Ni/Pd@MIL-101: Synergistic Catalysis with Cavity-Conform Ni/Pd Nanoparticles

Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft [SFB 840]

Revisiting a medical case of "stinging" in the human oral cavity caused by ingestion of raw squid (Cephalopoda: Teuthida): new data on the functioning of squid's spermatophores

Male squid produce intricate spermatophores that, when transferred to the female, undergo the spermatophoric reaction, a complex process of evagination that leads to the attachment of the spermatangium, that is, the everted spermatophore containing the sperm mass. While this process is still not completely understood, the medical literature includes several reports of "oral stinging" (i.e., punctured wounds in the human oral cavity) following consumption of raw male squid, which contains undischarged spermatophores able to inflict such wounds. Here, we revisit a recent medical report of oral stinging by Shiraki et al. (Pathol Int 61:749-751, 2011), providing an in-depth reanalysis of their histological biopsies and revealing vital information on the functioning of squid spermatophores. The morphology of the spermatangia attached within the oral cavity is similar to the condition found in spermatangia naturally attached to female squids. The spermatangia were able to superficially puncture the superficial layers of the oral stratified squamous epithelium, and numerous, minute stellate particles from the squid spermatophore were found adhered to the oral epithelium. These findings corroborate previous hypotheses on the functioning of squid spermatophores, namely that spermatophore attachment generally involves tissue scarification, and that stellate particles play a vital role in the attachment process. Moreover, spermatophore attachment is confirmed to be autonomous (i.e., performed by the spermatophore itself) in another squid species (possibly a loliginid), and the results strongly indicate that the attachment mechanism is not dependent upon a specialized epithelium, nor a mate's specific chemical stimulus. From the pathological point of view, the best prophylactic measure at present is the removal of the internal organs of the raw squid prior to its consumption.

Temperature rise during Er:YAG cavity preparation of primary enamel

This study aimed to assess in vitro thermal alterations taking place during the Er:YAG laser cavity preparation of primary tooth enamel at different energies and pulse repetition rates. Forty healthy human primary molars were bisected in a mesio-distal direction, thus providing 80 fragments. Two small orifices were made on the dentin surface to which type K thermocouples were attached. The fragments were individually fixed with wax in a cylindrical PlexiglassA (R) abutment and randomly assigned to eight groups, according to the laser parameters (n = 10): G1 -aEuro parts per thousand 250 mJ/ 3 Hz, G2 -aEuro parts per thousand 250 mJ/ 4 Hz, G3 -aEuro parts per thousand 250 mJ/ 6 Hz, G4 -aEuro parts per thousand 250 mJ/10 Hz, G5 -aEuro parts per thousand 250 mJ/ 15 Hz, G6 -aEuro parts per thousand 300 mJ/ 3 Hz, G7 -aEuro parts per thousand 300 mJ/ 4 Hz and G8 -aEuro parts per thousand 300 mJ/ 6 Hz. An area of 4 mm(2) was delimited. Cavities were done (2 mm long x 2 mm wide x 1 mm thick) using non-contact (12 mm) and focused mode. Temperature values were registered from the start of laser irradiation until the end of cavity preparation. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey test (p a parts per thousand currency signaEuro parts per thousand 0.05). Groups G1, G2, G6, and G7 were statistically similar and furnished the lowest mean values of temperature rise. The set 250 mJ/10 and 15 Hz yielded the highest temperature values. The sets 250 and 300 mJ and 6 Hz provided temperatures with mean values below the acceptable critical value, suggesting that these parameters ablate the primary tooth enamel. Moreover, the temperature elevation was directly related to the increase in the employed pulse repetition rates. In addition, there was no direct correlation between temperature rise and energy density. Therefore, it is important to use a lower pulse frequency, such as 300 mJ and 6 Hz, during cavity preparation in pediatric patients.

Anatomical and radiographic appearance of the capuchin monkey thoracic cavity (Cebus apella)

The capuchin monkey is widespread both north and south of the Legal Amazon and in the Brazilian cerrado. Ten clinically healthy capuchin monkeys were submitted to an anatomical and radiographic study of their thoracic cavities. The radiographic evaluation allowed the description of biometric values associated with the cardiac silhouette and thoracic structures. Application of the VHS (vertebral heart size) method showed positive correlation (P<0.05) with depth of the thoracic cavity, as well as between the body length of vertebrae T 3, T 4, T 5 and T 6 and the cardiac length and width. The lung fields showed a diffuse interstitial pattern, more visible in the caudal lung lobes and a bronchial pattern in the middle and cranial lung lobes. The radiographic examination allowed preliminary inferences to be made concerning the syntopy of the thoracic structures and modifiication of the pulmonary patterns and cardiac anatomy for the capuchin monkey.

Global gene expression profiling of oral cavity cancers suggests molecular heterogeneity within anatomic subsites

Abstract Background Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a frequent neoplasm, which is usually aggressive and has unpredictable biological behavior and unfavorable prognosis. The comprehension of the molecular basis of this variability should lead to the development of targeted therapies as well as to improvements in specificity and sensitivity of diagnosis. Results Samples of primary OSCCs and their corresponding surgical margins were obtained from male patients during surgery and their gene expression profiles were screened using whole-genome microarray technology. Hierarchical clustering and Principal Components Analysis were used for data visualization and One-way Analysis of Variance was used to identify differentially expressed genes. Samples clustered mostly according to disease subsite, suggesting molecular heterogeneity within tumor stages. In order to corroborate our results, two publicly available datasets of microarray experiments were assessed. We found significant molecular differences between OSCC anatomic subsites concerning groups of genes presently or potentially important for drug development, including mRNA processing, cytoskeleton organization and biogenesis, metabolic process, cell cycle and apoptosis. Conclusion Our results corroborate literature data on molecular heterogeneity of OSCCs. Differences between disease subsites and among samples belonging to the same TNM class highlight the importance of gene expression-based classification and challenge the development of targeted therapies.

Vascular leiomyoma in the oral cavity

The aim of this study was to examine a case report of vascular leiomyoma located in the oral mucosa of the oral cavity. Vascular leiomyoma is a benign tumor arising from smooth muscle. One factor that makes vascular leiomyomas in the oral cavity rare is that there is little smooth muscle in the mouth. The most common histological subtype in the oral cavity is the vascular subtype. The greatest difficulty in histological diagnosis of this entity is the similarity in morphology with other malignancies, particularly of neural or fibroblastic lineage. Wide surgical resection is the only treatment reported in the literature with good results. The recurrence rate is very low if complete resection is achieved. The study of rare or unusual lesions is very important for the clinical diagnosis of vascular leiomyoma

Gross morphology of rhea oropharyngeal cavity

The rhea (Rhea americana americana) is an american bird belonging to Ratite's family. Studies related to its morphology are still scarce. This study aims to describe the macroscopic structures of the oropharyngeal cavity. Five heads (2 to 6 months old) formalin preserved were anatomically dissected to expose the oropharynx. The oropharynx of the rhea was "bell-shaped" composed by the maxillary and mandibular rhamphotheca. The roof and floor presented two distinct regions different in colour of the mucosa. The rostral region was pale pink contrasting to grey coloured caudal region. The median longitudinal ridge extended rostrally from the apex of the choana to the tip of the beak in the roof and it is clearly more prominent and rigid than the homolog in the floor that appeared thin and stretched merely along the rostral portion of the regio interramalis. The floor was formed by the interramal region, (regio interramalis) tongue and laryngeal mound containing glove-shaped glottis. This study confirmed the basic morphology of the oropharinx of the rhea. However, important morphological information not previously described is highlighted and contradictory information present in the literature is clarified.

Tumor misto de células musculares lisas e do estroma endometrial uterino: relato de caso

Os tumores mistos de células musculares lisas e do estroma endometrial uterino, caracterizados pela presença de componentes de ambas as linhagens, coexistindo em proporções quase equivalentes, são neoplasmas raros. Possuem potencial biológico incerto e se comportam de acordo com o componente estromal. A imuno-histoquímica é uma grande aliada no diagnóstico microscópico, pois a clínica e os exames de imagem não ajudam a diferenciá-los de outras doenças uterinas. Descrevemos o caso de uma paciente cuja hipótese diagnóstica era de leiomioma uterino e que, após cirurgia, foi diagnosticada pelo estudo anatomopatológico como tumor misto de células musculares lisas e do estroma endometrial uterino.

Effect of rapid maxillary expansion on the dimension of the nasal cavity and on facial morphology assessed by acoustic rhinometry and rhinomanometry

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of rapid maxillary expansion on facial morphology and on nasal cavity dimensions of mouth breathing children by acoustic rhinometry and computed rhinomanometry. METHODS: Cohort; 29 mouth breathing children with posterior crossbite were evaluated. Orthodontic and otorhinolaryngologic documentation were performed at three different times, i.e., before expansion, immediately after and 90 days following expansion. RESULTS: The expansion was accompanied by an increase of the maxillary and nasal bone transversal width. However, there were no significant differences in relation to mucosal area of the nose. Acoustic rhinometry showed no difference in the minimal cross-sectional area at the level of the valve and inferior turbinate between the periods analyzed, although rhinomanometry showed a statistically significant reduction in nasal resistance right after expansion, but were similar to pre-treatment values 90 days after expansion. CONCLUSION: The maxillary expansion increased the maxilla and nasal bony area, but was inefficient to increase the nasal mucosal area, and may lessen the nasal resistance, although there was no difference in nasal geometry. Significance: Nasal bony expansion is followed by a mucosal compensation.

Manipulation of the periovulatory sex steroidal milieu affects endometrial but not luteal gene expression in early diestrus Nelore cows

In beef cattle, the ability to conceive has been associated positively with size of the preovulatory follicle (POF). Proestrus estradiol and subsequent progesterone concentrations can regulate the endometrium to affect receptivity and fertility. The aim of the present study was to verify the effect of the size of the POF on luteal and endometrial gene expression during subsequent early diestrus in beef cattle. Eighty-three multiparous, nonlactating, presynchronized Nelore cows received a progesterone-releasing device and estradiol benzoate on Day–10 (D 10). Animals received cloprostenol (large follicle-large CL group; LF-LCL; N ¼ 42) or not (small follicle-small CL group; SF-SCL; N ¼ 41) on D 10. Progesterone devices were withdrawn and cloprostenol administered 42 to 60 hours (LF-LCL) or 30 to 36 hours (SF-SCL) before GnRH treatment (D0). Tissues were collected at slaughter on D7. The LF-LCL group had larger (P < 0.0001) POF (13.24 0.33 mm vs. 10.76 0.29 mm), greater (P < 0.0007) estradiol concentrations on D0 (2.94 0.28 pg/mL vs. 1.27 0.20 pg/mL), and greater (P < 0.01) progesterone concentrations on D7 (3.71 0.25 ng/mL vs. 2.62 0.26 ng/mL) compared with the SF-SCL group. Luteal gene expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A, kinase insert domain receptor, fms-related tyrosine kinase 1, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, cytochrome P450, family 11, subfamily A, polypeptide 1, and hydroxy-delta-5-steroid dehydrogenase, 3 beta- and steroid deltaisomerase 7 was similar between groups. Endometrial gene expression of oxytocin receptor and peptidase inhibitor 3, skin-derived was reduced, and estrogen receptor alpha 2, aldo-keto reductase family 1, member C4, and lipoprotein lipase expression was increased in LF-LCL versus SF-SCL. Results support the hypothesis that the size of the POF alters the periovulatory endocrine milieu (i.e., proestrus estradiol and diestrus progesterone concentrations) and acts on the uterus to alter endometrial gene expression. It is proposed that the uterine environment and receptivity might also be modulated. Additionally, it is suggested that increased progesterone secretion of cows ovulating larger follicles is likely due to increased CL size rather than increased luteal expression of steroidogenic genes.

Efficient 1535 nm light emission from an all-Si-based optical micro-cavity containing Er3+ and Yb3+ ions

This work reports on the construction and spectroscopic analyses of optical micro-cavities (OMCs) that efficiently emit at ~1535 nm. The emission wavelength matches the third transmission window of commercial optical fibers and the OMCs were entirely based on silicon. The sputtering deposition method was adopted in the preparation of the OMCs, which comprised two Bragg reflectors and one spacer layer made of either Er- or ErYb-doped amorphous silicon nitride. The luminescence signal extracted from the OMCs originated from the 4I13/2→4I15/2 transition (due to Er3+ ions) and its intensity showed to be highly dependent on the presence of Yb3+ ions.According to the results, the Er3+-related light emission was improved by a factor of 48 when combined with Yb3+ ions and inserted in the spacer layer of the OMC. The results also showed the effectiveness of the present experimental approach in producing Si-based light-emitting structures in which the main characteristics are: (a) compatibility with the actual microelectronics industry, (b) the deposition of optical quality layers with accurate composition control, and (c) no need of uncommon elements-compounds nor extensive thermal treatments. Along with the fundamental characteristics of the OMCs, this work also discusses the impact of the Er3+-Yb3+ ion interaction on the emission intensity as well as the potential of the present findings.

Thermal excitations of optical nanofibers measured with a fiber-integrated Fabry-Pérot cavity

Efficient coupling of light to quantum emitters, such as atoms, molecules or quantum dots, is one of the great challenges in current research. The interaction can be strongly enhanced by coupling the emitter to the eva-nescent field of subwavelength dielectric waveguides that offer strong lateral confinement of the guided light. In this context subwavelength diameter optical nanofibers as part of a tapered optical fiber (TOF) have proven to be powerful tool which also provide an efficient transfer of the light from the interaction region to an optical bus, that is to say, from the nanofiber to an optical fiber. rnAnother approach towards enhancing light–matter interaction is to employ an optical resonator in which the light is circulating and thus passes the emitters many times. Here, both approaches are combined by experi-mentally realizing a microresonator with an integrated nanofiber waist. This is achieved by building a fiber-integrated Fabry-Pérot type resonator from two fiber Bragg grating mirrors with a stop-band near the cesium D2-line wavelength. The characteristics of this resonator fulfill the requirements of nonlinear optics, optical sensing, and cavity quantum electrodynamics in the strong-coupling regime. Together with its advantageous features, such as a constant high coupling strength over a large volume, tunability, high transmission outside the mirror stop band, and a monolithic design, this resonator is a promising tool for experiments with nanofiber-coupled atomic ensembles in the strong-coupling regime. rnThe resonator's high sensitivity to the optical properties of the nanofiber provides a probe for changes of phys-ical parameters that affect the guided optical mode, e.g., the temperature via the thermo-optic effect of silica. Utilizing this detection scheme, the thermalization dynamics due to far-field heat radiation of a nanofiber is studied over a large temperature range. This investigation provides, for the first time, a measurement of the total radiated power of an object with a diameter smaller than all absorption lengths in the thermal spectrum at the level of a single object of deterministic shape and material. The results show excellent agreement with an ab initio thermodynamic model that considers heat radiation as a volumetric effect and that takes the emitter shape and size relative to the emission wavelength into account. Modeling and investigating the thermalization of microscopic objects with arbitrary shape from first principles is of fundamental interest and has important applications, such as heat management in nano-devices or radiative forcing of aerosols in Earth's climate system. rnUsing a similar method, the effect of the TOF's mechanical modes on the polarization and phase of the fiber-guided light is studied. The measurement results show that in typical TOFs these quantities exhibit high-frequency thermal fluctuations. They originate from high-Q torsional oscillations that couple to the nanofiber-guided light via the strain-optic effect. An ab-initio opto-mechanical model of the TOF is developed that provides an accurate quantitative prediction for the mode spectrum and the mechanically induced polarization and phase fluctuations. These high-frequency fluctuations may limit the ultimate ideality of fiber-coupling into photonic structures. Furthermore, first estimations show that they may currently limit the storage time of nanofiber-based atom traps. The model, on the other hand, provides a method to design TOFs with tailored mechanical properties in order to meet experimental requirements. rn

Laparoscopy or laparotomy? A comparison of 240 patients with early-stage endometrial cancer

This study aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of laparoscopy and laparotomy in the surgical treatment of early endometrial cancer, especially in obese women.

Specific secretory phase endometrial leukocytes of women with two and more consecutive idiopathic abortions are not significantly different from healthy controls

OBJECTIVE: To analyze concentrations of endometrial leukocytes in patients with idiopathic-repeated abortions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Biopsies of exactly dated secretory endometrium in 25 patients with idiopathic-repeated abortions and 10 control patients without a history of miscarriage were compared with respect to the concentrations of T-helper cells (CD4), cytotoxic T-cells (CD8), B-cells (CD19) and uterine natural killer cells (CD56) by immunohistochemistry and RNase protection assays. RESULTS: All examined cells were detectable within secretory endometrium. No statistically significant differences of the examined immune-cell concentrations were seen between the control group and the repeated miscarriage group by either test. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the concentrations of specific endometrial leukocytes in a non-pregnant cycle are not associated with repeated pregnancy loss. Thus, the hypothesis of an altered endometrial immunity in patients with repeated miscarriages, symbolized by persistently differing local immune-cell concentrations, has to be questioned.

Cancer of the oral cavity and oropharynx

Tumours in the oral cavity and oropharynx differ in presentation and prognosis and the detection of spread of tumour from one subsite to another is essential for the T-staging. This article reviews the anatomy and describes the pattern of spread of different cancers arising in the oral cavity and oropharynx; the imaging findings on computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are also described. Brief mention is made on the role of newer imaging modalities such as [(18)F]fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography, perfusion studies and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging.