Toxicity of pristine and paint-embedded TiO2 nanomaterials.

Little is known on the toxicity of nanomaterials in the user phase. Inclusion of nanomaterials in paints is a common nanotechnology application. This study focuses on the toxicity of dusts from sanding of paints containing nanomaterials. We compared the toxicity of titanium dioxide nanomaterials (TiO2NMs) and dusts generated by sanding boards coated with paints with different amounts of two different types of uncoated TiO2NMs (diameters:10.5 nm and 38 nm). Mice were intratracheally instilled with a single dose of 18, 54 and 162 µg of TiO2NMs or 54, 162 and 486 µg of sanding dusts. At 1, 3 and 28 days post-instillation, we evaluated pulmonary inflammation, liver histology and DNA damage in lung and liver. Pulmonary exposure to both pristine TiO2NMs and sanding dusts with different types of TiO2NMs resulted in dose-dependently increased influx of neutrophils into the lung lumen. There was no difference between the sanding dusts from the two paints. For all exposures but not in vehicle controls, mild histological lesions were observed in the liver. Pulmonary exposure to pristine TiO2NMs and paint dusts with TiO2NMs caused similar type of histological lesions in the liver.

Lipogranulomas and pigment granulomas in livers of dogs with portosystemic shunt.

Lipogranulomas are lesions found in histopathological liver examination in humans and in various animal species, including dogs, especially those with portosystemic shunts. They consist of macrophages and other inflammatory cells, and sometimes they contain iron salts (pigment granuloma). This study aimed at determining the number of granulomas and cellular composition of lipogranulomas in dogs with the congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt, and to identify factors associated with their development. 44 archival liver samples from dogs with portosystemic shunt were stained using HE, Perl's method and - in randomly-selected cases - immunohistochemically against CD56, CD20 and CD3 (DAKO). A reduction in the size of the liver was observed in all dogs during laparotomy, and the diameter of the vessel circumventing the liver was also measured (in 24 dogs). Lipogranulomas were found in 52.3% of samples; iron salts were present in 47.8% of them; 72% of cells in lipogranulomas were macrophages. In lipogranulomas both types of lymphocytes - T and B - were seen. The presence of lipogranulomas in liver samples in dogs was connected with fatty degeneration of hepatocytes and was correlated with the age of animals and with the diameter of the abnormal vessel circumventing the liver. Their formation appears to be triggered by severe ischemia and shortage of nutrient supply.

Impact of production technology on morphological lesions in the gills of commercial rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Walbaum 1792).

The most popular rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Walbaum 1792) production technologies include both an extensive method with the flow through system (FTS) and an intensive method with the recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). Their impact on the fish was evaluated with a morphological assessment of the gills, as these are organs susceptible to environmental changes. Trout of 350 - 500 g body mass were caught for trial in spring and autumn, with 36 fish originating from 3 fish farms with the FTS system and an equal number from 3 RAS fish farms (n = 6). The fish were macroscopically examined and the gills were investigated microscopically (haematoxylin and eosin staining). Hypertrophy and hyperplasia were most commonly detected, amounting to 89% of all structural abnormalities. These lesions were slightly more common in the FTS, especially in autumn, whereas the changes to the blood vessels in the gills were observed more frequently in the rainbow trout from the RAS system than in the fish obtained from the FTS technology (the difference was statistically significant). The morphological lesions in the mucous cells of the gills were detected at a comparable severity regardless of the technology or production season. The predominantly low values of the histopathologic indices, which described the microscopic lesions in the gills of fish from the FTS and RAS systems, showed that the examined organ was most often free of lesions or demonstrated only minor morphological damage regardless of the production technology.

Effect of feed supplementation with kynurenic acid on the morphology of the liver, kidney and gills in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum, 1792), healthy and experimentally infected with Yersinia ruckeri.

Kynurenic acid (KYNA) is an endogenous substance produced on the kynurenine pathway which is primarily known for its neuroactive properties. Recently, it has been proven that KYNA is a selective ligand for G protein-coupled receptor (GPR 35), presented on immunocompetent cells such as T lymphocytes. This opens up new possibilities of its application as an immunostimulating substance in aquaculture. Thus far, no histopathological investigations in fish have been completed to evaluate influence of KYNA supplementation in feed. This study has been undertaken to determine the effect of feed supplementation with KYNA (2.5, 25, 250 mg kg-1 of feed) for 28 days on the liver, gills and kidney in healthy fish and experimentally infected with Yersinia ruckeri. In a control group were observed a fatty liver, which is natural for this fish species in the autumn and winter season. As the dose of the supplement was increased, the fat liver changed, it decreased or completely disappeared. Additionally, inflammatory changes occurred in all the analysed organs, and their intensification was dose dependent. In the fish experimentally infected, KYNA caused aggravation of the signs in the liver, kidneys and gills, and the effect was dose dependent. The results implicate that KYNA may be a stressor for fish.

Can liquorice extract and herbal solution prevent colonic mucosa damage caused by robenacoxib in dogs?

UNLABELLED: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used in animals, especially in dogs, to manage pain due to inflammatory disease. This study investigated whether plant drugs can prevent mucosal injury induced by robenacoxib. We used fifteen healthy beagle dogs (7 male and 8 female) aged 4 months, weighing 4.2-5.1 kg at the beginning of the study. Endoscopy and biopsy of the colon were performed before and on the 21 day treatment with robenacoxib (1), robenacoxib, herbal solution with liquorice extract (2), placebo - an empty capsule (3). There were 5 animals in each group. The greatest microscopic damage in the colon was observed in animals which received robenacoxib. Plant drug administration reduced the severity of lesions in the colon when administered with robenacoxib (ARI = - 0.15). CONCLUSION: concurrent administration of liquorice extract and plant solution with robenacoxib was associated with significant decreased severity of the robenacoxib-induced colonic mucosal lesions.

Fibromuscular dysplasia in arteries and in a vein in broiler chickens.

Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is a group of nonatherosclerotic, noninflammatory diseases of blood vessels with unknown aetiology. In our study, FMD was diagnosed in blood vessels in samples taken from kidneys, liver and lung of broiler chickens. The FMD occurred during rearing in 8 of 108 broiler chickens examined for the effects of intensive rearing on the.internal organs. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations revealed medial subtypes of FMD, medial fibromuscular dysplasia and medial fibromuscular stenosis. The first subtype presented as plugs in vessel lumens consisting of smooth muscle and fibrous connective tissue originating from the tunica media. The second subtype presented as a proliferation of smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts originating from the media and leading to lumen stenosis. The aetiology of FMD is still unknown. Thus, genetic factors are suspected as a cause of the disease. This is the first report of FMD in a vein of an animal species.

Impact of pesticide contamination on aquatic microorganism populations in the littoral zone.

The effect of pesticide contamination of the littoral zone on the population of bacteria and fungi was analyzed using the example of a eutrophic water reservoir exposed for >30 years to the influence of expired crop-protection chemicals, mainly DDT. For three consecutive years, quantity analyses of bacteria and fungi were conducted and the composition of the microorganism population analyzed against seasonal dynamics. Mold and yeast-like fungi were also isolated and identified. Within the Bacteria domain, in addition to the large groups of microorganisms (Alphaprotobacteria, Betaprobacteria, and Gammaproteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Cytophaga-Flavobacterium), the analysis also involved the presence of bacteria predisposed to degraded pesticides in natural environments: Pseudomonas spp. and Alcaligenes spp. The quantity dynamics of aquatic microorganisms indicated that bacteria and fungi under the influence of long-term exposure to DDT can adapt to the presence of this pesticide in water. No modifying effect of DDT was observed on the quantity of microorganisms or the pattern of seasonal relationships in the eutrophic lake. Changes were shown in the percentage share of large groups of bacteria in the community of microorganisms as was an effect of contamination on the species diversity of fungi. The data show the effectiveness of aquatic microorganism-community analyses as a tool for indicating changes in the water environment caused by pesticide contamination.

Modulation of specific biochemical blood parameters by helminth infection in laboratory Beagle dogs.

The objective of this study was to examine the independent effect of helminths infection on biochemical blood parameters in Beagles intended for laboratory use which may contribute to a change of experimental results. As a result of research, the authors confirmed the negative effect of helminth invasion on the metabolism of the liver and kidney in laboratory dogs. Stool samples from thirty Beagle puppies were examined for parasites before the puppies were moved to the animal facility, and all were dewormed with Vetminth paste on the day they were moved. Stool examination was performed three more times and animals were given Drontal Plus flavor (Bayer) and Baycox 5% (Bayer). A fourth parasitological examination revealed no intestinal parasites in the feces. Three blood biochemical tests were performed. Experimental results clearly indicate the significant impact of intestinal parasites in dogs used in experiments.

The effect of lateral electrical surface stimulation (LESS) on motor end-plates in an animal model of experimental scoliosis.

The treatment of idiopathic scoliosis is challenging because of its diverse etiology, age of onset, and long duration of intensive treatment. We examined the effect of lateral electrical surface stimulation (LESS) in an animal model of experimental scoliosis (ES) assessing the number of motor end-plates (MEPs) as a study end-point. The control group (n=5) was adapted to the experimental apparatus without stimulation, whereas ES was induced in rabbits by one-sided LESS of the longissimus dorsi muscle (LDM) for a duration of 2 months. The ES group (n=5) were subjected to a short-term corrective electrostimulation applied at the contralateral side of the spine compared to the previous LESS stimulation for 2 h daily for 3 (n=5) or 6 months (n=5). Another group of ES rabbits was subjected to a long-term corrective electrostimulation applied for 9 h daily for 3 (n=5) or 6 months (n=5). LESS applied for 2 months (ES), significantly increased the number of MEPs in LDM. The short-term corrective electrostimulation for 3 months resulted in an increased number of MEPs. However, a decrease was observed in the animals treated for 6 months. The long-term corrective electrostimulation for 3 months did not change the density of MEPs in the LDM, but for 6 months the number of MEPs in the LMD significantly decreased by ES and control groups. Thus, the results of the present study clearly show that the short-term LESS is able to influence both the number of MEPs and the effectiveness of muscle correctional adaptation in a more efficient and harmless manner than the long-term procedure.

Selected fluorescent techniques for identification of the physiological state of individual water and soil bacterial cells - review.

Stimulated by demands of the natural environment conservation, the need for thorough structural and functional identification of microorganisms colonizing different ecosystems has contributed to an intensive advance in research techniques. The article shows that some of these techniques are also a convenient tool for determination of the physiological state of single cells in a community of microorganisms. The paper presents selected fluorescent techniques, which are used in research on soil, water and sediment microorganisms. It covers the usability of determination of the dehydrogenase activity of an individual bacterial cell (CTC+) and of bacteria with intact, functioning cytoplasmic membranes, bacteria with an integrated nucleiod (NuCC+) as well as fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH).

Veterinary pathology in Europe in the light of the congresses of the European Society of Veterinary Pathology in the last decade.

This paper presents the main trends in the activity of European veterinary pathologists in the context of their oral presentations (plenary lectures and short presentations) and posters provided during annual meetings of the European Society of Veterinary Pathology (ESVP), in the decade 1997-2006. It was found that the issue that was most often brought up in the meetings was organ pathology (566 presentations). Infectious and parasitical diseases were only slightly less frequent (548 presentations). Oncology was another common issue (404 presentations). During this decade, 52 plenary lectures were presented, 765 oral presentations and 1 072 posters. Altogether, 1 889 presentations were made, which is between 127 and 238 per year. Research by Polish scientists accounted for 3.16% of all presentations. Additionally, the subject matter discussed at the annual meetings is analysed, and the trends in the development of veterinary diagnostic pathology and broad pathology education are indicated. It is shown that veterinary pathology enhances knowledge in the field of veterinary medicine by fulfilling a cognitive and diagnostic role.

Evaluation of morphological lesions in selected internal organs in lambs of Kamieniecka, Pomorska and Polish Blackheaded Mutton sheep and their crossbreeds.

Investigations were carried out on 40 rams aged 50 days (n = 8), Kamieniecka (K), Pomorska (P) and Polish Blackheaded Mutton (PBM) breeds and their crossbreeds (K x PBM, P x PBM). Microscopic evaluation of the liver, kidneys, spleen and heart muscle in the rams as well as ultrastructural analyses of their liver and semitendinous muscle showed that retrogressive lesions, circulation disturbances, inflammation and progressive changes occurred respectively: frequently, occasionally, rarely. Internal organs, particularly liver and kidneys, of crossbred rams (K x PBM and P x PBM) were almost two times more affected with morphological lesions than purebred lambs (K and P). However, in the semitendinous muscle these differences were more vivid in the ultrastructural analysis than in the histopathological or macroscopic observations. Results suggest that breed growth-rate differences have effects on the pathomorphological pattern of the liver and kidneys in lambs. On the bases of this evaluation, it can also be emphasised that young PBM rams are less susceptible to morphological lesions than the K and P breeds.

Increase in milk and body temperature of cows as a sign of embryo entry into the uterus.

The objective of the first stage of these studies was to investigate whether temperature increases in the milk and body of cows during the early period of pregnancy. We studied 94 pregnant and 116 nonpregnant cows, and the temperatures were measured daily beginning 24 days after insemination. In addition, progesterone levels in milk were measured twice (on Days 21 and 24 after insemination), and examinations per rectum were conducted to determine pregnancy. Data analysis showed that in almost 90% of the pregnant cows milk temperature increased by 0.64 degrees C some time between Days 5 and 12 after insemination. This increase in milk temperature was highly significant and corresponded with a 0.46 degrees C increase in body temperature. There was no increase in the milk or body temperature in nonpregnant cows. After discovering in the first stage that a high percentage of pregnant cows experienced both milk and body temperature increases, we focused our attention in the second stage of the study on the question of whether this increase in temperatures might be due to an immune response of the mother to the entry of the embryo into the uterus. In this stage we conducted three different experiments on another group of animals consisting of 309 cows and heifers. The experiments included analysis of progesterone, estradiol, cortisol and PGE2 levels in the blood serum of the cows and heifers; an estimation of the pyrogenic activity of PGE1, PGE2 and progesterone; and measurements of body temperature in the heifers before and after embryo transfer. The results of these experiments suggested that an increase in milk and body temperature could be an indicator of an immune response of the mother to the entry of the embryo into the uterus.

The effect of spinal electrostimulation on the testicular structure in rabbit.

BACKGROUND: The main objective of this study was to create an experimental model of idiopathic scoliosis (i.s.), and to assess the effect of Lateral Electrical Surface Stimulation (LESS) on the organism both intra vitam and post mortem. The experiment made it possible to determine the extent to which LESS affects overall development of the organism, apart from its positive clinical effect in correcting i.s. in children and youth. An attempt is also made to explain the basis of systemic complications accompanying this method. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Studies were carried out on 10 white New Zealand male rabbits aged 3.5 months. They were divided into two groups, 5 animals in each group. The LESS group was stimulated using an SCOL-2 apparatus, 9 hours a day. The second group served as controls. After three months, the animals were sacrificed. Detailed macroscopic and microscopic examinations were performed on the rabbits' testicles. Scraps were collected immediately after the animal's death, from the free brim of the testis. The ultrastructure was examined with a TESLA BS-500 electron microscope. RESULTS: In the LESS group, histopathological examination of the testicles revealed considerable necrosis of the seminiferous epithelium, frequently coupled with peritubular fibrosis, atrophy of seminal tubules, and proliferation of Leydig cells. Ultrastructural examination revealed a multi-layered basal lamina, collagen appearing in the proper membrane of the seminiferous epithelium and blood vessels, lysis of supporting and sex cells of the tubular epithelium, mitochondrial damage, and the formation of myelin-like bodies in the round spermatids and the middle segment of the elongated spermatid tails. Lysis of the cytoplasm of Leydig cells was observed in the testes. CONCLUSION: Traditional electrostimulation induced regressive changes in the testes, in the form of necrosis of the seminiferous epithelium, atrophy of seminal tubules, and destruction of Leydig cells.

What did we learn about interdisciplinary collaboration in institutions?

The Interdisciplinary Generalist Curriculum (IGC) Project significantly advanced collaboration in the development of medical school curricula. As primary care faculty began to work together they encountered and overcame many challenges inherent in this new process. Inclusion of other faculty and departments, as well as dedicated support from the deans' offices, became necessary to the success of the projects. The continuation of successful collaborative projects in the medical school environment requires a common commitment of faculty, students, department chairs, and the dean's office; protected time; and involvement of faculty from other disciplines. This article outlines initial models of collaboration implemented in the IGC Project, followed by a description of the expected and unexpected outcomes of these collaborative efforts, and a discussion of the emergence of new ways of collaborating, with recommendations for successful collaborative efforts.

What did we learn about the impact on university-based faculty?

Meeting the objectives and requirements of the Interdisciplinary Generalist Curriculum (IGC) Project had positive and negative effects on the university-based basic science and clinical faculty, which have been divided into four categories: boundary issues, collaboration, teaching, and development. The specific experiences of two schools, the University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine and the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine at Marshall University, are compared against the experiences of the ten schools as documented in the IGC Project external evaluation team's final report. Boundary issues regarded as negative effects of the IGC Project included perceived encroachment on the time devoted to basic science education, loss of the unique identity of the university-based faculty as academicians, and reduced prominence of subspecialist clinical faculty. Effects of the IGC Project in the other areas were, for the most part, positive. The increased collaboration yielded a net benefit to the university-based faculty at large. The clinical faculty experienced more opportunities to teach. Introduction of teacher development programs were of benefit to both clinical and basic science faculty. The other arm of development, professional development, was evidenced by increased stature and promotions of IGC faculty directors. In conclusion, changes within the university-based faculty occurred in stages as faculty realized that the design of the IGC Project enhanced the educational experience of the students.

The Interdisciplinary Generalist Curriculum Project at Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine at Marshall University.

The Interdisciplinary Generalist Curriculum (IGC) Project was designed to enhance interest in and support of generalism during the first two years of medical education. The original goals at Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine at Marshall University included the design and implementation of a core curriculum, Introduction to Patient Care (IPC), and enhancement of teaching excellence through faculty development. The core curriculum facilitated integration with the basic sciences and early introduction of physical examination skills, which were further developed in longitudinal clinical experiences with mentors. Although it was not originally intended to include basic scientists in the preceptor groups, they became important additions and created additional opportunities for interdisciplinary teaching and reciprocal learning. The mentor program, another well-received and intended curriculum change, evolved from a structured experience to a more flexible component of the curriculum. The program met the requirements of the IGC Project but 53% of the originally intended mentor time was achievable, due to curriculum constraints. Faculty development, another success, was originally intended to target IPC faculty but ultimately became a university-wide effort. The changes implemented as a result of the IGC Project continue to flourish beyond the funding period and have become integral aspects of the curriculum and the medical school.

Experimental scoliosis in the course of unilateral surface electrostimulation of the paravertebral muscles in rabbits: effects according to stimulation period.

Scoliosis among children and adolescents is a persistent problem. Worldwide, it afflicts between 0.3 to 15.3% of the population. One of the treatment methods of this disorder is to administer lateral electrical surface stimulation (LESS) for 9 h/day; unfortunately, however, this results in side-effects. Improvements are therefore sought. The main aim of the study was to investigate the effects of the duration of LESS on scoliosis progression and to evaluate, qualitatively, any associated macroscopic effect on other internal organs. The length of the LESS period was based on the results of previous clinical trials in children. The experiment was performed on 13 developing rabbits (aged 3.5 months), divided into three groups: group 1, rabbits subsequently treated for 9 h/day (n=5); group 2, animals treated for 2 h/day (n=5); group 3, control rabbits without electrostimulation (n=3). Stimulation was carried out using an electric stimulator SCOL-2 according to the method modified by Kowalski. The animals were killed after 3 months and examined macroscopically, and their adrenal glands were dissected and weighed. The X-rays of the spine of the animals were taken to analyse spinal deformity. Macroscopic lesions in rabbits from groups 2 and 3 (control) were mostly absent. While there was considerable deviation in group 1, all the stress features were apparent. The enlargement of the adrenal glands observed in group 2 was significantly less marked than in group 1. The degree of scoliotic deformity (according to the Cobb method) ranged from 21 degrees to 410 degrees (mean, 31.2 degrees) and from 23 degrees to 330 degrees (mean, 30 degrees) in groups 1 and 2, respectively. LESS resulted in spinal deformity to a similar degree in the rabbits treated for either 9 or 2 h/day over a 3-month period. Short LESS therapy (2 h/day) significantly reduced detrimental effects associated with the treatment on internal organs of laboratory animals.

Solution structures in SDS micelles and functional activity at the bullfrog substance P receptor of ranatachykinin peptides.

A set of novel tachykinin-like peptides has been isolated from bullfrog brain and gut. These compounds, ranatachykinin A (RTKA), ranatachykinin B (RTKB), and ranatachykinin C (RTKC), were named for their source, Rana catesbeiana, and their homology to the tachykinin peptide family. We present the first report of the micelle-bound structures and pharmacological actions of the RTKs. Generation of three-dimensional structures of the RTKs in a membrane-model environment using (1)H NMR chemical shift assignments, two-dimensional NMR techniques, and molecular dynamics and simulated annealing procedures allowed for the determination of possible prebinding ligand conformations. RTKA, RTKB, and RTKC were determined to be helical from the midregion to the C-terminus (residues 4-10), with a large degree of flexibility in the N-terminus and minor dynamic fraying at the end of the C-terminus. The pharmacological effects of the RTKs were studied by measuring the elevation of intracellular Ca(2+) in Chinese hamster ovarian cells stably transfected with the bullfrog substance P receptor (bfSPR). All of the RTKs tested elicited Ca(2+) elevations with a rank order of maximal effect of RTKA >/= SP > RTKC >/= RTKB. A high concentration (1 microM) of the neuropeptides produced varying degrees of desensitization to a subsequent challenge with the same or different peptide, while a low concentration (1 pM) produced sensitization at the bfSPR. Our data suggest differences in amino acid side chains and their charged states at the C-terminal sequence or differences in secondary structure at the N-terminus, which do not overlap according to the findings in this paper, may explain the differing degree and type of receptor activation seen at the bfSPR.

[Genetic changes and clinical management in familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy]. / Zmiany genetyczne a obraz kliniczny rodzinnej kardiomiopatii przerostowej.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is phenotypically and genotypically heterogeneous disease of heart. Nine chromosomal loci responsible for this condition have been identified: beta-myosin heavy chain, essential and regulatory myosin light chains, troponin T and I subunits, alpha-tropomosin, cardiac myosin binding protein C, cardiac actin and titin. These genes code for proteins involved in the contraction mechanism or in the control of contraction, therefore HCM has been classified as a disease of cardiac sarcomere. Over 107 mutations have been identified. More then half of them have been detected in the beta-myosin heavy chain gene (beta-MHC). Some mutations in beta-MHC gene are associated with a benign prognosis, other are associated with high incidence of sudden cardiac death (SCD) and severe hypertrophy. Mutations in myosin binding protein C are associated with mild, delayed expression of cardiac hypertrophy and benign prognosis. Mutations in cardiac troponinT are associated with a mild degree of hypertrophy but a high incidence of SCD. Study of genes responsible for HCM will assume role in the context of clinical management of HCM, in particular regarding diagnosis and prognosis patients and families with HCM.