Home About us Contact
|
Home About us Contact | ||
|
|
||
Histological Evidence (histological + evidence)
Selected Abstracts,2 -Antiplasmin plays a significant role in acute pulmonary embolismJOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS, Issue 8 2003H. Matsuno Summary., The importance of pulmonary embolism (PE) due to venous thrombosis is recognized in the treatment of vascular diseases. We have investigated the physiological effects of plasmin generation in experimental acute PE using mice deficient in plasminogen (Plg,/,) or ,2 -antiplasmin (,2 -AP,/,). PE was induced by continuous induction of venous thrombus in the left jugular vein by endothelial injury due to photochemical reaction. The mortality of wild-type mice was 68.8% at 2 h after the initiation of venous thrombosis and it was significantly reduced in ,2 -AP,/, mice (41.7%). In contrast, Plg,/, mice did not survive. Histological evidence of thromboembolism in the lung was obtained in all mice. However, whereas a strict thromboembolism was observed in Plg,/, mice, only a few thrombi were detected in the lungs of ,2 -AP,/, mice. Plasma fibrinogen levels measured in mice were not different. When ,2 -AP was infused in ,2 -AP,/, mice, the mortality was indistinguishable from wild-type mice. Tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) did not reduce the mortality due to acute PE in wild-type mice. However, in ,2 -AP,/, mice, tPA (0.52 mg kg,1) significantly decreased the mortality compared with that of ,2 -AP,/, mice without tPA. The bleeding time was not significantly prolonged in either type of mice treated with tPA. The lack of plasminogen increases the mortality due to acute PE while a lack of ,2 -AP decreases the mortality rate, which can be further reduced by tPA administration. Therefore, the combination of inhibition of ,2 -AP with thrombolytic therapy could be beneficial in the treatment of acute PE. [source] Improved survival of rat ischemic cutaneous and musculocutaneous flaps after VEGF gene transferMICROSURGERY, Issue 5 2007Andrea Antonini M.D. When harvesting microsurgical flaps, the main goals are to obtain as much tissue as possible based on a single vascular pedicle and a reliable vascularization of the entire flap. These aims being in contrast to each other, microsurgeons have been looking for an effective way to enhance skin and muscle perfusion in order to avoid partial flap loss in reconstructive surgery. In this study we demonstrate the efficacy of VEGF 165 delivered by an Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) vector in two widely recognized rat flap models. In the rectus abdominis miocutaneous flap, intramuscular injection of AAV- VEGF reduced flap necrosis by 50%, while cutaneous delivery of the same amount of vector put down the epigastric flap's ischemia by >40%. Histological evidence of neoangiogenesis (enhanced presence of CD31-positive capillaries and ,-Smooth Muscle Actin-positive arteriolae) confirmed the therapeutic effect of AAV- VEGF on flap perfusion. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2007. [source] Brief communication: Mass spectroscopic characterization of tetracycline in the skeletal remains of an ancient population from Sudanese Nubia 350,550 CEAMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY, Issue 1 2010Mark L. Nelson Abstract Histological evidence of tetracycline use has been reported in an ancient X-Group population (350,550 CE) from Sudanese Nubia (Bassett et al., 1980). When bone samples were examined by fluorescent microscopy under UV light at 490 Ĺ yellow,green fluorophore deposition bands, similar to those produced by tetracycline, were observed, suggesting significant exposure of the population to the antibiotic. These reports were met skeptically with claims that the fluorescence was the result of postmortem taphonomic infiltration of bacteria and fungi. Herein, we report the acid extraction and mass spectroscopic characterization of the antibiotic tetracycline from these samples. The bone samples were demineralized in anhydrous hydrogen fluoride which dissolved the bone-complexed tetracycline, followed by isolation by solid phase extraction on reverse-phase media. Chemical characterization by high pressure liquid chromatography mass-spectroscopic procedures showed that the retention times and mass spectra of the bone extract were identical to tetracycline when treated similarly. These results indicate that a natural product tetracycline was detectable within the sampled bone and was converted to the acid-stable form, anhydrotetracycline, with a mass + H of 427.1 amu. Our findings show that the bone sampled is labeled by the antibiotic tetracycline, and that the NAX population ingested and were exposed to tetracycline-containing materials in their dietary regime. Am J Phys Anthropol 143:151,154, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Histological evidences suggest recommending orchiopexy within the first year of life for children with unilateral inguinal cryptorchid testisINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY, Issue 7 2007Kwan Hyun Park Objective: To determine the optimal timing for orchiopexy, we evaluated the histological parameters of the cryptorchid testis. Methods: We prospectively performed testicular biopsy in a total of 65 consecutive children with palpable unilateral inguinal cryptorchid testes. For controls, we used testicular histological slides from 15 age-matched children with testicular tumor. To investigate the fertility potential, we analyzed the parameters including mean tubular diameter (MTD), mean tubular fertility index (MTFI), germ cell count/tubule (GCC), Sertoli cell index (SCI) and interstitial fibrosis index (IFI). Results: The MTFI and GCC in children ,1 years of age were significantly higher than those of other older age groups. The MTFI, GCC and IFI were significantly better in patients ,2 years of age when compared to those of > 2 years. Compared to the controls, the MTFI and GCC in the patients were significantly worse in those aged > 2 years at surgical repair. In the ,2-year age group, the MTFI and GCC of the cryptorchid testis showed a decreasing tendency with age, which were contrasting with the ascending curves in the control and the curves crossed at 1,2 years of age in each parameter. Conclusions: To protect fertility potential, we recommend, orchiopexy should be performed within the first year of life, and no later than 2 years of age in patients with palpable inguinal cryptorchid testes. [source] Zebrafish IRX1b in the embryonic cardiac ventricle,DEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 4 2004Elaine M. Joseph Abstract The synchronous contraction of the vertebrate heart requires a conduction system. While coordinated contraction of the cardiac chambers is observed in zebrafish larvae, no histological evidence yet has been found for the existence of a cardiac conduction system in this tractable teleost. The homeodomain transcription factor gene IRX1 has been shown in the mouse embryo to be a marker of cells that give rise to the distinctive cardiac ventricular conduction system. Here, I demonstrate that zebrafish IRX1b is expressed in a restricted subset of ventricular myocytes within the embryonic zebrafish heart. IRX1b expression occurs as the electrical maturation of the heart is taking place, in a location analogous to the initial expression domain of mouse IRX1. The gene expression pattern of IRX1b is altered in silent heart genetic mutant embryos and in embryos treated with the endothelin receptor antagonist bosentan. Furthermore, injection of a morpholino oligonucleotide targeted to block IRX1b translation slows the heart rate. Developmental Dynamics 231:720,726, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Inflammatory bowel disease in the setting of autoimmune pancreatitis,INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES, Issue 9 2009Karthik Ravi MD Abstract Background: Despite scattered case reports, the prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in patients with autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is unknown. We sought to better characterize the putative association between the conditions. Methods: Medical records of 71 patients meeting accepted criteria for AIP were reviewed to identify those with endoscopic and histological evidence of IBD. Colon samples in patients with both AIP and IBD were immunostained to identify IgG4-positive cells. Results: Four patients with AIP (5.6%) had a diagnosis of IBD: 3 had ulcerative colitis (UC) and 1 had Crohn's disease (CD). The diagnosis of IBD preceded or was simultaneous to that of AIP. Two AIP-UC patients treated for AIP with prednisone had a recurrence of AIP, and 1 required 6-mercaptopurine for long-term corticosteroid-sparing treatment. Two AIP-IBD patients underwent Whipple resections, and 1 had recurrent AIP. All 3 patients with UC presented with pancolitis, and 2 required colectomy. Colon samples from 1 patient with UC and 1 patient with CD were available for review. Increased numbers of IgG4-positive cells (10 per high-power field) were noted on the colon sample from the patient with UC. Conclusions: Almost 6% of patients with proven AIP had a diagnosis of IBD, compared to a prevalence of ,0.4%,0.5% in the general population, potentially implying a 12,15-fold increase in risk. Patients with both AIP and IBD may have increased extent and severity of IBD. The finding of IgG4-positive cells on colon biopsy suggests that IBD may represent an extrapancreatic manifestation of AIP. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2009) [source] Mouse models in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and steatohepatitis researchINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY, Issue 1 2006Quentin M. Anstee Summary Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents a histological spectrum of liver disease associated with obesity, diabetes and insulin resistance that extends from isolated steatosis to steatohepatitis and cirrhosis. As well as being a potential cause of progressive liver disease in its own right, steatosis has been shown to be an important cofactor in the pathogenesis of many other liver diseases. Animal models of NAFLD may be divided into two broad categories: those caused by genetic mutation and those with an acquired phenotype produced by dietary or pharmacological manipulation. The literature contains numerous different mouse models that exhibit histological evidence of hepatic steatosis or, more variably, steatohepatitis; however, few replicate the entire human phenotype. The genetic leptin-deficient (ob/ob) or leptin-resistant (db/db) mouse and the dietary methionine/choline-deficient model are used in the majority of published research. More recently, targeted gene disruption and the use of supra-nutritional diets to induce NAFLD have gained greater prominence as researchers have attempted to bridge the phenotype gap between the available models and the human disease. Using the physiological processes that underlie the pathogenesis and progression of NAFLD as a framework, we review the literature describing currently available mouse models of NAFLD, highlight the strengths and weaknesses of established models and describe the key findings that have furthered the understanding of disease pathogenesis. [source] Age changes in bone microstructure: do they occur uniformly?INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OSTEOARCHAEOLOGY, Issue 6 2005G. A. Macho Abstract Age estimations based on conventional multifactorial methods were compared with trends observed in the internal morphology of bones obtained from high-resolution µCT. Specifically, average trabecular thickness and number of trabeculae/mm transect were determined in the non-load-bearing capitate (hand) and the load-bearing navicular (foot). The µCT findings reveal age-related trends but,surprisingly,these correspond only loosely with the ages assigned by conventional ageing methods, and are also not in accordance with what would be predicted from biomechanical considerations: trabeculae tend to be thinner in the (habitually) load-bearing navicular than in the (habitually) non-load-bearing capitate. While the statistically significant correlation between trabecular thickness and number of trabeculae would suggest a compensatory mechanism between these two aspects of microanatomy, they are not correlated with the assigned ages and, importantly, may differ between sexes. Only in females is there an unequivocal trend towards trabecular thickness increase with age. These findings, although unexpected, can be reconciled with recent histological evidence and assumed average activity levels in historical populations. Conversely, changes in trabecular number are less clear-cut and may be due to the lack of very old individuals in the sample. Nevertheless, the trends observed for trabecular thickness, as well as for trabecular number, seem to imply that the higher incidence of osteoporosis in women could be explained from a structural point of view alone. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Choanoflagellates, choanocytes, and animal multicellularityINVERTEBRATE BIOLOGY, Issue 1 2004Manuel Maldonado Abstract. It is widely accepted that multicellular animals (metazoans) constitute a monophyletic unit, deriving from ancestral choanoflagellate-like protists that gave rise to simple choanocyte-bearing metazoans. However, a re-assessment of molecular and histological evidence on choanoflagellates, sponge choanocytes, and other metazoan cells reveals that the status of choanocytes as a fundamental cell type in metazoan evolution is unrealistic. Rather, choanocytes are specialized cells that develop from non-collared ciliated cells during sponge embryogenesis. Although choanocytes of adult sponges have no obvious homologue among metazoans, larval cells transdifferentiating into choanocytes at metamorphosis do have such homologues. The evidence reviewed here also indicates that sponge larvae are architecturally closer than adult sponges to the remaining metazoans. This may mean that the basic multicellular organismal architecture from which diploblasts evolved, that is, the putative planktonic archimetazoan, was more similar to a modern poriferan larva lacking choanocytes than to an adult sponge. Alternatively, it may mean that other metazoans evolved from a neotenous larva of ancient sponges. Indeed, the Porifera possess some features of intriguing evolutionary significance: (1) widespread occurrence of internal fertilization and a notable diversity of gastrulation modes, (2) dispersal through architecturally complex lecithotrophic larvae, in which an ephemeral archenteron (in dispherula larvae) and multiciliated and syncytial cells (in trichimella larvae) occur, (3) acquisition of direct development by some groups, and (4) replacement of choanocyte-based filter-feeding by carnivory in some sponges. Together, these features strongly suggest that the Porifera may have a longer and more complicated evolutionary history than traditionally assumed, and also that the simple anatomy of modern adult sponges may have resulted from a secondary simplification. This makes the idea of a neotenous evolution less likely than that of a larva-like choanocyte-lacking archimetazoan. From this perspective, the view that choanoflagellates may be simplified sponge-derived metazoans, rather than protists, emerges as a viable alternative hypothesis. This idea neither conflicts with the available evidence nor can be disproved by it, and must be specifically re-examined by further approaches combining morphological and molecular information. Interestingly, several microbial lin°Cages lacking choanocyte-like morphology, such as Corallochytrea, Cristidiscoidea, Ministeriida, and Mesomycetozoea, have recently been placed at the boundary between fungi and animals, becoming a promising source of information in addition to the choanoflagellates in the search for the unicellular origin of animal multicellularity. [source] A major fish stranding caused by a natural hypoxic event in a shallow bay of the eastern South Pacific OceanJOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY, Issue 7 2010E. Hernández-Miranda A massive beaching and mortality of fishes occurred in Coliumo Bay, a shallow bay located along the coast of the eastern South Pacific Ocean on 3 January 2008. This stranding was a consequence of an abrupt decrease in the dissolved oxygen concentration throughout the whole water column, due to the effect of intense upwelling along the coast off central-southern Chile. The main objectives of this study were: (1) to characterize taxonomically and biologically the fish species assemblage present in this beaching; (2) to evaluate several physiological indicators for the condition of the beached species at the time of their death; and (3) to assess the possible cause,effect mechanisms involved in the fishes death and the changes that took place in the fish community throughout the time. In this beaching, 26 fish species were identified: 23 teleosts, one myxiniform and two elasmobranchs. Most beached specimens were juveniles. Haematological and histological evidence indicate that severe hypoxia that lasted for at least 48 h was the most plausible cause of death. The main conclusion of this study is that the presence of oxygen-poor equatorial sub-surface water in the shallow coastal zone due to intense regional-scale upwelling caused the fish stranding. Although the effect of the hypoxic event was severe for the fish assemblage of Coliumo Bay, the rapid recuperation observed suggests that hypoxic events at the local spatial scale can be buffered by migration processes from the fish community inhabiting close by areas non-affected by low oxygen conditions. The effect that severe hypoxic events may have on larger spatial scales remains unknown. [source] Comparative innervation of cephalic photophores of the loosejaw dragonfishes (Teleostei: Stomiiformes: Stomiidae): Evidence for parallel evolution of long-wave bioluminescenceJOURNAL OF MORPHOLOGY, Issue 4 2010Christopher P. Kenaley Abstract Four genera of the teleost family Stomiidae, the loosejaw dragonfishes, possess accessory cephalic photophores (AOs). Species of three genera, Aristostomias, Malacosteus, and Pachystomias, are capable of producing far-red, long-wave emissions (>650nm) from their AOs, a character unique among vertebrates. Aristostomias and Malacosteus posses a single far-red AO, while Pachystomias possesses anterior and posterior far-red AOs, each with smaller separate photophores positioned in their ventral margins. The purpose of this study was to establish the primary homology of the loosejaw AOs based on topological similarity of cranial nerve innervation, and subject these homology conjectures to tests of congruence under a phylogenetic hypothesis for the loosejaw dragonfishes. On the basis of whole-mount, triple-stained specimens, innervation of the loosejaw AOs is described. The AO of Aristostomias and the anterior AO of Pachystomias are innervated by the profundal ramus of the trigeminal (Tpr), while the far-red AO of Malacosteus and a small ventral AO of Pachystomias are innervated by the maxillary ramus of the trigeminal (Tmx). The largest far-red AO of Pachystomias, positioned directly below the orbit, and the short-wave AO of Photostomias are innervated by a branch of the mandibular ramus of the trigeminal nerve. Conjectures of primary homology drawn from these neuroanatomical similarities were subjected to tests of congruence on a phylogeny of the loosejaws inferred from a reanalysis of a previously published morphological dataset. Optimized for accelerated transformation, the AO innervated by the Tpr appears as a single transformation on the new topology, thereby establishing secondary homology. The AOs innervated by the Tmd found in Pachystomias and Photostomias appear as two transformations in a reconstruction on the new topology, a result that rejects secondary homology of this structure. The secondary homology of AOs innervated by the Tmx found in Malacosteus and Pachystomias is rejected on the same grounds. Two short-wave cephalic photophores present in all four genera, the suborbital (SO) and the postorbital (PO), positioned in the posteroventral margin of the orbit and directly posterior to the orbit, respectively, are innervated by separate divisions of the Tmd. The primary homologies of the loosejaw PO and SO across loosejaw taxa are proposed on the basis of similar innervation patterns. Because of dissimilar innervation of the loosejaw SO and SO of basal stomiiforms, primary homology of these photophores cannot be established. Because of similar function and position, the PO of all other stomiid taxa is likely homologous with the loosejaw PO. Nonhomology of loosejaw long-wave photophores is corroborated by previously published histological evidence. The totality of evidence suggests that the only known far-red bioluminescent system in vertebrates has evolved as many as three times in a closely related group of deep-sea fishes. J. Morphol., 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Melatonin limits lung injury in bleomycin treated miceJOURNAL OF PINEAL RESEARCH, Issue 2 2005Tiziana Genovese Abstract:, Melatonin is the principal secretory product of the pineal gland and its role as an immuno-modulator is well established. Recent evidence shows that melatonin is a scavenger of oxyradicals and peroxynitrite and exerts protective effects in septic shock, hemorrhagic shock and inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of melatonin on the lung injury caused by bleomycin (BLM) administration. Mice subjected to intratracheal administration of BLM developed significant lung injury characterized by a marked neutrophil infiltration [assessed by myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity] and by tissue edema. In addition, an increase of immunoreactivity to nitrotyrosine, poly-ADP-ribose (PAR) was also observed in the lung of BLM-treated mice. Also, lung injury induced by BLM administration was correlated with a significant loss of body weight and with a significant mortality. Administration of melatonin (10 mg/kg i.p.) daily significantly reduced the (i) loss of body weight, (ii) mortality rate, (iii) infiltration of the lung with polymorphonuclear neutrophils (MPO activity), (iv) edema formation and (v) histological evidence of lung injury. Administration of melatonin also markedly reduced the nitrotyrosine and PAR formation. Taken together, our results demonstrate that treatment with melatonin significantly reduces lung injury induced by BLM in the mice. [source] Feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions: unveiling the early lesionJOURNAL OF SMALL ANIMAL PRACTICE, Issue 11 2002C. Gorrel The purpose of this study was to increase understanding of the factors initiating feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions (FORLs). Fifty-six teeth (clinically and radiographically unaffected by ORLs) were harvested. Of these, 43 were from cats that had ORLs in other teeth (group A) and 13 were from cats with no clinical or radiographic evidence of ORLs in any teeth (group B). Twenty-six teeth in group A and one tooth in group B showed histological evidence of external root resorption (surface resorption and replacement resorption resulting in ankylosis). Some teeth in group B showed healed cementum resorption. It has previously been assumed that FORLs were similar to lesions associated with peripheral inflammatory root resorption, and were associated with periodontal disease. These histological findings suggest instead that a FORL is a non-inflammatory replacement resorption, resulting in ankylosis. The periodontal ligament of resorbing teeth lacked normal fibrous architecture, but was not inflamed. Resorption was not identified in cervical cementum. However, the histological appearance of the cervical cementum differed between the two groups. Several aetiopathogenetic explanatory models which arise from these observations are discussed. [source] Methodological issues in papers on IFN therapy: time for reappraisalJOURNAL OF VIRAL HEPATITIS, Issue 3 2000Kondili We conducted an analytical review of 194 full papers on interferon (IFN) therapy for chronic hepatitis C to evaluate current methodology (i.e. study design, criteria for evaluating the efficacy of therapy and predictors of response). Of the papers evaluated, 64 were randomized controlled trials (RCT), 40 were non-randomized controlled trials (NRCT) and 90 were observational studies (OS). The methodological analysis was focused mainly on clinical trials. The number of patients enrolled in RCT was higher compared with the number enrolled in NRCT. Uniform enrolment criteria were used in less than 50% of the trials. Only 20% of RCT and 2.5% of NRCT used criteria for defining sample size. The response rate was calculated on an intention-to-treat basis in 36 of the RCT and in 14 of the NRCT. The outcome of treatment and the criteria employed to define the response to treatment were found to be far from standardized. In 51.5% of the RCT and 42.5% of the NRCT, normalization of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level at the end of follow-up was the only marker of response studied. Only 57.6% of the trials considered histological evidence as an important outcome. Among the clinical trials, 71.1% evaluated predictors of good response to IFN therapy. In 51% of the OS, ALT normalization by the end of follow-up was the only criterion for defining response. In conclusion, to ensure a high level of reliability in comparing or combining the results of different studies, some basic general requirements must be followed when planning trials on antiviral therapy. [source] Review article: the treatment of hepatitis C virus recurrence after liver transplantationALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 2 2007R. R. ARJAL Summary Background Recurrent hepatitis C represents a major challenge for the liver transplant community. Given the potentially significant impact that hepatitis C recurrence has on graft and patient survival, several treatment strategies have been utilized to prevent/slow the progression to hepatitis C-related graft failure. Aim To review the efficacy and applicability of treatment strategies for managing recurrent hepatitis C. Methods Search of MEDLINE (1990 to December 2006) and national meeting abstracts. Search terms included hepatitis C, liver transplantation, treatment, sustained virological response (SVR), and end of treatment virological response. An emphasis was placed on randomized trials. Results The largest study of treatment prior to liver transplantation (n = 124) achieved SVR in 24%. Eight randomized trials (n = 383) examined the efficacy of preemptive therapy with SVR ranging from 0,33%. Eligibility for treatment was low and dose reduction common. Four randomized trials (n = 245; all abstracts) have reported SVR from 33,42% for treating those with histological evidence of recurrent disease. Conclusions Therapies for treating hepatitis C recurrence have limited applicability and tolerability, and they have a low SVR. Based on available results, preemptive therapy is not recommended. Pegylated interferon and ribavirin is currently the preferred choice for treating established recurrence. There is an urgent need for safer and more effective anti-viral therapy in this situation. [source] Neuroprotective effect of riluzole in a primate model of Parkinson's disease: Behavioral and histological evidenceMOVEMENT DISORDERS, Issue 1 2002Maria C. Obinu PhD Abstract Our study aimed to determine whether riluzole, which has shown efficacy as a disease-modifying agent in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), is neuroprotective in a marmoset model of Parkinson's disease (PD). Reduction of energy demand by riluzole could be a rational neuroprotective strategy with good tolerability. The efficacy of riluzole was evaluated in marmosets by testing its ability to reduce MPTP-induced behavioral deficits and loss of dopaminergic nigral neurons. Marmosets were divided into two groups of four animals each: animals in Group 1 were injected twice with MPTP (2 mg/kg subcutaneous) and treated with riluzole (10 mg/kg per os b.i.d.), animals in Group 2 (controls) were injected with MPTP and with the vehicle of riluzole. A third group of marmosets which did not receive MPTP or riluzole drug was introduced for neurohistopathological studies (normal animals). Marmosets treated with riluzole preserved a better motor function and neurological performance through the 26 days of assessment when compared with the controls. Histologically, there was sparing of TH- and Nissl-stained nigral neurons and of TH-stained terminals in the striatum and the putamen in the group treated with riluzole compared to the controls. We conclude that riluzole protects dopaminergic neurons and reduces behavioral deficits in a marmoset model of PD. © 2001 Movement Disorder Society. [source] Safety of Transesophageal Pacing for 24 Hours in a Canine ModelPACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 7 2009D.A.C.V.I.M. Cardiology, HENRY W. GREEN III D.V.M. Background: Temporary epicardial pacing is often necessary following surgical correction of congenital heart disease. Epicardial pacing wires, while generally effective, can, however, become nonfunctional. Transesophageal atrial pacing (TEAP) can be a useful adjunct in this setting. The potential for esophageal damage with sustained TEAP is unknown. We assessed the safety of continuous (24 hours) TEAP by evaluating gross and histological changes to the esophagus in a canine model. Methods: Thirteen juvenile beagle dogs were fitted with a 4-Fr multipolar catheter placed transnasally into the esophagus to a level to sustain atrial capture. Pacing was established in nine dogs for 24 hours while four control dogs had catheters but no pacing stimulus applied. Paced dogs were divided into two groups: group A (n = 5) that were euthanized immediately and group B (n = 4) that were euthanized 7 days after the pacing period. Nonpaced dogs (group C, n = 4) were treated similar to group A. Gross and histological examination of the esophageal tissue was completed. Results: Gross and histological evidence of mild esophagitis was noted in dogs from groups A and C but not in dogs from group B. There was no evidence of esophageal stricture or fibrosis in any dog from any group. Conclusions: TEAP did not result in permanent esophageal changes after 24 hours of stimulation. Microscopic lesions of mild erosive esophagitis, seen after 24 hours of TEAP, were absent 7 days postpacing. Mechanical irritation from the catheter cannot be ruled out as a cause of these changes. [source] Association of Helicobacter pylori infection with gastroduodenal disease, epidemiologic factors and iron-deficiency anemia in Turkish children undergoing endoscopy, and impact on growthPEDIATRICS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 6 2007ÖZLEM DURMAZ SÜOGLU Abstract Background: The purpose of the present paper was to investigate the relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and clinical symptomatology, breast-feeding and socioeconomic level. The relationship between H. pylori and iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) and the effect of H. pylori infection on growth were also investigated. Methods: The subjects consisted of 70 patients aged 4,16 years who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for recurrent abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and dyspeptic complaints during a 2 year period. Patients were divided into two groups according to presence of histological evidence of H. pylori infection (group 1, H. pylori positive; group 2, H. pylori negative) and groups were compared with respect to epidemiologic characteristics, gastrointestinal complaints, height and weight SD scores and IDA. Results: Thirty-five (50%) of the 70 patients participating in the study were H. pylori positive. The mean age of group 1 was significantly higher than that of group 2. There were similar characteristics and symptomatology between groups. The majority of the patients in group 1 belonged to low socioeconomic class (class I and II; P < 0.05). The number of the patients exclusively breast-fed for ,4 months was significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1. Gastritis was significantly more frequent in group 1. Mean hemoglobin, serum Fe and ferritin levels were 11.6 ± 1.7 g/dL, 45.0 ± 23.2 ,g/dL and 11.9 ± 8.4 ,g/dL, respectively, for group 1 and 12.2 ± 0.7 g/dL, 79.3 ± 26.4 ,g/dL and 42.1 ± 31.8 ,g/dL, respectively, for group 2. The mean serum Fe and ferritin levels of group 2 were significantly higher than those of group 1. IDA was observed in 20 (57.1%) and six (17.1%) patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively. IDA was significantly more frequent in group 1. Helicobacter pylori infection was found to be the only variable that had significant effect on IDA. Mean SD height and weight for group 1 were lower than those of the group 2. When the patients were evaluated in four groups according to H. pylori and IDA status, mean height SD score of patients with both H. pylori infection and IDA was significantly lower than that of the patients negative for H. pylori and IDA concomitantly. Conclusion: Low socioeconomic status seems to be an important risk factor for H. pylori infection. Exclusive breast-feeding at least for 4 months can have a protective role against H. pylori infection. Increased frequency of growth retardation and IDA in H. pylori -infected patients in the present study supports similar findings in the literature, although there is still need for detailed studies to clarify the causative mechanisms. [source] Effects of L-arginine and L-carnitine in hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced intestinal injuryPEDIATRICS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 1 2005Ceyda Kabaroglu Abstract,Background:,This study was designed to show the role of oxidative stress, nitric oxide and glutathione-related antioxidant enzymes in hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced intestinal injury model in mice and to evaluate the potential benefits of arginine and carnitine supplementation. Methods:,A total of 28 young Balb/c mice were divided into four groups: Group 1 (untreated) was given physiological saline before the experiment; group 2 H/R mice were supplemented with L-arginine; group 3 H/R mice were given L-carnitine for 7 days; and group 4 mice served as controls. At the end of day 7, H/R injury was induced and intestinal tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), nitrate levels and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities were measured. Results:,MDA levels were higher in the untreated animals than in the other three groups. MDA levels were higher in the L-arginine-treated animals than in the L-carnitine-treated animals. Nitrate levels were found to be increased in the L-arginine-treated group when compared to the controls. GSH-Px and GR activities were increased in the untreated, the L-arginine and the L-carnitine-treated H/R groups when compared to the control group. GST activities were indifferent between the groups. Conclusions:,Oxidative stress contributes to the pathogenesis of H/R-induced intestinal injury. The glutathione redox cycle may have a crucial role in the H/R-induced intestinal injury. L-arginine and L-carnitine supplementations ameliorate the histological evidence of H/R-induced intestinal injury and decrease lipid peroxidation but do not alter the glutathione-related antioxidant enzyme activities. [source] Clinical aspects and immune reactions in sarcoidosis,THE CLINICAL RESPIRATORY JOURNAL, Issue 2 2007Johan Grunewald Abstract Introduction:, Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous disorder of unknown aetiology, affecting young adults and frequently involving the lungs. Objective:, The aim of the present review was to give an overview of the clinical aspects in sarcoidosis. Results:, The majority of patients recover, but some develop a chronic disease that may result in fibrosis and respiratory failure. Besides the lungs, peripheral lymph nodes, the skin, the liver and the eyes are commonly affected as well. The genetic background, as well as environmental factors, is of importance for developing sarcoidosis. The incidence varies in different populations, in the Nordic countries approximately with 20/100 000 new patients yearly. Sarcoidosis is diagnosed when clinical and radiological findings are supported by histological evidence in the form of non-caseating epithelioid cell granulomas, and when other causes of these features are excluded. Patients in need of treatment are usually treated with corticosteroids, topically or as oral steroids. A clinical effect of immunomodulatory drugs blocking tumour necrosis factor (TNF), has been suggested from several case reports, while two controlled studies showed only minor effects; however, with a tendency to a more pronounced effect on patients with a more severe disease. The immune response in sarcoidosis, with a typical accumulation of CD4+ T-cells to the lungs, indicate the existence of specific antigens in this disease. Recently, antigens derived from infectious agents such as Mycobacteria and Proprionibacterium acnes have come into focus. Lymphocyte populations with immunoregulatory functions have recently been investigated and seem to be dysfunctional in sarcoidosis, opening the possibility of developing new treatment strategies in this disease. Conclusion:, Recent technical developments have provided better tools, enabling detailed and more thorough analyses of the inflammatory process in sarcoidosis. Please cite this paper as: Grunewald J. Clinical aspects and immune reactions in sarcoidosis. The Clinical Respiratory Journal 2007; 1:64,73. [source] Paratracheal Lymph Node Involvement in Advanced Cancer of the Larynx, Hypopharynx, and Cervical EsophagusTHE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 9 2003Conrad V. Timon MD, FRCSI Abstract Objectives/Hypothesis The presence of nodal metastatic disease in head and neck cancer is the foremost prognostic factor. Although neck dissection is the surgical gold standard for the treatment of cervical lymphatic spread, the paratracheal nodal group is not routinely included in the dissection. The study determined the nodal yield, presence of metastases, and prognostic importance of paratracheal nodes in patients with advanced carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract. Study Design Prospective histological and survival analysis. Methods Over a 4-year period (October 1994,June 1998), consecutive patients undergoing laryngectomy with or without pharyngectomy or cervical esophagectomy underwent paratracheal node dissection on a prospective basis. Nodal tissue was examined for the presence of metastases. Statistical comparison of survival probability was determined by use of log-rank/,2 test. Results Fifty patients have been included in the study to date, with a minimal follow-up of 3 years. The average number of paratracheal nodes dissected was three per side (range, 1,5). Thirteen (26%) patients demonstrated histological evidence of paratracheal nodal metastases (larynx, 20%; postcricoid/cervical esophageal region, 43%). Five patients (10%) had positive paratracheal nodes alone in a histologically negative cervical neck dissection. The majority of positive paratracheal nodes were less than 1 cm in diameter and appeared negative preoperatively. The absence of positive paratracheal nodes may have a survival benefit. Conclusion The study highlighted the propensity of advanced carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract to involve the paratracheal nodes. This area should be routinely dissected in the surgical management of these tumors. [source] Efficacy of Concomitant Chemoradiation and Surgical Salvage for N3 Nodal Disease Associated With Upper Aerodigestive Tract Carcinoma,THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 11 2000Khwaja A. Ahmed MD Abstract Objectives/Hypothesis To determine whether an aggressive approach using trimodality therapy would improve the outcome in head and neck cancer patients with advanced (N3) nodal disease. Study Design In this retrospective, nonrandomized review, we analyzed a subset of patients who were treated in a targeted chemoradiation therapy protocol, consisting of 31 patients who received treatment between June 1993 and June 1997. Methods Patients received selective intra-arterial infusions of cisplatin (150 mg/m2/wk for 4 weeks) and concomitant radiation therapy (2 Gy/fraction × 35 daily fractions over a 7-wk period) to the primary and clinically positive nodal disease. The patients were re-evaluated 2 months later and underwent salvage neck dissections if there was any residual disease. Results Classification of disease in the primary site was as follows: T1 in 2 patients, T2 in 6 patients, T3 in 14 patients, and T4 in 9 patients. Among the 31 patients who were assessed for response at the nodal site, 4 of 31 (13%) had a complete response, 21 of 31 (68%) had a partial response, and 1 of 31 (3%) had no response. Excluding the 5 patients who could not be evaluated, 4 of 26 patients (15%) had a complete response, 21 of 26 (81%) had a partial response, and 1 of 26 (4%) had no response. Nineteen patients subsequently underwent neck dissection, and five patients had histological evidence of residual disease. The remaining seven patients included four who had a complete response in their necks and three who died of intercurrent disease before re-staging. Among the 23 patients who were rendered disease free, there were no recurrences within the neck, whereas 1 patient had recurrence at the primary site and 11 patients had recurrence at distant sites. With a median follow-up of 15 months (range, 4,41 mo), the 3-year overall survival and disease-specific survival were 41% and 43%, respectively. Conclusions Targeted chemoradiation therapy followed by surgical salvage is a highly effective approach for regional control of patients with N3 nodal disease, whereas additional strategies are required to address the problem of distant metastases. [source] A Practical Guide to the Management of HCV Infection Following Liver TransplantationAMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 8 2009K. Watt Hepatitis C-associated liver failure is the most common indication for liver transplantation, with virological recurrence near ubiquitous. Approximately 30% of HCV-infected recipients will die or lose their allograft or develop cirrhosis secondary to hepatitis C recurrence by the fifth postoperative year, with the proportion increasing with duration of follow-up. Strategies for minimizing the frequency of severe HCV recurrence include avoidance of older donors, early diagnosis/treatment of CMV and minimization of immunosuppression, particularly T-cell depleting therapies and pulsed corticosteroid treatment of acute cellular rejection. Patients should be offered treatment with peginterferon and ribavirin before LT if MELD , 17 or as soon as histological evidence of recurrence of HCV is apparent post-LT. Because of the high frequency of hemotoxicity and renal insufficiency, ribavirin should be dosed according to renal function. [source] S-phase fraction and DNA ploidy in oral leukoplakiaANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 7-8 2010Rahul Khanna Abstract Background:, The risk of malignant conversion in oral leukoplakia is well documented. Histological findings are often unreliable and it is difficult to predict on the basis of clinical and histopathological changes which leukoplakic lesion will turn malignant. Methods:, We used the technique of flow cytometry to evaluate the ploidy status, DNA index and S-phase fraction in leukoplakia, oral cancer and normal oral mucosal biopsies and compared it with histological findings. The study was carried out on 30 patients with oral cancer, 60 with leukoplakia and 30 with normal oral mucosal biopsies. Results:, The aneuploidy rate in oral cancers was 64%, for leukoplakia 20%, while all normal mucosal biopsies were diploid. Aneuploid lesions also had a greater S-phase fraction (SPF). The DNA Index (DI) of aneuploid oral cancers was 1.72 and aneuploid leukoplakias was 1.24. Leukoplakia specimens which showed histological evidence of dysplasia had aneuploidy rate of 38%, DI of 1.19 and SPF of 6.2%. The corresponding values for leukoplakia specimens without dysplasia were 14%, 1.09 and 4.1%, respectively. Conclusion:, The method of flow cytometry can be used to identify the subset of leukoplakia patients who are at a higher risk of malignant conversion. These patients could undergo more rigid surveillance or undergo excision biopsy of their lesions. [source] NEW ERA: PROPHYLACTIC SURGERY FOR PATIENTS WITH MULTIPLE ENDOCRINE NEOPLASIA-2AANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 7 2006Jessica E. Gosnell Background: The surgical management of patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia-2A (MEN-2A) continues to evolve with specific genotype,phenotype correlations allowing for a more tailored approach. In this study, we report the surgical management of one of the largest MEN-2A families with a rearranged during transfection (RET) codon 804 mutation. Method: This is a cohort study comprising all at-risk kindred within a single known MEN-2A family. Prophylactic total thyroidectomy with lymph node dissection was recommended to all mutation carriers aged 5 years and older. Results: There were a total of 48 at-risk individuals in the MEN-2A kindred, with 22 patients undergoing thyroidectomy after appropriate preoperative evaluation. A total of 9 patients had medullary thyroid cancer including 5 with a normal preoperative calcitonin level. A total of 11 patients had C-cell hyperplasia and 7 showed histological evidence of parathyroid disease. Only the index case had a phaeochromocytoma. Conclusion: Genetic testing for germline mutations in the RET proto-oncogene has allowed precise identification of affected RET carriers and provided the opportunity for prophylactic or ,preclinical' surgery to treat and in fact to prevent medullary thyroid cancer. This concept of prophylactic surgery based on a genetic test is likely to be applied more widely as the tools of molecular biology advance. [source] A comparison of the expression of immunity-related rag 1 and ikaros genes with histogenesis of the thymus in Epinephelus malabaricus (Bloch & Schneider)AQUACULTURE RESEARCH, Issue 3 2008John Han-You Lin Abstract Expression of the immunity-related ikaros and rag1 genes during development signals the onset of lymphopoiesis in vertebrates. Partial sequences of ikaros and rag1 in Epinephelus malabaricus were cloned by degenerate primer-mediated reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Their expression profiles in the thymus, head kidney, trunk kidney, spleen, intestine, brain, liver and pancreas, and the onset of expression at various developmental stages, were examined by RT-PCR using identical primers. Expressions of both ikaros and rag1 genes were detected as early as 3 days post fertilization (dpf). The thymus is thought to be the first organ of lymphopoiesis to develop in fish; its histogenesis in E. malabaricus was examined and used for comparison. To avoid the potential influence of environmental factors on different hatches, both age and larval morphology were used as indicators of maturation to define the stage of development. A bud-like thymus was observed at 9 dpf; lymphopoietic cells appeared at 19 dpf; and further development, such as cortex/medulla differentiation and the appearance of lymphocytes, occurred by 26 dpf. Trabecula development was detected at 41 dpf. Based on the histological evidence, the lymphoid cell expressed rag1 before the thymus developed, suggesting that extra-thymic lymphopoiesis takes place in E. malabaricus, and that a functional immune system might develop early in the metamorphosis stage. [source] Frontal fibrosing alopecia associated with generalized hair lossAUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 3 2010Paul Armenores ABSTRACT We present six cases of frontal fibrosing alopecia, in which generalized hair loss is a feature. Although this variant of lichen planopilaris has been reported clinically in a number of patients, there is very little histological evidence that the condition exists in peripheral sites. We believe this pattern of involvement may be more common than is reported, and have provided histological evidence of lichen planopilaris being present at sites beyond the scalp and eyebrows. [source] Treatment of female pattern hair loss with a combination of spironolactone and minoxidilAUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2007Carlijn Hoedemaker SUMMARY A 53-year-old woman with clinical evidence of female pattern hair loss and histological evidence of androgenetic alopecia was initially treated with the oral antiandrogen spironolactone 200 mg daily. Serial scalp photography documented hair regrowth at 12 months; however, the hair regrowth plateaued, and at 24 months there had been no further improvement in hair density. Twice daily therapy with topical minoxidil 5% solution was then introduced and further regrowth documented, confirming the additive effect of combination therapy. [source] Derivation, safety and efficacy of a Marek's disease vaccine developed from an Australian isolate of very virulent Marek's disease virusAUSTRALIAN VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 1 2002RC KARPATHY Objective To develop a serotype 1 Marek's disease (MD) vaccine from a very virulent MDV (vvMDV) pathotype and demonstrate safety and efficacy against early challenge with very virulent field strains in the presence of maternal antibody. Study design Strain BH 16 was isolated and attenuated by serial cell culture passage. One of two cloned passages was selected for vaccine development following early laboratory-scale protection trials in commercial birds. Comparative protection trials were carried out on the BH 16 vaccine and on a CVI 988 Rispens vaccine using commercial and SPF chickens. Challenge viruses used were either a low passage strain BH 16 virus, the Woodlands No. 1 strain or MPF 57 strain of MDV. The BH 16 vaccine was back-passaged in SPF chickens six times and virus recovered from the final passage and the original vaccine virus were tested for safety. The immunosuppressive potential of the BH 16 and Rispens vaccines was also assessed in parallel. Results The BH 16 and Rispens vaccines induced comparable levels of protection when used as monovalent or multi-valent vaccines, although protection achieved with the mono-valent vaccines was lower. No gross tumour formation was evident in any birds receiving the BH 16 vaccine or bird-passaged virus, although microscopic lesions were present in 2/12 birds that received the bird-passaged virus. In tests for immunosuppression, there was no histological evidence of damage to either the bursa of Fabricius or the thymus. Conclusion The BH 16 vaccine was shown to be safe and at least as protective as the Rispens vaccine against three highly virulent MD challenge viruses. [source] Pseudoxanthoma elasticum: biopsy of clinically normal skin in the investigation of patients with angioid streaksBRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 4 2007S.J. Brown Summary Background Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is a genetic disorder characterized by fragmentation and calcification of elastic fibres with resultant pathological changes in the dermis, Bruch's membrane and blood vessels. Defects in Bruch's membrane produce angioid streaks on the retina but this appearance is not pathognomonic of PXE. Biopsy of clinically normal skin or scar tissue in patients with angioid streaks may show the histological features of PXE. Objectives To test the hypothesis that biopsy of clinically normal skin is a useful investigation in patients with angioid streaks. Methods This prospective study investigated 18 consecutive patients with angioid streaks. Each patient underwent a full dermatological examination and was investigated for diseases known to be associated with angioid streaks. Axillary skin biopsies were taken from 14 consenting patients. Results Typical PXE was found in 11 patients. No other diseases associated with angioid streaks were identified. Five patients had angioid streaks in the absence of systemic disease. Two patients had nondiagnostic dermatological features which were not clarified by histology. Two of the 11 patients with PXE showed histological evidence of PXE from clinically normal axillary skin. However, in both cases flexural skin elsewhere showed the typical clinical and histological features of PXE. Conclusions This study demonstrates the association between angioid streaks and PXE. However, it does not support the hypothesis that biopsy of normal-looking skin is helpful in the investigation of adult patients with angioid streaks. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||