Inmunolocalización de citoqueratina 14, 19 y Ki-67 en el epitelio de pacientes con agrandamiento gingival

R E S U M E N En pacientes con ortodoncia aparecen eventos patológicos no deseados como agrandamiento gingival inducido por tratamiento de ortodoncia (AGTO) o hipertrofia gingival. El objetivo del estudio es identificar la distribución inmunohistoquímica de citoqueratina CK-14, CK-19 y Ki-67 en epitelio gingival de pacientes con AGTO. Se seleccionaron I3 pacientes divididos en: grupo control (n=6), conformado por individuos periodontalmente sanos no portadores de aparatología ortodóntica y grupo test (n=7), integrado por pacientes con AGTO. Los marcadores CK-14, CK-19 y Ki-67 fueron identificados mediante inmunohistoquímica con anticuerpos monoclonales y observados en un microscopio óptico Leica DM 500. En los pacientes del grupo test el tejido epitelial se mostró hipertrófico con pérdida en la continuidad de la membrana basal. La CK-14 y CK-19 fue positiva en el epitelio de todos los sujetos evaluados, con una expresión positiva de alta intensidad en células de la lámina basal del grupo test. El promedio de células positivas para Ki-67 en el grupo test fue de 56%. En conclusión, la CK-14, CK-19 y Ki-67 son marcadores con elevada inmunoreactividad en tejido gingival de pacientes con AGTO portadores de ortodoncia.

During orthodontic treatment, unwanted pathological events such as gingival overgrowth induced by orthodontic treatment or gingival hypertrophy may appear The objective of this study is to identify immunohistochemical distribution of cytokeratin CK-14, CK-19 and Ki-67 in the gingival epithelium of patients with gingival overgrowth induced by orthodontic treatment. Thirteen patients were selected divided into: control group (n = 6), conformed of periodontally healthy individuals without orthodontic appliances and the test group (n = 7), conformed of patients with gingival overgrowth induced by orthodontic treatment. The biomarkers CK-14, CK-19 and Ki-67 were identified by immunohistochemistry with monoclonal antibodies and observed in a Leica DM 500 optical microscope. Hypertrophic epithelial tissue with loss of continuity of the basement membrane was found in the test group patients. CK-14 and CK-19 were positive in the epithelial tissue of all the subjects evaluated, with a high intensity positive expression in the cells of the basal lamina of the test group. The average number of cells positive for Ki-67 in test group was 56%. In conclusion, CK-14, CK-19 and Ki-67 are biomarkers with high immunoreactivity in the gingival tissue of patients with gingival overgrowth induced by orthodontic treatment.

Durante o tratamento ortodôntico, eventos patológicos indesejados como o crescimento gengival induzido pelo tratamento ortodôntico (CGTO) ou hipertrofia gengival podem aparecer: O objetivo deste estudo é identificar a distribuição imuno-histoquímica das citoqueratinas CK -14, CK-19 e Ki-67 no epitélio gengival de pacientes com CGTO. Foram selecionados 13 pacientes divididos em: grupo controle (n=6), conformado por indivíduos periodontalmente saudáveis sem aparelhos ortodônticos e o grupo teste (n=7), conformado por pacientes com CGTO. Os biomarcadores CK-14, CK-19 e Ki-67 foram identificados por imuno-histoquímica com anticorpos monoclonais e observados em microscópio óptico Leica DM 500. Tecido epitelial hipertrófico com perda de continuidade da membrana basal foi encontrado nos pacientes do grupo teste. CK-14 e CK-19 foram positivos no tecido epitelial de todos os sujeitos avaliados, com expressão positiva de alta intensidade nas células da lâmina basal do grupo teste. O número médio de células positivas para Ki-67 no grupo teste foi de 56%. Em conclusão, CK-14, CK-19 e Ki-67 são biomarcadores com alta imunorreatividade no tecido gengival de pacientes com CGTO.

Gelsolin inhibits autophagy by regulating actin depolymerization in pancreatic ductal epithelial cells in acute pancreatitis

Gelsolin (GSN) can sever actin filaments associated with autophagy. This study investigated how GSN-regulated actin filaments control autophagy in pancreatic ductal epithelial cells (PDECs) in acute pancreatitis (AP). AP was produced in a rat model and PDECs using caerulein (CAE). Rat pancreatic duct tissue and HPDE6-C7 cells were extracted at 6, 12, 24, and 48 h after CAE treatment. HPDE6-C7 cells in the presence of CAE were treated with cytochalasin B (CB) or silenced for GSN for 24 h. Pancreatic histopathology and serum amylase levels were analyzed. Cellular ultrastructure and autophagy in PDECs were observed by transmission electron microscopy after 24 h of CAE treatment. The expression of GSN and autophagy markers LC3, P62, and LAMP2 was evaluated in PDECs by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Actin filaments were observed microscopically. Amylase levels were highest at 6 h of AP, and pancreatic tissue damage increased over time. Mitochondrial vacuolization and autophagy were observed in PDECs. CAE increased GSN expression in these cells over time, increased the LC3-II/LC3-I ratio and LAMP2 expression at 24 and 6 h of treatment, respectively, and decreased P62 expression at all time points. CB treatment for 24 h decreased the LC3-II/LC3-I ratio and LAMP2 expression, increased P62 levels, but had no impact on GSN expression in CAE-treated PDECs. CAE induced actin depolymerization, and CB potentiated this effect. GSN silencing increased the LC3-II/LC3-I ratio and LAMP2 expression and reduced actin depolymerization in CAE-treated PDECs. GSN may inhibit autophagosome biogenesis and autophagosome-lysosome fusion by increasing actin depolymerization in PDECs in AP.

Sarcomere structure: the importance of desmin protein in muscle atrophy / Estructura de sarcómera: la importancia de proteína desmina en atrofia muscular

Knowing the ultrastructure of skeletal muscle is critical to understand how it works under normal situation and the disorders caused by extreme or pathological conditions. Sarcomere is the basic structural unit of striated muscle tissue. An important element of sarcomere architecture are the intermediate filaments, including the desmin protein. Desmin protein contributes to maintenance of cell integrity, efficient transmission of force and mechanochemical signaling within the myocyte. Because of this, desmin protein has constantly been a focus of research that investigates its alterations associated to damage and muscle atrophy under different conditions. The purpose of the following literature review is to describe the basic concepts of muscle ultrastructure, emphasizing the desmin protein role under conditions of muscle disuse atrophy and aging.

Conocer la ultraestructura del músculo esquelético es crítico para entender cómo trabaja bajo situaciones normales y en desórdenes causados por condiciones extremas o patológicas. La sarcómera es la unidad de estructura básica del tejido muscular estriado. Elementos importantes en la arquitectura de la sarcómera son los filamentos intermedios, incluyendo la proteína desmina. La proteína desmina contribuye en mantener la integridad celular, la transmisión eficiente de fuerza y la señalización mecanoquímica dentro del miocito. Debido a lo anterior, la proteína desmina ha sido constante foco de investigación en trabajos que estudian sus alteraciones asociadas a daño y atrofia muscular bajo diferentes condiciones. El propósito de la siguiente revisión de la literatura es describir los conceptos básicos de la ultraestructura muscular, enfatizando en el rol de la proteína desmina bajo condiciones de atrofia muscular por desuso y envejecimiento.

Ultrahistopathological features of six cases of symmetrical acrokeratoderma under transmission electron microscope / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective To investigate ultrahistopathological features of symmetrical acrokeratoderma.Methods Biopsy specimens were obtained from skin lesions and perilesional normalappearing skin of 6 patients with symmetrical acrokeratoderma,as well as from normal skin of 3 healthy volunteers.Then,these skin specimens were subjected to transmission electron microscopy (TEM).Results TEM showed obviously thickened stratum corneum,irregular morphology of keratinocytes and discontinuous cornified envelope.Aggregation and abnormal arrangement of keratin filaments occurred in all epidermal layers.Many vacuoles of different sizes were observed in the transitional zone between the stratum corneum and stratum granulosum.Hypogranulosis,abnormal shape and different sizes of keratohyalin granules,and reduction of membrane-coating granules were found in the stratum granulosum.Increased melanocytes with a large number of stage Ⅳ melanosomes in the cytoplasm were observed in the basal layers.Moreover,there was infiltration of a few lymphocytes in the superficial dermis.Perilesional normal-appearing skin tissues showed similar but milder ultrastructural changes.Conclusion Abnormal metabolism of keratins,epidermal differentiation complex proteins and lipids may exist in skin lesions of symmetrical acrokeratoderma,which may contribute to epidermal thickening and impairment of skin barrier function.

Flavonoids from stem and leaf of Scutellaria baicalonsis Georgi inhibit PHF abnormality and regulatory mechanism of protein phosphatase in rats' brain induced by okadaic acid / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM:To investigate the effect of flavonoids from stem and leaf of Scutellaria baicalonsis Georgi(SSF)on paired helical filament(PHF)abnormality and the regulatory mechanism of protein phosphatase(PP)in rats' brain induced by okadaic acid(OA).METHODS:Male Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats were microinjected with OA(200 ng/kg)by the lateral ventricle to establish a memory impairment model.Morris water maze was used to screen the memory impairment model.The successful model rats were continuous intragastric infusion(ig)SSF for 36 days.The relative pro-tein expression of PHF,PP1,PP2A-Cα,PP2A-Cβ,PP2CA and PP2CB in the rat cerebral cortex and hippocampus were detected by Western blot.GinKgo biloba leaf flavonoids(GLF)were used as positive control drug.RESULTS:Compared with the sham-operated rats ,the relative protein expression of PHF in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus and PP 1 in cor-tex of model rats were significantly increased(P<0.01),and the protein expression of PP2A-Cα,PP2A-Cβin the cere-bral cortex and hippocampus and PP2CB in the hippocampus were decreased(P<0.05),while the relative protein expres-sion of PP2CA and PP2CB in the cortex were significantly increased(P<0.01).SSF reversed the abnormality in the pro-tein expression of PHF,PP2A-Cαand PP2A-Cβin rat cortex and hippocampus and PP1 in rat cortex induced by OA(P<0.01),which had no significant effect on the relative protein expression of PP 2CA and PP2CB.GLF also showed similar results to SSF.CONCLUSION:SSF significantly reduces the abnormal formation of PHF in rats ' brain induced by OA ,which may be related to the regulation of PP 1,PP2A-Cαand PP2A-Cβexpression,but not with PP2CA and PP2CB ex-pression.

Notalgia Paresthetica of the Back Successfully Controlled by Pregabalin / 대한피부과학회지

Notalgia paresthetica (NP) is a chronic localized itch, affecting mainly the inter-scapular area particularly between the T2-T6 dermatomes. Occasionally it has a more widespread distribution and involves the shoulders, back, and upper chest. There are no specific cutaneous signs, apart from those attributed to scratching and rubbing. Various etiologies have been reported, but the cause of NP is not established. The current hypothesis regarding its etiology postulates that a neuropathic itch develops due to nerve entrapment of the posterior rami of spinal nerve arising at T2-T6. Another recent documented case showed an increase in the number of intradermal nerves by neural immunochistochemistry staining of S-100 protein, protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5). Herein, we experienced an uncommon case of NP of the back and tried to clarify pathogenesis by using quantitative sensory testing, such as neurometer and Von-Frey filaments. Also, we performed neural immunochemistry to confirm an increase in nerve fibers at the site of the lesion.

Maerua angolensis Extract Reduces Allodynia and Hyperalgesia in a Mouse Model of Vincristine-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy.

Allodynia and hyperalgesia comprise the main and frequent symptoms suffered by patients with neuropathic pain, which responds poorly to therapy. An earlier study reported that stem bark extracts of Maerua angolensis exhibited dose-dependent anti-nociceptive effect against the neurogenic and inflammatory phases of the formalin test. The current study evaluated the effect of petroleum ether/ethyl acetate stem bark extract of Maerua angolensis on vincristine-induced neuropathy. Neuropathic pain was induced by intraperitoneal injection of vincristine (0.1 mg/kg/day) using a 5-day-on, 2-day-off schedule over 12 days. On day 15, baseline responses were measured in the Randall-Selitto mechanical hyperalgesia test and paw withdrawal tests (using Von Frey filaments and cold water at 4.5 °C) and mice that developed allodynia/hyperalgesia were randomly assigned into 7 groups. Normal saline (i.p.), pregabalin (10, 30, and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) and extract (3, 10, and 20 mg/kg, p.o.) were administered to the individual groups. Allodynia/hyperalgesia was measured hourly for 5 hours post treatment. The extract produced significant (P<0.05) and dose-dependent inhibition of vincristine-induced mechanical hyperalgesia, tactile and cold allodynia responses. In all, the study shows that oral administration of Maerua angolensis stem bark extract inhibits vincristine-induced neuropathy in mice suggesting that it may exert analgesic effect in cancer patients with vincristine-induced neuropathic pain.

Gill morphology in the red swamp freshwater crayfish procambarus clarkii (Crustacea: Decapoda: Cambarids) (Girard 1852) from the River Nile and its Branches in Egypt / Morfología de las branquias del cangrejo rojo de pantano de agua dulce procambarus clarkii (Crustacea: Decapoda: Cambarids) (Girard 1852) del Río Nilo y sus Ramas en Egipto

The aim of the present study was focused on and describes the gross morphological and scanning electron microscopical features of the gill of the red swamp freshwater crayfish. Our results noted that: all gills have the same general structure and appearance. The gill consists of axis with numerous finger-like filaments, having three morphological types; round, pointed and somewhat hooked shaped. There is a variation in the direction of filaments according to their position, in middle part were nearly perpendicular to gill axis while in the apex were nearly parallel to axis. There were characteristic system of gill spines on central axis, basal plate, setobranch and on the bilobed epipodal plate. There are four shape of spinated-like parts of setobranch seta, two pointed processes and two broad processes. The bilobed epipodal plate is devoid from any filaments and under SEM, its apical part has serrated free border and corrugated surface while the middle part has no serrated free border.

El objetivo del presente estudio fue describir las características morfológicas macroscópicas y mediante microscopio electrónico de barrido las branquias del cangrejo rojo de pantano de agua dulce. Nuestros resultados señalan que todas las branquias tienen la misma estructura y apariencia general. Las branquias se componen de ejes con numerosos filamentos similares a dedos, que tiene tres tipos morfológicos; redondo, punteado y con forma de gancho. Hay una variación en la dirección de los filamentos de acuerdo con su posición, en la parte media eran casi perpendicular al eje branquial, mientras que en el ápice fueron casi paralelas al eje. Hubo un sistema característico de espinas branquiales sobre el eje central, placa basal, espinas dorsales y sobre las placas epipodales bilobuladas. Se observaron cuatro formas de las ramas similares a espinas, dos procesos apuntados y dos procesos amplios. La placa epipodal bilobulada estaba desprovista de filamentos bajo microscopía electrónicas, su parte apical tiene una margen libre aserrado, con una superficie ondulada, mientras que la parte media no tiene margenes aserrados.

Expression of carbonic anhydrase IX in human fetal joints, ligaments and tendons: a potential marker of mechanical stress in fetal development? / 대한해부학회지

Carbonic anhydrase type IX (CA9) is known to express in the fetal joint cartilage to maintain pH against hypoxia. Using paraffin-embedded histology of 10 human fetuses at 10-16 weeks of gestation with an aid of immunohistochemistry of the intermediate filaments, matrix components (collagen types I and II, aggrecan, versican, fibronectin, tenascin, and hyaluronan) and CA9, we observed all joints and most of the entheses in the body. At any stages examined, CA9-poisitive cells were seen in the intervertebral disk and all joint cartilages including those of the facet joint of the vertebral column, but the accumulation area was reduced in the larger specimens. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), one of the intermediate filaments, expressed in a part of the CA9-positive cartilages. Developing elastic cartilages were positive both of CA9 and GFAP. Notably, parts of the tendon or ligament facing to the joint, such as the joint surface of the annular ligament of the radius, were also positive for CA9. A distribution of each matrix components examined was not same as CA9. The bone-tendon and bone-ligament interface expressed CA9, but the duration at a site was limited to 3-4 weeks because the positive site was changed between stages. Thus, in the fetal entheses, CA9 expression displayed highly stage-dependent and site-dependent manners. CA9 in the fetal entheses seemed to play an additional role, but it was most likely to be useful as an excellent marker of mechanical stress at the start of enthesis development.

Comparative morphology of gill glands in externally fertilizing and inseminating species of cheirodontine fishes, with implications on the phylogeny of the family Characidae (Actinopterygii: Characiformes)

The structure and form of gill gland among inseminating and externally fertilizing species of the Cheirodontinae are described under light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy, and compared to other members of the family Characidae. At least one species from thirteen cheirodontine genera were analyzed, totaling seventeen species. Gill glands were found in all analyzed mature males of Cheirodontinae and were always absent in females, being located on the anteriormost portion of the lower branch of the first gill arch, extending posteriorly through a variable number of gill filaments. Gill glands of all cheirodontines and of all characid species in which this organ has been described possess the same structure, being considered homologous and supporting a single origin of the structure in a common ancestor to Clade A and Clade B characids.

A estrutura e forma da glândula branquial de queirodontíneos inseminadores e de fecundação externa são descritas com base em análises de microscopia óptica, microscopia eletrônica de varredura e microscopia eletrônica de transmissão, e comparadas com outros membros da família Characidae. Pelo menos uma espécie de treze gêneros de Cheirodontinae foram analisadas, num total de dezessete espécies. Glândulas branquiais foram encontradas em todos os machos maduros analisados de Cheirodontinae, localizadas na parte mais anterior do ramo inferior do primeiro arco branquial, estendendo-se posteriormente por um número variável de filamentos branquiais, estando sempre ausentes nas fêmeas. As glândulas branquiais de todos os queirodontíneos analisados e de todas as espécies de Characidae em que este órgão foi descrito possuem a mesma estrutura, sendo consideradas homólogas e suportando uma origem única em um ancestral comum aos Clados A e B de Characidae.

Novas funções da proteina AIRE: 1) seu papel na resposta mediada por dectina-1 em fagocitos mononucleares humanos: 2) sua associação com a queratina 17, proteina dos filamentos intermediarios / New roles of AIRE protein

A Poliendocrinopatia autoimune associada a candidíase e distrofia ectodérmica (APECED) é um síndrome caracterizado pela presença de pelo menos dois sintomas clínicos, endocrinopatia autoimune, sendo que as mais comuns são hipoparatiroidismo, doença de Addison, além de candidíase mucocutânea crônica. É também comum nos pacientes o desenvolvimento de distrofia ectodérmica, como distrofia nas unhas ou alopécia. O APECED é produzido por mutações no gene AIRE, que codifica uma proteína com propriedades reguladoras na transcrição de proteínas ectópicas no timo, o que estaria envolvido na seleção negativa de células T auto-reativas, e conseqüentemente no desenvolvimento da doença autoimune. No entanto a associação da deficiência da proteína AIRE com a suscetibilidade a candidíase ou a distrofia ectodérmica permanecem obscuras. No presente trabalho, investigamos a possibilidade que esta associação esteja envolvida com a expressão e função da proteína AIRE no ambiente extra-tímico. Usando células de sangue periférico de pacientes com mutações no AIRE...

The autoimmune polyendocrinopathy candidiasis and ectodermal dystrophy (APECED) is characterized by the presence of two from three major clinical symptoms: Addison's disease, and/or hypoparathyroidism, and/or chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis. These patients develop also ectodermal dystrophies like nail dystrophy and alopecia. APECED is caused by mutations in the autoimmune regulator gene (AIRE). This gene encodes a protein with DNA binding capacity that can transcriptionally modulate ectopic peripheral tissue antigen (PTA) expression in the thymus, facilitating T cell negative selection. Defects in AIRE may be related with the development of multipleendocrine failure of autoimmune origin in patients with APECED. In spite of this, the role of AIRE deficiency in the C. albicans susceptibility or ectodermal dystrophy, common features in APECED patients, remains to be elucidated. In the present work we explored the hypothesis that candidiasis and ectodermal dystrophy are associated with the extra-thymic role of AIRE...

Avaliação do uso de Tiletamina e Zolapezam por via epidural em cães / Assessment of the epidural use of tiletamine and zolazepam in dogs / Evaluación del uso de tiletamina y zolazepam por vía epidural en perros

Dez cães receberam administração epidural da associação de cloridrato de tiletamina e zolazepam, entre as vértebras L7 e S1, avaliando-se a analgesia pela observação dos padrões respiratório e comportamental, e pela aplicação dos filamentos de von Frey nos coxins plantares e ao redor do esfíncter anal externo. Não foram observadas as manifestações sistêmicas características da administração parenteral de anestésicos dissociativos, e todos os animais manifestaram completa analgesia, sendo que o emprego dos filamentos de von Frey permitiu testes de sensibilidade cutânea sem causar lesões teciduais. A técnica empregada promoveu ataxia e paresia, que perduraram por 41,25 (± 2,18) minutos, acompanhadas por relaxamento do esfíncter anal externo dos cães. Outros estudos sobre os efeitos da administração epidural da associação de cloridrato de tiletamina e zolazepam deverão ser efetuados, no que diz respeito a quantificar e qualificar a analgesia nesse período, bem como avaliar a possibilidade de realização de intervenções cirúrgicas cruentas, com essa técnica.

Ten dogs received an epidural administration of tiletamine HCl and zolazepam, between vertebrae L7 and S1. The analgesia was evaluated by observation breathing and behavioral patterns, and by the use of von Frey filaments applied to the external anal sphincter and footpads. Systemic manifestations from parenteral administration of dissociative anesthetics were not observed, and all the animals showed complete analgesia. The technique promoted ataxia and paresis which persisted for 41.25 (±2.18) minutes, followed by external anal sphincter myorelaxation. The von Frey filaments allowed cutaneous sensibility tests without causing any tissue lesion. Other investigations searching the tiletamine HCL and zolazepam effects should be performed in order to quantify and qualify the analgesia in that period, as well as to evaluate the possibility of accomplishment of painful surgical procedures with this technique.

Diez perros recibieron administración epidural de la asociación de clorhidrato de tiletamina y zolazepam, entre las vértebras L7 y S1, evaluándose la analgesia por observación de los estándares respiratorio y de comportamiento, y por la aplicación de los filamentos de von Frey en los asientos plantares y alrededor del esfínter anal externo. No fueron observadas las manifestaciones sistémicas características de la administración parenteral de anestésicos disociativos, y todos los animales manifestaron completa analgesia, siendo que el empleo de filamentos de von Frey permitió testes de sensibilidad cutánea sin causar lesiones en tejidos. La técnica empleada promovió ataxia y paresia, que perduraron por 41,25 (±2,18) minutos, acompañadas por relajamiento del esfínter anal externo de los perros. Otros estudios sobre los efectos de la administración epidural de la asociación de clorhidrato de tiletamina y zolazepam deberán ser efectuados, por lo que respecta a cuantificar y calificar la analgesia en ese período, bien como evaluar la posibilidad de realización de procedimientos quirúrgicos cruentos, con esa técnica.

Sensibilidade da mama antes e após a mamoplastia com cicatriz curta em L / Breast tenderness before and after L-short scar mammoplasty

A preservação da sensibilidade da mama é uma das metas a seremalcançadas na moderna cirurgia de mama, mas a literatura sobre o assunto é escassa e contraditória. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi estudar prospectivamente a sensibilidade das mamas de 64 pacientes submetidas à técnica de mamoplastia com cicatriz curta em L. As mamas (n=125) foram testadas um dia antes da operação, seis meses e 12 meses depois, com os monofilamentos de Semmes- Weinstein. Foram testados nove pontos em cada mama: o mamilo, quatro pontoscardeais na aréola e quatro pontos cardeais na pele. As mamas foramclassificadas em três grupos, de acordo com o peso do tecido mamário excisado: grupo A, até 200 gramas; grupo B, de 201 a 400 gramas; grupo C, mais de 400 gramas. O teste de Kruskal-Wallis foi utilizado para comparar a sensibilidade das regiões da mama nos diferentes grupos, em períodos distintos. O teste de Friedman foi empregado para comparar a evolução da sensibilidade das regiões da mesma mama em diferentes períodos operatórios, separadamente em cada um dos grupos. Valores de p<0,05 foram considerados estatisticamentesignificativos. Descreveu-se a técnica de mamoplastia com cicatriz curta em L e manobras cirúrgicas para preservarem-se as divisões anteriores dos ramos cutâneos laterais dos nervos intercostais. Antes da operação, observou-se que a sensibilidade na pele das mamas foi menos intensa significativamente com o aumento da ptose mamária (graus I, II e III; p=0,021) e verificou-se, também, relação entre volumes mamários maiores e menos sensibilidade nas regiões daaréola (grupos B e C; p<0,001) e da pele (grupo C; p<0,001). Não se observou, 12 meses depois, relação entre maiores volumes excisados e menos sensibilidade mamária. Nos complexos aréolo-mamilares, todos os grupos alcançaram níveis de sensibilidade sem diferença significativa em relação aos níveis pré-operatórios, entre seis e 12 meses após a operação. Depois de seis e 12 meses, verificaram-se níveis de sensibilidade mais intensa significativamente na pele das mamas com excisões de mais de 200 gramas (grupo B; p=0,002 egrupo C; p<0,001). As pacientes também foram avaliadas subjetivamente, respondendo a questionário 12 meses após a operação. Do total, 89,1% informaram que a sensibilidade do complexo aréolo-mamilar não desapareceu nem mesmo nos primeiros dias de pós-operatório. Depois de 12 meses, nenhuma relatou áreas de insensibilidade na aréola ou no mamilo; 66,4% do total daspacientes e 94,4% das componentes do grupo C (média de excisão de tecido mamário de 499 gramas) descreveram sensibilidade da aréola e do mamilo melhor ou igual à sensibilidade pré-operatória. Concluiu-se que, após a mamoplastia com cicatriz curta em L, a sensibilidade mamária à pressão retorna aos níveis pré-operatórios ou melhora e que a maioria das pacientes fica satisfeita com a qualidade e a intensidade da sensibilidade na aréola e no mamilo, principalmente aquelas com mamas maiores.

Breast sensitivity preservation is one of the aims to be achieved bymodern breast surgery but the literature on the subject is scarce and contradictory. The purpose of this work was to prospectively study the breast sensitivity of 64 patients who underwent surgery with the L short scar mammaplasty technique. The breasts (n = 125) were tested one day before surgery, as well as six months and twelve months after it, with Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments. Nine points on each breast were tested: the nipple, four cardinal points on the areola and four cardinal points on the skin. Breasts were classified in three groups, according to the mammary tissue weight resected: group A up to 200 g, group B from 201 to 400 g and group C over 400 g. The ruskal-Wallis Test was used in order to compare breast region sensitivity in the different groups, in distinct periods. The Friedman Test was used to compare the evolution of sensitivity of the same breast in different operative periods in each group separately; p<0.05 values were considered to be statistically significant. The L short scar mammaplasty technique and surgical maneuvers carried out to preserve the anterior divisions of the lateral cutaneous branches of the intercostal nerves were described. Before surgery it was noticed that breast skin sensitivity was significantly less intense with the increase on breast ptosis (grades I, II and III; p=0.021). It was also noticed a relation between larger breasts volumes and less sensitivity in areola regions (groups B and C; p<0.001) and on skin (group C; p<0.001). Twelve months after surgery it wasnt observed a relation between larger resected volumes and less breast sensitivity. In nipple-areola complexes, all groups reached sensitivity levels without significant difference in relation to pre-operative levels, from six to twelvemonths after surgery. After six and twelve months, significantly more intense sensitivity levels on breast skin were verified in resections of more than 200 g (group B; p=0.002 and group C; p<0.001). Patients were also subjectively evaluated, answering a questionnaire 12 months after surgery. From the total, 89.1% reported that nipple-areola complex sensitivity didnt disappear even on the first days of the post-operative period. After 12 months, no patient reported areola or nipple insensitivity areas; 66.4% from the total of patients and 94.4% from group C patients (mammary tissue resection mean of 499 g) reported areola or nipplesensitivity equal to or better than pre-operative sensitivity. In conclusion, after the L short scar mammaplasty, breast sensitivity to pressure returns to pre-operative levels or improves and most patients get pleased with areola or nipple sensitivity intensity and quality, mainly those with larger breasts

Histological Characteristics of the Interface of Corneal Stroma and Descemet's Membrane

PURPOSE: This study was carried out to clarify the histological characteristics of the interface of the corneal stroma and Descemet's membrane of the human eye. METHODS: Nighteen donor eyes without corneal pathology were examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The Descemet's membrane including the corneal endothelium was cheked for scanning electron microscopy. The junctional characteristics of the posterior corneal stroma and Descemet's membrane was examined by transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: The scanning electron microscopy showed that collagen sheet faced each other at the right angle near the Descemet's membrane and penetrated the Descemet's membrane with the irregular arrangement. The transmission electron microscopy showed that the electron-dense collagen filaments extended to the posterior stroma from Descemet's membrane. The arrangement of electron-dense collagen filaments paralleled with the arrangement of the collagen fibrils of the posterior stroma. CONCLUSIONS: The interface of the corneal stroma and Descemet's membrane was composed of two-typed extracellular materials without the intercellular specificatons.

The study on toothbrush filaments / 대한치주과학회지

The aim of this study is to investigate the end of filaments of the different toothbrushes in the market through the stereomicroscope and to evaluate the % of rounded-end filaments considered to be acceptable. 9 brands, total 11 type toothbrushes were tested. 2 toothbrushes of each type which is marked as roundedend filaments were tested. The toothbrushes which are not marked as rounded-end filaments were excluded. The domestic as well as foreign toothbrushes which are familiar to consumers were tested. 2 tufts of each toothbrushes were cut and examined by stereomicroscope using 40x magnification. The procedure was carried out with blind-technique, and the digital photographs were taken. Besides the % of rounded-end filaments, total tufts number, material of the tuft, stiffness, and other special characteristics were recorded. By the classification of Silverstone and Featherstone, rounded-end filaments were examined and counted. The results shows that there are different range of rounded-end filaments according to the toothbrush types(17.7%-91.2%). Atman toothbrush has the most rounded-end filaments(91.2%) among the observed toothbrushes, and the Advantage Plus(Oral-B) has the next(86.75%). E-Clean #411 has the least(17.70%) and E-Clean #410 of the same brand has also low % rounded-end filaments(20.60%). While G.U.M #409(Butler) has 67.90% rounded-end filaments, G.U.M #471 of the same brand has comparative low 41.83% rounded-end filaments. 4 types of total 11 have the rounded-end filaments over 80%, however other 4 types have under even 50%. Considering that the correct brushing habit with a toothbrush which has rounded-end filaments can protect the gingival injury and tooth abrasion, it is thought that we dentists need to give the correct information about toothbrush to the patients

A Case of Merkel Cell Carcinoma / 대한피부과학회지

Merkel cell carcinoma is an uncommon malignancy originally called "trabecular carcinoma" by Toker in 1972. Although the exact origin of the Merkel cell is unknown, it probably arises from neuroendocrine cell of the basal epidermis. It then grows vertically into the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. The tumor usually affects older persons, with a median age at presentation of 66 years. Although its cause is unknown, its propensity to occur on the head, neck, or extremities suggests that sun exposure may play a role. We report a case of a 58-year-old woman who showed a solitary dusky red-colored tumor on the right upper arm. The tumor had rapidly grown since 2 months ago but there was no evidence of regional lymph node and distant metastases. Microscopically, the tumor cells were uniform with round to oval shaped nucleus and scanty cytoplasm, and showed trabecular, anastomosing cord-like arrangement mainly in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Ultrastructually, membrane-bound neurosecretory granules were found in the cytoplasm and characteristic perinuclear filaments were retained in each tumor cell. We performed wide local excision with 3cm margin and prophylactic radiation therapy.

Desmosome and intermediate filament assembly during differentiation and stratification of epithelial cells.

In the present investigation the sequential expression and organization of keratin intermediate filament proteins were studied in the developing rat palatal epithelia starting from early gestation period to the adult. The distribution and organization of keratin proteins were correlated with the formation and elaboration of desmosornes during differentiation and stratification of the epithelia.

Keratinization of rat vaginal epithelium. II. Immunofluorescence study on keratin filaments in cycling and estrogen primed rats.

Rat vaginal epithelial layers from animals in different phases of the estrous cycle showed positive immunofluorescence when treated with either monoclonal antibody to intermediate filaments or immunoglobulin G fraction of antiserum raised against epidermal keratin filaments. During estrus, the intensity of fluorescence observed was maximum in the keratinized cellular layers. In estradiol-primed immature and ovariectomized rats the maximum fluorescence intensity was observed in the layers immediately lining the lumen. However, basal layers in ovariectomized rats also showed some fluorescence. Data presented in this communication indicate that the abundance of keratin filaments in vaginal epithelial cells can be modulated by altering the level of estradiol in the system.

Giant Cell Glioblastoma: A report of two cases

A rare variant of glioblastoma characterized by giant or monster cells is now well recognized. However, this tumor had been remained in controversy on its pathogenesis, and the tumor had been considered to be a sarcoma until 1968, when the electronemicroscopic study demonstrated the presence of filaments mesuring 80 in diameter in the perikarya in giant cells as well as in smaller, better differentiated cells. The peroxidase antiperoxidase stain of glial fibrillary acid protein shows positive glial fibrillary fibers in their cytoplasm, accordingly the giant cells has been recognized as being of astrocytic origin. This concept has been redocumented by light microscopy since PTAH-positive astrocytic fibers are present in large numbers of neoplastic cells. The two cases reported here were frontal and occipital giant cell glioblastomas in 58 years old male and 44 years old women, respectively. On light microscopy, the tumor showed numberous characteristic giant or monster cells as well as the same features seen in the usual glioblastoma. The electron microscopy and special stains, PTAH and GFAP confirmed that the giant cells were in glial origin.

STUDIES ON THE STRUCTURAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ACTIN FILAMENTS AND SERTOLI CELL BARRIER / 解剖学报

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of cytochalasin E(CE) on the integrity of Sertoli cell barrier. The results indicate that: (1) In the CE-treated testis(1000-2000 ?mol/L CE/testis, 6-14 hr), actin filaments of the ectoplasmic specialization (ES) in area of Sertoli cell barrier were disrupted, the accumulation of amorphous material and fragmented small vesicles of SER were observed in cytoplasm of Sertoli cell. The above changes appeared to be dosage and duration dependent; (2)In the seminiferous tubules of animals receiving CE (1000-2000 ?mol/L testis, 6-14 hr) plus fixation with 10% hypertonic dextrose solutions, usually the germ cells shrinkage and exaggeration of intercellular spaces withint he basal as well asthe adluminal compartments were observed. The tight junction between Sertoli cells were also appeared to be separated by hypertonic action of dextros; (3) The results of tracing experiments showed that lanthanums as tracer could be seen to pass through the Sertoli-Sertoli cell junction of the barrier and enter into the adluminal compartment, the tracer that surrounding the spermatocytes and round spermatids were discernible readily. The above results suggest that cytochalsin E disturbed actin filaments of Sertoli ectoplasmic specialization thus altered the functional integrity of the Sertoli cell barrier. The relationship between the actin filaments and Sertoli cell barrier was discussed.