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Histological Characteristics (histological + characteristic)
Selected AbstractsAn ex vivo swine tracheal organ culture for the study of influenza infectionINFLUENZA AND OTHER RESPIRATORY VIRUSES, Issue 1 2010Sandro F. Nunes Background The threat posed by swine influenza viruses with potential to transmit from pig populations to other hosts, including humans, requires the development of new experimental systems to study different aspects of influenza infection. Ex vivo organ culture (EVOC) systems have been successfully used in the study of both human and animal respiratory pathogens. Objectives We aimed to develop an air interface EVOC using pig tracheas in the study of influenza infection demonstrating that tracheal explants can be effectively maintained in organ culture and support productive influenza infection. Methods Tracheal explants were maintained in the air interface EVOC system for 7 days. Histological characteristics were analysed with different staining protocols and co-ordinated ciliary movement on the epithelial surface was evaluated through a bead clearance assay. Explants were infected with a swine H1N1 influenza virus. Influenza infection of epithelial cells was confirmed by immunohistochemistry and viral replication was quantified by plaque assays and real-time RT-PCR. Results Histological analysis and bead clearance assay showed that the tissue architecture of the explants was maintained for up to 7 days, while ciliary movement exhibited a gradual decrease after 4 days. Challenge with swine H1N1 influenza virus showed that the EVOC tracheal system shows histological changes consistent with in vivo influenza infection and supported productive viral replication over multiple cycles of infection. Conclusion The air interface EVOC system using pig trachea described here constitutes a useful biological tool with a wide range of applications in the study of influenza infection. [source] Histological characteristics of human papilloma-virus-positive and -negative invasive and in situ squamous cell tumours of the penisINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY, Issue 2 2009Dorrit Krustrup Summary A high prevalence of cervical cancer associated high-risk types of human papillomavirus (hrHPV) has been demonstrated in premalignant and invasive squamous cell lesions of the penis, but large studies correlating histological characteristics with HPV status are few in number. Tumour tissues from 145 patients with invasive (n = 116) or in situ (n = 29) penile squamous cell carcinoma were subjected to systematic histological evaluation and were PCR-tested for 14 hrHPV types and 23 low-risk HPV types. Around half (52%) of invasive and nine-tenths (90%) of in situ lesions were positive for an hrHPV type, of which HPV 16 was by far the predominant type (91% of hrHPV-positive lesions). In relation to histological characteristics, hrHPV positivity was statistically significantly more common in high-grade tumours, lesions dominated by small tumour cells, lesions with a high number of multinucleated cells and mitoses, and lesions with a small amount of parakeratosis. In conclusion, about half of invasive penile squamous carcinomas in this study were hrHPV-positive, most notably to HPV 16, and probably arose through in situ lesions whereas the other half of invasive penile lesions appeared to be unrelated to hrHPV. A number of histological characteristics differed significantly between hrHPV-positive and -negative invasive penile carcinomas. [source] Clinical and pathological data of 10 malignant pheochromocytomas: Long-term follow up in a single instituteINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY, Issue 3 2007Kuo-How Huang Background: Malignant pheochromocytomas are rare. Many controversies still exists in clinical practice. We report the clinical and histological data of long-term follow up in 10 patients with malignant pheochromocytoma. Methods: The clinical charts of 10 patients with malignant pheochromocytoma from a single institute were reviewed. The diagnosis of pheochromocytoma was confirmed at surgery. All patients had metastases in sites where chromaffin tissue was normally absent. Results: The median follow-up period was 5.5 years (range, 2,20 years). Extra-adrenal tumors occurred in four patients including paraganglioma tumors in three cases and bladder tumor in one case. Regional lymph node metastases were noted in six patients. Distant metastases were located in the lungs of two patients, in the bones of two patients and in the liver of one patient. Histological characteristics were not helpful for diagnosis of malignancy and for prediction of prognosis. Metastases were present in postoperative pathology in seven patients. In another three patients, metastases were discovered 6 months to 10 years after surgery. Three patients received chemotherapy and one patient received combination therapy of high-dose 131I-meta-iodobenzylguanidine (131I-MIBG) therapy and chemotherapy. All patients achieved long-term survival except for two who died of metastasis 1.5 years and 2 years after diagnosis. Conclusions: Early complete resection and adjunctive lymphadenectomy can cure malignancy. Close long-term follow up for more than 10 years after surgery is necessary in patients with pheochromocytoma. The possibility of malignancy should be kept in mind even though the initial pathology is benign. [source] 2432: Histological characteristics of the posterior lid marginACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2010N KNOP Purpose The structure of the lid margin is insufficiently understood and defined although it is of obvious importance for ocular surface integrity. In particular the histological structure of the tissues of the normal lid margin and their zonal differentiation is partly unclear. Methods The structure and function of the different zones at the posterior lid margin are explained with a focus on dry eye disease, based on the available literature on the lid margin together with own findings on the histology of normal and pathological tissues from the human lid margin. Results The Meibomian glands (MG) that are of particular significance for the integrity of the ocular surface open still within the cornified epidermis. Their obstructive dysfunction (MGD) is a main cause for dry eye disease. The orifice is followed by the mucocutaneous junction (MCJ) that extends from the abrupt termination of the epidermis to the crest of the inner lid border. The physiological vital stainable line of Marx represents its surface and can be used as a diagnostic tool for the location and functionality of the MG orifices and lacrimal puncta. The marginal conjunctiva starts at the crest of the inner lid border and forms a thickened epithelial cushion. This is the point in closest apposition to the globe, represents the zone that wipes the bulbar surface and distributes the thin pre-ocular tear film. It is hence termed as the lid wiper and pathological alterations that result in a vital staining are a sensitive early indicator of dry eye disease. Conclusion The margin of the eyelid is an important but yet underestimated structure for the maintenance of the pre-ocular tear film and of utmost importance for the preservation of ocular surface integrity and for development of dry eye disease. Support DFG KN317/11 [source] Regulation of keratinocyte growth factor and scatter factor in cyclosporin-induced gingival overgrowthJOURNAL OF ORAL PATHOLOGY & MEDICINE, Issue 7 2004P. L. Hyland Background:, Epithelial proliferation is a histological characteristic of drug-induced gingival overgrowth. Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) and scatter factor (SF) are fibroblast-derived growth factors with potent mitogenic and motogenic effects on epithelial cells, and, therefore, could be involved in the pathogenesis of gingival overgrowth. The aims of this study were to investigate: (i) the effects of cyclosporin on KGF and SF expression by gingival fibroblasts; and (ii) the expression levels of KGF and SF mRNA in normal and overgrown gingival tissue. Methods:, The KGF and SF protein production was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Relative levels of KGF and SF mRNA expression were determined using semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Expression levels in biopsies of normal and overgrown gum were also determined. Results:, In overgrown fibroblasts, 500 ng/ml cyclosporin significantly inhibited KGF and SF mRNA and protein while 2000 ng/ml cyclosporin induced a stimulatory effect. In normal cells cyclosporin significantly increased both KGF and SF. KGF and SF mRNA was detected in both normal and overgrown tissues with a tendency towards increased expression levels in overgrown tissue. Conclusion:, These results suggest that KGF and SF may have an important role in cyclosporin-induced gingival overgrowth. [source] Polypoid prolapsing mucosal folds with diverticulosis and colonic muco-submucosal elongated polypsGERIATRICS & GERONTOLOGY INTERNATIONAL, Issue 1 2006Nobuo Kanazawa Background: In 1991, Kelly first reported the presence of red or brown mucosal protrusions or polyps associated with diverticular disease and described this syndrome as ,polypoid prolapsing mucosal folds in diverticular disease.' In 1994, Matake et al. independently reported several long mucosal intraluminal protrusions as ,colonic muco-submucosal elongated polyps.' The purpose of the present study is to address the relationship between the two syndromes. Methods: We performed a careful review of the published work on the clinicopathological features of these syndromes. Results: The clinical symptoms associated with these two syndromes do not differ notably. Because of the mucosal redundancy of the colonic mucosa, the excessive propulsive power of peristalsis may play an important role in generating both types of polyps. Neither ,polypoid prolapsing mucosal folds in diverticular disease' nor ,colonic muco-submucosal elongated polyps' fit into any of the conventional classifications, and their histological characteristics are similar. In addition, we describe the diagnosis and clinical management at our institution of an emergent case of polypoid prolapsing mucosal folds in diverticular disease. Conclusion: In light of their similar etiology and pathology, we propose that these conditions are different manifestations of the same entity. Unifying these two classifications into one makes the diagnosis of either type of polyp less onerous for clinicians, endoscopists and pathologists. As a consequence, it is likely that more cases will be diagnosed and reported. The accumulation of more cases will lead to deeper understanding and further clinicopathological characterization of diverticular polyps. [source] Characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma in a murine model of alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiencyHEPATOLOGY RESEARCH, Issue 6 2010Nancy Y. Marcus Aim:, Individuals with homozygous (ZZ) alpha-1-antitrypsin (,1AT) deficiency are at an increased risk for liver damage, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The transgenic PiZ mouse, expressing the human ,1AT mutant Z gene, is a valuable model for this disease. We studied PiZ mice in order to identify and characterize mechanisms involved in the development of HCC. Methods:, Tumor incidence and histology were studied, gene expression levels were surveyed with microarrays, RNA quantified with quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction and protein levels determined with immunoblots and immunohistochemistry. Results:, By 16,19 months of age, approximately 69% of the PiZ mice had developed tumors. HCC was present with no evidence of benign adenomas as pre-cancerous lesions. Tumors showed abnormal mitochondria, variable levels of steatosis, globular inclusions of ,1AT mutant Z protein and metastases. PiZ mice that subsequently developed liver tumors had higher serum levels of ,1AT mutant Z protein than those that did not develop tumors. Cyclin D1, a cell cycle protein, was upregulated in PiZ livers without tumors compared to Wt. cFOS, a component of AP-1 that may be involved in transforming cells and MCAM, an adhesion molecule likely involved in tumorigenesis and metastases, were elevated in tumors compared with livers without tumors. Conclusion:, In the PiZ model, many of the histological characteristics of HCC recapitulated features seen in human HCC, whether from individuals with homozygous ZZ liver disease or from unrelated causes in individuals that were not homozygous ZZ. The accumulation of mutant Z protein altered the regulation of several genes driving proliferation and tumorigenesis. [source] Histological characteristics of human papilloma-virus-positive and -negative invasive and in situ squamous cell tumours of the penisINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY, Issue 2 2009Dorrit Krustrup Summary A high prevalence of cervical cancer associated high-risk types of human papillomavirus (hrHPV) has been demonstrated in premalignant and invasive squamous cell lesions of the penis, but large studies correlating histological characteristics with HPV status are few in number. Tumour tissues from 145 patients with invasive (n = 116) or in situ (n = 29) penile squamous cell carcinoma were subjected to systematic histological evaluation and were PCR-tested for 14 hrHPV types and 23 low-risk HPV types. Around half (52%) of invasive and nine-tenths (90%) of in situ lesions were positive for an hrHPV type, of which HPV 16 was by far the predominant type (91% of hrHPV-positive lesions). In relation to histological characteristics, hrHPV positivity was statistically significantly more common in high-grade tumours, lesions dominated by small tumour cells, lesions with a high number of multinucleated cells and mitoses, and lesions with a small amount of parakeratosis. In conclusion, about half of invasive penile squamous carcinomas in this study were hrHPV-positive, most notably to HPV 16, and probably arose through in situ lesions whereas the other half of invasive penile lesions appeared to be unrelated to hrHPV. A number of histological characteristics differed significantly between hrHPV-positive and -negative invasive penile carcinomas. [source] The Right Gastroepiploic Artery in Coronary Artery Bypass GraftingJOURNAL OF CARDIAC SURGERY, Issue 4 2008Hideki Sasaki M.D. Although some reports presenting good results justify its use in clinical settings, there is still much concern about using the RGEA in bypass surgery. The RGEA demonstrates different behaviors from the internal thoracic artery (ITA) in bypass surgery due to its histological characteristics and anatomical difference, which might contribute to the long-term outcome. Now that left ITA (LITA) to left anterior descending artery (LAD) is the gold standard, other grafts are expected to cover the rest of the coronary arteries. It should be elucidated how we can use other grafts and what we can expect from them. RGEA, as an arterial graft, can be used as an in situ graft or a free graft. The RGEA is mainly used to graft to the right coronary artery (RCA) because of its anatomical position, and its patency is not inferior to that of the saphenous vein (SVG). The RGEA can cover the lateral walls when its length is long enough or by making a composite graft with other grafts. However, when used to graft to the LAD, its mid-term patency is not favorable. [source] Clinical spectrum and histological analysis of 32 cases of specific cutaneous sarcoidosisJOURNAL OF CUTANEOUS PATHOLOGY, Issue 12 2006Cristina Mangas Background:, Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disorder of unknown aetiology in which skin involvement is frequent. Objective:, To review histological characteristics of biopsies of specific cutaneous lesions of sarcoidosis and their relationship with clinical course. Patients and methods:, Biopsies from 32 patients with specific cutaneous sarcoidosis were reviewed. Histological findings and clinical characteristics of these patients were analysed. Results:, The initial clinical lesions of the patients were ten infiltrated nodule-plaques, eight papules, four maculopapular eruptions, five scar sarcoidosis, four subcutaneous nodules and one lupus pernio. Sarcoidal granulomas were located at dermis in 31 cases (74%) and at subcutaneous fat in 12 (28%) but only four were subcutaneous exclusively. Perivascular or periannexial distribution of granulomas was observed in eight cases (19%) and they had coalescence in 29 samples. The presence of foreign material was demonstrated in 11 cases (26%). Conclusions:, Clinical spectrum of specific lesions of cutaneous sarcoidosis showed a good correlation with granulomas localization in the biopsies. However, traditional classification of specific cutaneous sarcoidosis is often overlapping. On the other hand, foreign bodies and other atypical histological findings were more common than initially expected. [source] Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in Malaysia: A demographic, anthropometric, metabolic and histological studyJOURNAL OF DIGESTIVE DISEASES, Issue 1 2007Abdul MALIK BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing rapidly in the Asia,Pacific region. There has been a paucity of studies from the region. The aims of this study were to define the demographic, anthropometric, metabolic and histological characteristics of patients with NAFLD in our local population and to determine independent predictors of severe liver fibrosis. METHODS: Patients with persistently raised liver enzymes and/or fatty liver detected on ultrasonography with exclusion of other liver disorders were prospectively recruited. Their insulin resistance was assessed using the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance score. A liver biopsy was performed in all cases for grading (for steatohepatitis) and staging (for fibrosis) of NAFLD. Independent risk factors for fibrosis were determined using multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients were recruited: 39 men (52%) and 36 women (48%). The mean age of the patients was 47.0 ± 12.2 years. Of these, 58 patients (77.3%) were centrally obese, 29 patients (38.7%) were diabetic and 15 patients (20.0%) had impaired glucose tolerance. Insulin resistance was diagnosed in 62 out of 64 (96.9%) patients. Benign steatosis, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and cirrhosis were diagnosed in three (4.3%), 59 (84.3%) and eight (11.4%) of 70 patients, respectively. Significant independent predictors of liver fibrosis were; male sex (P = 0.019, OR = 5.55, CI = 1.33,23.18) and Indian race (P = 0.013, OR = 8.21, CI = 1.56,43.16). CONCLUSIONS: The full histological spectrum of NAFLD was seen in our patients. The majority of patients were insulin resistant, centrally obese and either diabetic or had impaired glucose tolerance. The predictors of severe liver fibrosis were male sex and Indian race. [source] Growth and reproductive biology of the foxfish Bodianus frenchii, a very long-lived and monandric protogynous hermaphroditic labridJOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY, Issue 3 2010S. Cossington Samples of the foxfish Bodianus frenchii, collected over reefs on the lower west and south coasts of Western Australia, contained individuals ranging up to 78 years old. Although B. frenchii is far smaller than many other species within the Labridae, its maximum age is the greatest yet recorded for this highly speciose family and, together with Achoerodus gouldii, provides an example of a temperate hypsigenyine with exceptional longevity. Length and age compositions of females and males and the histological characteristics of gonads of a wide length range of individuals demonstrated that B. frenchii is a protogynous hermaphrodite. Furthermore, as, on both coasts, the length of the smallest male was greater than that at which all females had become mature, B. frenchii is a monandric protogynous hermaphrodite, i.e. all of its males are derived from functional females. Attainment of maturity by females is related more to length than age, whereas the reverse is true for sex change. On the basis of Schnute growth equations and length-to-body mass regression equations, the predicted length at age and body mass at length of fish on the south coast were greater than those on the west coast throughout life. Although B. frenchii spawns daily during the main spawning season, which extends from October to February on both coasts, its fecundity at any given length is substantially greater on the south than on the west coast. The more rapid growth of juveniles and earlier attainment of maturity by B. frenchii on the south coast than on the warmer west coast, together with maturation at a similar size on both coasts, run counter to the trends observed in many species and certain ecological theories regarding the relationships between life-cycle traits and latitude and temperature. The attainment by B. frenchii of a larger body length at age, of greater body mass at length and of greater fecundity at both length and body mass in fish on the south than on the west coast strongly suggests that conditions on the former, cooler coast are more favourable for this labrid, which belongs to a sub-genus whose other species typically live in cool, deep, temperate waters. [source] Micro- and macroscopic characteristics to stage gonadal maturation of female Baltic codJOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY, Issue 2 2003J. Tomkiewicz A set of histological characteristics to judge ovarian development was established and used to elaborate morphological criteria of 10 maturity stages of Baltic cod Gadus morhua sampled throughout the annual cycle to represent different macroscopic maturity stages. The applied characteristics confirmed most stages of the macroscopic scale, but the separation of late immature and resting mature females remained imprecise. Atretic vitellogenic oocytes or encapsulated residual eggs identified the resting condition morphologically, but not all ovaries with visible signs of previous spawning showed such features. One ovarian stage that was previously classified as ,ripening' was changed to ,spawning', owing to the prevalence of hydrated eggs and empty follicles. Ovaries with malfunctions were defined by a separate stage. Macroscopic criteria were revised by comparing the gross anatomy of ovaries with their histology. Female length and gonado-somatic index supported stage definitions, but substantial variation in Fulton's condition factor and the hepato-somatic index rendered these of little use for this purpose. The time of sampling influenced staging accuracy. A female spawner probability function based on the proportion of ripening and ripe specimens in early spring seems to be the most appropriate method to estimate spawner biomass and reproductive potential. [source] Are posttransplantation protocol liver biopsies useful in the long term?LIVER TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 9 2001Marina Berenguer MD Controversy exists about the usefulness of yearly protocol liver biopsies after liver transplantation, mainly among patients with normal transaminase levels. The aim of this study is to determine (1) the prevalence and cause of histological liver injury in transplant recipients with a minimum histological follow-up of 1 year (n = 254), and (2) the correlation between histological findings and transaminase values. The main indication for liver transplantation was viral-related cirrhosis (61%; 86% caused by hepatitis C virus [HCV]). Protocol liver biopsies were performed yearly for the first 5 years in HCV-infected transplant recipients and at 1 and 5 years in the remaining patients. Histological liver injury included several categories of liver damage (hepatitis, rejection, steatohepatitis, cholangitis, and Budd-Chiari,like lesions). Among biopsy specimens categorized as hepatitis, severe hepatitis was defined as the presence of stage 3 or greater fibrosis. The prevalence of liver injury increased significantly with time (42% v 56% at 1 and 5 years, respectively; P = .09) and was significantly greater in patients who underwent transplantation for HCV-related cirrhosis than in those who underwent transplantation for other reasons (P = .0001). The most frequent category of liver injury was hepatitis (97% and 96% at 1 and 5 years, respectively). Although a proportion of patients with liver injury (12% to 29%) had normal transaminase values, this percentage was almost null in patients with severe hepatitis. Normal histological characteristics were found in the vast majority of non,HCV-infected transplant recipients with normal transaminase values. Given the high prevalence of abnormal histological findings, particularly the increase over time of those defined as severe, protocol liver biopsies are clearly justified in HCV-infected transplant recipients. Conversely, given the rarity of abnormal histological findings, protocol liver biopsies should be questioned in non,HCV-infected transplant recipients with normal transaminase values. [source] Histological evaluation on bone regeneration of dental implant placement sites grafted with a self-setting ,-tricalcium phosphate cementMICROSCOPY RESEARCH AND TECHNIQUE, Issue 2 2008Masayoshi Nakadate Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the histological characteristics of the new bone formed at dental implant placement sites concomitantly grafted with a self-setting tricalcium phosphate cement (BIOPEX-R®). Standardized defects were created adjacent to the implants in maxillae of 4-week-old male Wistar rats, and were concomitantly filled with BIOPEX-R®. Osteogenesis was examined in two sites of extreme clinical relevance: (1) the BIOPEX-R®-grafted surface corresponding to the previous alveolar ridge (alveolar ridge area), and (2) the interface between the grafting material and implants (interface area). At the alveolar ridge area, many tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAPase)-reactive osteoclasts had accumulated on the BIOPEX-R® surface and were shown to migrate toward the implant. After that, alkaline phosphatase (ALPase)-positive osteoblasts deposited new bone matrix, demonstrating their coupling with osteoclasts. On the other hand, the interface area showed several osteoclasts initially invading the narrow gap between the implant and graft material. Again, ALPase-positive osteoblasts were shown to couple with osteoclasts, having deposited new bone matrix after bone resorption. Transmission electron microscopic observations revealed direct contact between the implant and the new bone at the interface area, although few thin cells could still be identified. At both the alveolar ridge and the interface areas, newly formed bone resembled compact bone histologically. Also, concentrations of Ca, P, and Mg were much alike with those of the preexistent cortical bone. In summary, when dental implant placement and grafting with BIOPEX-R® are done concomitantly, the result is a new bone that resembles compact bone, an ideal achievement in reconstructive procedures for dental implantology. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2008. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Unique histological characteristics of Scedosporium that could aid in its identificationPATHOLOGY INTERNATIONAL, Issue 2 2010Masatomo Kimura Scedosporium prolificans has been increasingly recognized as an etiological agent of disseminated mycelial infections in profoundly immunocompromised patients. Reported herein is a case of disseminated S. prolificans infection in a patient undergoing anti-neoplastic chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia. Antemortem blood culture yielded S. prolificans, which was confirmed on conventional morphological examination and polymerase chain reaction-based DNA sequencing targeting internally transcribed spacer regions. Histopathology of autopsy specimens indicated fungal infection in the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen, pancreas and gastrointestinal tract, with the development of hemorrhagic and ischemic necrosis. The infecting fungus had developing septate hyphae and was identified as belonging to the genus Scedosporium, on in situ hybridization of tissue. The combination of haphazardly branching hyphae and lemon-shaped conidia appeared to be the most useful distinguishing features to allow differentiation of this fungus from other filamentous fungi in tissue. Three other unique histopathological characteristics of the fungus were noted: (i) parallel hyphae bridged at right angles to produce letter-H patterns; (ii) intravascular conidiation; and (iii) purple conidia in tissue, though these are usually described as brown in most text books. Precise histopathology, in addition to other techniques such as in situ hybridization, can aid in the identification of etiological fungi. [source] Phosphoglyceride (PG) crystal deposition disease: A novel acquired disease in which PG crystals are deposited in injured soft tissue and bone with phospholipid metabolism disturbancePATHOLOGY INTERNATIONAL, Issue 12 2004Katsutoshi Miura The clinical history and crystal characteristics of three published cases and three new cases of phosphoglyceride (PG) crystal deposition disease of soft tissues and bones were compared. All patients (age range, 51,64 years) were generally healthy without a genetic background of congenital immunodeficiency or lipidosis. Foreign body granulomas grew slowly, predominantly at postoperative or repeat injection lesions. In two cases, crystals were deposited in multiple locations, and in one case, lipophage accumulations were found in the bone marrow. The crystals characteristically dissolved in acetic acid with oxygen gas formation, easily dissolved in alkalis and showed positive staining for PG by the gold hydroxamic acid method. All crystals examined by infrared microscopy, mass spectrometry and X-ray microanalysis showed similar results, supporting the theory that the crystals were PG. Phosphoglyceride deposition disease is a lipid metabolic disorder in which PG crystals are slowly deposited, predominantly in injured soft tissues, forming foreign body granulomas. The diagnosis can be based on histological characteristics. The prognosis is favorable, although some cases showed systemic depositions with repetitions. Lysosomal phosphoglyceride metabolism in macrophages might be affected. [source] Anatomicohistological Characteristics of the Female Genital Organs of the White-lipped Peccary (Tayassu pecari) in the Peruvian AmazonANATOMIA, HISTOLOGIA, EMBRYOLOGIA, Issue 6 2009P. Mayor Summary This study examined the anatomical and histological characteristics of the genital organs of the female white-lipped peccary in the wild in different reproductive stages, collected by rural hunters in the North-eastern Peruvian Amazon. Mean ovulation rate was 2.12 ± 0.83 follicles and litter size was 1.78 ± 0.41 embryos or fetuses per pregnant female, resulting in a low rate of reproductive wastage, averaging 0.33 ± 0.66 (16.04%) oocytes or embryos per pregnancy. The ovulation rate and the anatomical performance of the uterus could limit the prolificacy of this species. Females in follicular phase showed follicular waves suggesting the synchronous growth of a cohort of follicles. Different uterine and vaginal epithelium features changed in accordance with the reproductive state of the female. Pregnant females and females in the luteal phase presented a significant proliferation of endometrial uterine glands, characterized by hyperplasia and branching of endometrial glands, and increase in the proportion of cervical epithelial cells with periodic acid-schiff (PAS)-positive granules compared with that in females in the follicular phase. Females in the follicular phase showed a more developed vaginal epithelium (in thickness and in layer composition) than females in the luteal phase and pregnant females. [source] Quantification of vitellin/vitellogenin-like proteins in the oyster Crassostrea corteziensis (Hertlein 1951) as a tool to predict the degree of gonad maturityAQUACULTURE RESEARCH, Issue 6 2009Fabiola G. Arcos Abstract The oyster's reproductive process is poorly documented, especially in terms of a quantitative approach. In recent years, investigations with this species have been directed at determining important reproductive factors. Within this scope, techniques that allow standardized and accurate quantitative estimations of gonad development have become of primary importance. In this study, the histological characteristics and the levels of vitellin/vitellogenin-like proteins (Vn/Vtg) from ovaries of the Mexican Pacific ,pleasure' oyster Crassostrea corteziensis (Hertlein 1951) were analysed during different stages of gonad maturation using quantitative histological techniques and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. This was performed in order to evaluate a possible quantitative tool to predict the degrees of gonad maturity and to analyse the biological implications of the findings relative not only to broodstock conditioning but also to natural populations. Using this information, we expect to be able to undertake further research on different reproductive aspects of this oyster species, including, among others, evaluation of the response in Vn/Vtg concentrations to different diets and environmental conditions during laboratory conditioning. [source] Ovarian maturation of wild Farfantepenaeus paulensis in relation to histological and visual changesAQUACULTURE RESEARCH, Issue 14 2003S Peixoto Abstract The present study describes the ovarian development stages of wild Farfantepenaeus paulensis (Pérez-Farfante) through the combined observation of histological and visual characteristics. Twenty-five females (61.8±2.4 g) were captured in 35,40-m deep waters off southern Brazil (27°S). The females were grouped according to the size and shape of their ovary and then killed. The colour of the fresh ovary was compared with a chromatic scale catalogue. Analysis of the histological sections of each ovary determined the morphological characteristics, size and frequency of the different oocyte types. Based on these characteristics, four distinct stages of ovarian maturation are proposed: stage I (immature), characterized by the presence of small basophilic oocytes (52.1±19.9 ,m) and ovary colour ranging from translucent to creamy; stage II (developing), with yolky oocytes (YOs) (144.2±26.1 ,m) and a light green colour; stage III (mature), presenting large YOs but with cortical rods (235.0±30.2 ,m) and an olive-brown colour; and stage IV (spent), with atretic oocytes and the same ovary colour pattern as stage I. The gonadosomatic index ranged from 1.6 (stage IV) to 13.7% (stage III) and was closely related to the different ovarian maturation stages. The observation of visual features coupled with histological characteristics was found to represent a reliable procedure to evaluate the ovarian maturation of F. paulensis. [source] Effects of lyophilization on human amniotic membraneACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 4 2009M. Teresa Rodríguez-Ares Abstract. Purpose:, This study aimed to evaluate the effects of lyophilization and cryopreservation on human amniotic membrane (HAM) in terms of histological characteristics and growth factor levels. Methods:, Non-preserved, lyophilized and cryopreserved HAM samples from 13 placentas were investigated. The morphological characteristics of HAM were evaluated using light and electron microscopy. Immunohistochemical methods were also applied to assess the distribution of collagen IV in the basement membrane. Total protein amounts were measured in extracts of intact amniotic membrane from non-preserved, lyophilized and cryopreserved samples. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to assay growth factor protein levels for epidermal growth factor, fibroblast growth factor basic, hepatocyte growth factor, keratinocyte growth factor, transforming growth factor-,1 and nerve growth factor. Results:, Histological examination of lyophilized and cryopreserved human amniotic membrane showed similar results. Immunohistochemistry showed presence of collagen IV throughout the basement membrane, both in cryopreserved and lyophilized samples. Total protein amount was higher in cryopreserved samples, without statistical significance. Growth factors ELISA did not show statistically significant differences except for fibroblast growth factor basic, with higher levels in cryopreserved amniotic membrane. Conclusions:, Lyophilization maintains the histological structure of HAM, but seems to cause greater reductions in total protein amount and growth factor concentration than cryopreservation. [source] | |||||||||||||