Modulation of Renal Parenchyma in Response to Allogeneic Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Transplantation in Acute Kidney Injury

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In regenerative medicine, mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose tissues (Ad-MSCs) are a very attractive target to treat many diseases. In relation to nephrology, the aim of the current study is to investigate the effects of Ad-MSCs for the amelioration of acute kidney injury and to explore the mechanism of renal parenchymal changes in response to allogeneic transplantation of Ad-MSCs. METHODS AND RESULTS: The nephrotoxicity was induced by cisplatin (CP) in balb/c mice according to RIFLE Class and AKIN Stage 3. PCR, qRT-PCR and fluorescent labeled cells infusion, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, functional analyses were used for genes and proteins expressions data acquisition respectively. We demonstrated that single intravenous infusion of 2.5×107/kg mAd-MSCs in mice pre-injected with CP recruited to the kidney, restored the renal structure, and function, which resulted in progressive survival of mice. The renal tissue morphology was recovered in terms of diminished necrosis or epithelial cells damage, protein casts formation, infiltration of inflammatory cells, tubular dilatation, and restoration of brush border protein; Megalin and decreased Kim-1 expressions in mAd-MSCs transplanted mice. Significant reduction in serum creatinine with slashed urea and urinary protein levels were observed. Anti-BrdU staining displayed enhanced tubular cells proliferation. Predominantly, downgrade expressions of TNF-α and TGF-β1 were observed post seven days in mAd-MSCs transplanted mice. CONCLUSIONS: Ad-MSCs exerts pro-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic effects. Ad-MSCs transplantation without any chemical or genetic manipulation can provide the evidence of therapeutic strategy for the origin of regeneration and overall an improved survival of the system in functionally deprived failed kidneys.

Enfermedad por inclusión microvellositaria como causa de diarrea congénita severa: caso clínico / Microvillous inclusion disease as a cause of severe congenital diarrhea: case report

Las diarreas congénitas son patologías graves de baja frecuencia y alta mortalidad. Se manifiestan durante los primeros días o meses de vida con severa diarrea, generando insuficiencia intestinal y dependencia de nutrición parenteral. Se debe sospechar ante un recién nacido o lactante con pérdidas masivas hidroelectrolíticas, y se diagnostican utilizando parámetros clínicos, endoscópicos, histológicos y eventualmente genéticos. El tratamiento es de soporte, con reposición hidroelectrolítica intensa y nutricional. OBJETIVO: Presentar un caso de diarrea congénita, identificada como Enfermedad por Inclusión Microvellositaria, de presentación neonatal. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente varón edad actual 3 años, hijo de padres consanguíneos, quien debutó a los 10 días de vida con diarrea secretora severa, requiriendo ingreso a unidad de paciente crítico y nutrición parenteral permanente. Inicialmente además con síndrome de Fanconi, que luego se recupera. Se confirmó la sospecha de Enfermedad de Inclusión Microvellositaria utilizando microscopia óptica, electrónica e inmunohistoquímica. Se obtuvo una favorable evolución utilizando nutrición parenteral total (NPT) a domicilio. CONCLUSIONES: Se presenta el primer caso conocido en Chile de un paciente con diarrea congénita por inclusión microvellositaria manejado y su evolución.

Congenital diarrheas correspond to a severe and low frequency digestive disease, with a high mortality. They start a few days or months after birth, leading to intestinal insufficiency and dependence on parenteral nutrition. It must be highly suspected in newborns or infants with diarrhea and severe electrolyte disorders. The diagnosis is based on clinical, endoscopic, histologic and eventually genetic findings. Treatment is supportive with intensive correction of electrolyte imbalances as well as parenteral nutrition. OBJECTIVE: To present a case report of congenital diarrhea identified as microvillous inclusion disease presenting in the neonatal period. CASE REPORT: Male patient currently 3 years of age, son of consanguineous parents. At 10 days of age presents a severe secretory diarrhea, requiring treatment in a critical care unit and parenteral nutrition. Initially he also presented with Fanconi syndrome, which improved afterwards. The suspicion of congenital microvillous inclusion was confirmed later by optic and electronic microscopy, and inmunohistochemistry. A succesful evolution was later achieved maintaining home parenteral nutrition after discharge. CONCLUSION: We present the first known case in Chile of congenital diarrhea due to microvillous inclusión disease and his evolution.

Clinical features and MYO5B mutations of a family affected by microvillus inclusion disease / 中国当代儿科杂志

Microvillus inclusion disease (MVID) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by biallelic mutations in the MYO5B or STX3 gene. Refractory diarrhea and malabsorption are the main clinical manifestations. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical features and MYO5B gene mutations of an infant with MVID. A 21-day-old female infant was referred to the hospital with the complaint of diarrhea for 20 days. On physical examination, growth retardation of the body weight and length was found along with moderately jaundiced skin and sclera. Breath sounds were clear in the two lungs and the heart sounds were normal. The abdomen was distended and the veins in the abdominal wall were observed. The liver and spleen were not palpable. Biochemical analysis revealed raised serum total bile acids, bilirubin, transaminases and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase while decreased levels of serum sodium, chloride, phosphate and magnesium. Blood gas analysis indicated metabolic acidosis. The preliminary diagnosis was congenital diarrhea, and thus parenteral nutrition was given along with other symptomatic and supportive measures. However, diarrhea, metabolic acidosis and electrolyte disturbance were intractable, and the cholestatic indices, including transaminases, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, bilirubin and total bile acids, remained at increased levels. One month later, the patient was discharged and then lost contact. On genetic analysis, the infant was proved to be a compound heterozygote of the c.310+2Tdup and c.1966C>T(p.R656C) variants of the gene MYO5B, with c.310+2Tdup being a novel splice-site mutation. MVID was thus definitely diagnosed.

Morphology of cat vomeronasal organ non-sensory epithelium during postnatal development / 대한해부학회지

The vomeronasal organ has an important role in mammal's social and sexual behaviours. In addition, it mediates defensive behavior through detection of protein pheromone homologues. In this work, a detailed morphological description of the postnatal development of the non-sensory epithelium (NSE) lining the vomeronasal duct (VND) of the female cat is provided using various histological techniques. The study focused on newborn, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks of postnatal ages using four animals for each age. We report here for the first time that three types of NSE line the rostral segment of the VND; nonkeratinized stratified squamous epithelium, stratified cuboidal epithelium, and ciliated pseudo stratified columnar ciliated epithelium with goblet cells and that the VND undergoes 90° a change in its its axis from the vertical position caudally to the horizontal position rostral. The NSE which lines the lateral side of the VND middle segment is consists of cliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium without goblet cells. In addition to basal cells, the NSE contains ciliated and three types of nonciliated columnar epithelial cells (dark, light, and unstained). Mitotic figures were observed only in the basal cells layer during the first 2 weeks of postnatal development. Intraepithelial invading inflammatory cells were uncommon. Scanning electron microscopy revealed unevenly distributed long cilia intermingled with microvillar processes and intervening short microvillar processes. These projecting cilia and microvilli revealed a gradual increase in their height during development toward maturity.

Eosinophilic encephalomyelitis in horses caused by protostrongylid parasites

Four thoroughbred horses showing lameness, ataxia, circling, depression, recumbency, and seizures, were examined. The horses had gross, pale- to dark-red manifestations and foci in the central nervous system (CNS). Multifocal to coalescing eosinophilic necrotizing encephalomyelitis was observed histologically in the CNS along with intact or degenerated nematodes. Nematodes had polymyarian-coelomyarian musculature, a smooth thin cuticle, and intestines lined by multinucleated cells with microvilli. These traits suggested the nematodes belonged to the family Protostrongylidae, which includes Parelaphostrongylus tenuis. It was concluded that the horses were infected by nematodes, presumably Parelaphostrongylus tenuis, resulting in eosinophilic necrotizing encephalomyelitis.

Comparison of cytotoxicities and wound healing effects of diquafosol tetrasodium and hyaluronic acid on human corneal epithelial cells

This study aimed to compare the cellular toxicities of three clinically used dry eye treatments; 3% diquafosol tetrasodium and hyaluronic acid at 0.3 and 0.18%. A methyl thiazolyltetrazoiun (MTT)-based calorimetric assay was used to assess cellular proliferation and a lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage assay to assess cytotoxicity, using Human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) exposed to 3% diquafosol tetrasodium, 0.3% hyaluronic acid (HA), or 0.18% HA or 1, 6 or 24 h. Cellular morphology was evaluated by inverted phase-contrast light microscopy and electron microscopy, and wound widths were measured 24 h after confluent HCECs were scratched. Diquafosol had a significant, time-dependent, inhibitory effect on HCEC proliferation and cytotoxicity. HCECs treated with diquafosol detached more from the bottoms of dishes and damaged cells showed degenerative changes, such as, reduced numbers of microvilli, vacuole formation, and chromatin of the nuclear remnant condensed along the nuclear periphery. All significantly stimulated reepithelialization of HCECs scratched, which were less observed in diquafosol. Therefore, epithelial toxicity should be considered after long-term usage of diquafosol and in overdose cases, especially in dry eye patients with pre-existing punctated epithelial erosion.

Eficácia de diferentes tipos de escovas dentais na remoção do biofilme bucal / Effectiveness of different types of dental brushes in removal of oral biofilm

Devido ao fato de o método mais indicado para remoção do biofilme bucal ser o mecânico, com a utilização da escova dental, buscou-se verificar as características das escovas dentais mais eficazes. Foram avaliadas as seguintes características: relação entre cabo haste e cabeça, com o intuito de verificar angulações, formato e tipo das cerdas, considerando tamanho e disposição dos tufos, bem como comparar a eficácia das escovas manuais e elétricas. O estudo foi realizado com 28 crianças em uma escola municipal da cidade de Umuarama-PR. Foram utilizados quatro tipos de escovas: escova de haste reta com cerdas regulares; escova de haste angulada com cerdas regulares; escova de haste angulada com cerdas irregulares e escova elétrica. Foram realizados a evidenciação do biofilme e o Índice de Higiene Oral Simplificado (IHOS) antes e após a escovação. Os diferentes tipos de escovas foram avaliados de acordo com a diferença entre o percentual de biofilme antes e após a escovação, bem como em relação à redução da classificação do IHOS. Nas diferentes análises, a escova de haste reta apresentou os melhores resultados. Em contrapartida, a escova elétrica apresentou resultados menos satisfatórios. Pode-se concluir que todas as escovas dentárias apresentaram potencial de redução do biofilme dentário, independentemente das características de sua haste, cerdas ou manuseio (manual ou elétrico). Contudo, os melhores resultados foram atribuídos à escova que apresenta a haste reta, que também possui cerdas regulares.

Since the most effective method for the removal of oral biofilm is the mechanical one, with the use of a toothbrush, this study aimed to check the characteristics of the most effective toothbrushes. The following characteristics were analyzed: handle and head ratio, tuft layout, as well as a comparison between manual and electric toothbrushes. This work was conducted with 28 children in a public school in the city of Umuarama/PR. Four types of brushes were used: straight shank brush with regular bristles; angled stem with regular bristles; angled stem with irregular bristles; and electric toothbrush. The disclosure of oral biofilm and the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (SOHI) before and after brushing were analyzed. The different kinds of brushes were evaluated according to the difference between the percentage of biofilm before and after brushing, as well as the reduction of SOHI. Straight shank brushes showed the best results in different analysis. On the other hand, the electric toothbrush brought the less satisfactory results. It was possible to conclude that all toothbrushes have shown potential for biofilm reduction, regardless of the characteristics of their handles, bristles or usage (manual or electric). However, the best results were attributed to the straight shank brush with regular bristles.

Phenotypic and genetic analysis of a family affected with microvillus inclusion disease / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the clinical features and mutations of MYO5B gene in a family affected with microvillus inclusion disease.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Clinical data of an infant affected with microvillus inclusion disease was collected. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples from the patient and her parents. PCR amplification and Sanger sequencing were performed to analyze all the exons and their flanking sequences of the MYO5B gene.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The patient presented with complicated manifestations including respiratory distress syndrome, dehydration, acidosis, bowel dilatation, liver and kidney dysfunction, and severe and intractable diarrhea. A compound mutation of the MYO5B gene, i.e., IVS37-1G>C/c.2729_2731delC (p.R911Afs916X), was discovered in the patient. The former was a splice-site mutation inherited from the mother, while the latter was a frameshift mutation inherited from the father. Both were not reported previously.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Based on the clinical and molecular evidence, the patient was diagnosed with microvillus inclusion disease. Above finding has expanded the mutation spectrum of the MYO5B gene, which can provide valuable information for genetic counseling for the family.</p>

Ultrastructural study on route of gut bacterial translocation in a rat after spinal cord injury / 中国应用生理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the ultrastructural change of the route of gut bacterial translocation in a rat with spinal cord injury (SCI).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty Wistar rats were divided into the following groups: control group and 3 SCI groups (10 in each group). The rats in the SCI groups were established SCI model at 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h after SCI. Small intestine mucous membrane tissue was identified and assayed by transmission electron microscope, scanning electron microscope and immunofluorescence microscopy.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Small intestine mucous membrane tissue in control group was not damaged significantly, but those in SCI groups were damaged significantly. Proliferation bacteria in gut lumen attached on microvilli. The extracellular bacteria torn the intestinal barrier and perforated into the small intestinal mucosal epithelial cell. The bacteria and a lot of particles of the seriously damaged region penetrated into the lymphatic system and the blood system directly. Some bacteria were internalized into the goblet cell through the apical granule. Some bacteria and particles perforated into the submucosa of the M cell running the long axis of M cells through the tight junctions. In the microcirculation of mucosa, the bacteria that had already broken through the microvilli into blood circulation swim accompanying with erythrocytes.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The routes of bacterial translocation interact and format a vicious circle. At early step, the transcellular pathway of bacterial translocation is major. Following with the destroyed small intestine mucous, the routes of bacterial translocation through the lymphatic system and the blood system become direct pathways. The goblet cell-dendritic cell and M cell pathway also play an important role in the bacterial translocation.</p>

Long-Term Effect of Preservative-Free Sodium Hyaluronate Eye Drop on Human Corneal Epithelial Cell

PURPOSE: To investigate the biological effects of preservative-free artificial tear drops on cultured human corneal epithelial cells in vitro. METHODS: The effects of the preservative-free artificial tear drops (Kynex(R) 0.1%, Kynex II(R) 0.18% [Alcon, Seoul, Korea] and Hyaluni eye drops(R) 0.15%, 0.3% [Taejun, Seoul, Korea]) on the human corneal epithelial cells were evaluated. An methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT)-based colorimetric assay was performed to assess the cellular metabolic activity and a lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage assay was used to determine cellular toxicity. The eye drop ingredients were analyzed for electrolyte composition, pH, and osmolarity. We performed a scratch assay and cellular morphology test using electronic microscopy. RESULTS: The metabolic activity of corneal epithelial cells was higher than controls at 24 hours after exposure and then decreased at 48 and 72 hours after exposure (p < 0.05). The LDH titers of the 4 eye drops were higher compared with controls (p < 0.05). Sodium hyaluronate 0.18% contained lower concentrations of Na+ or Cl- and showed lower osmolarity values compared with the other eye drops. The cellular migration based on the scratch assay was more delayed and cellular damage such as loss of microvilli, rough endothelial reticulum (RER), and mitochondria dilatation was greater than controls based on electron microscopy. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term exposure to preservative-free sodium hyaluronate eye drops may induce decreased metabolic activity and cellular damage. Thus, preservative-free artificial tears should be used carefully to prevent cellular toxicity.

Origin of Proteinuria as Observed from Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Serum and Urinary Proteins

It is well known that proteins present in the primary urine are reabsorbed in the renal proximal tubules, and that this reabsorption is mediated via the megalincubilin complex and the neonatal Fcgamma receptor. However, the reabsorption is also thought to be influenced by an electrostatic interaction between protein molecules and the microvilli of the renal proximal tubules. By analyzing the charge diversity of urinary IgG, we showed that this reabsorption process occurs in a cationic charge-preferential manner. The charge-selective molecular sieving function of the glomerular capillary walls has long been a target of research since Brenner et al. demonstrated the existence of this function by a differential clearance study by using the anionic dextran sulfate polymer. However, conclusive evidence was not obtained when the study was performed using differential clearance of serum proteins. We noted that immunoglobulin (Ig) A and IgG have similar molecular sizes but distinct molecular isoelectric points. Therefore, we studied the differential clearance of these serum proteins (clearance IgA/ clearance IgG) in podocyte diseases and glomerulonephritis. In addition, we studied this differential clearance in patients with Dent disease rather than in normal subjects because the glomerular sieving function is considered to be normal in subjects with Dent disease. Our results clearly showed that the charge-selective barrier is operational in Dent disease, impaired in podocyte disease, and lacking in glomerulonephritis.

Histomorphometry of preterm and term human placentas / Histomorfometría de placentas de pretérmino y término

The intra-uterine existence of foetus is dependent on placenta, a major organ of nutrition and homeostasis.The present study was carried out to compare morphometric and histological changes in preterm and term human placentas. Eighty placentas collected from Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, JNMCH, AMU, Aligarh, were divided into group first of preterm placentas up to 36 weeks (n =30) and second group of full term placentas i.e. 37 to 40 weeks ( n = 50) respectively. The samples were fixed in 10 percent formol-saline solution. The gross morphological variables of placentas were studied. There was a significant increase in the placental weight, decidual area and umbilical cord diameter of term placenta as compared to that of the preterm ones. From each placenta whole thickness tissue blocks were taken and processed for paraffin sectioning. Five µ-thick sections were stained with Haematoxylin-eosin and Van Gieson stains and processed for light microscopy. A total of 200 villi were studied in each sample under high power field and occurrence of different features was expressed as percentages for each parameter. The appearance of microvilli and syncytial bud on the syncytium were almost absent in the villi of term placentas. It was concluded that with increasing gestational age there was a gradual increase in the number of capillaries in villi from preterm to term placenta.There was a significant increase in syncytial knot count, fibrinoid necrosis, vasculosyncytial membrane and decrease in the percentage of villi showing cytotrophoblastic cells and number of Hofbauer cells in term group as compared to preterm group.

La existencia intrauterina del feto depende de la placenta, el mayor órgano de nutrición y homeostasis. El estudio se llevó a cabo para comparar los cambios morfométricos e histológicos de la placenta humana de término y pretérmino. Ochenta placentas fueron obtenidas del Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, JNMCH, AMU, Aligarh y se dividieron en grupos, el primer grupo de placentas de pretérmino hasta 36 semanas (n = 30) y el segundo grupo de placentas de término, de 37 a 40 semanas (n = 50 ). Las muestras fueron fijadas en solución de formol-salina al 10 por ciento. Se estudiaron las variables morfológicas macroscópicas de las placentas. Hubo un aumento significativo en el peso de la placenta, el área de decidua y el diámetro del cordón umbilical de la placenta a término en comparación con la de los prematuros. De cada placenta se tomaron y se procesaron bloques de tejido para incluirlos en parafina. Cortes de 5 µm fueron teñidos con HE y Van Gieson para microscopía óptica. De cada muestra fueron estudiadas 200 vellosidades, bajo campo de alta resolución y la aparición de diferentes características se expresó como porcentajes para cada parámetro. La aparición de las microvellosidades y brote sincitial en el sincitio estaban casi ausente en las vellosidades de las placentas de término. Se puede concluir que al aumentar la edad gestacional hubo un aumento gradual en el número de capilares en las vellosidades de la placenta de término. Existe un aumento significativo en el recuento de nudo sincitial, necrosis fibrinoide, membrana vasculosincisial y disminución en el porcentaje de las vellosidades que muestran células citotrofoblástica y número de células de Hofbauer en las placentas del término de grupo en comparación con el grupo de pretérmino.

Pharmacodynamic Comparison of Two Formulations of Voglibose 0.3-mg Tablet

BACKGROUND: Voglibose, an inhibitor of alpha-glucosidase of the small intestine brush border, is used to treat type 2 diabetic patients. Bioequivalence test based on pharmacokinetic parameters is difficult because voglibose does not cross the enterocytes after ingestion. This study was conducted to establish bioequivalence of two formulations of 0.3-mg voglibose with pharmacodynamic endpoints. METHODS: This study was an open, single-dose, randomized, 6-sequence, 3-period crossover design in healthy volunteers. In each period, subjects received placebo or three tablets of either test formulation or reference formulation with sucrose, with a 7-day washout period each dosing period. Serial blood samples were collected after each administration. The maximum concentrations of serum glucose and serum insulin (C(max)(G) and C(max)(I)) and the area under the serum concentration - time curve from dosing to 2 or 4 hours after dosing for serum glucose and insulin (AUC(0-2h)(G), AUC(0-4h)(G), AUC(0-2h)(I) and AUC(0-4h)(I), respectively) were determined by noncompartmental analysis. Formulation-related differences were tested in accordance with the Korean regulatory bioequivalence criteria. RESULTS: A total of 54 subjects completed study in accordance with protocol. The geometric mean ratios (GMRs) of the test formulation to the reference formulation for Cmax(G), AUC(0-2h)(G), AUC(0-4h)(G), C(max)(I), AUC(0-2h)(I) and AUC(0-4h)(I) were 0.945, 1.014, 0.995, 0.937, 0.985 and 0.983, respectively and the 90% confidence intervals (CIs) of corresponding values were 0.985-1.026, 0.991-1.038, 0.977-1.014, 0.830-1.057, 0.901-1.078 and 0.911-1.014, respectively. CONCLUSION: This single-dose study found that two formulations of 0.3-mg voglibose did not meet the regulatory criteria for bioequivalence in these healthy volunteers.

Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System of Lutein: Physicochemical Properties and Effect on Bioavailability of Warfarin

Objective of present study was to prepare and characterize self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) of lutein and to evaluate its effect on bioavailability of warfarin. The SNEDDS was prepared using an oil, a surfactant, and co-surfactants with optimal composition based on pseudo-ternary phase diagram. Effect of the SNEDDS on the bioavailability of warfarin was performed using Sprague Dawley rats. Lutein was successfully formulated as SNEDDS for immediate self-emulsification and dissolution by using combination of Peceol as oil, Labrasol as surfactant, and Transcutol-HP or Lutrol-E400 as co-surfactant. Almost complete dissolution was achieved after 15 min while lutein was not detectable from the lutein powder or intra-capsule content of a commercial formulation. SNEDDS formulation of lutein affected bioavailability of warfarin, showing about 10% increase in Cmax and AUC of the drug in rats while lutein as non-SNEDDS did not alter these parameters. Although exact mechanism is not yet elucidated, it appears that surfactant and co-surfactant used for SNEDDS formulation caused disturbance in the anatomy of small intestinal microvilli, leading to permeability change of the mucosal membrane. Based on this finding, it is suggested that drugs with narrow therapeutic range such as warfarin be administered with caution to avoid undesirable drug interaction due to large amount of surfactants contained in SNEDDS.

Fatty acid composition of Drosophila photoreceptor light-sensitive microvilli

Phototransduction, the mechanism underlying the electrical response to light in photoreceptor cells, has been thoroughly investigated in Drosophila melanogaster, an essential model in signal transduction research. These cells present a highly specialized photosensitive membrane consisting of thousands of microvilli forming a prominent structure termed a rhabdomere. These microvilli encompass the phototransduction proteins, most of which are transmembrane and exclusively rhabdomeric. Rhabdomere membrane lipids play a crucial role in the activation of the transient receptor potential ionic channels (TRP and TRPL) responsible for initiating the photoresponse. Despite its importance, rhabdomere lipid composition has not been established. We developed a novel preparation enriched in rhabdomere membranes to perform a thorough characterization of the lipidomics of Drosophila rhabdomeres. Isolated eyes (500) were homogenized and subjected to a differential centrifugation protocol that generates a fraction enriched in rhabdomere membrane. Lipids extracted from this preparation were identified and quantified by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. We found an abundance of low sterol esters (C16:0, C18:0), highly abundant and diverse triglycerides, free fatty acids, a moderate variety of mono and diacyglycerols (C:16:0, 18:0, C18:1) and abundant phospholipids (principally C18:2). This preparation opens a new avenue for investigating essential aspects of phototransduction.

Effects of ezrin silencing on pancreatic cancer cell line Panc-1 / 中华病理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effects of ezrin silencing on pancreatic cancer cell line Panc-1.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Pancreatic cancer cell line Panc-1 was transfected with ezrin silencing plasmid. The proliferation and the cell cycle status were determined by CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry analysis, respectively. Cellular membrane protrusions/microvilli formation were visualized by scanning election microscopy. Colony formation assay was used to determine the cell anchor-independent growth ability in vitro. Trans-filter migration and invasion assays were performed with 8 µm pore inserts in a 24-well BioCoat chamber with/without Matrigel.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Ezrin silencing decreased cellular protrusions/microvilli formation, anchorage-independent growth, cell migration and invasion, but had no effects on cell proliferation in vitro and cell cycle, in pancreatic cancer cell line Panc-1.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Ezrin expression affects the cellular protrusions/microvilli formation, anchorage-independent growth, cell migration and invasion in pancreatic cancer cell line Panc-1.</p>

Diagnosis of microvillous inclusion disease: a case report and literature review with significance for Oman

Microvillous Inclusion Disease [MVID] is one of the congenital diarrheal disorders [CDD] caused by genetic defects in enterocyte differentiation and polarization. Its prevalence is higher in countries with a high degree of consanguinity. It causes severe, intractable secretory diarrhea leading to permanent and definitive intestinal failure with resultant dependency on parenteral nutrition [PN]. Small bowel transplantation is the only curative treatment. The gold standard for diagnosis are the typical morphological abnormalities in small bowel biopsies on light and electron microscopy [EM]. In recent times, histochemistry and immunohistochemistry have shown sufficient diagnostic accuracy replacing EM if the facility is unavailable or EM findings are inconclusive. We describe a neonate with CDD who was diagnosed to have MVID on the duodenal biopsy by morphohistochemical and immunophenotypic methods used for the first time in Oman. By utilizing such easy and accessible diagnostic methods, a rare genetic disorder could be diagnosed with certainty and the family could be counseled accordingly. With a high degree of consanguinity in the region, the prevalence of MVID in Oman needs to be identified once these patients are diagnosed by utilizing appropriate investigations. Care of such patients necessitates improving current parenteral nutrition services and addressing the future need for small bowel transplantation [SBTx], in Oman

Eficacia del cepillo de esponja vegetal (Luffa cylindrica. L Roem) en la remoción de placa supragingival. Paraguay, 2010 / Effectiveness of the loofa (Luffa cylindrica. L Roem) brush in the supragingival plaque removal. Paraguay, 2010

Una de las causas principales de las dolencias bucales es la placa dental. Para el control de la misma, el cepillo con esponja vegetal (Luffa cylindrica. L Roem) podría convertirse en un auxiliar alternativo económico. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la eficacia del cepillo de esponja vegetal frente al cepillo convencional en la remoción de placa supragingival. Ensayo clínico, aleatorizado y simple ciego para el evaluador. Fueron incluidos en el estudio 95 estudiantes de Odontología de las Universidades del Pacífico Privada, Nacional de Asunción, Central del Paraguay y Autónoma de Asunción sin patología bucal evidente, con más de 20% de placa dental en el examen inicial. La presencia de placa gingival basal fue evaluada con el índice de O' Leary tras seis horas mínimas sin cepillado ni uso de colutorios, a continuación se procedió al cepillado con los métodos asignados volviéndose a evaluar la presencia de placa supragingival. No se observó diferencia significativa en el porcentaje promedio de placa por la técnica Luffa en comparación con la técnica convencional después del cepillado (60% ±19 vs 62% ± 21 valor de p = 0,53, prueba t de student. El cepillo con esponja vegetal (Luffa cylindrica. L Roem) es una alternativa económica para la reducción de la placa supragingival.

One of the main causes of oral diseases is dental plaque. The loofah (Luffa cylindrica. L Roem) brush could become an economics alternative auxiliary to control dental plaque. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the loofa brush against the conventional toothbrush in the supragingival plaque removal. This was a randomized clinical trial, single blinded for the evaluator. Ninety five odontology students from the governmental National University of Asuncion and the private Pacifico and Autonoma de Asunción universities were included in the study. They did not have any obvious oral pathology and had more than 20% of dental plaque in the initial examination. The presence of basal gingival plaque was evaluated with the O’ Leary index after a minimum of six hours without brushing and using mouthwash. Then, they brushed their teeth with the method assigned and the presence of supragingival plaque was reevaluated. There was no significant difference in the mean percentages of plaque by the Luffa plaque technique compared with the conventional technique after brushing (60% ± 19 vs 62% ± 19 vs 62 ±, p value=0.53, Student’s t test). The loofa brush (Loofah cylindrica, L. Roem) is an economical alternative for the reduction of the supragingival plaque.

Ectopic Epididymis in Testicular Appendices: Report of Two Cases

We report two cases of ectopic epididymal ducts and efferent ductules in the testicular appendices (TAs) of adult men with normally descended testes. In both cases, a sessile TA was incidentally found at the upper pole of the right testis during the scrotal hydrocelectomy. Microscopically, a few closely arranged tubules were detected within the TA. In the first case, the tubules were lined with a pseudostratified columnar epithelium with numerous, long microvilli, and were surrounded by a smooth muscle coat. In contrast, in the second case, the tubules had a wavy luminal surface, because ciliated columnar cells alternated with groups of cuboidal cells. In both cases, strong CD10 immunoreactivity was observed in the luminal border of the lining epithelium. Surgical pathologists should be aware of the presence of both ectopic epididymal ducts and efferent ductules that can occur in TAs, in order to avoid misinterpretation as transected, functional reproductive structures.