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Parasitology Oct 2020Parasitic castration of bivalves by trematodes is common, and may significantly reduce the reproductive capacity of ecologically important species. Understanding the...
Parasitic castration of bivalves by trematodes is common, and may significantly reduce the reproductive capacity of ecologically important species. Understanding the intensity of infection is desirable, as it can indicate the time that has passed since infection, and influence the host's physiological and reproductive response. In addition, it is useful to know the developmental stage of the trematode, to understand trematode population trends and reproductive success. However, most existing methods (e.g. visually estimating the degree of infection) to assess intensity are approximate only and not reproducible. Here, we present a method to accurately quantify the percentage of bivalve gonad filled with digenean trematode tissue, based on small squashes of gonad tissue rapidly photographed under light microscopy. A maximum of 15 photographs is required to determine the percentage of the whole gonad occupied by trematodes with a minimum of 90% confidence, with smaller mussels requiring fewer. In addition, the stage of trematode infection can be assessed because full sporocysts, spent sporocysts and free cercariae are clearly distinguishable. Although variation exists in the distribution of trematodes in gonad tissue, and thus in the estimate of percentage of the gonad filled with trematodes, this method represents a marked improvement on current coarse assessments of infection which typically focus on binary presence/absence measures. This technique can be used to facilitate a more sophisticated understanding of host-parasite interactions in bivalves, and can inform the conservation and reproductive biology of environmentally crucial species.
Topics: Animals; Bivalvia; Castration; Cercaria; Gonads; Life Cycle Stages; Photomicrography; Trematoda; Trematode Infections
PubMed: 32729439
DOI: 10.1017/S0031182020001213 -
Journal of Clinical Pathology Mar 1966A series of six placental haemangiomata is described. Of these one was large and was associated clinically with hydramnios and premature labour. The remaining five were...
A series of six placental haemangiomata is described. Of these one was large and was associated clinically with hydramnios and premature labour. The remaining five were discovered in the course of a systemic examination of 500 unselected placentae. The literature on this tumour is reviewed and it is concluded that this is a very common lesion occurring in about 1% of all placentae. The tumour is probably hamartomatous in nature and is derived from primitive chorionic mesenchyme. Most tumours are small and intraplacental and are not associated with any clinical side effects. The comparatively small group of large haemangiomata do show an association with hydramnios, premature labour, low birth weight, foetal distress and, in a few instances, cardiomegaly in the infant.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Female; Hamartoma; Hemangioma; Humans; Obstetric Labor Complications; Photomicrography; Placenta; Pregnancy
PubMed: 5909694
DOI: 10.1136/jcp.19.2.133 -
The Journal of Comparative Neurology Oct 2017Vocal learning in songbirds and humans is strongly influenced by social interactions based on sensory inputs from several modalities. Songbird vocal learning is mediated...
Vocal learning in songbirds and humans is strongly influenced by social interactions based on sensory inputs from several modalities. Songbird vocal learning is mediated by cortico-basal ganglia circuits that include the SHELL region of lateral magnocellular nucleus of the anterior nidopallium (LMAN), but little is known concerning neural pathways that could integrate multimodal sensory information with SHELL circuitry. In addition, cortical pathways that mediate the precise coordination between hemispheres required for song production have been little studied. In order to identify candidate mechanisms for multimodal sensory integration and bilateral coordination for vocal learning in zebra finches, we investigated the anatomical organization of two regions that receive input from SHELL: the dorsal caudolateral nidopallium (dNCL ) and a region within the ventral arcopallium (Av). Anterograde and retrograde tracing experiments revealed a topographically organized inter-hemispheric circuit: SHELL and dNCL , as well as adjacent nidopallial areas, send axonal projections to ipsilateral Av; Av in turn projects to contralateral SHELL, dNCL , and regions of nidopallium adjacent to each. Av on each side also projects directly to contralateral Av. dNCL and Av each integrate inputs from ipsilateral SHELL with inputs from sensory regions in surrounding nidopallium, suggesting that they function to integrate multimodal sensory information with song-related responses within LMAN-SHELL during vocal learning. Av projections share this integrated information from the ipsilateral hemisphere with contralateral sensory and song-learning regions. Our results suggest that the inter-hemispheric pathway through Av may function to integrate multimodal sensory feedback with vocal-learning circuitry and coordinate bilateral vocal behavior.
Topics: Animals; Cerebral Cortex; Finches; Functional Laterality; Learning; Male; Microscopy, Confocal; Neural Pathways; Neuroanatomical Tract-Tracing Techniques; Neurons; Photomicrography; Vocalization, Animal
PubMed: 28681379
DOI: 10.1002/cne.24280 -
The Journal of Comparative Neurology Dec 2014We examined the synaptic structure, quantity, and distribution of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA)- and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-type...
We examined the synaptic structure, quantity, and distribution of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA)- and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-type glutamate receptors (AMPARs and NMDARs, respectively) in rat cochlear nuclei by a highly sensitive freeze-fracture replica labeling technique. Four excitatory synapses formed by two distinct inputs, auditory nerve (AN) and parallel fibers (PF), on different cell types were analyzed. These excitatory synapse types included AN synapses on bushy cells (AN-BC synapses) and fusiform cells (AN-FC synapses) and PF synapses on FC (PF-FC synapses) and cartwheel cell spines (PF-CwC synapses). Immunogold labeling revealed differences in synaptic structure as well as AMPAR and NMDAR number and/or density in both AN and PF synapses, indicating a target-dependent organization. The immunogold receptor labeling also identified differences in the synaptic organization of FCs based on AN or PF connections, indicating an input-dependent organization in FCs. Among the four excitatory synapse types, the AN-BC synapses were the smallest and had the most densely packed intramembrane particles (IMPs), whereas the PF-CwC synapses were the largest and had sparsely packed IMPs. All four synapse types showed positive correlations between the IMP-cluster area and the AMPAR number, indicating a common intrasynapse-type relationship for glutamatergic synapses. Immunogold particles for AMPARs were distributed over the entire area of individual AN synapses; PF synapses often showed synaptic areas devoid of labeling. The gold-labeling for NMDARs occurred in a mosaic fashion, with less positive correlations between the IMP-cluster area and the NMDAR number. Our observations reveal target- and input-dependent features in the structure, number, and organization of AMPARs and NMDARs in AN and PF synapses.
Topics: Animals; Cochlear Nerve; Cochlear Nucleus; Freeze Fracturing; Immunohistochemistry; Male; Microscopy, Electron; Neurons; Photomicrography; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Receptors, AMPA; Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate; Synapses
PubMed: 25041792
DOI: 10.1002/cne.23654 -
Archives of Pathology & Laboratory... Aug 2014
Topics: Cell Phone; Education, Medical; Humans; Pathology; Pathology, Clinical; Photomicrography
PubMed: 24199830
DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2013-0425-ED -
Journal of Applied Oral Science :... Feb 2019Sources of calcium and phosphate have been added to dental restorative materials to improve their anticaries effect.
BACKGROUND
Sources of calcium and phosphate have been added to dental restorative materials to improve their anticaries effect.
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluated the effect of adding calcium glycerophosphate (CaGP) to resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) on the physico-mechanical properties, ion release, and enamel demineralization. Material and Methods: Specimens were fabricated for each experimental group: RMGIC without CaGP (Control), RMGIC with 1, 3 and 9% CaGP. To determine the release of fluoride (F), calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P), six specimens were immersed in demineralization and remineralization solutions for 15 days. In another experimental trial, the following physico-mechanical properties were evaluated at time intervals of 1 and 7 days after fabrication: compressive strength (n=12), diametral tensile strength (n=12), surface hardness of material (n=6) and the degree of conversion of monomers (n=8). To study enamel demineralization, specimens (n=12) were attached to enamel blocks and submitted to pH-cycling. Subsequently, surface and cross-sectional hardness and the concentration of F, Ca and P in enamel were determined.
RESULTS
The addition of CaGP to RMGIC led to higher mean release of F, Ca and P when compared with control (p<0.001). Mechanical properties were within the range of those of the ionomer cements after addition of 1% and 3% CaGP. The degree of conversion did not differ between groups at the 1st and the 7th day (p>0.439). The addition of 3% and 9% CaGP reduced mineral loss and increased F, Ca and P in the enamel when compared with control (p<0.05).
CONCLUSION
The addition of 3% CaGP in RMGIC increased the release of F, P and Ca, reduced enamel demineralization, and maintained the physico-mechanical properties within the parameters for this material.
Topics: Calcium; Compressive Strength; Dental Enamel; Fluorides; Glass Ionomer Cements; Glycerophosphates; Hardness Tests; Humans; Materials Testing; Phosphates; Photomicrography; Reference Values; Reproducibility of Results; Resin Cements; Surface Properties; Time Factors; Tooth Demineralization
PubMed: 30810634
DOI: 10.1590/1678-7757-2018-0188 -
The American Journal of Tropical... Sep 2008We describe a simple, economical, and highly practical technique for taking digital photographs of specimens visualized through a light microscope. Most models of light...
We describe a simple, economical, and highly practical technique for taking digital photographs of specimens visualized through a light microscope. Most models of light microscope and compact digital camera, and even some cameraphones, can be used. The technique is quick to learn and can easily be performed in a resource-poor setting. It can be used to assist with diagnosis in remote areas and can be extremely useful for teaching.
Topics: Animals; Photomicrography; Specimen Handling
PubMed: 18784246
DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.2009.08-0256 -
The Journal of Comparative Neurology Jun 2009The central actions of leptin are essential for homeostatic control of adipose tissue mass, glucose metabolism, and many autonomic and neuroendocrine systems. In the...
The central actions of leptin are essential for homeostatic control of adipose tissue mass, glucose metabolism, and many autonomic and neuroendocrine systems. In the brain, leptin acts on numerous different cell types via the long-form leptin receptor (LepRb) to elicit its effects. The precise identification of leptin's cellular targets is fundamental to understanding the mechanism of its pleiotropic central actions. We have systematically characterized LepRb distribution in the mouse brain using in situ hybridization in wildtype mice as well as by EYFP immunoreactivity in a novel LepRb-IRES-Cre EYFP reporter mouse line showing high levels of LepRb mRNA/EYFP coexpression. We found substantial LepRb mRNA and EYFP expression in hypothalamic and extrahypothalamic sites described before, including the dorsomedial nucleus of the hypothalamus, ventral premammillary nucleus, ventral tegmental area, parabrachial nucleus, and the dorsal vagal complex. Expression in insular cortex, lateral septal nucleus, medial preoptic area, rostral linear nucleus, and in the Edinger-Westphal nucleus was also observed and had been previously unreported. The LepRb-IRES-Cre reporter line was used to chemically characterize a population of leptin receptor-expressing neurons in the midbrain. Tyrosine hydroxylase and Cre reporter were found to be coexpressed in the ventral tegmental area and in other midbrain dopaminergic neurons. Lastly, the LepRb-IRES-Cre reporter line was used to map the extent of peripheral leptin sensing by central nervous system (CNS) LepRb neurons. Thus, we provide data supporting the use of the LepRb-IRES-Cre line for the assessment of the anatomic and functional characteristics of neurons expressing leptin receptor.
Topics: Animals; Brain; Cell Count; Gene Expression; Immunohistochemistry; In Situ Hybridization; Lac Operon; Leptin; Male; Mice; Mice, Transgenic; Photomicrography; RNA, Messenger; Receptors, Leptin; STAT3 Transcription Factor; Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase
PubMed: 19350671
DOI: 10.1002/cne.22025 -
BMJ Case Reports Aug 2014A 97-year-old woman presented with a 5-month history of a rapidly growing, painless, left upper eyelid lesion. Examination revealed a large vascularised, ulcerated...
A 97-year-old woman presented with a 5-month history of a rapidly growing, painless, left upper eyelid lesion. Examination revealed a large vascularised, ulcerated nodule on the left upper lid, causing significant ptosis. Wide local excision of the lesion was performed and the wound was left to heal by secondary intention. Histology and immunohistochemistry of the lesion confirmed a diagnosis of Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare primary malignancy of the eyelid which has significant morbidity and mortality. Although uncommon, this diagnosis should always be considered in any patient with a rapidly growing lid lump. In view of the patient's age, known dementia and family wishes, the patient was managed conservatively, with no further investigations performed. She was due to be followed up in clinic on a regular basis, but has since died from other causes.
Topics: Aged, 80 and over; Biopsy; Carcinoma, Merkel Cell; Diagnosis, Differential; Eyelid Neoplasms; Eyelids; Fatal Outcome; Female; Humans; Photomicrography; Skin Neoplasms
PubMed: 25123568
DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2013-202979 -
PloS One 2016This study aimed to develop and test an unbiased and rapid methodology to estimate the length of external arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) hyphae in soil. The...
This study aimed to develop and test an unbiased and rapid methodology to estimate the length of external arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) hyphae in soil. The traditional visual gridline intersection (VGI) method, which consists in a direct visual examination of the intersections of hyphae with gridlines on a microscope eyepiece after aqueous extraction, membrane-filtration, and staining (e.g., with trypan blue), was refined. For this, (i) images of the stained hyphae were taken by using a digital photomicrography technique to avoid the use of the microscope and the method was referred to as "digital gridline intersection" (DGI) method; and (ii), the images taken in (i) were processed and the hyphal length was measured by using ImageJ software, referred to as the "photomicrography-ImageJ processing" (PIP) method. The DGI and PIP methods were tested using known grade lengths of possum fur. Then they were applied to measure the hyphal lengths in soils with contrasting phosphorus (P) fertility status. Linear regressions were obtained between the known lengths (Lknown) of possum fur and the values determined by using either the DGI (LDGI) (LDGI = 0.37 + 0.97 × Lknown, r2 = 0.86) or PIP (LPIP) methods (LPIP = 0.33 + 1.01 × Lknown, r2 = 0.98). There were no significant (P > 0.05) differences between the LDGI and LPIP values. While both methods provided accurate estimation (slope of regression being 1.0), the PIP method was more precise, as reflected by a higher value of r2 and lower coefficients of variation. The average hyphal lengths (6.5-19.4 m g-1) obtained by the use of these methods were in the range of those typically reported in the literature (3-30 m g-1). Roots growing in P-deficient soil developed 2.5 times as many hyphae as roots growing in P-rich soil (17.4 vs 7.2 m g-1). These tests confirmed that the use of digital photomicrography in conjunction with either the grid-line intersection principle or image processing is a suitable method for the measurement of AMF hyphal lengths in soils for comparative investigations.
Topics: Animals; Calibration; Hair; Hyphae; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Mycorrhizae; Photomicrography; Plant Roots; Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted; Soil; Soil Microbiology; Statistics as Topic; Trichosurus
PubMed: 27284995
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0157017