Existence of a pool of T-lymphocyte colony-forming cells (T-CFC) in human bone marrow and their place in the differentiation of the T- lymphocyte lineage

The existence and characteristics of bone marrow T-cell progenitors have not yet been established in man. Several pieces of evidence such as the reconstitution of certain immunodeficiencies by bone marrow graft suggest that T-cell precursors are present in the bone marrow. We report the growth of T-cell colonies from bone marrow populations using PHA-stimulated lymphocyte-conditioned medium containing T-cell growth factor (TCGF). Rosetting experiments and complement-dependent cytotoxicity assays with monoclonal antibodies indicate that the bone marrow T colony-forming cells (T-CFC) are E- OKT 3- and la+, i.e., immature progenitors. The colonies derived from these cells have the phenotype of mature T cells: E + OKT 3 + la- with either helper (OKT 4+) and suppressor (OKT 8 +) antigens. These results suggest that a thymic microenvironment may not be necessary for the in vitro proliferation and differentiation of the T-cell lineage in adult humans. These methodologies may permit direct investigation of early phenomena concerning the T-cell lineage, such as the acquisition of self-tolerance, the formation of a repertoire of specificities, and the HLA restriction phenomena that we believe takes place before the thymic maturation.     

Ectopic ureter and ureterocele: their varied sonographic manifestations

The sonographic examinations of four patients with simple ectopic ureters and 11 with ectopic ureteroceles were reviewed to determine distinguishing characteristics. Ectopic ureters, in cases of extreme dilatation and tortuosity, sometimes mimic multiseptated, cystic abdominal masses. However, the proximal portions of some severely dilated ureters are surprisingly small. Ectopic ureters sometimes indent the lower vesical wall, simulating a ureterocele. Ectopic ureteroceles are dynamic structures, changing in shape and size according to intravesical pressure. The lower pole of a duplex kidney may be difficult to detect because of displacement by the dilated upper renal pelvis and ureter. The renal parenchyma associated with an ectopic ureter may be equally difficult or impossible to find because of diminutive dysplasia or, less commonly, acquired atrophy. Dysplasia is characterized sonographically by highly echogenic parenchyma, lack of corticomedullary differentiation, and occasionally massive enlargement by cysts. Ectopic ureters and ureteroceles can be identified by fetal sonography.     

血液采集和单采期间不良反应的发生率:一项单中心研究

通常认为异体血液采集的献血者发生不良反应和损伤的发生率低,但自体献血者不良反应发生率的数据则自相矛盾,单采不良反应的发生率和预测献血者反应的因素还知之甚少。 本文分析了作者输血中心1998年1月到2001年6月记录的血液和单采献血者的所有不良反应。作者对发生不良反应与未报告任何不良反应的献血者之间的人口统计学和身体特征进行比较,以便确定不良反应预测因素的存在。     

Prevalence of Linguatula serrata Nymphs in Mesenteric Lymph Nodes of Cattle and Buffaloes Slaughtered in Ahvaz Abattoir,Iran

Background

Linguatula serrata, one of the parasitic zoonoses, inhabits the canine respiratory system (final hosts). The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence rate of L. serrata nymphs in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) of cattle and buffaloes (intermediate hosts) that were processed in the Ahvaz, Iran abattoir.

Methods

During November 2010 to March 2011, 223 animals (119 cattle and 104 buffaloes), in different sex and three age groups (<2, 2–< 3 and 3-> 3 years old) were sampled randomly at Ahvaz abattoir. Up to 35 grams of their mesenteric lymph nodes were examined separately for nymphal stages of L. serrata by digesting the samples with acid- pepsin method, collected the nymphs and counted under stereomicroscope.

Results

Overall 37(16.6%) of 223 animals were infected with L. serrata nymphs in their mesenteric lymph nodes. Prevalence of the infection in cattle and buffaloes were 16.8% and 16.3% respectively. The number of collected nymphs of MLNs was ranged from 1 to 16. No significant differences were seen in the infection rates between males and females (sexes) and age groups in the cattle and buffaloes (P <0.05).

Conclusion

Linguatula serrata has an active life cycle in the studied area and a zoonotic potential for transmission between animal and human. Avoiding use of raw MLNs to dogs can help reduce the infection.     

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOME REPRODUCTIVE PARAMETERS AND BIOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF BLOOD SERUM IN RAMS

The objective of the present study was to describe the relationship between some reproductive parameters, hormonal levels, and some biochemical properties of blood serum in rams under the Afyon province conditions. The total protein and globulin were positively (P?<?0.01) correlated with sperm motility and sperm concentration in all of rams. Total lipid was negatively (P?<?0.05) correlated with sperm motility and concentration in Daglic, and it was positively (P?<?0.01) correlated with percentage of abnormal spermatozoa in Chios rams. Total lipid and cholesterol was positively (P?<?0.01) correlated with triiodothyronine in all of rams and was negatively (P?<?0.05) correlated with testosterone in Daglic rams. Percentage of abnormal spermatozoa were negatively (P?<?0.01) correlated with alanine amino transaminase (ALT) level, but were positively (P?<?0.01) associated with aspartate amino transaminase (AST) level and AST/ALT ratio in all of rams.     

Clinical evaluation of brushing time and plaque removal potential of two manual toothbrushes

Abstract: Aim: To compare plaque removal efficacy of Oral‐B CrossAction (CA) used for 1 min with an American Dental Association (ADA) manual toothbrush used for 2 or 5 min in an examiner‐blind, three‐treatment, six‐period crossover study. Materials and methods: After refraining from all oral hygiene procedures for 23–25 h, subjects were randomly assigned to one of nine possible six‐period (visit) treatment sequences. Plaque was assessed at baseline (Rustogi Modified Navy Plaque Index). Post‐brushing scores were recorded after brushing with a marketed dentifrice and the assigned toothbrush for the specified duration. The same procedure was followed at each of six subsequent visits. Clinical measurements were carried out by the same examiner. Results: Forty subjects completed the study. All three treatments effectively removed plaque from the whole mouth, along the gingival margin and from approximal surfaces. Whole mouth and gingival margin plaque removal scores with CA for 1 min did not differ significantly from scores with the ADA toothbrush used for 2 min. The ADA brush used for 5 min showed significantly greater whole mouth (P < 0.001) and gingival margin (P < 0.001) plaque reduction than the two other treatments. Approximal plaque removal scores did not differ between the three treatments. Conclusions: Efficient plaque removal can be achieved after 1 min of brushing with CA. The amount of plaque removed did not differ significantly from that achieved with the ADA brush after 2 min of brushing. Greater whole mouth and gingival margin plaque removal scores were seen with the ADA brush after 5 min.     

Coagulation factor activity and clinical bleeding severity in rare bleeding disorders: results from the European Network of Rare Bleeding Disorders

Summary. Background: The European Network of Rare Bleeding Disorders (EN‐RBD) was established to bridge the gap between knowledge and practise in the care of patients with RBDs. Objectives: To explore the relationship between coagulation factor activity level and bleeding severity in patients with RBDs. Patients/Methods: Cross‐sectional study using data from 489 patients registered in the EN‐RBD. Coagulation factor activity levels were retrieved. Clinical bleeding episodes were classified into four categories according to severity. Results: The mean age of patients at data collection was 31 years (range, 7 months to 95 years), with an equal sex distribution. On linear regression analysis, there was a strong association between coagulation factor activity level and clinical bleeding severity for fibrinogen, factor (F) X, FXIII, and combined FV and FVIII deficiencies. A weaker association was present for FV and FVII deficiencies. There was no association between coagulation factor activity level and clinical bleeding severity for FXI. The coagulation factor activity levels that were necessary for patients to remain asymptomatic were: fibrinogen, > 100 mg dL^?1; FV, 12 U dL^?1; combined FV + VIII, 43 U dL^?1; FVII, 25 U dL^?1; FX, 56 U dL^?1; FXI, 26 U dL^?1; FXIII, 31 U dL^?1. Moreover, coagulation factor activity levels that corresponded with Grade III bleeding were: undetectable levels for fibrinogen, FV and FXIII, < 15 U dL^?1 for combined FV + VIII; < 8 U dL^?1 for FVI; < 10 U dL^?1 for FX; and < 25 U dL^?1 for FXI. Conclusions: There is a heterogeneous association between coagulation factor activity level and clinical bleeding severity in different RBDs. A strong association is only observed in fibrinogen, FX and FXIII deficiencies.     

儿童输注ABO主侧不合血小板的效果弱于输注血型相合的血小板

由于血小板只有5天的保存期,库存压力导致经常输注ABO血型不合的血小板.为了避免血小板过期,首先输注的是库存时间最长的血小板,包括输注ABO血型不合的血小板.AABB和英国血液学标准委员会建议,输注红细胞时必须要求ABO主侧相合,而输注血小板并没有要求ABO血型匹配.