Irregular Appearance Research Articles

Research Note: Observations on a terrestrial charophyte in a temperate environment

SummaryThis study describes the unusual growth forms of Chara (Charales) in a natural terrestrial environment in a temperate region (southern Siberia). Chara vulgaris had a moss‐like habit and grew on wet soil in small compact turfs probably germinated from oospores. The upper branchlets were curved in a hook‐liked manner and convergent above the apex of the thallus. The lowest internode and branchlets of fertile plants were ecorticate, whereas all other parts were normally corticated; the completely ecorticate plants were sterile. The terrestrial growth of charophytes had an irregular appearance but was successfully maintained in culture, providing a potential model of the first steps of land colonization by the ancestors of embryophytes.

Giant irradiance spikes in laser beam propagation in volume turbulence: analysis and impact

In the wave-optics numerical simulations of laser beam propagation in volume atmospheric turbulence, we observe irregular appearance of giant intensity spikes with amplitudes exceeding the diffraction-limited intensity value by a factor of ten or even more. The presence of giant spikes may explain the existing significant difference between the scintillation index theoretical prediction and the results obtained in numerical simulation and experimental measurements. The giant spikes’ physics-based origin, probability of appearance, and impact on irradiance scintillation index are analyzed.

Dentin Topographic Features following Chemomechanical Caries Removal in Primary Teeth

Study the topographic features of dentin after caries removal with a chemomechanical agent (Papacarie) compared with the conventional drilling method. The sample included 7 exfoliated and extracted primary teeth with carious dentin lesions, not reaching the pulp. Each tooth was sectioned longitudinally through the center of the carious lesions into two halves. The teeth were then divided into two groups according to the method of caries removal. Following caries removal, dentin topography and the cut section were examined using the scanning electron microscope. Papacarie produced an irregular, porous, rough and globular dentin appearance. The dentin surfaces were generally free of smear layer, visible bacteria and the dentinal tubules were opened. The dentin cut surfaces showed patent dentinal tubules with open orifices. The drilling method created a smooth and amorphous surface with a continuous smear layer occluding the dentinal tubules. Numerous bacteria were also observed. The cut dentin surfaces showed patent dentinal tubules with their orifices plugged with smear layer. Papacarie produced a rough and porous surface with partial or complete removal of the smear layer and opened dentinal tubules, while the drill produced a smooth surface with uniform smear layer occluding the dentinal tubules.

Difficulties in Diagnosis of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) in Teens

Currently, the criterion used to diagnose the condition of PCOS is the same in women of all reproductive age group, which should not be the case. As teenage symptoms like irregular periods, acne and appearance of polycystic ovaries are commonly present in all adolescent girls after puberty, it is difficult to make an accurate diagnosis. Hence it will be better to wait for few years rather than making a hasty diagnosis of the teenage girls. The presence of metabolic syndrome should be targeted in the screening of these girls, who are suspected to have PCOS.

Assessment of collagen antibody-induced arthritis in BALB/c mice using bioimaging analysis and histopathological examination.

The aim of this study was to examine the therapeutic potential of sulfasalazine and prednisolone in a mouse collagen antibody-induced arthritis (CAIA) model. Twenty-five male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into five groups: group 1 (G1): control, group 2 (G2): probe control, group 3 (G3): CAIA, group 4 (G4): CAIA+sulfasalazine (10 mg/kg, oral), and group 5 (G5): CAIA+prednisolone (100 mg/kg, oral). Fluorescence bioimaging was performed in vivo 24 and 48 h after treatment with a fluorescence probe (OsteoSense® 680 EX), and all mice were sacrificed. The hind knee joints were fixed in 10% neutral phosphate-buffered formalin, and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and histopathological analyses were performed. The paw thickness increased in a time-dependent manner in G3 mice, but trended toward a decrease in both G4 and G5 mice. Fluorescence intensity increased in G3 mice at 24 and 48 h after fluorescence probe treatment, but the fluorescence intensity in G4 and G5 mice was lower than that in G3. Micro-CT analyses showed that the joint surfaces of G3 mice had a rough and irregular articular appearance, but the occurrence of these irregularities was lower in G4 and G5. Hematoxylin and eosin and Safranin O-fast green staining confirmed that destruction of the cartilage and bony structures, synovial hyperplasia, and inflammatory cell infiltration all occurred in G3, and that the occurrence of these phenomena was lower in G4 and G5 than in G3. Taken together, these results suggest that sulfasalazine and prednisolone can reduce acute rheumatoid arthritis in mice.

Reprint of Genesis of halloysite from the weathering of muscovite: Insights from microscopic observations of a weathered granite in the Gaoling Area, Jingdezhen, China

Halloysite is a 1:1 clay mineral typically derived from the hydrothermal alteration of alumino-silicate minerals such as biotite and feldspar. In this paper, microscopic observations are used to describe the formation of halloysite on weathered muscovite plates from a granite outcrop near Gaoling village, Jingdezhen, eastern China, where kaolinite was first discovered approximately 1000years ago. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR) analyses are used to identify halloysite, while field emission scanning electron microscopic (FESEM) observations reveal two types of halloysite that have different shapes and spatial distributions around muscovite. Most of the halloysite is present as long filaments with a uniform occurrence and is found on both the exposed (001) surfaces and edges of muscovite. In contrast, a small amount of the halloysite-like mineral occurs as stumpy, sheet stacking, which has an irregular appearance and occurs mainly at the margins of the muscovite plates. It is proposed that the halloysite was derived from the surface leaching of muscovite by two possible mechanisms: dissolution–precipitation or local dissolution–rearrangement of residue structure. Interestingly, similar phenomena were also found in historic tailings at Gaoling village, which most likely suggests a short-term process of formation for the nano-sized halloysite.

Histological alterations of a combination of Chlorpyrifos and Cypermethrin (Nurocombi) insecticide in the fresh water crab, Paratelphusa jacquemontii (Rathbun)

Chlorpyrifos (CPF) and Cypermethrin (CPM) are toxic and subject to long-term in vivo accumulation in different aquatic species throughout the world. The purpose of the present study was to examine the combined CPF/CPM (Nurocombi) exposure on histology in various tissues of Paratelphusa jacquemontii. The crabs were exposed to combined CPF/CPM concentrations of 0.0187ppm and 0.0374ppm (sub lethal) for 28days with parallel untreated control. The experimental gill tissue exhibited epithelial lifting, edema, necrosis, fusion of secondary lamellae and hemorrhage. The deceased hepatopancreas revealed infiltration, formation of large lumen and disappearance of haemocytes. The pathologic symptoms like atrophy, necrosis, wavy appearance, accumulation of granular material in between muscle fibers, fragmentation, loss of muscle structure, appearance of basophilic deposits were displayed in the muscle tissue. The vas deferens showed remarkable epithelial vacuolar degeneration, irregular appearance of spermatophore matrix associated with reduction in the number of spermatophores and dehiscence of most of the spermatophores. It is concluded that histological biomarkers provide reliable and discriminatory data to augment pesticide pollution and therefore, long-term monitoring is necessary to assess the eco-health of the mangrove system.

Métodos cuantitativos citológicos en el diagnóstico diferencial del carcinoma in situ y la displasia cervical

Los autores han estudiado el grado de correlación entre los exámenes histopatológicos biópsico y citológicos de displasias del cuello uterino. Encontraron el recuento del número total de células atípicas es un muy largo proceso de poca utilidad práctica. Más útil fue la diferenciación recuento porcentual de las células típicas divididas en cuatro grupos: basales, parabasales, intermedios y superficials. La medición af los diámetros celulares y nucleares mostraron que existen las displasias y aumento de la superficie celular. En las zonas nucleares no se encontraron variaciones significativas. En las displasias los cromatines nucleares tenían un aspecto moderadamente irregular, mientras que en los casos de carcinoma "in situ" la cromatina nuclear tenía un aspecto irregular bruto En los casos de displasia y carcinoma "in situ" el cuadro citológico fue de un porcentaje reducido de células intermedias con un aumento de la basal y células atípicas parabasales.

CLUSTERING OF LOCAL GROUP DISTANCES: PUBLICATION BIAS OR CORRELATED MEASUREMENTS? III. THE SMALL MAGELLANIC CLOUD

Aiming at providing a firm mean distance estimate to the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC), and thus to place it within the internally consistent Local Group distance framework we recently established, we compiled the current-largest database of published distance estimates to the galaxy. Based on careful statistical analysis, we derive mean distance estimates to the SMC using eclipsing binary systems, variable stars, stellar population tracers, and star cluster properties. Their weighted mean leads to a final recommendation for the mean SMC distance of $(m-M)_0^{\rm SMC} = 18.96 \pm 0.02$ mag, where the uncertainty represents the formal error. Systematic effects related to lingering uncertainties in extinction corrections, our physical understanding of the stellar tracers used, and the SMC's complex geometry---including its significant line-of-sight depth, its irregular appearance which renders definition of the galaxy's center uncertain, as well as its high inclination and possibly warped disk---may contribute additional uncertainties possibly exceeding 0.15--0.20 mag.

DISCOVERY OF NEW DWARF GALAXY NEAR THE ISOLATED SPIRAL GALAXY NGC 6503

We report the discovery of a new dwarf galaxy (NGC6503-d1) during the Subaru extended ultraviolet (XUV) disk survey. It is a likely companion of the spiral galaxy NGC6503. The resolved images, in B, V, R, i, and Halpha, show an irregular appearance due to bright stars with underlying, smooth and unresolved stellar emission. It is classified as the transition type (dIrr/dSph). Its structural properties are similar to those of the dwarfs in the Local Group, with a V absolute magnitude ~ -10.5, half-light radius ~400 pc, and central surface brightness ~25.2. Despite the low stellar surface brightness environment, one HII region was detected, though its Halpha luminosity is low, indicating an absence of any appreciable O-stars at the current epoch. The presence of multiple stellar populations is indicated by the color-magnitude diagram of ~300 bright resolved stars and the total colors of the dwarf, with the majority of its total stellar mass ~4x10^6 Msun in an old stellar population.

Rotylenchus castilloi n. sp. (Nematoda: Hoplolaimidae), a new species with long stylet from northern Iran.

Rotylenchus castilloi n. sp., a new bisexual species is described and illustrated based on morphological, morphometric and molecular data. The new species is characterised by having a hemispherical, continuous lip region with an irregular corncob-like appearance under SEM, very long stylet (62-68 µm), vulva located at 49.7-62.2% of body length from anterior end, with a protruding double epiptygma, a rounded to convex-conoid (rarely bi-lobed) tail with 8-12 annuli and specific sequences of D2-D3 segments of 28S and ITS1-rRNA genes. Differences between the new species and four other species of the genus (R. mesorobustus, R. cazorlaensis, R. magnus and R. jaeni) are discussed. Morphologically, the new species can be separated from these species mostly by its body length, lip region characters, stylet length and location of phasmid. Phylogenetic analyses using 721 bp partial sequences of D2-D3 expansion segments of the 28S and 590 bp ITS1-rRNA genes revealed the new species forming a clade with two isolates of R. eximius and two isolates of R. unisexus, two morphologically unrelated species.

Sloughing Esophagitis: A Rare Cause of Dysphagia

Figure 1 Upper endoscopy revealed a yellowish, soft consist o A 56 years-old male was admitted to the emergency department with retrosternal pain and progressive dysphagia starting one week before. He had total dysphagia in the last 12 h. Patient denied weight loss, heartburn or other symptoms, as well as a relevant medical history. Results of physical examination and blood tests were unremarkable. Chest radiograph and electrocardiogram were normal. Upper endoscopy revealed a yellowish, soft consistency content in the distal esophagus, causing a total lumen occlusion, initially interpreted as a possible food impaction (Fig. 1). After removal, an ulceration and extensive sloughing of the underlying mucosa, with vertical laceration and horizontal cracks, was observed (Fig. 2). In the gastroesophageal junction, mucosa had an irregular appearance, simulating a neoplastic lesion and causing parcial stenosis of the lumen. Biopsies were taken. Patient was again questioned about ingestion of caustics, hot beverages or drugs such as potassium chloride, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or bisphosphonates. He was taken alendronate 10 mg/day for the last three months, due to an osteoarticular disease, but was not complying with recommendations for bisphosphonates intake. Patient was admitted with the probable diagnosis of sloughing esophagitis caused by biphosphonates. Intravenous acid suppression and oral sucralfate were started and

Experimental study of iron and multivitamin drops on enamel microhardness of primary tooth.

Objectives:Iron and multivitamin drops are being frequently prescribed in children less than 2 years of age. Due to their low pH levels, these drops may lead to the softening of enamel and accelerate the destructive process. The aim of the present study was to investigate the enamel microhardness of primary teeth after exposing them to iron and multivitamin drops.Materials and Methods:Forty healthy anterior teeth were randomly divided into four groups of 10 samples each. Samples were exposed to two iron drops of Kharazmi (Iran) and Ironorm (UK) and two multivitamin drops of Shahdarou (Iran) and Eurovit (Germany) for 5 min. The surface microhardness was measured before and after exposure and data processing was done using statistical paired t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. The surface structure of the teeth was examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM).Results:In all groups, microhardness was decreased, but it was not significant in Eurovit multivitamin group (P = 0.088). The reduction rate in Kharazmi iron group was significant compared to that in other groups (P < 0.005). Hardness reduction percent for Kharazmi iron drop was 28/12 ± 47/43. In SEM analysis, irregular granular appearance was observed in the enamel exposed to Kharazmi iron drop.Conclusion:The results showed that all the studied drugs have the potential to cause erosion; this potential is the most in Kharazmi iron drop and the least in Eurovit multivitamin drops. Therefore, after using these kinds of drops, preventive measures should be used in children.

Allergic reaction in the use of primacaine adrenaline.

ENWEndNote BIBJabRef, Mendeley RISPapers, Reference Manager, RefWorks, Zotero AMA He H, Feng L, Liu H. Letter to the EditorAllergic reaction in the use of primacaine adrenaline. Advances in Dermatology and Allergology/Postępy Dermatologii i Alergologii. 2015;32(2):134-136. doi:10.5114/pdia.2015.48035. APA He, H., Feng, L., & Liu, H. (2015). Letter to the EditorAllergic reaction in the use of primacaine adrenaline. Advances in Dermatology and Allergology/Postępy Dermatologii i Alergologii, 32(2), 134-136. https://doi.org/10.5114/pdia.2015.48035 Chicago He, Hui Xia, Lin Feng, and Hong Chen Liu. 2015. "Letter to the EditorAllergic reaction in the use of primacaine adrenaline". Advances in Dermatology and Allergology/Postępy Dermatologii i Alergologii 32 (2): 134-136. doi:10.5114/pdia.2015.48035. Harvard He, H., Feng, L., and Liu, H. (2015). Letter to the EditorAllergic reaction in the use of primacaine adrenaline. Advances in Dermatology and Allergology/Postępy Dermatologii i Alergologii, 32(2), pp.134-136. https://doi.org/10.5114/pdia.2015.48035 MLA He, Hui Xia et al. "Letter to the EditorAllergic reaction in the use of primacaine adrenaline." Advances in Dermatology and Allergology/Postępy Dermatologii i Alergologii, vol. 32, no. 2, 2015, pp. 134-136. doi:10.5114/pdia.2015.48035. Vancouver He H, Feng L, Liu H. Letter to the EditorAllergic reaction in the use of primacaine adrenaline. Advances in Dermatology and Allergology/Postępy Dermatologii i Alergologii. 2015;32(2):134-136. doi:10.5114/pdia.2015.48035.

Psoriasis y alopecia areata con traquioniquia concurrente en una paciente pediátrica con síndrome de Turner

Turner syndrome is a genetic disorder characterized by abnormalities of the X chromosome. An association with many autoimmune diseases is described as well as skin diseases such as psoriasis, vitiligo and alopecia areata. Trachyonychia is characterized by irregular opaque appearance on the nail plate of all 20 nails. It may be idiopathic or it can be associated with other dermatological diseases. Herein, we present a 6 years old girl with Turner syndrome who had diagnoses of psoriasis, alopecia areata and trachyonychia and we would like to draw attention to the possible relationship between these diseases.

Quantitative analysis of morphological changes in yeast colonies growing on solid medium: the eccentricity and Fourier indices.

The colony shape of four yeast species growing on agar medium was measured for 116 days by image analysis. Initially, all the colonies are circular, with regular edges. The loss of circularity can be quantitatively estimated by the eccentricity index, Ei , calculated as the ratio between their orthogonal vertical and horizontal diameters. Ei can increase from 1 (complete circularity) to a maximum of 1.17-1.30, depending on the species. One colony inhibits its neighbour only when it has reached a threshold area. Then, Ei of the inhibited colony increases proportionally to the area of the inhibitory colony. The initial distance between colonies affects those threshold values but not the proportionality, Ei /area; this inhibition affects the shape but not the total surface of the colony. The appearance of irregularities in the edges is associated, in all the species, not with age but with nutrient exhaustion. The edge irregularity can be quantified by the Fourier index, Fi , calculated by the minimum number of Fourier coefficients that are needed to describe the colony contour with 99% fitness. An ad hoc function has been developed in Matlab v. 7.0 to automate the computation of the Fourier coefficients. In young colonies, Fi has a value between 2 (circumference) and 3 (ellipse). These values are maintained in mature colonies of Debaryomyces, but can reach values up to 14 in Saccharomyces. All the species studied showed the inhibition of growth in facing colony edges, but only three species showed edge irregularities associated with substrate exhaustion.

The use of low-carbohydrate diet in type 2 diabetes - benefits and risks.

The pharmacological treatment of type 2 diabetes is increasingly being supported by the recommendation of an appropriate diet. The purpose of this study is to identify the potential benefits and risks arising from the use of one of the modern models of low-carbohydrate diet in patients with type 2 diabetes. Research shows that diet can favourably affect the health of diabetic patients. It has been shown that diet affects positively the concentration of blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin, and also contributes to the reduction of insulin taken in the course of drug therapy. At the same time, short-term studies have demonstrated a positive relationship of nutrition with reduction in body weight, as well as favourable changes in lipid profile of HDL cholesterol and levels of triglyceride. Attention is also drawn to the negative health effects of a low-carbohydrate diet; these include an increased risk of mineral deficiency, hypovitaminosis and reduced intake of dietary fibres. This diet may be associated with very high levels of protein which, in turn, raises the risk of renal dysfunction and the appearance of irregularities in the water and electrolyte balance. The impact of changes in the skeletal system and the development of osteopenia and osteoporosis is also observed. Besides the positive impact of this model of diet on the lipid profile parameters, its use significantly increases the risk of adverse changes in other markers predisposing to atherosclerosis occurring in individuals with type 2 diabetes. In composing a nutrition model for diabetes patients, both the benefits and potential risks of a low-carbohydrate diet should therefore take into account. At the same time, it is important to individualize the diet used, based on the current state of health, used pharmacological treatments, as well as taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient.

Comparing the disease modifying effects of alendronate to risedronate in the rat anterior cruciate ligament transection model of osteoarthritis

Comparing the disease modifying effects of alendronate to risedronate in the rat anterior cruciate ligament transection model of osteoarthritis

Effect of a Silver Nanoparticles Solution on Staphylococcus aureus and Candida spp.

An AgNPs solution was synthesized by chemical reduction, characterized, and tested against Candida glabrata, Candida tropicalis, Staphylococcus aureus, and methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Minimum inhibitory (MICs) and minimum fungicidal/bactericidal concentrations (MFC/MBC) were determined on planktonic cells. Also, total biofilm mass was determined by crystal violet (CV) staining and morphological changes by scanning electron microscope (SEM). MICs for C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, S. aureus, and MRSA were 15.63, 3.91, 1.95, and 1.95 µg/mL, respectively. MFC for C. glabrata was 62.5 µg/mL and for C. tropicalis 15.63 µg/mL The same MBC (3.91 µg/mL) was observed for S. aureus and MRSA. CV assay showed that the AgNPs (1000 μg/mL) promoted reductions in biofilm mass of ~60% for C. glabrata and ~35% for C. tropicalis. A reduction of ~20% in C. tropicalis biomass was also observed at the concentration of 3.91 µg/mL. No significant effect on total biomass was found for S. aureus and MRSA. SEM images revealed that C. glabrata and C. tropicalis biofilm cells, exposed to the AgNPs (1000 μg/mL), had an irregular and shriveled appearance. AgNPs solution exhibited considerable antimicrobial activity against important fungal and bacterial pathogens, associated with several oral and systemic diseases, and has potential as an antimicrobial agent.

Morphological features of bone in calcium and vitamin D deficiency

Abstract The authors aim to identify morphological features of the bone abnormal development caused by calcium and vitamin D deficiency (CDD) and possible risk factors in the occurrence of these changes. The study is conducted on a selected group of 102 children aged 10-12 years with bone changes due to CDD, diagnosed and treated in Constanţa City from 2000 - 2010. For cases where the same child presented several bone deformities, we considered every bone deformity as an independent entity. In this study we observed deformation of the bones of the skull, prominent frontal bone 62 cases (60.78%); “beads rib” 49 cases (48.03%) sub mammary grooves 31 cases (30.32%), increasing the volume of knee joint 75 cases (73.52%) and wrist 68 cases (66.66%). The changes visible under direct examination are accompanied by structural changes visible by radiological exam, so the epiphysis plate has an irregular appearance (35 cases), serrated (35 cases), are enlarged (34 cases) or cup (31 cases). Analysis of sex distribution shows higher involvement of male children, sex ratio 3/1. Age group most affected in the studied group is 3-36 months. Skeletal deformities in CDD conditions are associated with peculiar situations of risk: monthly income below Average 72 cases (70.5%), increased pigmentation of the skin 61 (59.8%), prematurity 20 (19.6%). Increased incidence of developmental abnormalities of the bones due to CDD in the studied group and in different regions (England, Turkey, USA, etc) in recent years coincides with modern life style, which involves skin protection against solar radiation and a lack of exposure to sunlight.