Load-induced proteoglycan orientation in bone tissuein vivo andin vitro

Summary Previous studies of Alcian blue-induced birefringence in adult avian cortical bone showed that a short period of intermittent loading rapidly produces an increased level of orientation of proteoglycans within the bone tissue. In the absence of further loading, this persists for over 24 hours. We have proposed that this phenomenon could provide a means for “capturing” the effects of transient strains, and so provide a persistent, constantly updated strain-related influence on osteocyte populations related to the bones' averaged recent strain history, in effect, a “strain memory” in bone tissue. In our present study, we use the Alcian blue-induced birefringence technique to demonstrate that proteoglycan orientation also occurs after intermittent loading of both cortical and cancellous mammalian bonein vivo andin vitro. We also show that the change in birefringence is proportional to the magnitude of the applied strain, and that the reorientation occurs rapidly, reaching a maximal value after only 50 loading cycles. Examination of electron micrographs of bone tissue after staining with cupromeronic blue allows direct visualization and quantification of the change in proteoglycan orientation produced by loading. This shows that intermittent loading is associated with a realignment of the proteoglycan protein cores, bringing them some 5 degrees closer to the direction of collagen fibrils in the bone matrix.     

The cytochromes P-450 concentrations in microsomes of liver, kidney and duodenal mucosa of the camel, sheep and goat

The concentration of microsomal cytochromes P-450, and of protein in the homogenate, cytosol and microsomes were measured in the liver, kidney and duodenal mucosa of healthy well-fed male and female camels, sheep and goats. For comparison, data from the liver of male and female rats were also obtained. The protein concentrations in the tissues of adult animals were broadly similar in the four species. The concentration of cytochromes P-450 was highest in the liver, followed by the kidney, then the duodenal mucosa in all the species. No cytochromes P-450 were detected in the tissues of immature (less than 1 mo) male goats, whereas the female goat had the highest concentrations of these enzymes in the liver and kidney when compared with the respective tissues in the other species studied. Males had higher activity of cytochromes P-450 than females in the three tissues, except in the duodenal mucosa of sheep, where males had lower activity than females. In camel liver and sheep kidney, the amount of cytochromes P-450 were similar in the two sexes. The present results suggest that the mature female goat is the species best equipped to handle xenobiotics which are detoxified by the cytochromes P-450 and other drug metabolizing enzymes in diseased or malnourished animals is suggested as these two conditions are known to modify drug metabolizing enzymes.     

Cryosurgical treatment of gingival melanin pigmentation with tetrafluoroethane.

OBJECTIVE: To introduce 1,1,1,2 tetrafluoroethane (TFE), as a new material for cryosurgery of gingival melanin pigmentation (GMP). STUDY DESIGN: Twenty-one patients with GMP were treated using a TFE-cooled cotton swab. Standard digital images of pigmented areas were measured preoperatively and postoperatively with image-analyzing software. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Keratinization was completed 3 to 4 weeks after application, without any trace of pigmentation. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference between preoperative and postoperative measurements of pigmented areas (P < .05). During the follow-up period, no side effects were observed and improved esthetics were maintained up to month 30. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical outcomes of cryosurgery with TFE for treatment of GMP are very satisfactory. The use of TFE for cryosurgical treatment of GMP is practical and inexpensive. Moreover, unlike other cryosurgery methods no special equipment is required, and it is safe to store in the dental clinic.     

Novel pyrrolidines in the venom of the ant Monomorium indicum

New 2,5-dialkylpyrrolidines found in the venom of Monomorium indicum include trans-2-butyl-5-(4-pentenyl)pyrrolidine [1], trans-2-butyl-5-(6-heptenyl)pyrrolidine [4], trans-5-(5-hexenyl)-2-(4-pentenyl)pyrrolidine [6], trans-5-(6-heptenyl)-2-(5-hexenyl)pyrrolidine [8], and trans-5-heptyl-2-hexylpyrrolidine [16], whose structures were confirmed by synthesis. The concomitance of five previously reported trans-2,5-dialkyl-pyrrolidines along with small amounts of the cis isomers and N-methyl analogues makes the venom of M. indicum the most qualitatively diverse blend of alkaloids reported from an ant to date. The toxicities to termites of four of these alkaloids were determined.     

Expression of alpha-defensin-1 in chronic hyperplastic candidosis

BACKGROUND: Chronic hyperplastic candidosis (CHC) represents a chronic opportunistic candida infection. We clarified the presence, localization and participation of alpha-defensin-1 in host response against chronic candidal stimulus. METHODS: Immunohistochemically stained CHC biopsies (n = 10) were compared to candida negative idiopathic leukoplakia (n = 10). RESULTS: In CHC alpha-defensin-1 was detected in neutrophils intravascularly, in lamina propria and in the epithelium, in part in intraepithelial microabscesses. Staining intensity of individual neutrophils varied and was associated with peri- and extracellular staining, in particular in the superficial epithelial cell layers. In controls only very few homogeneously staining neutrophils were detected intravascularly without any extracellular alpha-defensin-1 deposition. CONCLUSIONS: Neutrophils form microabscesses and respond to Candida by activation and release of alpha-defensin-1 to peri- and extracellular matrix. This together with the epithelial cell migration from the basal layer to epithelial surface leads to alpha-defensin-1 rich protective shield in the most superficial epithelial cell layers.     

Further evidence of dopamine transporter dysregulation in ADHD: a controlled PET imaging study using altropane.

BACKGROUND: The dopamine transporter (DAT) is known to be a key regulator of dopamine, and recent studies of genetics, treatment, and imaging have highlighted the role of DAT in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The findings of in vivo neuroimaging of DAT in ADHD have been somewhat discrepant, however. METHOD: Dopamine transporter binding was measured using a highly selective ligand (C-11 altropane) and positron emission tomography (PET). The sample consisted of 47 well-characterized, treatment-na?ve, nonsmoking, non-comorbid adults with and without ADHD. Additionally, control subjects had few symptoms of ADHD. RESULTS: Results showed significantly increased DAT binding in the right caudate in adults with ADHD compared with matched control subjects without this disorder. CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm abnormal DAT binding in the striatum of adults with ADHD and provide further support that dysregulation of DAT may be an important component of the pathophysiology of ADHD.     

Xanthogranulomatous orchitis: Review of the published work and report of one case

Xanthogranulomatous orchitis is an extremely rare inflammatory non-neoplastic destructive lesion of the testis. We report a 44-year-old man who presented with right scrotal swelling and two discharging sinuses. Testicular tumor markers were normal. Scrotal ultrasound showed heterogeneous testicular areas and irregular margin of the tunica. Surgical exploration revealed infected, unhealthy testicular tissue with necrosis and tumor-like lesion. Orchidectomy was done and histopathology showed xanthogranulomatous orchitis.