Combining Micro-Raman Spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy Mapping: A Stony Meteorite Study

Meteorite characterisation represents a privileged and unique opportunity to increase our knowledge about the materials composing the Universe and, particularly, the Proto Solar System. Moreover, meteorites studies evolve contextually with the development of analytical technologies. In the present paper, the results from an unclassified stony meteorite (chondrite) characterisation have been reported on the basis of the innovative analytical protocol presented here. Advanced Mapping by micro-Raman Spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy equipped with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy have been combined to disclose molecular and elemental features on the same regions sample at a micrometric resolution. Thanks to their non-destructive properties, the mapping tools of both instruments have been applied to single chondrules analysis and the best match between the mineralogical information and the chemical composition has been obtained. This combined approach proved to be highly suitable in disclosing the crystallinity features of the phases, with in-depth spatial and morphological details too.     

A role for dopamine in control of the hypoxic ventilatory response via D2 receptors in the zebrafish gill

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter involved in oxygen sensing and control of reflex hyperventilation. In aquatic vertebrates, oxygen sensing occurs in the gills via chemoreceptive neuroepithelial cells (NECs), but a mechanism for dopamine in autonomic control of ventilation has not been defined. We used immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy to map the distribution of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), an enzyme necessary for dopamine synthesis, in the gills of zebrafish. TH was found in nerve fibers of the gill filaments and respiratory lamellae. We further identified dopamine active transporter (dat) and vesicular monoamine transporter (vmat2) expression in neurons of the gill filaments using transgenic lines. Moreover, TH- and dat-positive nerve fibers innervated NECs. In chemical screening assays, domperidone, a D₂ receptor antagonist, increased ventilation frequency in zebrafish larvae in a dose-dependent manner. When larvae were confronted with acute hypoxia, the D₂ agonist, quinpirole, abolished the hyperventilatory response. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction confirmed expression of drd2a and drd2b (genes encoding D₂ receptors) in the gills, and their relative abundance decreased following acclimation to hypoxia for 48 h. We localized D₂ receptor immunoreactivity to NECs in the efferent gill filament epithelium, and a novel cell type in the afferent filament epithelium. We provide evidence for the synthesis and storage of dopamine by sensory nerve terminals that innervate NECs. We further suggest that D₂ receptors on presynaptic NECs provide a feedback mechanism that attenuates the chemoreceptor response to hypoxia. Our studies suggest that a fundamental, modulatory role for dopamine in oxygen sensing arose early in vertebrate evolution.     

Virtual 3D planning of acetabular fracture reduction

Displaced acetabular fractures are best treated with open reduction to achieve anatomic reduction and maximize the chance of a good functional outcome. Because of the anatomic complexity and often limited visualization, fracture reduction can be difficult. Virtual planning software can allow the surgeon to understand the fracture morphology and to rehearse reduction maneuvers. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a novel virtual fracture reduction module on time and accuracy of reduction. Four acetabular fracture patterns were created in synthetic pelves, which were implanted with fiducial markers and were registered with CT scan. Ten surgeons used virtual fracture reduction software or conventional 2D planning methods and immediately reduced the fractures blindly in a viscous gel medium. 3D imaging was again performed and the accuracy of reduction was assessed. The average malreduction was significantly improved following planning with the virtual software compared to the standard technique. The time taken for reduction was also significantly less for two of the four fracture patterns. Virtual software may be useful for visualizing and planning treatment of fractures of the acetabulum, potentially leading to more accurate and efficient reductions, and may also be an effective educational tool. © 2007 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:547–552, 2008     

Human fascioliasis

Infestation with fasciola hepatica is not often seen in humans. Only a few cases have been reported previously, while in our clinic only three cases have been observed in 20 years. All three cases (two males aged 35 and 40 and a 45-year-old female) were operated on with the possible diagnosis of choledocholithiasis, and parasites were later incidentally discovered at operation. In recent years praziquantel has been used with a high rate of success in the medical treatment of this disease. We have also prescribed praziquantel for our last two cases in order to prevent recurrence and to kill any parasites that might still remain after the operation. In the postoperative follow-up a complete cure was observed in all cases.     

Isolated perforations of the ileum and jejunum in blunt abdominal trauma.

A report of ten cases of perforations of the ileum and jejunum from blunt abdominal trauma is presented. The perforation was the only injury in eight patients, while in two there were other visceral injuries. The perforations were single in seven patients and double in three. Simple closure was used in seven cases and resection in three. Of the three patients who were operated upon late, one died.     

Characterization of peripheral circadian clocks in adipose tissues

First described in the suprachiasmatic nucleus, circadian clocks have since been found in several peripheral tissues. Although obesity has been associated with dysregulated circadian expression profiles of leptin, adiponectin, and other fat-derived cytokines, there have been no comprehensive analyses of the circadian clock machinery in adipose depots. In this study, we show robust and coordinated expression of circadian oscillator genes (Npas2, Bmal1, Per1-3, and Cry1-2) and clock-controlled downstream genes (Rev-erb alpha, Rev-erb beta, Dbp, E4bp4, Stra13, and Id2) in murine brown, inguinal, and epididymal (BAT, iWAT, and eWAT) adipose tissues. These results correlated with respective gene expression in liver and the serum markers of circadian function. Through Affymetrix microarray analysis, we identified 650 genes that shared circadian expression profiles in BAT, iWAT, and liver. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that temporally restricted feeding causes a coordinated phase-shift in circadian expression of the major oscillator genes and their downstream targets in adipose tissues. The presence of circadian oscillator genes in fat has significant metabolic implications, and their characterization may have potential therapeutic relevance with respect to the pathogenesis and treatment of diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and the metabolic syndrome.