilateral injection of KB8301 at lower concentrations, significantly decreased cardiac NC migration on the injected side compared with the noninjected side and compared with that of the injected controls. This decrease correlated with a decrease in MMP activity in the embryos and was not attributable to differences in embryo size or rate of embryonic development after injection. KB8301 also significantly decreased the rate of NC cell motility and distance NC cells migrated from explanted neural tubes and increased cell area and perimeter. These data suggest that MMP enzymatic activity is an important mediator of early cardiac NC migration and that perturbation of endogenous MMP activity may lead to NC-related congenital defects. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]