JOURNAL OF CUTANEOUS PATHOLOGY, Issue 1 2005
Urvi Pajvani BS
Ticks are ectoparasites that cause dermatologic disease both directly through physical trauma to the skin, salivary secretions, or remnant body parts, and indirectly through transmission of disease. Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, and babesiosis are known tick-transmitted diseases. The histopathology related to a primary tick bite, similar to other arthropod bites, classically consists of a perivascular infiltrate composed of lymphocytes, neutrophils, histiocytes, plasma cells, and eosinophils in varying amounts. We describe five patients with a novel histologic reaction to embedded tick parts., Each case demonstrates a thrombotic vasculopathy consisting of intraluminal eosinophilic deposits that stain strongly with Periodic acid Schiff stain. The adjacent tissue shows dermal necrosis with surrounding interstitial to diffuse dermal neutrophilic inflammation. We postulate that diffuse dermal nutrophilic infiltrates in association with thrombogenic vasculopathy is an unusual histologic picture of tick bite reactions that may be attributable to remnant tick parts. [source]

The First Reduced Rare Earth Halide with a Group 11 Element as Interstitial: La3I3Au.

CHEMINFORM, Issue 6 2005
Hansjuergen Mattausch
Abstract For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text. [source]

Assessing sediment contamination in estuaries

ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 1 2001
Peter M. Chapman
Abstract Historic and ongoing sediment contamination adversely affects estuaries, among the most productive marine ecosystems in the world. However, all estuaries are not the same, and estuarine sediments cannot be treated as either fresh or marine sediments or properly assessed without understanding both seasonal and spatial estuarine variability and processes, which are reviewed. Estuaries are physicochemically unique, primarily because of their variable salinity but also because of their strong gradients in other parameters, such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, redox potential, and amount and composition of particles. Salinity (overlying and interstitial) varies spatially (laterally, vertically) and temporally and is the controlling factor for partitioning of contaminants between sediments and overlying or interstitial water. Salinity also controls the distribution and types of estuarine biota. Benthic infauna are affected by interstitial salinities that can be very different than overlying salinities, resulting in large-scale seasonal species shifts in salt wedge estuaries. There are fewer estuarine species than fresh or marine species (the paradox of brackish water). Chemical, toxicological, and community-level assessment techniques for estuarine sediment are reviewed and assessed, including chemistry (grain size effects, background enrichment, bioavailability, sediment quality values, interstitial water chemistry), biological surveys, and whole sediment toxicity testing (single-species tests, potential confounding factors, community level tests, laboratory-to-field comparisons). Based on this review, there is a clear need to tailor such assessment techniques specifically for estuarine environments. For instance, bioavailability models including equilibrium partitioning may have little applicability to estuarine sediments, appropriate reference comparisons are difficult in biological surveys, and there are too few full-gradient estuarine sediment toxicity tests available. Specific recommendations are made to address these and other issues. [source]

Regional distribution of collagen and haemosiderin in the lungs of horses with exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage

EQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 6 2009
F. J. Derksen
Summary Reasons for performing study: Regional veno-occlusive remodelling of pulmonary veins in EIPH-affected horses, suggests that pulmonary veins may be central to pathogenesis. The current study quantified site-specific changes in vein walls, collagen and haemosiderin accumulation, and pleural vascular profiles in the lungs of horses suffering EIPH. Hypothesis: In the caudodorsal lung regions of EIPH-affected horses, there is veno-occlusive remodelling with haemosiderosis, angiogenesis and fibrosis of the interstitium, interlobular septa and pleura. Methods: Morphometric methods were used to analyse the distribution and accumulation of pulmonary collagen and haemosiderin, and to count pleural vascular profiles in the lungs of 5 EIPH-affected and 2 control horses. Results: Vein wall thickness was greatest in the dorsocaudal lung and significantly correlated with haemosiderin accumulation. Increased venous, interstitial, pleural and septal collagen; lung haemosiderin; and pleural vascular profiles occurred together and changes were most pronounced in the dorsocaudal lung. Further, haemosiderin accumulation colocalised with decreased pulmonary vein lumen size. Vein wall thickening, haemosiderin accumulation and histological score were highly correlated and these changes occurred only in the caudodorsal part of the lung. Conclusion: The colocalisation of these changes suggests that regional (caudodorsal) venous remodelling plays an important role in the pathogenesis of EIPH. Potential relevance: The results support the hypothesis that repeated bouts of venous hypertension during strenuous exercise cause regional vein wall remodelling and collagen accumulation, venous occlusion and pulmonary capillary hypertension. Subjected to these high pressures, there is capillary stress failure, bleeding, haemosiderin accumulation and, subsequently, lung fibrosis. [source]

Forearm vasoconstrictor response in uncomplicated type 1 diabetes mellitus

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, Issue 10 2006
P. J. Van Gurp
Abstract Background, According to the ,haemodynamic hypothesis', increased tissue perfusion predisposes to microangiopathy in diabetic patients. We hypothesized that the typical haemodynamic changes underlying the increased tissue perfusion can be explained by a decreased sympathetic nerve activity caused by chronic hyperglycaemia. In this study we investigated sympathetic activity in patients with uncomplicated type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM). Materials and methods, In 15 DM patients (DM duration 6·3 ± 3·8 year; HbA1c 7·9 ± 1·3%) and 16 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers (Control), sympathetic nervous system activity was measured at rest (baseline) and during sympathoneural stimulation (lower body negative pressure (LBNP)) by means of interstitial and plasma noradrenaline (NA) sampling and power spectral analysis. Muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) was measured before (baseline) and during a cold pressure test. Forearm blood flow was measured during forearm vascular ,- and ,-adrenergic receptor blockade. Results, At baseline, forearm vascular resistance (FVR), plasma NA concentrations, MSNA and heart rate variability were similar in both groups. LBNP-induced vasoconstriction was significantly attenuated in the DM group compared with the Control group (,FVR: 12 ± 4 vs. 19 ± 3 arbitrary units, P < 0·05). The responses of plasma NA and heart rate variability did not differ. Conclusions,, Baseline FVR and sympathetic nerve activity are normal in patients with uncomplicated type 1 diabetes. However, the forearm vasoconstrictor response to sympathetic stimulation is attenuated, which cannot be attributed to an impaired sympathetic responsiveness. [source]

Eight-Coordinate Endohedral Rhenium, Osmium and Iridium Atoms in Rare-Earth Halide Cluster Complexes

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 18 2010
Sina Zimmermann
Abstract Endohedral (interstitial) atoms are essential for almost all of the rare-earth halide cluster complexes. Most of these contain octahedral clusters, some are isolated, but the majority exhibits condensation by common edges to structures of higher dimensionality. Higher coordination numbers of the endohedral atoms are rare. Four examples of extended cluster complexes with eight-coordinate endohedral atoms of sixth-period elements (Re, Os, Ir) are presented. In the quasi-isostructural, non-isotypic halides {ReGd4}Br4 and {OsSc4}Cl4, square antiprisms of gadolinium and scandium atoms, respectively, are connected by two common faces to chains, surrounded and loosely connected by halogenido ligands. The Re and Os atoms build a slightly bent chain with only little bonding interactions. Chemical bonding is dominated by endohedral atom,cluster atom and cluster atom,halide interactions. The same is true for the two scandium bromides {Ir3Sc12}Br16 and {Os3Sc12}Br16Sc, which contain chains of face-sharing square antiprisms and cubes in a ratio of 2:1. Metal,metal bonding is attested by short distances between those endohedral Ir and Os atoms, respectively, which center the square antiprisms (283 pm and 290 pm, respectively). Magnetic and conductivity measurements on {Ir3Sc12}Br16 reveal paramagnetism and a small-band-gap semiconductor. This is in accord with electronic structure calculations. [source]

Putting the meio- into stream ecology: current findings and future directions for lotic meiofaunal research

FRESHWATER BIOLOGY, Issue 1 2000
A. L. Robertson
Summary 1There is a paucity of research on epigean freshwater lotic meiofauna. This may result from a previous emphasis on interstitial (groundwater and hyporheic) meiofauna and/or a reliance on sampling methodologies in lotic systems which are inappropriate for meiofauna. 2Meiofauna contribute much to the diversity of lotic ecosystems. Species lists for seven streams reveal that meiofauna contribute 58,82% of total species numbers, with rotifers and chironomids dominating most systems. The absence of taxonomic keys for most meiofaunal taxa in large areas of the world precludes a wider analysis of their contribution to lotic diversity and an assessment of biogeographical patterns and processes. 3The trophic and functional role of meiofauna in lotic ecosystems is unclear. There are few estimates of meiofaunal production in freshwaters and biomass spectra have produced conflicting results for lotic meiofauna. Present static estimates suggest that the contribution of meiofauna to lotic productivity and biomass is small to moderate, but further studies incorporating a temporal component may provide a more realistic picture of the total contribution of meiofauna to biomass size spectra. 4Meiofauna differ from macroinvertebrates in several respects apart from size and conceptual models for lotic ecosystems should include all metazoans if they are to be truly representative. 5Information on the basic ecology of certain lotic meiofauna (i.e. nematodes, tardigrades, microturbellarians) is urgently required. For those groups whose distributional patterns are better understood (e.g. microcrustaceans), the mechanisms underpinning these patterns should be explored. It is essential that the importance of meiofauna is recognised by lotic ecologists; the only realistic way forward is for greater collaboration among meiofaunal ecologists and taxonomists and other lotic scientists. [source]

Gemcitabine-induced severe pulmonary toxicity

FUNDAMENTAL & CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 1 2004
Fabrice Barlési
Abstract Gemcitabine is a relatively new deoxycytidine analog (2,,2,-difluorodeoxycytidine) with structural similarities to cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C). Activity of gemcitabine is demonstrated in the treatment of many solid tumors, like pancreas, ovarian and nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Although gemcitabine is considered as a drug with a good safety profile, cases of gemcitabine-induced severe pulmonary toxicity (GISPT) were reported as for Ara-C. We performed a systematic review of reported cases on the GISPT. Twenty-nine clinical trials especially interesting NSCLC patients (21) and 21 reported cases recording 40 patients were analyzed. The incidence of the GISPT varies from 0 to 5%. The clinical presentation is a subacute clinical syndrome and is frequently nonspecific. The predominant radiographic pattern on chest X-ray are reticulo-nodular interstitial infiltrates. It was postulated that the physio-pathological mechanism of the GISPT was an inflammatory reaction of the alveolar capillary wall cytokine-mediated, which created an abnormal permeability of its membrane. After the differential diagnosis were ruled out, the discontinuation of the drug and the early initiation of steroids and diuretics are the most frequently performed treatments. Under these conditions, the outcome was favorable in a delay of few days generally for a majority of patients but 20% of patients died. Some risk factors, as a previous pulmonary disease or a previous thoracic irradiation, for the occurrence of the GISPT were proposed. GISPT is rare but sometimes fatal. Its a necessity to increase awareness about it to enhanced an early and suitable management of patients developing such a toxicity after gemcitabine administration. [source]

Post-conditioning with cyclosporine A fails to reduce the infarct size in an in vivo porcine model

ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 7 2010
R. H. LIE
Background: Cyclosporine A has generated intense interest in the field of cardioprotection due to its ability to protect the mitochondria at reperfusion by blocking the opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. The aim of our study was to examine the cardioprotective effect of Sandimmun®, a clinically available formulation of cyclosporine A, in an in vivo large mammal model. Methods: Forty-eight pigs were randomly allocated to one of three groups: (i) Control group (Con, n=19), (ii) Cyclosporine group, (Cyclo, n=19) Sandimmun® 10 mg/kg i.v. bolus 5 min before reperfusion and (iii) Pre-conditioning group (Precon, n=10) two cycles of 10 min ischemia interspersed with 30-min reperfusion. The study was further sub-divided into a metabolic protocol, evaluating myocardial metabolism by measuring changes in the interstitial lactate concentration, and a coronary flow protocol. All animals were subjected to 40 min of left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion, followed by 180 min of reperfusion before histochemical staining and assessment of infarct size by planimetry. Results: Infarct sizes were measured as: Con 51.4 ± 16.5%, Cyclo 47.3 ± 15.7% and Precon 2.4 ± 3.6%, with no significant difference between the Con and Cyclo groups but a highly significant difference between the Precon and Cyclo and Con groups (P<0.0001 for both comparisons). In the Cyclo group, the interstitial lactate concentration was significantly increased compared with the Con group at 6-min reperfusion, although significantly lower at 14 min presumably due to accelerated washout. Conclusion: In this large animal model, a 10 mg/kg bolus administration of Sandimmun® 5 min before reperfusion did not reduce the infarct size. [source]

Interstitial pneumonitis related to flutamide monotherapy for prostate cancer

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY, Issue 9 2004
MASAYOSHI NOMURA
Abstract A 88-year-old man with prostate cancer was receiving non-steroidal anti-androgen therapy (flutamide, 375 mg/day). Three weeks after starting therapy, the patient developed dyspnea and bilateral pulmonary interstitial infiltrates. The withdrawal of flutamide and the initiation of steroid therapy resulted in clinical improvement. [source]

Aquatic Microbial Ecology: Water Desert, Microcosm, Ecosystem.

INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF HYDROBIOLOGY, Issue 4-5 2008
What's Next?
Abstract Aquatic microbial ecology aims at nothing less than explaining the world from "ecological scratch". It develops theories, concepts and models about the small and invisible living world that is at the bottom of every macroscopic aquatic system. In this paper we propose to look at the development of Aquatic Microbial Ecology as a reiteration of classical (eukaryotic) limnology and oceanography. This was conceptualized moving historically from the so-called water desert to microcosm to ecosystem. Each of these concepts characterizes a particular historical field of knowledge that embraces also practices and theories about living beings in aquatic environments. Concerning the question of "who is there", however, Aquatic Microbial Ecology historically developed in reverse order. Repetition, reiteration and replication notwithstanding, Aquatic Microbial Ecology has contributed new ideas, theories and methods to the whole field of ecology as well as to microbiology. The disciplining of Aquatic Microbial Ecology happened in the larger field of plankton biology, and it is still attached to this biological domain, even conceiving of itself very self-consciously as a discipline of its own. Today, Aquatic Microbial Ecology as a discipline is much broader than plankton ecology ever was, for it includes not only oceans and freshwaters but also benthic, interstitial and groundwater systems. The success of Aquatic Microbial Ecology is expressed by its influence on other fields in ecology. The challenge is to further develop its theoretical and methodological features while at the same time contributing to current pressing problems such as climate change or the management of global water resources. And then it may not be fanciful to suppose that even in the year nineteen hundred and nineteen a great number of minds are still only partially lit up by the cold light of knowledge. It is the most capricious illuminant. They are still apt to ruminate, without an overpowering bias to the truth, whether a kingfisher's body shows which way the wind blows; whether an ostrich digests iron; whether owls and ravens herald ill-fortune; and the spilling of salt bad luck; what the tingling of ears forebodes, and even to toy pleasantly with more curious speculations as to the joints of elephants and the politics of storks, which came within the province of the more fertile and better-informed brain of the author (1919) Virginia Woolf from the essay "Reading", In: Leonard Woolf (ed.), 1950: The Captain's Death Bed and Other Essays, , London: Hogarth Press, p. 157. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source]

Role of selenium in heart lesions produced by neuroleptics in the rabbit

JOURNAL OF APPLIED TOXICOLOGY, Issue 2 2008
F. Vaillant
Abstract Organic and/or functional heart lesions sometimes resulting in sudden death have been described in psychiatric patients treated with neuroleptics. As selenium has been suggested previously to play a role in the development of such lesions, the present study was undertaken to determine whether a correlation could be found between heart lesions induced by neuroleptics and changes in blood selenium as well as myocardial tissue concentrations in the rabbit. Twelve NZW adult rabbits were treated intramuscularly with both levomepromazine (3 mg kg,1 day,1) and risperidone (1 mg kg,1 once every other week) for 3 months, and compared with 12 saline-treated controls. Blood samples were drawn before and at the end of the study. Tissue samples from the heart, liver and kidneys were obtained at the end of treatment, and the hearts were examined histologically. Heart lesions including disorganization of cardiac fibers, myolysis, interstitial and endocardial fibrosis, and necrosis were noted in treated animals, but not in controls. There was a 20% decrease in selenium blood levels and a 50% decrease in selenium myocardial tissue levels in treated animals compared with controls (P < 0.001). In contrast, no differences in selenium levels in liver and kidneys were found across the experimental groups. These results suggest a possible correlation between selenium depletion and neuroleptics-induced heart lesions. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Secondary Syphilis Presenting as Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma in an HIV-Positive Patient

JOURNAL OF CUTANEOUS PATHOLOGY, Issue 1 2005
A. Laungani
We present the case of an HIV-positive 38-year-old Caucasian male with a history of fevers, chills, and disseminated nonpruritic erythematous papules that began on his abdomen. An initial skin biopsy revealed a lymphohistiocytic infiltrate at the dermoepidermal junction, exocytosis of atypical lymphocytes, and minimal spongiosis. Immunohistochemistry showed increased CD8-positive cells but only scattered CD30-positive cells. PCR analysis demonstrated T-cell receptor gamma gene rearrangement. RPR, blood and tissue cultures were all negative. The patient was thought to have a cytotoxic cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Over time, the lesions progressed to the palms and soles and the patient remained febrile. Repeat biopsy demonstrated a lichenoid interface dermatitis with a superficial and deep perivascular, interstitial, and periadnexal lymphohistiocytic infiltrate and the formation of epithelioid granulomas throughout the dermis. The epidermis showed blurring of the dermoepidermal junction, spongiosis, and exocytosis of lymphocytes and neutrophils. Few spirochetes were demonstrated by Steiner stain. Repeat RPR and FTA-Abs serologies were positive. The patient was diagnosed with late secondary syphilis and was successfully treated with benzathine penicillin. This case demonstrates that atypical lymphoid infiltrates can simulate mycosis fungoides in an HIV-positive patient with secondary syphilis and also reiterates that syphilis is a great mimicker of other entities. [source]

Thrombogenic Vasculopathy and Interstitial to Diffuse Dermal Neutrophilic Inflammation as a Histologic Manifestation of Tick Bite Reaction

The spectrum of cutaneous lesions in rheumatoid arthritis: a clinical and pathological study of 43 patients

JOURNAL OF CUTANEOUS PATHOLOGY, Issue 1 2003
C. M. Magro
Introduction:, Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an idiopathic arthropathy syndrome that has a propensity to affect the small joints of the hands and feet with extra-articular manifestations comprising skin lesions, neuropathy, pericarditis, pleuritis, interstitial pulmonary fibrosis and a systemic polyarteritis nodosa (PAN)-like vasculitic syndrome. The most widely recognized skin lesion is the rheumatoid nodule. Other skin manifestations are poorly defined. Materials and methods:, Using a natural language search of the authors' outpatient dermatopathology databases, skin biopsies from 43 patients with RA were selected for retrospective analysis in an attempt to define the dermatopathological spectrum of RA and its clinical correlates. Results:, The biopsies were categorized by the dominant histologic pattern, recognizing that in most cases there were additional minor reaction patterns. Palisading and/or diffuse interstitial granulomatous inflammation was the dominant pattern seen in 21 patients; the lesions included nodules, plaques and papules with a predilection to involve skin over joints. Besides interstitial histiocytic infiltrates and variable collagen necrobiosis, these cases also showed interstitial neutrophilia, vasculitis and pauci-inflammatory vascular thrombosis. The dominant morphology in 11 other patients was vasculopathic in nature: pauci-inflammatory vascular thrombosis, glomeruloid neovascularization, a neutrophilic vasculitis of pustular, folliculocentric, leukocytoclastic or benign cutaneous PAN types, granulomatous vasculitis, and lymphocytic vasculitis and finally occlusive intravascular histiocytic foci for which the designation of ,RA-associated intravascular histiocytopathy' is proposed. Rheumatoid factor (RF) positivity and active arthritis were common in this group, with anti-Ro and anticardiolipin antibodies being co-factors contributing to vascular injury in some cases. Immunofluorescent testing in three patients revealed dominant vascular IgA deposition. In nine patients, the main pattern was one of neutrophilic dermal and/or subcuticular infiltrates manifested clinically as urticarial plaques, pyoderma gangrenosum and panniculitis. Conclusions:, The cutaneous manifestations of RA are varied and encompass a number of entities, some of which define the dominant clinical features, such as the rheumatoid papule or subcutaneous cords, while others allude to the histopathology, i.e. rheumatoid neutrophilic dermatosis. We propose a more simplified classification scheme using the adjectival modifiers of ,rheumatoid-associated' and then further categorizing the lesion according to the dominant reaction pattern. Three principal reaction patterns are recognized, namely extravascular palisading granulomatous inflammation, interstitial and/or subcuticular neutrophilia and active vasculopathy encompassing lymphocyte-dominant, neutrophil-rich and granulomatous vasculitis. In most cases, an overlap of the three reaction patterns is seen. Co-factors for the vascular injury that we believe are integral to the skin lesions of RA include RF, anti-endothelial antibodies of IgA class, anti-Ro and anticardiolipin antibodies. [source]

Effect of fluorocitrate on cerebral oxidation of lactate and glucose in freely moving rats

JOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY, Issue 1 2007
H. Ronald Zielke
Abstract Glucose is the primary carbon source to enter the adult brain for catabolic and anabolic reactions. Some studies suggest that astrocytes may metabolize glucose to lactate; the latter serving as a preferential substrate for neurons, especially during neuronal activation. The current study utilizes the aconitase inhibitor fluorocitrate to differentially inhibit oxidative metabolism in glial cells in vivo. Oxidative metabolism of 14C-lactate and14C-glucose was monitored in vivo using microdialysis and quantitating 14CO2 in the microdialysis eluate following pulse labeling of the interstitial glucose or lactate pool. After establishing a baseline oxidation rate, fluorocitrate was added to the perfusate. Neither lactate nor glucose oxidation was affected by 5 ,mol/L fluorocitrate. However, 20 and 100 ,mol/L fluorocitrate reduced lactate oxidation by 55 ± 20% and 68 ± 12%, respectively (p < 0.05 for both). Twenty and 100 ,mol/L fluorocitrate reduced 14C-glucose oxidation by 50 ± 14% (p < 0.05) and 24 ± 19% (ns), respectively. Addition of non-radioactive lactate to 14C-glucose plus fluorocitrate decreased 14C-glucose oxidation by an additional 29% and 38%, respectively. These results indicate that astrocytes oxidize about 50% of the interstitial lactate and about 35% of the glucose. By subtraction, neurons metabolize a maximum of 50% of the interstitial lactate and 65% of the interstitial glucose. [source]

Age, gender, and bone lamellae elastic moduli

JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC RESEARCH, Issue 3 2000
C. E. Hoffler
To enhance preventative and therapeutic strategies for metabolic bone diseases and bone fragility disorders, we began to explore the physical properties of bone tissue at the cellular level. Proximal femurs were harvested from 27 cadavera (16 male and 11 female) for in vitro measurement of the mechanical properties. We measured the variations in lamellar-level elastic modulus and hardness in human bone as a function of age and gender to identify microstructural properties responsible for age and gender-related reductions in the mechanical integrity. The lateral femoral necks were examined, and age, gender, height, body mass, and body mass index were not found to correlate with lamellar-level elastic modulus or hardness. This result was consistent for osteonal, interstitial, and trabecular tissue. These data suggest that increased bone mass maintenance, known to occur in heavier individuals, is not accompanied by increases in the lamellar-level elastic modulus or hardness. The independence of elastic modulus and hardness from age and gender suggests that age and gender-related decreases in mechanical integrity do not involve alterations in elastic modulus or hard ness of the extracellular matrix. Lamellar-level ultimate, fatigue, and fracture toughness properties should also be investigated. Other factors, such as tissue mass and organization, may also contribute to age and gender-related decreases in the mechanical integrity. [source]

Impaired Terminal Differentiation of Pulmonary Macrophages in a Guinea Pig Model of Chronic Ethanol Ingestion

ALCOHOLISM, Issue 10 2009
Sheena D. Brown
Background:, Alcoholic patients have an increased risk of respiratory infections, which is partially due to an impaired immune response of alveolar macrophages. The mechanisms by which alcohol impairs alveolar macrophage function are poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrated in a guinea pig model that chronic ethanol ingestion significantly impaired alveolar macrophage differentiation and function. Methods:, Isolated alveolar macrophages were separated into 4 different subpopulations with varying densities and levels of maturation. Results: Compared to control values, chronic ethanol ingestion decreased the percentage of alveolar macrophages in the mature fractions by ,60%. Alveolar macrophage function in each subpopulation was determined by measuring phagocytosis of fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled Staphylococcus aureus. Alveolar macrophages from ethanol-fed animals had ,80% decrease in the phagocytic index. Western blot and immunohistochemical analysis of the differential markers granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) receptor , (GM-CSFR-,), PU.1, CD11c, and CD11b verified that alcoholic macrophages displayed impaired terminal differentiation. While oral supplementation with the glutathione precursor S -adenosyl-methionine (SAM) did not alter the maturational status of control animals, SAM supplementation shifted the distribution of macrophages to more mature fractions, normalized the phagocytic index; as well as normalized expression of CD11c, CD11b, PU.1, and GM-CSFR-,. Chronic ethanol ingestion also impaired the differentiation status of interstitial macrophages which was normalized by SAM supplementation. Conclusion:, This improvement in the maturational status suggested that ethanol-induced oxidant stress is a central feature in impaired terminal differentiation of macrophages in the interstitial and alveolar space. Therefore, strategies targeting pulmonary oxidant stress may restore macrophage differentiation and function even after chronic ethanol ingestion. [source]

Mechanical ventilation of a cloned calf in respiratory failure

JOURNAL OF VETERINARY EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL CARE, Issue 2 2007
DACVIM, Sébastien Buczinski Dr. Vet
Abstract Objective: To report the use of mechanical ventilation in a calf suffering from respiratory failure. Case summary: A full-term clone calf born by cesarean section showed signs of respiratory failure that did not respond to intranasal oxygen therapy. Thoracic radiographs were compatible with a diffuse interstitial and alveolar pattern. The calf was successfully managed with 3 days of mechanical ventilation and was eventually discharged from the hospital following further therapy for sepsis. Unique information provided: This is the first description of mechanical ventilation in a calf suffering from hypercapnic respiratory failure. Mechanical ventilation may be useful in the treatment of high pedigree merit calves. The procedure was well tolerated and the calf was able to drink easily during nasotracheal ventilation. [source]

Mating behaviour of the ,cosmopolitan' species Phyllognathopus viguieri (Copepoda: Harpacticoida) and its systematical significance

JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGICAL SYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTIONARY RESEARCH, Issue 4 2008
D. Königshoff
Abstract The mating behaviour was studied and recorded on video with individuals of four cultures of Phyllognathopus viguieri from different populations obtained from the interstitial water of a slow sand filter near the river Ruhr (Germany) (Ruhr population), from a compost heap in Bethesda (Maryland, USA) (Maryland population), from a rain gauge in Windsor Campbell farm (Jamaica) (Jamaica population), and a tree trunk with moss in a forest in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) (Brazil population). The mating behaviour was divided into the well-known initial phase, copula phase and postcopulatory mate guarding phase. An additional phase prior to the initial phase serves to recognize the female, the recognition phase. The mating behaviour is identical in the males of the Jamaica and Brazil populations of P. viguieri. A postcopulatory mate guarding phase is not found in these two groups. Here, we refute the hypothesis, that a postcopulatory mate guarding phase is found in taxa in which only adult males grasp adult females. The males of the Ruhr and Maryland populations differ from each other in their mating behaviour. Generally, the males of all four populations do not mate with fertilized females which are equally unattractive to the males, i.e., females mate only once in their lifetime to produce offspring. These results corroborate the view that the different populations of P. viguieri do not belong to a single cosmopolitan species. Zusammenfassung Das Kopulationsverhalten wurde an Vertretern aus vier Populationen von Phyllognathopus viguieri mit unterschiedlicher geographischer Herkunft mit Videoaufzeichnung untersucht. Die Tiere stammen aus dem Grundwasser der Ruhr (Langsamsandfilter) Deutschland (Ruhr-Population), aus Moospolstern im städtischen Wald von Rio de Janeiro, Brasilien (Brazil-Population), aus einem Komposthaufen in Bethesda, Maryland, USA (Maryland-Population) und aus einer Zisterne der Windsor Campbell farm, Jamaika (Jamaica-Population). Das Kopulationsverhalten kann in wie bereits bekannt Initialphase, Kopulaphase und Postkopulaphase eingeteilt werden. Während der Initialphase findet keine Balz statt. Als zusätzliche Phase findet vor der Initialphase eine Prüfphase statt, die dem Erkennen des Weibchens dient. Es konnte festgestellt werden, daß die Vertreter der vier Populationen sich in Bezug auf ihr Kopulationsverhalten voneinander unterscheiden. Das Kopulationsverhalten der Tiere aus Jamaika und Brasilien war identisch, sowohl die Dauer der einzelnen Phasen, als auch das Verhalten der einzelnen Versuchsindividuen. Bei ihnen trat keine Postkopulaphase auf. Bei den Tieren der Ruhr- und der Marylandpopulation trat eine Postkopulaphase von unterschiedlicher Dauer auf. Auch das Fortpflanzungsverhalten der Männchen war unterschiedlich. Die in der Literatur vertretene Hypothese, dass bei Taxa, in denen die Männchen nur adulte Weibchen greifen, eine Postkopulaphase vorkommt, wird in dieser Studie widerlegt. Die Weibchen kopulieren nur einmal in ihrem Leben, was für ihre gesamte Reproduktion ausreichend ist. Männchen kopulieren in der Regel nicht mit bereits begatteten Weibchen. Bereits begattete Weibchen zeigen ein Abwehrverhalten, um die Männchen an der Anheftung der Spermatophore zu hindern. Die Spermatophore wird ohne Hilfe der Schwimmbeine übertragen. Die Befestigung der Spermatophore am Genitalfeld des Weibchens geschieht mit einer Kittsubstanz, die vom Männchen abgegeben wird. Die Individuen der Ruhr- und der Marylandpopulation zeigen trotz einer bei beiden vorkommenden Postkopulaphase unterschiedliches Fortpflanzungsverhalten. Wir schließen daraus, dass sie unterschiedlichen biologischen Arten angehören. Die Individuen der Jamaika- und Brazil-Populationen sind einer Art zuzuordnen, die sich von diesen beiden Arten unterscheidet. Die in dieser Arbeit gemachten Beobachtungen sind eine Bestätigung dafür, dass P. viguieri keine kosmopolitische Art ist, sondern dass es sich tatsächlich um eine Gruppe kryptischer valider Arten handelt. [source]

Mineralogy and petrology of the angrite Northwest Africa 1296

METEORITICS & PLANETARY SCIENCE, Issue 3 2005
A. Jambon
Dendritic olivine (,Fo50) crystallized first in association with anorthite microcrysts (An98,100) forming composite chains separated from one another by intergrown Al-Fe diopside-hedenbergite pyroxenes. In addition, some olivines with lower Mg# and increased CaO (up to 12%) are found between the chains as equant microphenocrysts. Pyroxenes and olivines are both normally zoned from Mg# = 0.52 to less than 0.01 in the rims. Ca-rich olivines are surrounded by, intergrown with, or replaced by subcalcic kirschsteinite. They appear after plagioclase crystallization stopped, at the end of the crystallization sequence. Minor phases are pyrrhotite, F-apatite, and titanomagnetite. Pyroxene is the last silicate phase to grow, interstitial to idiomorphic olivine-kirschsteinite. Numerous small vesicles and some channels are filled with microcristalline carbonate. The mode (vol%) is about 28% olivine, 3% kirschsteinite, 32% anorthite, 34% pyroxene, and 3% of the minor phases,close to that reported previously for D'Orbigny and Sahara (SAH) 99555. The bulk chemical composition of NWA 1296 is similar to D'Orbigny and SAH 99555; NWA 1296 differs by its texture and mineralogy, which are interpreted as resulting from rapid crystallization,an evidence of impact melting. Angrites cannot be produced by partial melting of a CV source because segregation of a "planetary" core is necessary to explain the low FeO/MgO ratio of magnesian olivines. Neither the odd Ca/Al ratio nor the very low SiO2 content can be explained by conventional partial melting scenarios. We suggest that carbonate is the key to angrite genesis. This is supported by the striking similarities with terrestrial melilitites (low SiO2, superchondritic Ca/Al ratio, presence of carbonate). The lack of alkalies could be the result of either loss after impact melting or absence of alkalies in the source. [source]

Multi-generational carbonate assemblages in martian meteorite Allan Hills 84001: Implications for nucleation, growth, and alteration

METEORITICS & PLANETARY SCIENCE, Issue 1 2004
Catherine M. CORRIGAN
These regions contain familiar forms of carbonate, as well as textural forms previously unreported including carbonate rosettes, planiform "slab" carbonates, distinct "post-slab" magnesites, and carbonates interstitial to feldspathic glass and orthopyroxene. Slab carbonates reveal portions of the carbonate growth sequence not seen in the rosettes and suggest that initial nucleating compositions were calcite-rich. The kinetically controlled growth of rosettes and slab carbonates was followed by an alteration event that formed the magnesite-siderite layers on the exterior surfaces of the carbonate. Post-slab magnesite, intimately associated with silica glass, is compositionally similar to the magnesite in these exterior layers but represents a later generation of carbonate growth. Feldspathic glasses had little or no thermal effect on carbonates, as indicated by the lack of thermal decomposition or any compositional changes associated with glass/carbonate contacts. [source]

Low-dose prostacyclin in treatment of severe brain trauma evaluated with microdialysis and jugular bulb oxygen measurements

ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 7 2000
P.-O. Grände
Background: The endogenous substance prostacyclin is a substance with the potential to improve microcirculation and oxygenation around contusions in the brain following a head trauma by its vasodilatory, antiaggregatory and antiadhesive effects. Microdialysis measurements of local concentrations of selected interstitial substances in the brain, and measurements of venous jugular bulb oxygenation reflecting overall brain oxygenation, might be useful to evaluate possible therapeutic effects of a specific therapy, such as treatment with prostacyclin. Methods: This case report study on six patients, of whom five were given prostacyclin, includes cerebral microdialysis measurements of interstitial lactate (n=5), pyruvate (n=3), glycerol (n=5) and glucose (n=4), and is combined with measurements of venous jugular bulb oxygenation in three of the patients. One microdialysis catheter was placed adjacent to a contusion, and in four of the patients another catheter was also placed in the contralateral less injured side for comparison. Low-dose prostacyclin infusion (0.5,1.0 ng kg,1 min,1) was started when lactate concentrations in the more injured side was raised at a constant level for more than 10 h. The study also includes one patient used as control to whom no prostacyclin was given. Results: Lactate was markedly lower in the less injured than in the more injured area of the brain. During the prostacyclin infusion elevated lactate and lactate/pyruvate ratio were reduced. Elevated glycerol decreased, a low glucose increased and jugular bulb blood oxygenation increased following start of prostacyclin. The control patient showed an increase in lactate and lactate/pyruvate ratio. Conclusion: The microdialysis data combined with the jugular bulb oxygenation data indicated that low-dose prostacyclin exerts effects compatible with improved oxygenation and reduced cell damage in the severely traumatised brain. [source]

Mycoplasma pneumonia: Clinical and radiographic features in 39 children

PEDIATRICS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 3 2007
SHU-CHIANG HSIEH
Abstract Background: The purpose of the present paper was to evaluate the clinical and chest radiographic features of pediatric patients with serologically proven Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (mycoplasma pneumonia). Methods: The clinical records and chest radiographs of 39 consecutive patients (19 male, 20 female; age 3,13 years) with serologically positive IgG and IgM mycoplasma pneumonia were reviewed. Results: More than 90% of patients presented with fever and cough and 48% of patients had leukocyte count >10 000/mm3. A C-reactive protein (CRP) level >0.375 mg/dL was noted in 28 patients (72%). Chest radiographs displayed four different patterns: (i) peribronchial and perivascular interstitial infiltrates (n= 19, 49%); (ii) airspace consolidations (n= 15, 38%); (iii) reticulonodular opacification (n= 3, 8%); and (iv) nodular or mass-like opacification (n= 2, 5%). Bilateral peribronchial perivascular interstitial infiltrations in central and middle lung zones were frequently seen (n= 19, 49%). Other radiological features were bilateral lesions in 51% of patients, pleural effusion in 23%, and hilar lymphadenopathy in 13%. Means of duration for treatment response and hospitalization were 2.5 and 5 days, respectively. Conclusion: There are various radiological features of mycoplasma pneumonia in children. Bilateral peribronchial and perivascular interstitial infiltrates were most frequently seen in the present patients. [source]

Interaction between helium and vacancy in plutonium by embedded atom method

PHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (B) BASIC SOLID STATE PHYSICS, Issue 8 2008
Bingyun Ao
Abstract The formation energies of small Hen Vm clusters (n and m denote the number of He atoms and vacancy, respectively) in Pu have been calculated with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations using the embedded atom method (EAM) potential, the Morse potential and the Lennard,Jones potential for describing the interactions of Pu,Pu, Pu,He and He,He, respectively. The binding energies of an interstitial He atom, an isolated vacancy and a self-interstitial Pu atom to a Hen Vm cluster are also obtained from the calculated formation energies of the clusters. All the binding energies mainly depend on the He-vacancy ratio (n /m) of clusters rather than the clusters size. With the increase of the n /m ratio, the binding energies of a He atom and a Pu atom to a Hen Vm cluster decrease with the ratio, and the binding energy of a vacancy to a Hen Vm cluster increases. He atoms act as a catalyst for the formation of Hen Vm clusters. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source]

Elastic scattering of high-energy electrons by dopant atoms within a crystal in transmission electron microscopy

ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION A, Issue 6 2008
B. G. Mendis
A Bloch-wave model of dopant-atom scattering is developed using perturbation theory for parallel illumination in a transmission electron microscope. Dopant-atom scattering causes a change in the Bloch-wave excitations, with transitions from one Bloch state to another being governed by the amplitudes of the Bloch states at the dopant-atom position. The scattering mechanisms therefore depend on whether the dopant atom is substitutional or interstitial as well as the orientation of the crystal. The model is used to calculate the electron wavefunction for substitutional and interstitial Mo atoms in [111]- and [001]-oriented body-centred cubic Fe and the results overall are consistent with multislice simulations. However, subtle differences are also observed. For example, in the Bloch-wave model the phase change of the incident electrons (with respect to the perfect crystal) due to dopant-atom scattering varies with the crystallographic orientation while in multislice theory the phase change is constant. This is likely to be due to the assumptions made in the Bloch-wave model, such as neglect of elastic diffuse scattering. Apart from providing a fundamental understanding of dopant-atom scattering, the model can also potentially be extended to analyse dopant-atom imaging in a scanning transmission electron microscope. [source]

Differential expression of heat shock protein 27 and 70 in renal papillary collecting duct and interstitial cells , implications for urea resistance

THE JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 3 2005
Wolfgang Neuhofer
The adaptation of renal medullary cells to their hyperosmotic environment involves the accumulation of compatible organic osmolytes and the enhanced synthesis of heat shock proteins (HSP) 27 and 70. While the mechanisms leading to osmolyte accumulation are similar in papillary collecting duct (PCD) and papillary interstitial (PI) cells, the present data demonstrate that HSP27 and HSP70 are expressed differentially in these cells both in vivo and in vitro. HSP70 is abundant in PCD, but not expressed in PI cells in the papilla in situ, while HSP27 is expressed in both PCD and PI cells. These observations could be reproduced by non-permeant solutes in cultured cells. Osmotic stress strongly induced HSP70 in MDCK cells (as a model for PCD cells), but not in PI cells, while HSP27 was constitutively expressed in MDCK cells and was up-regulated in PI cells. Since prior hypertonic stress (NaCl addition) protects MDCK against subsequent exposure to high urea concentrations, this effect was also assessed in PI cells. In both cell lines, hypertonic pretreatment prior to urea exposure (400 mm) strongly attenuated caspase-3 activation. Inhibition of HSP27 expression by antisense transfection diminished the protective effect of hypertonic preconditioning in PI cells, while attenuation of HSP70 expression in MDCK cells diminished the protective effect of hypertonic preconditioning in these cells. These observations indicate that PCD and PI cells employ cell-specific mechanisms for protection against high urea concentrations as present in the renal papilla during antidiuresis. [source]

ORIGINAL RESEARCH,BASIC SCIENCE: Immunohistochemical Description of Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterase (PDE) Isoenzymes in the Human Labia Minora

THE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 3 2007
Stefan Ückert PhD
ABSTRACT Introduction., Up until now, only minimal research has been carried out on those female genital organs known to contribute to the normal cycle of sexual arousal and orgasm. Some findings indicated that there might be a significance of cyclic nucleotide-mediated pathways in the control of the normal function of female genital tissues. Aim., To elucidate, by means of immunohistochemistry, the distribution of the phosphodiesterase (PDE) isoenzymes 1, 3, 4, 5, 10, and 11 in the human labia minora. Main Outcome Measures., The amount of immunohistochemical staining specific for cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)- and/or cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-degrading PDE isoenzymes was detected. Methods., Human labial tissue was obtained from four female cadavers (age at death: 18,42 years). Vibratome sections prepared from formaldehyde-fixated tissue specimens were incubated with primary antibodies directed against the respective PDE isoenzymes. Sections were then incubated with fluorochrome (fluorescein isothiocyanate, Texas Red)-labeled secondary antibodies. Visualization was commenced by means of a laser fluorescence microscope. Results., Immunostaining indicating the expression of PDE4 and PDE5 was abundantly observed in the smooth musculature of vessels interspersing the tissue. Immunoreactions specific for PDE3 were recognized in epithelial and subepithelial layers, sebaceous glands, and interstitial or neuroendocrine-like single cells located in the epithelium. Signals related to PDE10 and PDE11 were limited to the epithelium or glandular-like structures, respectively. Conclusions., Our results, for the first time, demonstrate the presence of cAMP- and cGMP-PDE isoenzymes in the human labia minora and give a hint to a significance of PDE4 and PDE5 in the control of labial vascular tissue function. Ückert S, Oelke M, Albrecht K, Stief C, Jonas U, and Hedlund P. Immunohistochemical description of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) isoenzymes in the human labia minora. J Sex Med 2007;4:602,608. [source]

The Molecular Phenotype of Heart Transplant Biopsies: Relationship to Histopathological and Clinical Variables

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 9 2010
M. Mengel
Histopathology of endomyocardial biopsies (EMB) is the standard rejection surveillance for heart transplants. However, ISHLT consensus criteria for interpreting biopsies are arbitrarily defined. Gene expression offers an independent re-evaluation of existing diagnostic systems. We performed histologic and microarray analysis on 105 EMB from 45 heart allograft recipients. Histologic lesions, diagnosis and transcripts were compared to one another, time posttransplantation, indication for biopsy and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Histologic lesions presented in two groups: myocyte,interstitial and microcirculation lesions. Expression of transcript sets reflecting T cell and macrophage infiltration, and ,-interferon effects correlated strongly with each other and with transcripts indicating tissue/myocardium injury. This molecular phenotype correlated with Quilty (p < 0.005), microcirculation lesions (p < 0.05) and decreased LVEF (p < 0.007), but not with the histologic diagnosis of rejection. In multivariate analysis, LVEF was associated (p < 0.03) with ,-interferon inducible transcripts, time posttransplantation, ischemic injury and clinically indicated biopsies, but not the diagnosis of rejection. The results indicate that (a) the current ISHLT system for diagnosing rejection does not reflect the molecular phenotype in EMB and lacks clinical relevance; (b) the interpretation of Quilty lesions has to be revisited; (c) the assessment of molecules in heart biopsy can guide improvements of current diagnostics. [source]

Donor and Recipient Origin of Mesenchymal and Endothelial Cells in Chronic Renal Allograft Remodeling

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 3 2009
H. Rienstra
Chronic transplant dysfunction (CTD) is the leading cause for limited kidney graft survival. Renal CTD is characterized by interstitial and vascular remodeling leading to interstitial fibrosis, tubular atrophy and transplant vasculopathy (TV). The origin of cells and pathogenesis of interstitial and vascular remodeling are still unknown. To study graft-versus-recipient origin of interstitial myofibroblasts, vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and endothelial cells (ECs), we here describe a new rat model for renal CTD using Dark Agouti kidney donors and R26 human placental alkaline phosphatase transgenic Fischer344 recipients. This model showed the development of CTD within 12 weeks after transplantation. In interstitial remodeling, both graft- and recipient-derived cells contributed to a similar extent to the accumulation of myofibroblasts. In arteries with TV, we observed graft origin of neointimal SMCs and ECs, whereas in peritubular and glomerular capillaries, we detected recipient EC chimerism. These data indicate that, within the interstitial and vascular compartments of the transplanted kidney, myofibroblasts, SMCs and ECs involved in chronic remodeling are derived from different sources and suggest distinct pathogenetic mechanisms within the renal compartments. [source]