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Various Intervals (various + interval)
Selected AbstractsTemperature and Ca2+ ion as modulators in cellular immunity of the Sunn pest Eurygaster integriceps Puton (Heteroptera: Scutelleridae)ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH, Issue 6 2009Arash ZIBAEE Abstract Environmental conditions in addition to divalent cations may affect the interactions between pathogens and insects. Elucidation of factors which modulate insect immune responses could be a significant part of investigations in this area. In this study, adults of Eurygaster integriceps, as the destructive pest of wheat, were kept at different temperatures in addition to injection with different concentrations of Ca2+ to find the effect on cellular immune reactions against Beauveria bassiana. Results showed that total and differentiate hemocyte numbers, nodule formation and phenoloxidase activity increased with elevation of temperature so that the higher values were obtained at 30 and 40°C at various intervals. Higher concentrations of Ca2+ ion (5 mM) caused an increase in plasmatocyte length and width especially after 60 min. Similar results were observed for nodule formation and phenoloxidase activity of E. integriceps adults after injection by B. bassiana spores and phenoloxidase activity. It is clear from the current study that thermoregulation and Ca2+ ion can positively affect the hemocyte numbers especially plasmatocytes and granulocytes, nodule formation and phenoloxidase activity in E. integriceps. The understanding of modulators of the insect immune response may directly influence novel approaches to obtain safe and effective biological control agents. [source] In vivo mutation assay based on the endogenous Pig-a locusENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS, Issue 4 2008Steven M. Bryce Abstract The product of the X-chromosome's Pig-a gene acts in the first step of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor biosynthesis, and is thereby essential for attaching certain proteins to the cell surface. The experiments described herein were designed to evaluate whether lack of GPI-anchored proteins could form the basis of an in vivo mutation assay. Specifically, we used a CD59-negative cell surface phenotype to denote Pig-a mutation. Besides anti-CD59-PE, two other fluorescent reagents were used: thiazole orange to differentiate mature erythrocytes, reticulocytes (RETs), and leukocytes; and anti-CD61 to resolve platelets. These experiments were performed with Sprague Dawley rats, and focused on two cell populations, total erythrocytes and RETs. The ability of the analytical method to enumerate CD59-negative erythrocytes was initially assessed with reconstruction experiments whereby mutant-mimicking cells were added to control bloods. Subsequently, female rats were treated on three occasions with the model mutagens ENU (100 mg/kg/day) or DMBA (40 mg/kg/day). Blood specimens were harvested at various intervals, as late as 6 weeks post-exposure. Considering all week 4,6 data, we found that CD59-negative cells ranged from 239 to 855 × 10,6 and 82 to 405 × 10,6 for ENU and DMBA, respectively. These values were consistently greater than those observed for negative control rats (18 ± 19 × 10,6). The elevated frequencies observed for the genotoxicant-exposed animals were usually higher for RETs compared to total erythrocytes. These data support the hypothesis that an efficient in vivo mutation assay can be developed around flow cytometric enumeration of erythrocytes and/or RETs that exhibit aberrant GPI-anchored protein expression. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Sex preference of ankylosis in collagen-induced arthritis in B10.RIII miceINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RHEUMATIC DISEASES, Issue 1 2006Jun ITO Abstract Aim:, The sex preference of ankylosis in collagen-induced arthritis is evaluated. Method:, Mice were immunized with bovine type II collagen emulsified with complete Freund's adjuvant H37Ra. The incidence of arthritis, arthritic score, number of paws with whole rear-paw swelling (WRPS), and number of paws with ankle ankylosis (Ankank) were monitored at various intervals after immunization. Results:, Arthritic score and number of paws with WRPS in each mouse were significantly higher in male than in female mice at 3, 5, and 8 weeks. On the other hand, there was no difference between male and female mice in arthritic score, number of paws with WRPS in each mouse, and number of paws with Ankank among ankles with WRPS at 10 and 15 weeks. Conclusion:, There was a suppressive effect on the development of arthritis in female mice. On the other hand, there was no sex difference in the incidence of ankylosis in arthritic ankles after arthritis was established. [source] A subpopulation of peritoneal macrophages form capillary-like lumens and branching patterns in vitroJOURNAL OF CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE, Issue 3 2006Mirela Anghelina Abstract Objective: We have previously shown that monocytes/macrophages (MC/Mph) influence neovascularization by extracellular matrix degradation, and by direct incorporation into growing microvessels. To date, neither the phenotype of these cells, nor the stages of their capillary-like conversion were sufficiently characterized. Methods: We isolated mouse peritoneal Mph from transgenic mice expressing fluorescent proteins either ubiquitously, or specifically in the myelocytic lineage. These Mph were embedded in Matrigel which contained fluorescent protease substrates, exposed to an MCP-1 chemotactic gradient, and then examined by confocal microscopy after various intervals. Results: Within 3 hrs after gel embedding, we detected TIMP-1 and MMP-12 dependent proteolysis of the matrix surrounding Mph, mostly in the direction of high concentrations of MCP-1. After 2 days, Mph developed intracellular vacuoles containing degradation product. At 5 days these vacuoles were enlarged and/or fused to generate trans-cellular lumens in approximately 10% of cells or more (depending on animal's genetic background). At this stage, Mph became tubular, and occasionally organized in three-dimensional structures resembling branched microvessels. Conclusion: Isolated mouse peritoneal Mph penetrate Matrigel and form tunnels via a metalloprotease-driven proteolysis and phagocytosis. Following a morphological adjustment driven by occurrence, enlargement and/or fusion process of intracellular vacuoles, similar to that described in bona fide endothelium, a subpopulation of these cells end up by lining a capillary-like lumen in vitro. Thus we show that adult Mph, not only the more primitive ,endothelial progenitors', have functional properties until now considered defining of the endothelial phenotype. [source] Injection of botulinum toxin before pneumatic dilatation in achalasia treatment: a randomized-controlled trialALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 6 2006J. MIKAELI Summary Background Pneumatic dilatation is the first line therapy in achalasia, but half of patients relapse within 5 years of therapy and require further dilatations. Aim To assess whether botulinum toxin injection before pneumatic dilatation is superior to pneumatic dilatation alone in achalasia patients. Methods Newly diagnosed achalasia patients were randomly assigned to receive botulinum toxin 1 month before pneumatic dilatation (botulinum toxin-pneumatic dilatation group: 27 patients with median age of 38) or to undergo pneumatic dilatation alone (pneumatic dilatation group: 27 patients with median age of 30). Response to therapy was assessed by clinical and objective methods at various intervals. Results One-year remission rate of patients in botulinum toxin-pneumatic dilatation group was 77% compared with 62% in pneumatic dilatation group (P = 0.1). In pneumatic dilatation group, the oesophageal barium volume significantly (P < 0.001) decreased at 1 month, but this reduction did not persist over 1-year follow-up. Botulinum toxin-pneumatic dilatation group showed a significant (P < 0.001) reduction in barium volume at the various times intervals post-treatment. In the botulinum toxin-pneumatic dilatation group, 10/11 (91%) patients over 40 were in remission at 1 year, comparing with only five of nine (55%) cases in pneumatic dilatation group (P = 0.07). Conclusion Injection of botulinum toxin before pneumatic dilatation does not significantly enhance the efficacy of pneumatic dilatation. [source] Clinical evaluation of a hyaluronan-based gel following microsurgical reconstruction of peripheral nerves of the hand,MICROSURGERY, Issue 1 2007Andrea Atzei M.D. A controlled clinical trial was performed to investigate the safety and efficacy of the hyaluronate-based gel polymer Hyaloglide® after microsurgical reconstruction of peripheral nerves of the hand. Thirty patients were randomized to receive either no postsurgical treatment (n = 16) or Hyaloglide® (n = 14) and were clinically evaluated at various intervals for 1 year. The application of Hyaloglide® posed no safety concerns. Efficacy was assessed by the recovery of sensitivity, measurement of pain, and progression of Tinel's sign. The Hyaloglide®-treated group showed better improvement in recovery from pain, approaching statistical significance during the first 3 months postsurgery. Likewise, recovery of sensitivity was also higher in the Hyaloglide®-treated group throughout the entire follow-up period, and the distance of Tinel's sign was longer in the Hyaloglide®-treated group (P < 0.05 at day 30). The application of Hyaloglide® may improve recovery of sensitivity and decrease pain following microsurgical repair of the peripheral nerves of the hand. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 27, 2007. [source] Liver function testing in patients on HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors,PHARMACOEPIDEMIOLOGY AND DRUG SAFETY, Issue 4 2003Susan E. Andrade ScD Abstract Purpose The Food and Drug Administration currently requires the labeling of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors to recommend liver function tests (LFTs) before the start of therapy and at various intervals during therapy, depending on the specific agent. We sought to determine the frequency and patterns of LFT screening in patients receiving HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. Methods A retrospective study was conducted at a staff-model health maintenance organization among 4178 new users of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors during the period 1 January 1991 through 31 December 1996. The number and proportions of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor therapy courses with baseline LFTs (within 180 days prior to dispensing), follow-up LFTs and LFT abnormalities were calculated. Results For the initial HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor dispensed, 1947 patients (47%) had at least one screening LFT at baseline and 3063 (73%) had at least one follow-up LFT. Twenty-seven (0.9%) patients with at least one follow-up LFT performed had a level greater than 3 times the upper limit of normal. In a random sample of 100 discontinued patients, none discontinued due to elevated LFTs or liver disease. Conclusions A large proportion of patients dispensed HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors in this managed care setting did not have baseline and follow-up LFTs performed. Modest LFT abnormalities were common among users of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors; however, in this population, serious abnormalities were rare. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Primary motor cortical metaplasticity induced by priming over the supplementary motor areaTHE JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 20 2009Masashi Hamada Motor cortical plasticity induced by repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) sometimes depends on the prior history of neuronal activity. These effects of preceding stimulation on subsequent rTMS-induced plasticity have been suggested to share a similar mechanism to that of metaplasticity, a homeostatic regulation of synaptic plasticity. To explore metaplasticity in humans, many investigations have used designs in which both priming and conditioning are applied over the primary motor cortex (M1), but the effects of priming stimulation over other motor-related cortical areas have not been well documented. Since the supplementary motor area (SMA) has anatomical and functional cortico-cortical connections with M1, here we studied the homeostatic effects of priming stimulation over the SMA on subsequent rTMS-induced plasticity of M1. For priming and subsequent conditioning, we employed a new rTMS protocol, quadripulse stimulation (QPS), which produces a broad range of motor cortical plasticity depending on the interval of the pulses within a burst. The plastic changes induced by QPS at various intervals were altered by priming stimulation over the SMA, which did not change motor-evoked potential sizes on its own but specifically modulated the excitatory I-wave circuits. The data support the view that the homeostatic changes are mediated via mechanisms of metaplasticity and highlight an important interplay between M1 and SMA regarding homeostatic plasticity in humans. [source] Surgical correction of rectovaginal fistula in mares and subsequent fertilityAUSTRALIAN VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 6 2010SL Jalim Objective To evaluate the fertility of mares bred at various intervals relative to surgical management of rectovaginal fistula (RVF). Materials and Methods Surgical repair of RVF was performed in 28 mares at variable times relative to foaling (30 days to 24 months) and also relative to rebreeding (same cycle or delayed). Postoperative fertility was then evaluated. Results Two mares were already pregnant at the time of surgery and 20 of 23 mares (87%) that were bred immediately prior to or following surgery conceived from their first service. When mares were bred in the same cycle as surgery, the next cycle following surgery or in the following breeding season after surgery the pregnancy rate was 5/5, 5/6 and 10/12, respectively, and the foaling rates were 4/5, 4/6 and 7/12. The two mares already pregnant at the time of surgery foaled successfully. Conclusions Excellent fertility can be achieved following surgical repair of RVF and our results suggest that delaying breeding until the following breeding season is not necessary. In addition, breeding in the same cycle as the surgical repair is a previously unreported technique that should be considered to maintain normal fertility and a yearly foaling interval. [source] Proliferation and pluripotency potential of ectomesenchymal cells derived from first branchial archCELL PROLIFERATION, Issue 2 2006Yunfeng Lin Their potential to be expanded in culture as a monolayer and to be induced into different cell lineages in vitro has not been previously reported in detail. In this study, the ectomesenchymal cells in the first branchial arch were enzymatically isolated from the mandibular processes of BALB/c mice and were maintained in an intact state in a medium containing leukaemia inhibitory factor. Here, we first evaluated the proliferative activity of the cells after the third passage, using bromodeoxyuridine labelling and in situ hybridization of telomerase mRNA. Positive staining for expression of HNK-1, S-100 and vimentin confirmed that the population of stem cells originated from the ectomesenchyme, which did not express cytokeratin. Then we investigated the molecular and cellular characteristics of the ectomesenchymal cells during their differentiation towards neurogenic, endothelial, myogenic and odontogenic lineages. Expression of multiple lineage-specific genes and proteins was detected by utilizing a range of molecular and biochemical approaches when the cells were transferred to inductive medium. Histological and immunohistochemical analysis of the induced cells at various intervals indicated obvious phenotypic alteration and presence of specific proteins for the differentiated lineages, for example nestin, factor VIII, ,-SMA and dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP), respectively. Correlatively, results of reverse transcription,PCR corroborated at mRNA level the expression of the characteristic molecules during differentiation. Therefore, it is suggested that the ectomesenchymal cells derived from the first branchial arch may represent a novel source of multipotential stem cells capable of undergoing expansion and variant differentiation in vitro. [source] The subdural space of the spine: A lymphatic sink?CLINICAL ANATOMY, Issue 7 2010Myodil's last message Abstract Following the radiological study of a large number of myelograms, starting over 50 years ago when the only clinical contrast medium available to show the contents of the spinal canal was an iodized oil, the author has collected a number of examples where the oil was inadvertently injected into the subdural area, rather than the intended subarachnoid space. By taking follow-up films at various intervals following the inadvertent injection, it has been possible to study the extent to which the subdural space could become visualized from a lumbar injection, the contrast medium sometimes passing to the top of the cervical region and the lower part of the sacrum. Also, the contrast passed outward along the peri-neural lymphatic sheaths or spaces of the issuing spinal nerves, where it might remain for months, and under the influence of gravity it could extend for a considerable way. It also passed into abdominal and thoracic lymph vessels and nodes. Considering the morphology, predictability, and ease with which the demonstrated subdural space fills, the author concludes that the subdural region is a true and functionally significant "space," and an important conduit or functional part of the body's lymphatic system. He also considers that it has implications for the spread or dissemination of various organisms, substances or pathological conditions, as well as being part of the normal conduit for reabsorption of CSF with implications for hydrocephalus, and with potential for misplacement of spinal anaesthetic agents. Clin. Anat. 23:829,839, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] | |||||||||||||