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Healthy Tissue (healthy + tissue)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	62%
Life Sciences	25%

Distribution within Medical Sciences

Dermatology	19%
Oncology & Radiotherapy	12%

Selected Abstracts

Presurgical Curettage Appropriately Reduces the Number of Mohs Stages by Better Delineating the Subclinical Extensions of Tumor Margins

DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 9 2005
Vinh Q. Chung MD
Background. Whether presurgical curettage (PC), light curettage performed before Mohs surgery to delineate tumor margin, is appropriate or causes unnecessary removal of normal tissue has not been well established. Objective. We aim to determine histologically whether PC appropriately increases the size of the stage I specimen or causes unnecessary removal of healthy tissue. Methods. Before a surgical margin guided by PC was taken, a hypothetical margin determined by visual and tactile assessment alone (no curettage [NC]) was marked outside the clinically defined tumor. Histologic analysis at the NC and the PC margins revealed whether the increase in the stage I specimen as a result of PC was appropriate. Results. PC appropriately increased the stage I specimen in 21 cases and unnecessarily removed normal tissue in only 1 case. The estimation of tumor margins with PC was 15 times more accurate than with NC (p value = .0012). Conclusion. For basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas at least 4 mm in diameter, light curettage performed prior to Mohs surgery could better delineate subclinical extensions of the tumor margin and appropriately increase the size of the stage I specimen. [source]

Restorations with extensive dentin/enamel-bonded ceramic coverage.

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORAL SCIENCES, Issue 4 2001
A 5-year follow-up
The durability of restorations with extensive dentin/enamel-bonded posterior partial and complete ceramic coverages were investigated. The effect of luting with a dual-cured and a self-cured luting agent was also studied. In 110 patients, 182 ceramic coverages (IPS Empress) were placed. In 58 restorations, Syntac was used in combination with the dual-cured resin composite Variolink. In the other restorations luted with the chemically cured resin composite Bisfil 2B, 25 were bonded with Gluma, 57 with Allbond 2, and 42 with Syntac. Of the 182 ceramics, 13 (7.1%) were assessed as non-acceptable after a mean observation period of 4.9 yr (range 4.3,7.5 yr). The reasons for failure were fracture (5), lost restorations (4), secondary caries (3) and endodontic treatment (1). No significant differences in failure rate were seen between the two luting agents or between the three dentin-bonding agents. Ceramic coverages placed on non-vital teeth failed in 9.7% of cases (3/31) and on vital teeth in 6.6% (10/151). The success rate of the dentin-enamel-bonded ceramic coverages reduces the need for a traditional full-coverage therapy and/or post or pin(s) and core placement. The technique investigated showed many clinical advantages such as less destruction of healthy tissue, and avoidance of endodontic treatment and/or deep cervical placement of restoration margins. [source]

Enhanced expression of MMP-7 and MMP-13 in inflammatory bowel disease: A precancerous potential?

INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES, Issue 11 2006
Dr. Timo Rath PhD
Abstract Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are responsible for the turnover and degradation of extracellular matrix. They play a crucial role in the growth and migration of colorectal carcinoma cells. Colorectal carcinomas are characterized by enhanced expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-7, and MMP-13. The aim of this study was to determine the expression levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-7, MMP-13, and MMP-14 and their specific inhibitor TIMP-1 in inflammatory bowel diseases and precancerous lesions of the colon, i.e., Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and in adenomatous polyps (APs) for comparison. Biopsy samples of pathological and healthy tissue were obtained from 40 patients with inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis, n = 17; Crohn's disease, n = 23) and from 19 patients with APs. mRNA was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction to study MMP and TIMP-1 gene expression in both pathological and normal mucosal specimens. For MMP-2, MMP-9, and TIMP-1, protein expression also was quantified with sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In biopsy specimens of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, significantly increased levels of MMP-2, MMP-7, and MMP-13 mRNA were found. MMP-2 and MMP-9 showed enhanced secretion on the protein level. AP revealed an increased transcription of MMP-7 and MMP-13 genes. MMP-14 mRNA was decreased in APs. MMPs, especially MMP-7 and MMP-13, which are expressed primarily on the tumor cell surface, are elevated in inflammatory bowel disease, which may have more chance to evolve into malignancy than normal tissue. In APs, increased expression of MMP-7 and MMP-13 may serve as an early indicator for colorectal carcinogenesis. [source]

Expression and enzyme activity of ,(1,6)fucosyltransferase in human colorectal cancer

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 3 2008
Laura Muinelo-Romay
Abstract Changes in enzyme activity and the expression levels of ,(1,6)fucosyltransferase [,(1,6)FT] have been reported in certain types of malignant transformations. To develop a better understanding of the role of ,(1,6)FT in human colorectal carcinoma (CRC), we analysed the enzyme activity in healthy and tumour tissues. ,(1,6)FT activity was considerably higher in tumour tissue than in healthy tissue and was related to gender, lymph node metastasis, type of growth and tumour stage. We also observed a significant increase in the ,(1,6)FT expression in tumour tissues as compared to healthy and transitional tissues, inflammatory lesions and adenomas. The immunohistochemical expression in tumour tissues was correlated with the degree of infiltration through the intestinal wall. Finally, a statistical correlation was found between enzyme activity and expression obtained by Western blot in colorectal tumours when compared in the same patient. All these findings demonstrate an alteration of ,(1,6)FT activity and expression in CRC. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

A Japanese case of Kindler syndrome

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 4 2000
Yasushi Suga MD
A 25-year-old Japanese woman presented with contracture of the fingers and toes, and difficulty in opening her mouth. Her grandparents are first cousins, but none of the other members of the family are affected. Bulla formation started at birth on areas of the skin that received pressure, and in infancy and early childhood the lesions were limited only to the acral areas. She also had bilateral, incomplete syndactylies involving all web spaces ( Fig. 1a). The formation of blisters ceased after the age of 15 years, but a generalized progressive poikiloderma then appeared with accompanying cutaneous atrophy of the skin of the neck, trunk, and extremities ( Fig. 1b). The patient experienced mild photosensitivity of the face and neck. At age 18 years, surgical removal of the webbing of all her fingers was performed. Oral examination showed atrophy of the buccal mucosa, and an inability to fully open the mouth. The patient also suffered from poor dentition and easily bleeding gums, but had no symptoms of esophageal dysfunction. Figure 1. Clinical manifestations of the patient with Kindler syndrome. (a) Dorsal surface of the patient's hands. Note the marked cutaneous atrophy with a severely wrinkled appearance on the dorsal surface of the hands, as well as the proximal fusion of the fingers. (b) Lower left leg of the patient. Atrophic thinning of the skin and poikiloderma with reticular pigmentation are evident Histology of separate biopsy specimens, taken from the poikilodermatous pretibial and trunk skin, showed classical features of poikiloderma, namely epidermal atrophy with flattening of the rete ridges, vacuolization of basal keratinocytes, pigmentary incontinence, and mild dermal perivascularization ( Fig. 2a). Interestingly, dyskeratotic cells ( Fig. 2b) and eosinophilic rounded bodies (colloid bodies) ( Fig. 2c) were frequently found at the basal keratinocyte layer and in the upper dermis, respectively. Pigment was also present in the upper epidermis. Figure 2. Hematoxylin and eosin staining of a biopsy specimen taken from pretibial skin. (a) Epidermal atrophy with flattening of the rete ridges. Note the dyskeratotic cells (arrowheads) and vacuolar degeneration of the basal layer in the epidermis. Bar = 50 ,m. (b) Higher magnification of dyskeratotic cells (arrowheads). Bar = 10 ,m. (c) Higher magnification of colloid bodies (arrowheads) in the superficial dermis. Bar = 10 ,m To rule out the possibility of a congenital epidermolysis bullosa, ultrastructural and immunofluorescence studies were performed. Ultrastructural studies demonstrated the reduplication of the basal lamina with branching structures within the upper dermis and cleavage between the lamina densa and the cell membrane of the keratinocytes ( Fig. 3a). The numbers of associated anchoring fibrils did not seem to be reduced, and colloid bodies and dyskeratotic cells were detected. Immunofluorescence studies with the antibody against type VII collagen (LH 7 : 2) were subsequently carried out. The results showed extensive broad bands with intermittently discontinuous and reticular staining at the dermo-epidermal junction (DEJ) ( Fig. 3b), whereas a linear distribution is typically seen in healthy tissue (data not shown). Interestingly, direct immunofluorescence studies revealed intracellular accumulation of immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgM, IgA, and C3 in colloid bodies under the basement membrane ( Fig. 3c). Figure 3. Ultrastructural and immunohistochemical findings of the patient with Kindler syndrome. (a) Ultrastructural study of the dermo-epidermal junction. The branching structures of the lamina densa (arrowheads) were frequently seen. The asterisks show the cleavage in the lamina lucida. Bar = 1 ,m. (b) Immunohistochemical studies with the antibody to type VII collagen (LH 7 : 2). An extensive broad band with reticular patterns is evident. Bar = 50 ,m. E, epidermis; D, dermis. (c) Direct immunofluorescence study. Intracytoplasmic deposition of IgM in the basal keratinocytes is evident (arrowheads). Bar = 50 ,m. E, epidermis; D, dermis [source]

Connexin 43 gap junction proteins are up-regulated in remyelinating spinal cord

JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH, Issue 5 2007
W.A. Roscoe
Abstract Alterations in the expression of gap junction proteins have previously been observed in several diseases affecting the central nervous system; however, the status of connexin 43 (Cx43) has not yet been reported in spinal cord remyelination. We studied Cx43 expression in demyelination and remyelination by using a chronic guinea pig model of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE). Hartley guinea pigs were immunized with homogenized whole CNS and complete Freund's adjuvant. Animals became chronically ill by day 40 postimmunization, and animals with paralysis were entered into the study. Animals were treated on days 40,60 postimmunization with either saline or drugs that promote remyelination: an adenosine amine congener (100 ,g/kg), an anti-,4-integrin blocker (CT301; ELN 69299; 30 mg/kg), or a combination of both drugs. Remyelination was induced in all drug-treated groups. Cx43 expression was virtually absent in demyelinated lesions of saline-treated controls compared with healthy tissue and normal appearing white matter (P < 0.001), whereas Cx43 was considerably increased (300,500%) in remyelinating lesions of all treatment groups (P < 0.001), most notably in CT301-treated animals. These changes in Cx43 expression indicate that Cx43 may beimportant for recovery from neuroinflammation. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in oral tissues: possible relevance to angiogenesis, tumour progression and field cancerisation

JOURNAL OF ORAL PATHOLOGY & MEDICINE, Issue 8 2001
J. Carlile
Abstract: The aim of this study was to assess whether vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in oral tissues is associated with angiogenesis, disease progression or field cancerisation. Vascularity and VEGF immunoreactivity were quantified in 68 archival specimens including normal oral mucosa (NOM), dysplasia (DYS) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Vascularity increased significantly with disease progression; it was also higher in NOM adjacent to SCC than in NOM from healthy tissue, suggesting an association with field cancerisation. VEGF expression in epithelial cells was evaluated using two antibodies and three indices. VEGF indices and vascularity were not directly correlated. The expression of VEGF was similar in all DYS and NOM specimens, whether or not adjacent to a concurrent lesion. A comparison of SCC with NOM or DYS led to opposite results, depending on the VEGF antibody and index used. We conclude that VEGF expression in the oral mucosa may play a physiological role, but does not appear to be associated with angiogenesis, field cancerisation or transition to dysplasia. Further studies concerned with tumour development require examining specific VEGF isoforms and standardisation of the methodology. [source]

Targeted immunotherapy of cancer: development of antibody-induced cellular immunity

JOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY: AN INTERNATI ONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE, Issue 2 2003
Yingjuan Lu
ABSTRACT Although immunotherapy of cancer encompasses a large variety of distinct protocols, virtually all therapeutic strategies require the enabling/training of the immune system to distinguish tumour tissue from healthy tissue. In the case of antibody-based therapies, specificity obviously arises from the selectivity of the antibodies for tumour antigens, and tumour cell death derives from either direct cytotoxicity of the antibody or antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. However, even when both of the above killing mechanisms are simultaneously active, we suggest that antibody-based immunotherapies may fall far short of their full potential. In this editorial, we first summarize the mechanisms by which current antibody-based therapies mediate cancer cell removal, and then propose two strategies by which this class of immunotherapies might be further improved. These suggested improvements involve the decoration of tumour cell surfaces with foreign haptens against which an endogenous humoral immune response can be mounted and the recruitment of the cellular arm of the immune system in an antibody-dependent process. [source]

Photodynamic therapy: update 2006 Part 1: Photochemistry and photobiology

JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 3 2007
PG Calzavara-Pinton
Abstract Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a two-step therapeutic technique in which the topical or systemic delivery of photosensitizing drugs is followed by irradiation with visible light. Activated photosensitizers transfer energy to molecular oxygen, generating reactive oxygen species (ROS). The subsequent oxidation of lipids, amino acids and proteins induces cell necrosis and apoptosis. In addition, ROS indirectly stimulate the transcription and release of inflammatory mediators. The photosensitizers are selective, in that they penetrate and accumulate in tumour cells or in the endothelium of newly formed vessels while generally avoiding the surrounding healthy tissue. The mechanisms of penetration through the cell membrane and the pattern of subcellular localization strongly influence the type of cellular effect. The photobiology and photoimmunology of the haematoporphyrin (Hp) derivative and its purified, lyophilized and concentrated form porfimer sodium have been investigated over the past 30 years. However, interest in PDT in dermatology was not raised until the 1990s with the availability of a simple and effective technique, the topical application of aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) and its methyl ester (methyl aminolaevulinate, MAL) followed by irradiation with broadband red light. At the same time, several new ,second-generation' synthetic sensitizers (e.g. benzoporphyrin derivatives, phthalocyanines, chlorins and porphycenes) became available. These compounds are chemically pure, highly efficient, selective and safe, while offering the advantage that the generalized skin photosensitivity they produce lasts for only a short time. They are currently under clinical evaluation but have not yet been approved for clinical use. This paper provides an overview of the chemistry of the photosensitizers, the photobiology and photoimmunology of the photodynamic reaction as well as the photophysical characteristics of the light sources available for PDT. [source]

Oxidative effects in uninfected tissue in leaves of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) containing soft rots caused by Botrytis cinerea

JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 6 2003
Ingo Muckenschnabel
Abstract Several markers of oxidative processes have been measured in leaves of Phaseolus vulgaris infected with Botrytis cinerea, with the specific objective of investigating changes induced by this necrotrophic pathogen in tissue remote from the lesion. There was a progressive decrease with time in the contents of ascorbic acid (AA) in apparently healthy tissues from infected plants and non-inoculated plants grown under identical high-humidity conditions (abiotically stressed controls), and for periods >48 h this decrease was greater in the infected plants. This decline in AA content was accompanied by an elevation in the intensity of the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) signal from adducts of the spin trap ,-(4-pyridyl-1-oxide)- N - t -butylnitrone (POBN), a destabilisation of the (monodehydro) ascorbate radical (Asc·) signal in the presence of POBN, and an increase in the ratio of Asc· to AA in samples studied in the absence of the spin trap. These results are consistent with a shift in redox status to more oxidising conditions in apparently healthy tissue of infected plants and indicate the prevalence of chemical processes that are distinctly different from those in uninfected plants. However, no differences in lipid peroxidation products or the single-peak free radical and Fe(III) (g = 4.27) EPR signals were observed between these tissues distant from the lesions and those from abiotically stressed controls. In addition, the pathogen-derived sesquiterpene toxin botrydial and a second Mn(II) EPR signal, both of which are associated with Botrytis infection, were not detected in these ,apparently healthy' tissues. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry [source]

Enzyme activity of the phenylpropanoid pathway as a response to apple scab infection

ANNALS OF APPLIED BIOLOGY, Issue 3 2010
A. Slatnar
The study was performed on apple trees, ,Golden Delicious' cv., which is a scab-susceptible cultivar. The phenolic content of apple fruit was determined in different parts of the peel. The phenolic compounds were analysed in the scab spot, in the tissue around the spot and in the healthy tissue. We determined the concentration of various phenolic compounds and related enzyme activities. Infection with the Venturia inaequalis fungus enhanced the metabolism of phenolic compounds at the scab spot, around the spot and in healthy peel. Compared with the healthy tissue and the tissue around the spot, the scab spot showed higher enzyme activity for all tested enzymes, except for dihydrochalcone 2,- O -glucosyltransferase, which had lower activity in the scab spot. In comparison to the healthy peel, the scab spot showed up to 3.4 times more hydroxycinnamic acids, up to 1.1 times more dihydrochalcones and up to 1.4 times more flavan-3-ols. In contrast, the healthy peel showed up to 1.6 times more flavonols than the scab spot. [source]

Total versus subtotal thyroidectomy for the management of benign multinodular goiter in an endemic region

ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 11 2004
Tahsin Colak
Background: Because controversy still continuous to surround use of total thyroidectomy for the management of benign multinodular goiter, the present study aims to prospectively compare the safety and efficacy of total thyroidectomy with subtotal thyroidectomy. Methods: A total of 200 consecutive patients with benign multinodular goiter were assigned to have either total thyroidectomy (n = 105) or subtotal thyroidectomy (n = 95) based on preoperative evaluation, intraoperative macroscopic findings and nodular dissemination. The patients with no healthy tissue or nodules localized in the dorsal part of the gland, which are usually left during normal subtotal resection, were assigned to the total thyroidectomy group. Demographic details, biochemical findings, indications for operation, operating time, specimen weight, complications and hospital stay were noted. Results: There was no significant difference in the sex, hormonal status or duration of goiter between the two groups (P = 0.74, P = 0.59 and P = 0.59, respectively). The mean operating time was longer (148.52 min ± 51.10 vs 135.10 min ± 32.47, P = 0.03), and the mean weight of the specimens was greater (228.40 g ± 229.91 vs 157.01 g ± 151.23, P = 0.01) for total rather than subtotal thyroidectomy. Either temporary recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy or hypoparathyroidism occurred in 10 (9.3%) or 12 (11.4%) of the patients undergoing total compared with six (6.3%) or nine (9.5%) of the patients undergoing subtotal thyroidectomy (P = 0.40 and P = 0.65, respectively). Either permanent RLN palsy or hypoparathyroidism was observed in one patient undergoing total thyroidectomy (P = 0.34 for each comparison). The mean hospital stay was longer in the total thyroidectomy group (2.24 days ± 1.18 vs 1.89 days ± 0.72 for subtotal thyroidectomy, P = 0.01). Conclusions: The present study shows that total thyroidectomy can be performed without increasing risk of complication, and it is an acceptable alternative for benign multinodular goiter, especially in endemic regions, where patients present with a huge multinodular goiter. [source]

Testicular-sparing microsurgery for suspected testicular masses

BJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 1 2005
Giovanni Maria Colpi
OBJECTIVE To describe a microsurgical technique for removing suspected testicular masses with sparing of the testicular parenchyma, and to describe case studies. PATIENTS AND METHODS Six men were referred with testicular lesions (3,6 mm) detected on ultrasonography (US); in one, the lesion was palpable. US showed hypoechoic lesions and in two cases were mixed hypoechoic and anechoic. In these men, the testicular lesion was identified by US before surgery, giving three-dimensional coordinates to facilitate intraoperative recognition. A traditional inguinal incision was used and the funiculus clamped subinguinally without opening the canal. The testicle was isolated after sectioning the gubernaculum testis. In a separate operative field, an equatorial incision of the albuginea was made in a plane orthogonal to the major axis of the testicle, sparing the subtunical vasa. The parenchymal lobuli were dislodged and the seminiferous tubules dissociated, the nodule identified and completely removed, together with ,,1 mm of surrounding healthy tissue. This technique can also be used for microsurgical testicular sperm extraction (MicroTESE), to retrieve sperm in infertile men. RESULTS In two infertile men MicroTESE was also performed. Histology revealed one case each of seminoma, Leydig-cell tumour, Leydig cell hyperplasia, atrophy, normality in the incidental forms, and complicated cysts of the albuginea. In the follow-up for infertility reasons, no scarring was observable on the tunica albuginea in the men who had conservative therapy. One year later the patient with seminoma was free of disease. CONCLUSIONS The increasingly frequent detection of benign testicular lesions, particularly in infertile men, calls for a surgical approach that must be as conservative as possible for the testicular parenchyma. We think that microsurgery should be the first-line technique in small suspected testicular lesions in infertile men. [source]

Bacteria associated with the rapid tissue necrosis of stony corals

ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 7 2007
G. M. Luna
Summary The rapid tissue necrosis (RTN) is a common disease of both wild and captive stony corals, which causes a fast tissue degradation (peeling) and death of the colony. Here we report the results of an investigation carried out on the stony coral Pocillopora damicornis, affected by an RTN-like disease. Total abundance of prokaryotes in tissue samples, determined by epifluorescence microscopy, was significantly higher in diseased than in healthy corals, as well as bacterial counts on MB2216 agar plates. Further experiments performed by fluorescent in situ hybridization using a 16S rDNA Vibrio -specific probe showed that vibrios were significantly more abundant in diseased than in healthy corals. Accordingly, bacterial counts on TCBS agar plates were higher in diseased than in healthy tissues. 16S rDNA sequencing identified as Vibrio colonies from diseased tissues only. Cultivated vibrios were dominated by a single ribotype, which displayed 99% of similarity with Vibrio harveyi strain LB4. Bacterial ribotype richness, assessed by terminal-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of the 16S rDNA, was significantly higher in diseased than in healthy corals. Using an in silico software, we estimated that a single terminal restriction fragment, putatively assigned to a Vibrio sp., accounted for >,15% and < 5% of the total bacterial assemblage, in diseased and healthy corals respectively. These results let us hypothesize that the RTN in stony corals can be an infectious disease associated to the presence of Vibrio harveyi. However, further studies are needed to validate the microbial origin of this pathology. [source]

Ambient pH controls the expression of endopolygalacturonase genes in the necrotrophic fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

FEMS MICROBIOLOGY LETTERS, Issue 2 2003
Pascale Cotton
Abstract In the necrotrophic fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, secretion of polygalacturonases (PGs) and decrease of the environmental pH via oxalic acid production are considered as the main pathogenicity determinants. In order to evaluate the relationship between these two aspects of the infection process, we analyzed the expression of the endoPG-encoding genes pg1,3. Transcription of pg1,3 was not carbon regulated but was strictly controlled by pH and highly favored in a narrow range of acidic pH. During plant infection, a pH gradient was established in relation to oxalic acid secretion. Transcripts of pg1,3 were localized to the zone of colonization of healthy tissues while transcripts of genes encoding other lytic enzymes were restricted to the more acidic zones of the infected tissues. Our results show that progressive acidification of the ambient medium by the fungus is a major strategy for the sequential expression of pathogenicity factors. [source]

Expression of human ,-defensins-1 and -2 peptides in unresolved chronic periodontitis

JOURNAL OF PERIODONTAL RESEARCH, Issue 4 2004
Qian Lu
Background:, Human ,-defensins (hBDs) are antimicrobial peptides which contribute to host innate immunity by disrupting the membrane integrity of a broad spectrum of microorganisms. Objectives:, This study aimed to determine the expression profiles of hBD-1 and -2 peptides in gingiva and to assess the possible relations of these antimicrobial peptides with periodontal health and disease. Methods:, Seven periodontally healthy subjects and 22 patients with unresolved chronic periodontitis were recruited and the gingival biopsies collected consisted of healthy tissues from the healthy subjects (HT-C); periodontal pocket tissues (PoT) and inflamed connective tissues (ICT) from the base of pocket, i.e. granulation tissues, as well as clinically healthy tissues (HT-P) from the adjacent clinically healthy sites from the patients. The expression of hBD-1 and -2 peptides was detected by immunohistochemistry and quantitatively analyzed with a computerized image processing system. Results:, Both hBD-1 and -2 peptides were detected in all periodontally healthy subjects, while hBD-1 was detected in all patients and hBD-2 was found in most of the patients. Their expression was mainly confined to the granular and spinous layers of gingival epithelium, in which hBD-1 was detected in both intercellular spaces and cytoplasm, whereas hBD-2 was mainly observed in the cytoplasm. HT-C expressed significantly higher levels of hBD-2 than HT-P (p < 0.05). Within the patients, both defensins were up-regulated significantly in PoT as compared with the adjacent HT-P (p < 0.05). Conclusions:, The present study showed that hBD-1 and -2 were frequently expressed in the granular and spinous layers of gingival epithelia and their expression may be associated with periodontal health and disease. [source]

Pathogenesis of Potato Gangrene Caused by Phoma exigua var. foveata: II.

JOURNAL OF PHYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 7 2004
Activities of some Hydrolases, Dehydrogenases
Abstract The location of enzyme activity in gangrene-diseased tubers was determined using the nitrocellulose blotting method. The activity of aminopeptidase and esterase was located in tissues adjacent to dry rot caused by Phoma exigua var. foveata and in other apparently healthy tissues. The activity of glucuronidase, succinic and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenases (G-6-PDH), however, was confined to tissues adjacent to the rotted tissue. The pathogen produces very active , - and , -glycosidases, so their highest activity occurred in rotten tissue that was filled with fungal mycelium. Results suggest that all these enzymes are involved in alteration of cell metabolism and the destruction of diseased tuber tissue. [source]

Oxidative effects in uninfected tissue in leaves of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) containing soft rots caused by Botrytis cinerea

Anesthetic considerations for the pediatric oncology patient , part 2: systems-based approach to anesthesia

PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA, Issue 5 2010
GREGORY J. LATHAM MD
Summary One of the prices paid for chemo- and radiotherapy of cancer in children is damage to the vulnerable and developing healthy tissues of the body. Such damage can exist clinically or subclinically and can become apparent during active antineoplastic treatment or during remission decades later. Furthermore, effects of the tumor itself can significantly impact the physiologic state of the child. The anesthesiologist who cares for children with cancer or for survivors of childhood cancer should understand what effects cancer and its therapy can have on various organ systems. In part two of this three-part review, we review the anesthetic issues associated with childhood cancer. Specifically, this review presents a systems-based approach to the impact from both tumor and its treatment in children, followed by a discussion of the relevant anesthetic considerations. [source]

Redox signalling in cardiovascular disease

PROTEOMICS - CLINICAL APPLICATIONS, Issue 6 2008
Rebecca L. Charles
Abstract Oxidative stress has almost universally and unequivocally been implicated in the pathogenesis of all major diseases, including those of the cardiovascular system. Oxidative stress in cells and cardiovascular biology was once considered only in terms of injury, disease and dysfunction. However, it is now appreciated that oxidants are also produced in healthy tissues, and they function as signalling molecules transmitting information throughout the cell. Conversely, when cells move to a more reduced state, as can occur when oxygen is limiting, this can also result in alterations in the function of biomolecules and subsequently cells. At the centre of this ,redox signalling' are oxidoreductive chemical reactions involving oxidants or reductants post translationally modifying proteins. These structural alterations allow changes in cellular redox state to be coupled to alterations in cell function. In this review, we consider aspects of redox signalling in the cardiovascular system, focusing on the molecular basis of redox sensing by proteins and the array of post-translational oxidative modifications that can occur. In addition, we discuss studies utilising proteomic methods to identify redox-sensitive cardiac proteins, as well as those using this technology more broadly to assess redox signalling in cardiovascular disease. [source]

Partially circumventing peripheral tolerance for oncogene-specific prostate cancer immunotherapy

THE PROSTATE, Issue 7 2008
Yilin C. Neeley
Abstract BACKGROUND Failure of cancer immunotherapy is essentially due to immunological tolerance to tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), as these antigens are also expressed in healthy tissues. METHODS Here, we used transgenic adenocarcinoma of mouse prostate (TRAMP) mice, which develop lethal prostate cancer due to prostate-specific expression of SV40 T antigen (Tag), to evaluate effects of prostatic transformation on oncogene TAA-specific tolerance and to test the possibility of breaking such tolerance using a modified recombinant vaccinia virus. RESULTS We showed that Tag expression in TRAMP mice is uniquely extra-thymic, and levels of prostatic Tag expression positively correlate with malignant transformation of the prostate. Yet, young tumor-free TRAMP mice were tolerant to Tag antigen. We therefore attempted overcoming such peripheral oncogene-specific T cell tolerance through immunization with a vaccinia construct encoding Tag immunogenic epitopes. This vaccination modality showed that oncogene-specific tolerance was successfully overcome by effective in vivo priming of Tag-specific cytotoxic T cells (CTLs). However, this was restricted to young TRAMP mice. Tag-specific CTL from "tumor naïve" young TRAMP mice showed significant anti-tumor efficacy in vivo by eliminating established heterotopic prostate tumors and prolonging survival in SCID mice harboring Tag-expressing tumors. In contrast, older TRAMP mice with established prostate tumors exhibited oncogene-specific tolerance as evidenced by failure to generate Tag-specific CTL following Tag-specific immunization. CONCLUSIONS Peripheral tolerance can be overcome for effective anti-tumor therapy following oncogene-specific immunization. However, this ability to elicit oncogene-specific CTL is impeded in the tumor-bearing host, in the context of increased oncogene expression associated with tumor progression. Prostate 68: 715,727, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Pharmacokinetic Study of a Gallium-porphyrin Photo- and Sono-sensitizer, ATX-70, in Tumor-bearing Mice

CANCER SCIENCE, Issue 9 2001
Kazuaki Sasaki
The tissue distribution of a gallium-porphyrin photo- and sono-sensitizer, 7,12-bis(l-decyloxy-ethyl)-Ga(III)-3,8,13,17-tetramethylporphyrin-2,18-dipropionyldiaspartic acid, ATX-70, was phar-niacokinetically examined in tumor-bearing mice. The drug was administered intravenously to CDF1mice implanted with Colon 26 carcinoma. Blood and tissue samples were collected for up to 72 h after administration. The drug concentration was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection. ATX-70 was found to accumulate in tumors at a relatively high concentration that peaked between 2 h and 6 h after administration. However, modest concentrations of ATX-70 also remained in healthy tissues for up to 6 h. We examined the distribution of ATX-70 in the tumor in comparison with other tissues from the viewpoint of minimizing possible side effects of laser or ultrasound exposure while maintaining the treatment effect. About 24 h after administration, the tumor/plasma concentration ratio peaked, and relatively high tumor/skin and tumor/muscle concentration ratios were seen. [source]

Clinical and Microbiological Determinants of Ailing Dental Implants

CLINICAL IMPLANT DENTISTRY AND RELATED RESEARCH, Issue 1 2009
Giorgio Tabanella DDS
ABSTRACT Background: The failure of the host tissue to establish or maintain osseointegration around dental implants is due to either occlusal or parafunctional forces, premature loading, ill-directed stress, or microbial infection. The long-term failure rate of dental implants is generally 5,10%. Although a variety of etiologies of early peri-implant bone loss (from implant placement to 1-year post-loading) have been proposed, factors associated with late implant failures are less well understood but are probably related to both the peri-implant microbial environment and host factors. Discriminating between causes of implant failure is of importance for instituting a successful implant therapy. Purpose: The objective of this cross-sectional split-mouth study was to identify clinical, radiographic, and bacterial characteristics of peri-implant disease sites. Materials and Methods: Fifteen patients with bilateral implants (Brånemark®, Nobel Biocare AB, Göteborg, Sweden; and 3iÔ implant systems, Implant Innovations Inc., Palm Beach Gardens, FL, USA) participated in the study. Sites with peri-implantitis (radiographic bone loss beyond the third implant thread) and peri-implant healthy tissues (radiographic bone level above the first implant thread) were identified in periapical radiographs using a long-cone paralleling projection technique. Microbiological identification was carried out using established anaerobic culture techniques. A descriptive statistics based on means and standard deviations was reported. Results: Peri-implant bone loss was associated with the absence of radiographic crestal lamina dura, peri-implant pocket depth, pain on chewing, and the submucosal presence of the putative periodontopathogens Tannerella forsythia, Campylobacter species, and Peptostreptococcus micros. Pain was associated with P. micros, Fusobacterium species, and Eubacterium species. Discussion and Conclusion: The absence of radiographic crestal lamina dura and the presence of suspected major periodontal pathogens seem to be associated to peri-implantitis. [source]