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Abnormal Shape (abnormal + shape)
Selected AbstractsC Histomorphology of neuromuscular junction in Duchenne muscular dystrophyPEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA, Issue 3 2008MARY C THEROUX MD Summary Background:, Our objective was to better understand neuromuscular junction (NMJ) morphology in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Methods:, We examined the NMJs of four children, age 6,13 years, who were diagnosed with DMD. Using our previously established staining technique, we examined the gross appearance of the NMJs in patients with DMD and evaluated the spread of acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) in relationship to the NMJs. We used a computerized algorithm to measure the area of staining corresponding to AChRs and NMJ. Results:, Abnormal shape and morphological appearance of some of the NMJs was clearly evident. The spread of AChRs in DMD patients is comparable with the spread of AChRs in nonDMD patients. Conclusions:, The distribution of AChRs in relationship to the boundaries of NMJs in DMD children is similar to the distribution of NMJs in the erector spinae muscles of idiopathic scoliosis patients. [source] Micro-focus X-ray computed tomography images of the 3D structure of the cranium of a fetus with asymmetric double malformationCONGENITAL ANOMALIES, Issue 1 2006Takashi 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] Wedge-shaped conformation of the dorsolateral aspect of the third tarsal bone in the Thoroughbred racehorse is associated with development of slab fractures in this siteEQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 6 2001D. H. BAIRD Summary Anecdotal evidence suggested that many cases of third tarsal bone (T3) fracture encountered clinically were associated with an abnormal shape to this bone. The radiographs of 10 normal horses and 10 horses affected with slab fracture of T3 were therefore examined to ascertain if any pre-existent radiological abnormality was present in cases of fracture. Measurement of the maximum and minimum width between the proximal and distal articular surfaces of the dorsolateral aspect of this bone was carried out on a standardised dorso-50° medial-palmarolateral radiographic projection of the tarsus of each horse. To avoid artefacts produced by possible image magnification, ratios of these values were used for comparison between horses. The results showed that wedge shaped conformation of T3, in which the articular surfaces of the bone converge and then diverge again on the dorsolateral aspect, was over-represented in the population of horses sustaining T3 fracture when compared to controls. This information may be important in making judgements on the suitability of horses during prepurchase examination for racing. [source] Distinctive new form of spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia with severe metaphyseal changes similar to Jansen metaphyseal chondrodysplasiaJOURNAL OF MEDICAL IMAGING AND RADIATION ONCOLOGY, Issue 1 2005A Al Kaissi Summary We report a boy with a unique, ,new' form of spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia. The conspicuous features of the spinal changes were the delay in ossification of the cervical spine and posterior elements of the thoraco-lumbar spine. The vertebral bodies were of abnormal shape but of normal size and well ossified. The hallmark of epiphyseal changes was markedly delayed ossification (bone age). The severely disturbed metaphyseal ossification was similar to Jansen metaphyseal dysplasia. This pattern of changes has not yet been described in spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia. [source] Characterization of Reactions to Powdery Mildew (Podosphaera pannosa) in Resistant and Susceptible Rose GenotypesJOURNAL OF PHYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 5 2007A. Dewitte Abstract Fungal development of powdery mildew Podosphaera pannosa (Wallr.: Fr.) de Bary on rose leaves depends on constitutive or induced resistance mechanisms present in attacked rose genotypes. The relationship between fungal development and plant resistance was investigated microscopically on young greenhouse leaves of four rose genotypes with different levels of resistance: Rosa wichuraiana, R. laevigata anemoides and R. hybrida cultivars ,Excelsa' and ,Gomery'. Induced plant reactions, hydrogen peroxide production and cross sections through infected leaves were examined. The variation in development of the fungus on these rose genotypes depended on the relative presence of normal haustoria, abnormal haustoria, induced cell reactions, papilla formation or physical barriers. Formation of papillae could arrest up to one third of the successful penetrations. Papillae formation was often succeeded by total cell reaction. Abnormal haustoria were detected as rudimentary haustoria, haustoria with abnormal shape or haustoria without extra haustorial matrix. Post-haustorial cell reactions, with and without cell collapse, were detected. In non-collapsed cells, appositions were directed to both cell wall and haustorium. This was followed by accumulation of non-identified, probably antifungal compounds. Both single and multicell reactions occurred. Hydrogen peroxide was detected during papilla formation and induced cell reactions. [source] Nucleolar organizer region staining patterns in paraffin-embedded tissue cells from human skin cancersJOURNAL OF CUTANEOUS PATHOLOGY, Issue 5 2005Rosana F. Romão-Corrêa Background:, Increased number of nucleoli (nucleolar organizer regions, NORs) with abnormal shapes and sizes, including small dots, has been used as prognostic tools to evaluate tumor proliferation levels and troublesome borderline lesions. In this study, NOR patterns of skin cancers were performed in the search of a valuable prognostic method to complement other histological procedures. Methods:, Paraffin-embedded tumor tissue was obtained from basal and squamous cell carcinomas, cutaneous malignant melanoma, premalignant lesions, and Skmel-28 human melanoma cells. Slices were dewaxed and AgNOR stained. The patterns were scored and submitted for statistical analyses. Results:, All types of cancer cells showed variable numbers of abnormally shaped nucleoli and dot-like structures. Only tumor cells presented four or more nucleoli, with or without dots, while 85% of the normal cells had one single NOR without dots. Most data were statistically significant when compared to normal cells. As a whole, squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma tumor cells had less NOR alterations than basal cell carcinoma (BCC) tumor types. Conclusions:, Changes in the number and shape of nucleoli present in malignant cells could be attributed to increased levels on rDNA transcription on cancer cells, besides abnormal remodeling of chromatin, which could disrupt proper nucleoli association. Increased genetic alterations on malignant basal cells could contribute to impair invasive and migration abilities of BCC tumors. [source] Alterations in the testis of hormone sensitive lipase-deficient mice is associated with decreased sperm counts, sperm motility, and fertilityMOLECULAR REPRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT, Issue 4 2008Louis Hermo Abstract Hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL, Lipe, E.C.3.1.1.3) functions as a triglyceride and cholesteryl esterase, supplying fatty acids, and cholesterol to cells. Gene-targeted HSL-deficient (HSL,/,) mice reveal abnormal spermatids and are infertile at 24 weeks after birth. The purpose of this study was to follow the evolution of spermatid abnormalities as HSL,/, mice age, characterize sperm motility in older HSL,/, mice, and determine if mice expressing a human testicular HSL transgene (HSL,/,ttg) produce normal motile sperm. In situ hybridization indicated that HSL is expressed exclusively in steps 5,16 spermatids, but not in Sertoli cells. In HSL,/, mice, abnormalities were evident in step 16 spermatids at 5 weeks after birth, with defects progressively increasing in spermatids with age. The defects included multinucleation of spermatids, abnormal shapes and a reduction of elongating spermatids. In older HSL,/, mice, sperm counts appeared reduced by 42%, but this value was lower because samples were compromised by the presence of small degenerating germ cells in addition to sperm, both of which appeared of similar size and density. Sperm motility was dramatically reduced with only 11% classified as motile in HSL,/, mice compared to 76,78% of sperm in wild-type and HSL,/,ttg mice. Sperm morphology, counts, and motility were normal in HSL,/,ttg mice, as was their fertility. Collectively, the data indicate that HSL deficiency results in abnormal spermatid development with defects arising at 5 weeks of age and progressively increasing at later ages. HSL,/, mice also show a dramatic reduction in sperm counts and motility and are infertile. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 565,577, 2008. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] | |||||||||||||