Computational classification of mitochondrial shapes reflects stress and redox state.

Dynamic variations in mitochondrial shape have been related to function. However, tools to automatically classify and enumerate mitochondrial shapes are lacking, as are systematic studies exploring the relationship of such shapes to mitochondrial stress. Here we show that during increased generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS), mitochondria change their shape from tubular to donut or blob forms, which can be computationally quantified. Imaging of cells treated with rotenone or antimycin, showed time and dose-dependent conversion of tubular forms to donut-shaped mitochondria followed by appearance of blob forms. Time-lapse images showed reversible transitions from tubular to donut shapes and unidirectional transitions between donut and blob shapes. Blobs were the predominant sources of mtROS and appeared to be related to mitochondrial-calcium influx. Mitochondrial shape change could be prevented by either pretreatment with antioxidants like N-acetyl cysteine or inhibition of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter. This work represents a novel approach towards relating mitochondrial shape to function, through integration of cellular markers and a novel shape classification algorithm.

Ingested metallic foreign body lodged in the appendix.

An 8-year-old child ingested a metallic screw 3 months prior to admission. At laparotomy, the foreign body was found to be lodged inside the vermiform appendix, and was removed by appendicectomy.

Detection of root mucilage using an anti-fucose antibody.

Plant root mucilage is known to enhance soil quality by contributing towards the soil carbon pool, soil aggregation, detoxification of heavy metal ions and interactions with rhizospheric microflora. Mucilage consists of many monosaccharide units, including fucose which can be used as an indicator for plant root based polysaccharides. This is the first report of an immunological technique developed to use anti-fucose antibodies as markers for probing and localizing fucosyl residues in mucilage polysaccharide and, in turn, for localization of plant root mucilage. Fucose was complexed with bovine serum albumin to raise antibodies against fucose. A fucose-directed antibody was shown to cross-react with root cap mucilages from grasses. This antibody was used to localize root mucilage polysaccharide in maize and wheat root caps using immunogold electron microscopy. Abundant labelling could be localized on the cell wall, and in the intercellular matrix and vesicles of the peripheral root cap cells. Labelling was less intense in cells towards the centre of the root cap tissue. Control experiments confirmed that immunogold localization of fucose was specific and reliable.