Basal Zone Research Articles

Effect of chlorpromazine on rat placenta development

Abstract We examined the sequential histopathological changes in the placentas from rats exposed to chlorpromazine. Chlorpromazine was intraperitoneally administered on GD 14 at 50 and 100 mg/kg and the placentas were sampled on GDs 14.5, 15, 17 and 21. The incidence of dams with complete fetal resorption was increased from GD 17 up to 20% at 50 mg/kg and 44.4% at 100 mg/kg. The embryo/fetal weights reduced on GDs 15 and 17 at 50 mg/kg and during GDs 15–21 at 100 mg/kg. The placental weights reduced on GD 17 at 50 mg/kg and during GDs 14.5–21 at 100 mg/kg. Histopathologically, in the labyrinth zone, apoptotic cells were scattered in the trophoblastic septa without inhibition of cell proliferation on GDs 14.5 and 15 at 50 and 100 mg/kg in a dose-dependent manner. A decrease in trophoblasts led to labyrinth zone hypoplasia. In the basal zone, apoptotic cells were scattered on GDs 14.5 and 15 at 100 mg/kg, and most of them appeared to be glycogen cells. A decrease in glycogen cells induced the delayed development of glycogen cell islands and the subsequent remaining glycogen cell islands, and led to the cystic degeneration of glycogen cells. In addition, failure of development of the glycogen cell islands led to the impaired interstitial invasion of the glycogen cells, and then metrial gland hypoplasia occurred.

Maize early endosperm growth and development: from fertilization through cell type differentiation.

• Given the worldwide economic importance of maize endosperm, it is surprising that its development is not the most comprehensively studied of the cereals. We present detailed morphometric and cytological descriptions of endosperm development in the maize inbred line B73, for which the genome has been sequenced, and compare its growth with four diverse Nested Association Mapping (NAM) founder lines.• The first 12 d of B73 endosperm development were described using semithin sections of plastic-embedded kernels and confocal microscopy. Longitudinal sections were used to compare endosperm length, thickness, and area.• Morphometric comparison between Arizona- and Michigan-grown B73 showed a common pattern. Early endosperm development was divided into four stages: coenocytic, cellularization through alveolation, cellularization through partitioning, and differentiation. We observed tightly synchronous nuclear divisions in the coenocyte, elucidated that the onset of cellularization was coincident with endosperm size, and identified a previously undefined cell type (basal intermediate zone, BIZ). NAM founders with small mature kernels had larger endosperms (0-6 d after pollination) than lines with large mature kernels.• Our B73-specific model of early endosperm growth links developmental events to relative endosperm size, while accounting for diverse growing conditions. Maize endosperm cellularizes through alveolation, then random partitioning of the central vacuole. This unique cellularization feature of maize contrasts with the smaller endosperms of Arabidopsis, barley, and rice that strictly cellularize through repeated alveolation. NAM analysis revealed differences in endosperm size during early development, which potentially relates to differences in timing of cellularization across diverse lines of maize.

Observation of Sublattice Disordering of the Catalytic Sites in a Complex Mo–V–Nb–Te–O Oxidation Catalyst Using High Temperature STEM Imaging

A Mo–V–Nb–Te–O oxidation catalyst has been imaged using scanning transmission electron microscopy at 780 K, which is slightly above its operating temperature. We observe a sublattice disordering of the corner-sharing octahedra forming the catalytic sites containing V5+ while the edge-sharing pentagonal bipyramidal {Nb(Mo5)} sublattice remains structurally more rigid and thereby maintains the overall structural integrity of the catalyst. Imaging the termination of the edges of the [001] basal zones at room temperature reveal a preference for presence of a closed network of secondary structural {Nb(Mo)5} units providing further evidence of the stability of this sublattice structure. We propose that sublattice disordering of catalytic sites enables structural flexibility to accommodate different oxidation states during multistep chemical reactions within a more rigid superstructure and presents a new paradigm for compositionally and structurally complex catalysts.

Residual shear strength variability as a primary control on movement of landslides reactivated by earthquake‐induced ground motion: Implications for coastal Oregon, U.S.

AbstractMost large seismogenic landslides are reactivations of preexisting landslides with basal shear zones in the residual strength condition. Residual shear strength often varies during rapid displacement, but the response of residual shear zones to seismic loading is largely unknown. We used a ring shear apparatus to perform simulated seismic loading tests, constant displacement rate tests, and tests during which shear stress was gradually varied on specimens from two landslides to improve understanding of coseismic landslide reactivation and to identify shear strength models valid for slow gravitational failure through rapid coseismic failure. The landslides we studied represent many along the Oregon, U.S., coast. Seismic loading tests resulted in (1) catastrophic failure involving unbounded displacement when stresses represented those for the existing landslides and (2) limited to unbounded displacement when stresses represented those for hypothetical dormant landslides, suggesting that coseismic landslide reactivation may be significant during future great earthquakes occurring near the Oregon Coast. Constant displacement rate tests indicated that shear strength decreased exponentially during the first few decimeters of displacement but increased logarithmically with increasing displacement rate when sheared at 0.001 cm s−1 or greater. Dynamic shear resistance estimated from shear strength models correlated well with stresses observed during seismic loading tests, indicating that displacement rate and amount primarily controlled failure characteristics. We developed a stress‐based approach to estimate coseismic landslide displacement that utilizes the variable shear strength model. The approach produced results that compared favorably to observations made during seismic loading tests, indicating its utility for application to landslides.

Smad3‐Deficient Mice Have Reduced Esophageal Fibrosis and Angiogenesis in a Model of Egg‐Induced Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a food-triggered disease associated with esophageal fibrosis and stricture formation in a subset of patients. In the present study we used a murine model of egg (ovalbumin [OVA])-induced EoE to determine whether inhibiting transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) signaling through the Smad3 pathway would inhibit features of esophageal remodeling including fibrosis, angiogenesis, and basal zone hyperplasia. Wild-type (WT) and Smad3-deficient (KO [knockout]) mice were sensitized intraperitoneally and then challenged chronically with intraesophageal OVA for 1 month. Levels of esophageal eosinophils, esophageal TGF-β1+ and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)+ cells, and features of esophageal remodeling (fibrosis, angiogenesis, basal zone hyperplasia) were quantitated by immunohistochemistry and image analysis. OVA challenge induced a similar increase in the levels of esophageal major basic protein (MBP)+ eosinophils and esophageal TGF-β1+ cells in WT and Smad3 KO mice. Smad3 KO mice challenged with OVA had significantly less esophageal fibrosis and esophageal angiogenesis compared with OVA-challenged WT mice. The reduced esophageal angiogenesis in Smad3 KO mice was associated with reduced numbers of VEGF+ cells in the esophagus. There was a trend toward OVA-challenged Smad3 KO to have reduced basal zone hyperplasia, but this was not statistically significant. In a mouse model of egg-induced EoE, Smad3-deficient mice have significantly less esophageal remodeling, especially fibrosis and angiogenesis that is associated with reduced expression of VEGF. Targeting the TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway may be a novel strategy to reduce esophageal fibrosis and its associated complications such as esophageal strictures in EoE.

Textural features as indicators of debris avalanche transport and emplacement, Taranaki volcano

The Pungarehu debris avalanche deposit was emplaced by the largest known collapse of the proto–Taranaki volcano, ca. 25,000 calibrated (cal.) years ago. This debris avalanche deposit displays a highly contrasting sedimentary character between its proximal and distal reaches. Examination of the deposit granulometry, sedimentary structures, and microscopic particle attributes provides new insights into debris avalanche transport and internal evolution processes. Initial collapse of the proto–Taranaki volcano during this event occurred near the Last Glacial Maximum, with snow and ice cover and substantial groundwater present. The collapsing, sliding large blocks of edifice material, “megaclasts,” were highly fractured by the landslide generation and the depressurization event, forming pervasive jigsaw textures. As the megaclasts moved, shear was focused in softer domains between the hardest, lava-dominated lithologies. These crush and shear zones developed a complex pattern of relative motion between horizontal and vertical parts of the landslide, rather than a simple basal shear zone that supported an upper pluglike mass. The sheared zones, concentrated in soft, pyroclastic lithologies, were areas of intense synflow fragmentation, producing a proto-interclast matrix between large blocks of coherent (albeit jigsaw fractured) lavas. Down flow, the interclast matrix component increased to become pervasive by ~23–25 km from the source, enveloping and preserving large megaclasts out to at least 30 km. The most distal exposures, limited by coastal erosion to ~25–27 km, show that the matrix was not completely water saturated, with only superficial penetration of the sand-dominated material into the margins of fractured lava domains, which still contained central void space. Evidence of multiple generations of particle fracturing is seen under scanning electron microscopy of sand-grade clasts, with initial decompression fractures crosscut by later cracks, pits, and scratches produced by collisional and frictional processes during transport. The findings from this study help to explain the formation of the highly irregular topography of debris avalanche deposits, with chaotically distributed (and probably temporary) zones of shear developing where softer lithologies occur in a collapsing mass, thus leading to differential velocity profiles of portions of the flowing mass in vertical and horizontal planes.

Refined stratigraphy of the Middle Permian Abrahamskraal Formation (Beaufort Group) in the southern Karoo Basin

Fluvially deposited rocks of the Abrahamskraal Formation of the lower Beaufort Group in the South African Karoo record sediment deposition during the Middle Permian, the earliest terrestrial environment of Gondwana. A rich diversity of fossil tetrapods from this Formation provides a unique opportunity for understanding Middle Permian biodiversity changes in Gondwanan terrestrial ecosystems, but this is dependent on the existence of a robust stratigraphic framework that has been hampered by lack of lateral continuity of lithological markers combined with structural complexities relating to formation of the Cape Fold Belt. Because the Abrahamskraal Formation covers a large geographic area of the main Karoo Basin previous stratigraphic studies have been undertaken over large areas. This study combines geology and palaeontology to refine the stratigraphy of the Abrahamskraal Formation in a part of the southwestern Karoo Basin and revealed mappable lithological units with lateral continuity throughout the study area. The measured stratigraphic section manifests a total thickness of 2565m for the Formation (the thickest occurrence of the Abrahamskraal Formation in the Beaufort Group). For the first time stratigraphic ranges of biostratigraphically important Middle Permian index taxa which have restricted stratigraphic ranges have been determined and, apart from dicynodonts, include the parareptile Eunotosaurus and the biarmosuchid therapsid Hipposaurus. The Abrahamskraal Formation comprises a 1104m thick basal Eodicynodon Assemblage Zone, overlain by a 1441m thick Tapinocephalus Assemblage Zone whose upper limit is 20m below the Poortjie Member of the Teekloof Formation.

Basal till and subglacial conditions at the base of the Upper Odra ice lobe (southern Poland) during the Odranian (Saalian) Glaciation

Normal 0 21 false false false PL X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 The objective of this contribution is detail characteristics of the basal till and the conditions in the base of Upper Odra Lobe . The lobe was formed in a foremountain area. Its central part was a Niemodlin Plain and the W part of the Racibórz Basin, surrounded by areas that have a much more varied relief. Particular attention is paid to the conditions at the ice sheet base, generating the dynamics of glacier movement. The study is based on analysis of the basal till. Three sites with basal till lying on different types of substratum (more typical for the study area) are presented. The basal till of the Upper Odra Lobe is characterized by spatial variations . Different intensities of its deformation indicate that large lateral differences in conditions occurred in the l obe substratum. The lithology controlled the rate of basal water pressure , and thus the strength of both the subglacial sediments and the ice-bed coupling . Various strain rates in the till profiles indicate that the conditions at the ice-sheet base also changed with time. The ice sheet was highly mobile , even on the coarse-grained substratum . The low permeability of the Quaternary substratum , and the relatively small thickness of the Quaternary sands and gravels resulted in a high water pressure at the ice-sheet base. The movement of the Upper Odra Lobe was concentrated in the basal zone of the ice sheet . The main mechanism of basal motion was sliding and deformation of the subglacial sediments . Deformation probably occurred in restricted areas and did not have a pervasive character . /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:Standardowy; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}

Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Patients with Refractory Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).

Background and study aim: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EE) is defined as the presence of an abundant eosinophil infiltrate of the esophageal mucosa observed at biopsy. For some time, the existence of a patho-physiological relationship between GERD and EE has been speculated. The aim of this work is to estimate the frequency of eosinophilic esophagitis among patients with refractory reflux esophagitis Patients and methods:We selected fifty patients diagnosed previously as refractory GERD(group I) . Another fifty patients corresponding in age and sex with group I with esophageal and extra-esophageal clinical symptoms suggestive of GERD were enrolled in this study as control (group II). All patients were subjected to upper GIT endoscopy (multiple biopsies were taken), 24 hrs esophageal PH monitoring, esophageal motility study, histopathology and immune -histochemistry of esophageal biopsies. Results : Two patients with EE were found among patients with refractory GERD. Dysphagia, heart burn, and food impaction were the common presenting symptoms of patients with EE. Rings and furrow were the most common and significant endoscopic pictures in cases of EE. Eosinophils, microabces, basal zone hyperplasia and increased lamina propria papillae were the significant specific finding for EE in esophageal biopsies. Esophageal dysmotility and occurrence of reflux were common and significant in patients with EE. Immuno-histochemistry had high sensitivity in detection of eosinophils and its degradation product in esophageal biopsies. Conclusion : eosinophilic esophagitis is one of the causative factors of refractory GERD and its frequency is about 4%.It should be put in differential diagnosis of cases of refractory GERD. Endoscopic picture is suggestive but biopsy for EE is confirmatory

Homeostasis and secretion of calcium in the oviductal mucosa of toad Rhinella arenarum.

The presence of a calcium pump, calbindin D-28KD, and calmodulin in the secretory cells (SC) of the oviductal pars convoluta (PC) of Rhinella arenarum was established for the first time in amphibians using immunohistochemical techniques. Marked variations were observed in the localization and degree of expression of these proteins according to the duct segment and the period of the sexual cycle analyzed. During the preovulatory and ovulatory periods the calcium pump colocalized with calbindin D-28KD can be seen mainly in the apical border of the SC, which are located in the first zones of PC and synthesize and secrete the components of the inner jelly coat layers. These envelopes, which surround the oocytes, contain the molecules indispensable for fertilization, probably inducing the sperm acrosome reaction (AR). Our results suggest that calmodulin, colocalized with the calcium pump at the SC cytoplasmic level, would be involved in the active transport of the cation inside the secretory granules, maintaining adequate levels of intracellular Ca(2+) . During the postreproductive period, a calcium pump colocalized with calbindin D-28KD appears for the first time in the cycle in the basal zones of the SC. This system may be related to the replenishing of intracellular Ca(2+) stores. In contrast, in R. arenarum the Ca(2+) present in the jelly coats that surround the oocytes participates in the AR during fertilization, suggesting that this secretion system of the cation provided by the oviductal mucosa is functionally more active during the reproductive period of this species.

An Unusual Cause of Odynophagia in a Patient With Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Question: An 18-year-old white man presented with 3 days of epigastric pain, odynophagia, vomiting, and fevers. He also reported 4 months of dysphagia with solids. His history included heartburn, allergic rhinitis, and wheat allergy. There was no personal or family history of recent infection. On admission, he was febrile (101.8°F) and tachycardic (110 bpm). Physical examination revealed a 2-mm ulcer in the lower lip and epigastric tenderness. Blood counts, biochemistry, and liver function tests were normal. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) revealed esophagitis with multiple discrete shallow round, 3- to 4-mm ulcers starting in upper esophagus and distributed throughout its circumference (Figure A, B). Histopathology revealed necroinflammatory tissue and squamous epithelium with intercellular edema, basal zone hyperplasia, and up to 56 eosinophils per high-power field (Figure C). Immunoperoxidase staining was negative for herpes simplex virus (HSV) and cytomegalovirus. Serum HSV antibodies, HIV, and cytomegalovirus polymerase chain reaction were negative. The histologic findings were interpreted as eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and treatment with pantoprazole was administered. Odynophagia persisted and repeated EGD at day 5 showed persistent coalescent esophageal ulcers along with white exudates and erythema (Figure D). Several specimens were obtained from the edge of the biopsy. A representative histopathology is shown (Figure E, F). What is the diagnosis? Look on page 38 for the answer and see the Gastroenterology web site (www.gastrojournal.org) for more information on submitting your favorite image to Clinical Challenges and Images in GI. Histopathology revealed marked inflammation and viral cytopathic changes. Immunohistochemistry showed broad reactivity for HSV types I and II (Figure G). Further investigation of cell and humoral immunity was normal. The patient was treated with intravenous acyclovir with resolution of odynophagia within 3 days and then completed 14 days with valacyclovir. At 3 months on therapy with pantoprazol, dysphagia had improved and further endoscopy was normal but random biopsies revealed persistence of mucosal eosinophilia. A final diagnosis of herpetic esophagitis (HE) with concurrent EoE was made. Since its first description in 1940, close to 60 cases of HE have been well-documented in immunocompetent adults and adolescents.1Canalejo Castrillero E. Garcia Duran F. Cabello N. et al.Herpes esophagitis in healthy adults and adolescents: report of 3 cases and review of the literature.Medicine (Baltimore). 2010; 89: 204-210Crossref PubMed Scopus (77) Google Scholar HE usually affects young men. Prodromal symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection and concurrent orolabial lesions can be present. The most common clinical manifestations include acute onset of odynophagia, retrosternal pain, fever, and dysphagia. EGD reveals multiple, coalescent or discrete, small ulcers in most patients. The diagnosis can be confirmed by histopathology, viral culture, or polymerase chain reaction detection of biopsies taken from the edge of the ulcers or esophageal brush. Despite the initial negative histopathology in our patient, high clinical suspicion prompted further endoscopic evaluation, which led to the final diagnosis. Antiviral therapy on immunocompetent patients remains debatable. The pathogenesis of HE in the immunocompetent host is not entirely understood. EoE has been linked to the occurrence of HSV esophagitis in previous case reports.2Squires K.A. Cameron D.J. Oliver M. et al.Herpes simplex and eosinophilic oesophagitis: the chicken or the egg?.J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2009; 49: 246-250Crossref PubMed Scopus (37) Google Scholar, 3Zaja Franulovic O. Lesar T. Busic N. et al.Herpes simplex primo-infection in an immunocompetent host with eosinophilic esophagitis.Pediatr Int. 2013; 55: e38-e41Crossref PubMed Scopus (20) Google Scholar In addition to local mucosal injury, dysregulation of T-helper 2 response in EoE may lead to a breakdown in barrier function and increase susceptibility to infection with swallowed virus. Future studies are needed to clarify the apparent link between these 2 entities.

A novel three dimensional semimetallic MoS2

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have many potential applications, while the performances of TMDs are generally limited by the less surface active sites and the poor electron transport efficiency. Here, a novel three-dimensional (3D) structure of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) with larger surface area was proposed based on first-principle calculations. 3D layered MoS2 structure contains the basal surface and joint zone between the different nanoribbons, which is thermodynamically stable at room temperature, as confirmed by first principles molecular dynamics calculations. Compared the two-dimensional layered structures, the 3D MoS2 not only owns the large surface areas but also can effectively avoid the aggregation. Interestingly, although the basal surface remains the property of the intrinsic semiconductor as the bulk MoS2, the joint zone of 3D MoS2 exhibits semimetallic, which is derived from degenerate 3d orbitals of the Mo atoms. The high stability, large surface area, and high conductivity make 3D MoS2 have great potentials as high performance catalyst.

Expression of G proteins in the olfactory receptor neurons of the newt Cynops pyrrhogaster: their unique projection into the olfactory bulbs.

We analyzed the expression of G protein α subunits and the axonal projection into the brain in the olfactory system of the semiaquatic newt Cynops pyrrhogaster by immunostaining with antibodies against Gαolf and Gαo , by in situ hybridization using probes for Gαolf , Gαo , and Gαi2 , and by neuronal tracing with DiI and DiA. The main olfactory epithelium (OE) consists of two parts, the ventral OE and dorsal OE. In the ventral OE, the Gαolf - and Gαo -expressing neurons are located in the apical and basal zone of the OE, respectively. This zonal expression was similar to that of the OE in the middle cavity of the fully aquatic toad Xenopus laevis. However, the Gαolf - and Gαo -expressing neurons in the newt ventral OE project their axons toward the main olfactory bulb (MOB) and the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB), respectively, whereas in Xenopus, the axons of both neurons project solely toward the MOB. In the dorsal OE of the newt, as in the principal cavity of Xenopus, the majority of the neurons express Gαolf and extend their axons into the MOB. In the vomeronasal organ (VNO), the neurons mostly express Gαo . These neurons and quite a few Gαolf -expressing neurons project their axons toward the AOB. This feature is similar to that in the terrestrial toad Bufo japonicus and is different from that in Xenopus, in which VNO neurons express solely Gαo , although their axons invariably project toward the AOB. We discuss the findings in the light of diversification and evolution of the vertebrate olfactory system.

Serum autoantibodies against the dermal-epidermal junction in patients with chronic pruritic disorders, elderly individuals and blood donors prospectively recruited.

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a subepidermal blistering autoimmune disease characterized by autoantibodies against two structural proteins of the epidermal basal membrane zone (BMZ), BP180 (type XVII collagen) and BP230. Patients are usually old and suffer from severe pruritus. Advanced age and severe pruritus have been hypothesized as potential risk factors for the development of autoantibodies in BP. To prospectively determine anti-BMZ antibodies in sera from patients with advanced age and/or pruritus compared with regular blood donors. Sera from (i) patients with chronic pruritic skin disorders (PSD, n=78; mean age 62years), (ii) patients with noninflammatory skin disease aged ≥70years (n=93; mean age 78years), and (iii) blood donors (n=50; mean age 41years) were included. A large panel of validated test systems used for routine diagnosis were employed comprising indirect immunofluorescence (IF) microscopy on monkey oesophagus and human salt-split skin, BP180 NC16A- and BP230-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) systems, and immunoblotting with various substrates, including LAD-1 (the soluble ectodomain of BP180), BP180, BP230, laminin 332, p200 antigen, laminin γ1 and type VII collagen. No statistically significant difference was seen between the three study groups. The same result was obtained when data for IF microscopy, ELISA and immunoblotting were analysed separately. Neither advanced age nor chronic pruritus have been verified as risk factors for autoantibodies against the epidermal BMZ.

Challenges in The Diagnosis And Treatment of Pemphigus Vulgaris: Clinical Case Reports

Bullous autoimmune diseases are lesions in which autoantibodies are produced against the structural components that maintain cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion in the skin and mucous membranes. They include disorders in which the bubbles are found in the basal membrane zone and those where bubbles form within the epidermis (pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigus foliaceus, and other subtypes). Due to the considerable overlap in clinical presentation of these conditions, diagnosing autoimmune bullous conditions of the skin and oral mucosa can be a challenge.

ITE and TCDD Differentially Regulate the Vascular Remodeling of Rat Placenta via the Activation of AhR

Vascular remodeling in the placenta is essential for normal fetal development. The previous studies have demonstrated that in utero exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD, an environmental toxicant) induces the intrauterine fetal death in many species via the activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). In the current study, we compared the effects of 2-(1′H-indole-3′-carbonyl)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (ITE) and TCDD on the vascular remodeling of rat placentas. Pregnant rats on gestational day (GD) 15 were randomly assigned into 5 groups, and were exposed to a single dose of 1.6 and 8.0 mg/kg body weight (bw) ITE, 1.6 and 8.0 µg/kg bw TCDD, or an equivalent volume of the vehicle, respectively. The dams were sacrificed on GD20 and the placental tissues were gathered. The intrauterine fetal death was observed only in 8.0 µg/kg bw TCDD-exposed group and no significant difference was seen in either the placental weight or the fetal weight among all these groups. The immunohistochemical and histological analyses revealed that as compared with the vehicle-control, TCDD, but not ITE, suppressed the placental vascular remodeling, including reduced the ratio of the placental labyrinth zone to the basal zone thickness (at least 0.71 fold of control), inhibited the maternal sinusoids dilation and thickened the trophoblastic septa. However, no marked difference was observed in the density of fetal capillaries in the labyrinth zone among these groups, although significant differences were detected in the expression of angiogenic growth factors between ITE and TCDD-exposed groups, especially Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), Endoglin, Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and placenta growth factor (PIGF). These results suggest ITE and TCDD differentially regulate the vascular remodeling of rat placentas, as well as the expression of angiogenic factors and their receptors, which in turn may alter the blood flow in the late gestation and partially resulted in intrauterine fetal death.

Cripto-1 Is Elevated In Pediatric Subjects With Eosinophilic Esophagitis

RationaleEosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic antigen mediated allergic response leading to tissue remodeling that includes basal zone hyperplasia and fibrosis in both pediatric and adult patients. Cripto-1, a member of the CFC-EGF family, is known to induce epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and epithelial cell proliferation. The role of Cripto-1 in EoE has yet to be characterized.MethodsImmunohistochemistry and qPCR were utilized to quantitate Cripto-1 and its receptor, Glypican-1, in biopsies and cultured primary esophageal epithelial cells from pediatric EoE and non-diseased control subjects.ResultsImmunohistochemistry and quantitative image analysis using a Cripto-1 specific antibody on paraffin-embedded specimens from active EoE subjects (n= 43) and non-diseased controls (n= 6) demonstrated elevated Cripto-1 in the epithelium of EoE patients compared to normal (p= 0.0005). Elevated Cripto-1 in the epithelium correlated with epithelial basal zone hyperplasia (rs=0.80, p= 0.0001). In addition, immunohistochemistry and quantitative PCR confirmed the presence of the Cripto-1 receptor, Glypican-1, in both paraffin-embedded specimens and cultured primary esophageal epithelial cells from EoE patients.ConclusionsPediatric EoE subjects have elevated epithelial Cripto-1 compared to control which may allude to a mechanistic pathway in which the signaling molecule binds to its receptor, Glypican-1, and has downstream effects contributing to tissue remodeling. RationaleEosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic antigen mediated allergic response leading to tissue remodeling that includes basal zone hyperplasia and fibrosis in both pediatric and adult patients. Cripto-1, a member of the CFC-EGF family, is known to induce epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and epithelial cell proliferation. The role of Cripto-1 in EoE has yet to be characterized. Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic antigen mediated allergic response leading to tissue remodeling that includes basal zone hyperplasia and fibrosis in both pediatric and adult patients. Cripto-1, a member of the CFC-EGF family, is known to induce epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and epithelial cell proliferation. The role of Cripto-1 in EoE has yet to be characterized. MethodsImmunohistochemistry and qPCR were utilized to quantitate Cripto-1 and its receptor, Glypican-1, in biopsies and cultured primary esophageal epithelial cells from pediatric EoE and non-diseased control subjects. Immunohistochemistry and qPCR were utilized to quantitate Cripto-1 and its receptor, Glypican-1, in biopsies and cultured primary esophageal epithelial cells from pediatric EoE and non-diseased control subjects. ResultsImmunohistochemistry and quantitative image analysis using a Cripto-1 specific antibody on paraffin-embedded specimens from active EoE subjects (n= 43) and non-diseased controls (n= 6) demonstrated elevated Cripto-1 in the epithelium of EoE patients compared to normal (p= 0.0005). Elevated Cripto-1 in the epithelium correlated with epithelial basal zone hyperplasia (rs=0.80, p= 0.0001). In addition, immunohistochemistry and quantitative PCR confirmed the presence of the Cripto-1 receptor, Glypican-1, in both paraffin-embedded specimens and cultured primary esophageal epithelial cells from EoE patients. Immunohistochemistry and quantitative image analysis using a Cripto-1 specific antibody on paraffin-embedded specimens from active EoE subjects (n= 43) and non-diseased controls (n= 6) demonstrated elevated Cripto-1 in the epithelium of EoE patients compared to normal (p= 0.0005). Elevated Cripto-1 in the epithelium correlated with epithelial basal zone hyperplasia (rs=0.80, p= 0.0001). In addition, immunohistochemistry and quantitative PCR confirmed the presence of the Cripto-1 receptor, Glypican-1, in both paraffin-embedded specimens and cultured primary esophageal epithelial cells from EoE patients. ConclusionsPediatric EoE subjects have elevated epithelial Cripto-1 compared to control which may allude to a mechanistic pathway in which the signaling molecule binds to its receptor, Glypican-1, and has downstream effects contributing to tissue remodeling. Pediatric EoE subjects have elevated epithelial Cripto-1 compared to control which may allude to a mechanistic pathway in which the signaling molecule binds to its receptor, Glypican-1, and has downstream effects contributing to tissue remodeling.

Evaluation of SOX2 as a potential marker for ameloblastic carcinoma

Ameloblastic carcinoma often poses diagnostic challenges in its separation from benign ameloblastoma with atypical cytologic features or an unusual clinical course. This study aimed to determine whether SOX2 (sex determining region-Y-related high mobility group box 2), a protein expressed in the epithelial basal proliferative zone in dentigerous cysts, is a marker for ameloblastic carcinoma as well as for high-grade transformation in ameloblastic neoplasms. Immunoperoxidase stains were performed according to a standard protocol. Immunostains were interpreted independently by 3 pathologists, and scores were recorded based on the percentage of staining and intensity of staining in the cells of interest. The diffuse strong nuclear staining pattern has 86.4% specificity (19 of 22) to indicate the presence of high-grade features and has 76.9% sensitivity (10 of 13) in comparison with benign counterparts (P= .0021). Although previously shown as a marker for ameloblastic neoplasms, calretinin is weakly positive in a few cells in 50% (5 of 10) of ameloblastic carcinoma and 43% (3 of 7) of benign ameloblastic neoplasms, with little value in highlighting the high-grade change (P= .36). The diffuse nuclear staining pattern of SOX2 is suggestive of a high-grade process in ameloblastic neoplasms. Numerous aggregates of cells harboring dense nuclear stain should raise concern for a malignancy.

Distribution and type of sticky spots at the centre of a deglacial streamlined lobe in northeastern Manitoba, Canada

The distribution of basal drag zones (sticky spots) underneath palaeo‐ice streams or lobes is largely unknown. We investigated the centre of the large (300 km long and up to 400 km wide) deglacial Hayes Lobe in NE Manitoba, Canada, by focusing on surficial till and its composition to get insights into dispersal patterns and their potential relationships to areas of basal drag. Subglacial bed roughness is a good criterion to identify areas of basal drag, but till composition may provide important insights across smoother beds. The onset zone of the Hayes Lobe overlies Palaeozoic Carbonate Platform rocks, whereas the majority of the lobe overlies the low‐lying Canadian Shield. We show that, within a 3500‐km2 central area of this lobe, calcareous detritus within the till has been transported over 100 km within subglacial environments of reduced ice‐bed coupling and fast ice flow. Six per cent of samples (n = 782), however, outline 0.2 to 4 km wide spots with a dominantly local composition. The glacial history and composition indicate that the till within these spots contains high inheritance from a pre‐Late Wisconsinan ice‐flow phase, which we suggest was protected beneath sticky spots (low erosion, high strength) during transport of substantial calcareous detritus to the area. Furthermore, our findings show that local till spots are present within streamlined landforms, as well as till blankets or veneers over bedrock. This diverse geomorphology indicates that the process of drumlinization within the deglacial Hayes Lobe does not appear to have been responsible for significant sediment transport or deposition across the study area. The overall record thus indicates potentially complex spatiotemporal shifts between calcareous till deposition, sticky conditions, erosion and drumlinization – which supports the subglacial bed mosaic model.

Changes in DNA, dry mass and protein content of leaf epidermis nuclei during aging of perennial monocotyledonous plants

DNA, NYS and DNFB protein contents were measured cytophotometrically using the Feulgen method in the nuclei of the epidermis from. the basal zone of young leaves and from the basal and apical zones of old leaves in two perennial monocotyledonous species, <i>Clivia miniata</i> and <i>Rhoeo discolor</i>. Dry mass was determined interferometrically. It was shown that nuclei with a 2C DNA content dominated in both zones of old leaves, and that a significant percentage of cells with a DNA content below 2C were present. The ratio between euchromatin DNA and heterochromatin DNA indicates a greater decrease in euchromatin during aging. Changes in DNA due to real DNA loss are accompanied by decreases in NYS and DNFB stained proteins and a decrease in dry mass content correlated mainly with the decrease in the amount of NYS proteins.