Identification of a Tooth-Like Foreign Body in Swine Sausage

A tooth-like foreign body (FB) was found inside a sausage bread. Analysis aimed to investigate whether the FB was a tooth and its origin. The FB was measured, weighed, photographed, and radiographed. Macroscopic findings were suggestive of an anterior tooth. Histological slides of undecalcified cross-sections of the FB and samples of human and swine teeth were prepared. Histological features of the FB (in light microscopy, 125X magnification) were discrepant from human tissues. Compared histological analysis displayed majority of features consistent with a hypsodont swine tooth, probably a canine. Cellularized cementum in crown region, adjacent to the enamel, and shape of the cementocytes were the main criteria excluding the possibility of human origin of the FB. Scanning electronic microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy were not performed because of fewer features to be analyzed and FB size. It was concluded that the FB may have been incorporated during meat grinding of the sausage.

Fiber fermentability effects on energy and macronutrient digestibility, fecal traits, postprandial metabolite responses, and colon histology of overweight cats

Considering the different potential benefits of divergent fiber ingredients, the effect of 3 fiber sources on energy and macronutrient digestibility, fermentation product formation, postprandial metabolite responses, and colon histology of overweight cats (Felis catus) fed kibble diets was compared. Twenty-four healthy adult cats were assigned in a complete randomized block design to 2 groups of 12 animals, and 3 animals from each group were fed 1 of 4 of the following kibble diets: control (CO; 11.5% dietary fiber), beet pulp (BP; 26% dietary fiber), wheat bran (WB; 24% dietary fiber), and sugarcane fiber (SF; 28% dietary fiber). Digestibility was measured by the total collection of feces. After 16 d of diet adaptation and an overnight period without food, blood glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride postprandial responses were evaluated for 16 h after continued exposure to food. On d 20, colon biopsies of the cats were collected under general anesthesia. Fiber addition reduced food energy and nutrient digestibility. Of all the fiber sources, SF had the least dietary fiber digestibility (P < 0.05), causing the largest reduction of dietary energy digestibility (P < 0.05). The greater fermentability of BP resulted in reduced fecal DM and pH, greater fecal production [g/(cat x d); as-is], and greater fecal concentration of acetate, propionate, and lactate (P < 0.05). For most fecal variables, WB was intermediate between BP and SF, and SF was similar to the control diet except for an increased fecal DM and firmer feces production for the SF diet (P < 0.05). Postprandial evaluations indicated reduced mean glucose concentration and area under the glucose curve in cats fed the SF diet (P < 0.05). Colon mucosa thickness, crypt area, lamina propria area, goblet cell area, crypt mean size, and crypt in bifurcation did not vary among the diets. According to the fiber solubility and fermentation rates, fiber sources can induce different physiological responses in cats, reduce energy digestibility, and favor glucose metabolism (SF), or improve gut health (BP).

Height variability from the MIROC - IPCC model for the 20th century compared to that of the TOPEX/POSEIDON altimeter

Planetary waves are key to large-scale dynamical adjustment in the global ocean as they transfer energy from the east to the west side of oceanic basins; they connect the forcing in the ocean interior with the variability at its boundaries: and they change the local heat content, thus coupling oceanic, atmospheric, and biological processes. Planetary waves, mostly of the first baroclinic mode, are observed as distinctive patterns in global time series of sea surface height anomaly (SSHA) and heat storage. The goal of this study is to compare and validate large-scale SSHA signals from coupled ocean-atmosphere general circulation Model for Interdisciplinary Research on Climate (MIROC) with TOPEX/POSEIDON satellite altimeter observations. The last decade of the models` time series is selected for comparison with the altimeter data. The wave patterns are separated from the meso- and large-scale SSHA signals by digital filters calibrated to select the same spectral bands in both model and altimeter data. The band-wise comparison allows for an assessment of the model skill to simulate the dynamical components of the observed wave field. Comparisons regarding both the seasonal cycle and the Rossby wave Held differ significantly among basins. When carried within the same basin, differences can occur between equal latitudes in opposite hemispheres. Furthermore, at some latitudes the MIROC reproduces biannual, annual and semiannual planetary waves with phase speeds and average amplitudes similar to those observed by the altimeter, but with significant differences in phase. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Oral glands in dipsadine ""goo-eater"" snakes: Morphology and histochemistry of the infralabial glands in Atractus reticulatus, Dipsas indica, and Sibynomorphus mikanii

Although snake infralabial glands are generally constituted of mucous cells, among dipsadines, they are much more developed and predominantly serous in nature, possibly due to the peculiar feeding habits of some species of this group, the ""goo-eaters"", which feed on soft and viscous invertebrates. We compared the morphology and histochemistry of the infralabial glands of three goo-eater species of Southeast Brazil, Atractus reticulatus, Dipsas indica and Sibynomorphus mikanii. In A. reticulatus the glands are formed by mixed acini composed of mucous and seromucous cells and in D. indica, they are composed of mucous tubules and seromucous acini. In S. mikanii the glands are organized in seromucous acini; mucous cells are restricted to the gland anterior region and to the duct lining epithelium. Ultrastructurally, secretory granule electron density varies from low to moderate, depending on their mucous or seromucous nature. The results indicate a large morphological and histochemical variation in the infralabial glands, probably reflecting differences in the secretion chemical composition and in feeding specialization among the three species. The protein content in the secretory cells can be related with the presence of toxins that can be used in chemical prey immobilization or detaching of snails from their shells. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Hyaluronidase splice variants are associated with histology and outcome in adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the lung

Heterogeneity of hyaluronidase (HYAL) expression has been identified in tumors and shows promise as an indicator of disease progression. The expression profile of alternatively spliced forms of HYAL was evaluated in tumors and normal lung tissue from 69 resected tumors of patients with adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas. HYAL1-wild-type (wt) and variants 1 to 5, HYAL2-wt, and HYAL3-wt, and variants 1 to 3 were identified by polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing. Different proportions of the 3 HYAL-wt and variants were expressed in tumor and normal lung tissues. HYAL1-wt was associated with a poorer prognosis and HYAL3-vl with a better prognosis. HYAL splice variants are associated with histology and outcome, suggesting that strategies aimed at modulating their levels may be effective for lung cancer treatment. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Determination of relative in vivo osteoconductivity of modified potassium fluorrichterite glass-ceramics compared with 45S5 bioglass

Potassium fluorrichterite (KNaCaMg5Si8O22F2) glass-ceramics were modified by either increasing the concentration of calcium (GC5) or by the addition of P2O5 (GP2). Rods (2 x 4 mm) of stoichiometric fluorrichterite (GST), modified compositions (GC5 and GP2) and 45S5 bioglass, which was used as the reference material, were prepared using a conventional lost-wax technique. Osteoconductivity was investigated by implantation into healing defects in the midshaft of rabbit femora. Specimens were harvested at 4 and 12 weeks following implantation and tissue response was investigated using computed microtomography (mu CT) and histological analyses. The results showed greatest bone to implant contact in the 45S5 bioglass reference material at 4 and 12 weeks following implantation, however, GST, GC5 and GP2 all showed direct bone tissue contact with evidence of new bone formation and cell proliferation along the implant surface into the medullary space. There was no evidence of bone necrosis or fibrous tissue encapsulation around the test specimens. Of the modified potassium fluorrichterite compositions, GP2 showed the greatest promise as a bone substitute material due to its osteoconductive potential and superior mechanical properties.

The involvement of the spleen during chronic phase of Schistosoma mansoni infection in galectin-3(-/-) mice

Schistosoma mansoni synthesizes glycoconjugates which interact with galectin-3, eliciting an intense humoral immune response. Moreover, it was demonstrated that galectin-3 regulates B cell differentiation into plasma cells. Splenomegaly is a hallmark event characterized by polyclonal B cell activation and enhancement of antibody production. Here, we investigated whether galectin-3 interferes with spleen organization and B cell compartment during chronic schistosomiasis, using wild type (WT) and galectin-3(-/-) mice. In chronically-infected galectin-3(-/-) mice the histological architecture of the spleen, including white and red pulps, was disturbed with heterogeneous lymphoid follicles, an increased number of plasma cells (CD19(-)B220(-/low)CD138(+)) and a reduced number of macrophages (CD19(-)B220(-)Mac-1(+)CD138(-)) and B lymphocytes (CD19(+)B220(+/high)CD138(-)), compared with the WT infected mice. In the absence of galectin-3 there was an increase of annexin-V+PI- cells and a major presence of apoptotic cells in spleen compared with WT infected mice. In spleen of WT infected mice galectin-3 was largely expressed in lymphoid follicles and extrafollicular sites. Thus, we propose that galectin-3 plays a role in splenic architecture, controlling distinct events such as apoptosis, macrophage activity, B cell differentiation and plasmacytogenesis in the course of S. mansoni infection.

Compared morphology of the immatures of males of two urban ant species of Camponotus

The immatures of males of two species of Camponotus ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) are described and compared by light and electron microscopy. The numbers of larval instars were determined: Camponotus rufipes Fabricius (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) have four instars; and Camponotus vittatus Forel have three. Male larvae of the two species are similar to previously described Camponotus larvae, sharing the following traits: basic shape of body and mandible, presence of 'chiloscleres', 'praesaepium' (some specimens), labial pseudopalps, and ten pairs of spiracles. However, larvae of the two species can be separated by bodily dimensions and based on their hair number and types. Worker larvae of C. vittatus previously described are extensively similar to male larvae, with only a few inconspicuous differences that may result from intraspecific variation or sexual differences.

Leukocytes from wheezing infants release lower amounts of IL-12 and IFN-gamma compared to non-wheezing infants

Objective This study investigated environmental endotoxin exposure during early life, sensitization to aeroallergens, the production of cytokines by LPS-stimulated leukocytes, and the development of a wheezing phenotype in a prospective cohort of infants with high risk of developing allergic diseases. Materials and Methods Eighty-four infants were followed from birth until 30 months of age. We assessed endotoxin concentration in house dust of their homes during the first 6 months of life. At age 30 months they were clinically evaluated to determine the development of wheezing and other clinical events, were skin prick tested, and had blood samples collected for the evaluation of cytokine release by LPS-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Results The level of endotoxin exposure during early life was not associated with development of a wheezing phenotype. On the other hand a higher incidence of respiratory infections occurred among recurrent wheezing (RW) infants. PBMC from RW children exposed to higher levels of environmental endotoxin (above 50?EU/mg) released less Interleukin (IL)-12p70 and IFN-? compared to the non-RW group. TNF-a, IL-10, IL-4, IL-5, and IL17 production by LPS-stimulated PBMC from RW and non-RW children was equivalent in both groups of environmental endotoxin exposure. Conclusion In this prospective cohort of infants with high risk of developing allergic diseases we observed that RW and non-RW children were exposed to similar levels of endotoxin early in life. LPS-stimulated PBMC from RW infants exposed to higher levels of endotoxin released significantly less IL-12 and IFN-? compared to non-RW infants. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012. 47:10541060. (C) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Early peri-implant endosseous healing of two implant surfaces placed in surgically created circumferential defects. A histomorphometric and fluorescence study in dogs

Objective Several implant surfaces are being developed, some in the nanoscale level. In this study, two different surfaces had their early healing properties compared in context of circumferential defects of various widths. Material and methods Six dogs had the mandibular premolars extracted. After 8weeks, four implants were placed equicrestally in each side. One acted as control, while the others were inserted into sites with circumferential defects of 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0mm wide and 5mm deep. A nano-modified surface was used on one side and a micro-rough on the other. Bone markers were administered on the third day after implant placement and then after 1, 2, 4weeks to investigate the bone formation dynamic through fluorescence analysis. Ground sections were prepared from 8-week healing biopsies and histomorphometry was performed. Results The fluorescence evaluation of the early healing showed numerically better results for the nano-modified group; however this trend was not followed by the histomorphometric evaluation. A non-significant numerical superiority of the micro-rough group was observed in terms of vertical bone apposition, defect bone fill, bone-to-implant contact and bone density. In the intra-group analysis, the wider defects showed the worse results while the control sites showed the best results for the different parameters, but without statistical relevance. Conclusion Both surfaces may lead to complete fill of circumferential defects, but the gap width has to be considered as a challenge. The nano-scale modification was beneficial in the early stages of bone healing, but the micro-rough surface showed numerical better outcomes at the 8-week final period.

Histology, histochemistry and stereology of the adipose fin of Prochilodus lineatus

The adipose fin is small, nonpared, and usually located medially between the dorsal and caudal fin. Its taxonomic occurrence is very restrict; thus, it represents an important trace for taxon distinction. As it does not play a known vital physiological roll and it is easily removed, it is commonly used in marking and recapture studies. The present study characterizes the adipose fin of Prochilodus lineatus, as it is poorly explored by the literature. The adipose fin consists basically of a loose connective core, covered by a stratified epithelium supported by collagen fibers. At the epithelium, pigmented cells and alarm substance cells are found. Despite the name, adipocytes or lipid droplets are not observed on the structure of the fin. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2012. (c) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Evaluation of a nanometer roughness scale resorbable media-processed surface: a study in dogs

Objectives: This study compared the biomechanical fixation and bone-to-implant contact (BIC) of implants with different surfaces treatment (experimental resorbable blasting media-processed nanometer roughness scale surface, and control dual acid-etched) in a dog model. Material and methods: Surface characterization was made in six implants by means of scanning electron microscopic imaging, atomic force microscopy to evaluate roughness parameters, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) for chemical assessment. The animal model comprised the bilateral placement of control (n = 24) and experimental surface (n = 24) implants along the proximal tibiae of six mongrel dogs, which remained in place for 2 or 4 weeks. Half of the specimens were biomechanically tested (torque), and the other half was subjected to histomorphologic/ morphometric evaluation. BIC and resistance to failure measures were each evaluated as a function of time and surface treatment in a mixed model ANOVA. Results: Surface texturing was significantly higher for the experimental compared with the control surface. The survey XPS spectra detected O, C, Al, and Ti at the control group, and Ca (similar to 0.2-0.9%) and P (similar to 1.7-4.1%) besides O, C, Al, and Ti at experimental surfaces. While no statistical difference in BIC was found between experimental and control surfaces or between 2 and 4 weeks in vivo, both longer time and use of experimental surface significantly increased resistance to failure. Conclusions: The experimental surface resulted in enhanced biomechanical fixation but comparable BIC relative to control, suggesting higher bone mechanical properties around the experimental implants.

Biomechanical and histologic evaluation of non-washed resorbable blasting media and alumina-blasted/acid-etched surfaces

Objectives: To compare the biomechanical fixation and histomorphometric parameters between two implant surfaces: non-washed resorbable blasting media (NWRBM) and alumina-blasted/acid-etched (AB/AE), in a dog model. Material and methods: The surface topography was assessed by scanning electron microscopy, optical interferometry and chemistry by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Six beagle dogs of similar to 1.5 years of age were utilized and each animal received one implant of each surface per limb (distal radii sites). After a healing period of 3 weeks, the animals were euthanized and half of the implants were biomechanically tested (removal torque) and the other half was referred to nondecalcified histology processing. Histomorphometric analysis considered bone-to-implant contact (BIC) and bone area fraction occupancy (BAFO). Following data normality check with the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, statistical analysis was performed by paired t-tests at 95% level of significance. Results: Surface roughness parameters Sa (average surface roughness) and Sq (mean root square of the surface) were significantly lower for the NWRBM compared with AB/ AE. The XPS spectra revealed the presence of Ca and P in the NWRBM. While no significant differences were observed for both BIC and BAFO parameters (P>0.35 and P>0.11, respectively), a significantly higher level of torque was observed for the NWRBM group (P = 0.01). Bone morphology was similar between groups, which presented newly formed woven bone in proximity with the implant surfaces. Conclusion: A significant increase in early biomechanical fixation was observed for implants presenting the NWRBM surface.

N-Acetylcysteine protects the peritoneum from the injury induced by hypertonic dialysis solution

Background: Oxidative stress has been implicated in the development of peritoneal damage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in a rat peritoneal infusion model. Methods: Eighteen male Wistar rats were divided in 3 groups: (i) control group; (ii) HDS group, receiving peritoneal dialysis solution (PDS); and (iii) HDS+NAC group, receiving PDS and oral NAC. Six weeks later they were evaluated for dialysate to plasma urea ratio (D/P), ratio of glucose concentration in peritoneal fluid (G1/G0), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in plasma and urine and histology of peritoneal membrane. Results: The HDS+NAC group presented a lower increase in solute transport (D/P 0.51 +/- 0.1, and G1/GO 0.35 +/- 0.06) in comparison with the HDS group (D/P 0.67 +/- 0.1; p=0.03, and G1/G0 0.27 +/- 0.07; p=0.01). The HDS+NAC group showed lower thiobarbituric acid reactive substance concentrations compared with the HDS group. In the treated group, the peritoneal membrane presented lower thickness. Conclusions: Functional and histological peritoneal changes were significantly reduced by the treatment with NAC.

Does Adjunctive Chemotherapy Reduce Remission Rates Compared to Cortisone Alone in Unifocal or Multifocal Histiocytosis of Bone?

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disorder that can affect almost any organ, including bone. Treatment options include local corticosteroid infiltration in isolated bone lesions and oral corticosteroids and chemotherapy in multifocal bone lesions. Several studies show local corticosteroid injection in unifocal bone lesions heal in more than 75% of patients with minimal side effects. Therefore, it is unclear whether chemotherapy adds materially to the healing rate. We therefore compared overall survival, remission rate, and recurrence rate in patients with bone LCH treated with chemotherapy and corticosteroids or corticosteroids alone. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 198 patients with LCH since 1950. Median age at diagnosis was 5 years, male-to-female ratio was 1.33, and the most frequent symptom was local pain (95%). We recorded the disease presentation, demographics, treatment, and clinical evolution of each patient. Minimum followup was 4 months (median, 24 months; range, 4-360 months). The survival rate of the systemic disease group was 76.5% (65 of 85) while the survival rate in the unifocal and multifocal bone involvement groups was 100% at a median 5-year followup. All patients with unifocal bone involvement and 40 of 43 (93%) with multifocal bone involvement had complete remission. One of 30 patients with multifocal bone involvement treated with chemotherapy and oral corticosteroids did not achieve remission whereas two of six receiving only corticosteroids did not achieve remission. Our observations suggest intralesional corticosteroid injection without adjunctive chemotherapy achieves remission in unifocal bone LCH but may not do so in multifocal single-system bone involvement. Larger series would be required to confirm this observation. Level IV, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.