Connective Tissue Fibers Research Articles

The prospects for the use of proteinase from Bacillus pumilus for processing raw meat

The purpose of the work was to assess the prospects of using the microbial proteinase from Bacillus pumilus for processing meat raw materials with a high content of connective tissue fibers. This proteinase has broad substrate specificity and is capable of deep hydrolysis of proteins. The effect of protease from Bacillus pumilus on meat raw materials was studied with the prospect of using in the production technology. Proteinase is very effective at the structural elements of meat raw materials, in particular water-soluble and salt-soluble protein complexes, as confirmed by spectrophotometric studies. Enzymatic treatment with proteinase from B. pumilus destructively affects cellular structures, leads to swelling and loosening of collagen fibers. The accumulation of free amino acids was recorded during processing, the degree of hydrolysis was estimated, which amounted to an average of 15-20% depending on the type of protein fraction. The positive effect of the use of proteinase to improve the functional and technological properties of raw meat was established, which resulted in an increase in its water-binding and water-holding capacity, as well as the yield of finished products after heat treatment. Based on the results of the work, it was concluded that proteinase from B. Pumilus is promising for the processing of meat raw materials with reduced functional and technological properties, which is unsuitable for the production of meat products without additional processing.

New insights into the lacrimal pump

PurposeTo date, there are many theories about tear transport through the canaliculi of the draining lacrimal system into the lacrimal sac but only few with supportive data. It is certain that the function of the lacrimal part of orbicularis oculi muscle (Horner-Duverney's muscle) is indispensable for the transport of “used” tears. However, the muscle's exact structure and the mechanisms of its functions are as yet unclear. To obtain deeper insights we undertook the present study. MethodsUpper and lower canaliculi (including the entrance into the lacrimal sac) from donor cadavers were dissected. Some of the specimens were prepared for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to analyze the course of muscle fibers surrounding the canaliculi. Others were sectioned for enzyme- (EHC) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) to learn about the distribution of slow and fast reacting muscle fibers in Horner-Duverney's muscle as well as to analyze the distribution of different neurotransmitters to learn more about the innervation of Horner-Duverney's muscle. Four tear duct systems taken from body donors were cut out en bloc after formalin fixation, serially sectioned and reconstructed using a newly developed technology for 3D reconstruction of histological serial sections named HiD® (Chimaera GmbH, Germany). Patients that had undergone dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) were video-analyzed endonasally during active blinking, focusing on viewing the temporal wall of the lacrimal sac movement where the canaliculi penetrated the lacrimal sac. ResultsSEM revealed that muscle fibers of Horner-Duverney's muscle surround the vertical parts of the upper and lower canaliculus in a scissor like pattern whereas they ran in parallel to the first two thirds of the horizontal parts surrounding the respective canaliculus. Here, the muscle fibers were embedded in dense connective tissue forming a unique network. At the nasal third, muscle fibers left the canaliculi and ran to the posterior part of the fascia of the lacrimal sac and the lacrimal bone. EHC revealed that Horner-Duverney's muscle contained nearly an equal distribution of type I and type IIb muscle fibers compared to the superior rectus muscle which contains more type I and the masseter and iliopsoas muscles with more type IIb muscle fibers. IHC indicated presence of trigeminal, catecholaminergic and cholinergic nerve endings. 3D reconstructions supported the SEM data. Endonasal video analysis of patients after DCR with a nasally open lacrimal sac revealed bulging of the temporal wall of the lacrimal sac during blinking. On the basis of these findings, a modified lacrimal pump theory is proposed. ConclusionThe results support the hypothesis that contraction of Horner-Duverney's muscle leads to closure of the canaliculi in their first two thirds based on the special arrangement of muscle fibers and connective tissue fibers. This causes the tear fluid in the canaliculi to be pressed/transported towards the lacrimal sac. The medial third of the vertical portions of the canaliculi, the canaliculus communis and the intrasaccal portion of the canaliculus are compressed by the shortening and thickening of the Horner-Duverney muscle from dorsal, which leads to a compression of the canaliculi lumens in this part of the system, thereby pushing the lacrimal fluid further towards the lacrimal sac. The mix of fast contracting and fatigue resistant muscle fibers is ideally suited for the blink mechanism that is complexly regulated by the nervous system.

Distribution of spleen connective tissue fibers in diabetic and vitamin C treated diabetic rats

ABSTRACT We investigated the distribution of connective tissue fibers in diabetic and vitamin C treated diabetic rat spleen. Rats were divided into three groups: group A, control; group B, diabetic; group C, vitamin C treated diabetic. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin. Vitamin C was administered intragastrically for 21 days. Spleen tissues were examined by light microscopy after staining with Masson’s trichrome, Gomori silver impregnation and van Gieson. In group B, we found accumulation of collagen fibers in the trabeculae, in the capsule and around the central artery and splenic sinusoids. Splenic cord thickening due to fibrosis was observed. Reticular fibers accumulated principally in the white and red pulps of the spleen and focal reticular fiber thickening was observed in the dense fiber areas. Partial elastic fiber rupture was observed among the fibers of the elastic lamina of the arteries in the hilum. By contrast, the distribution of collagen fibers in group C was similar to group A. Collagen fiber accumulation was decreased in group C compared to group B. We found little reticular fiber thickening in group C and elastic fibers maintained their integrity and were better organized than in group B. Our findings suggest that appropriate doses of vitamin C may exert beneficial effects on the structure of the connective tissue fibers in the diabetic spleen.

DSC and histological analysis of decellularized porcine biograft

Different types of biological grafts are useful for the replacement of infected prostheses in vascular surgery. In cases, when autologous grafts or homografts are not available, xenografts can be an alternative choice. To reduce immunogenicity, decellularization of the xenogeneic graft is necessary. Our goal was to determine the long-lasting stability of our decellularized porcine vascular grafts, in the mirror of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and routine histological examination. In the first experiment, light and electron microscopic confirmation of adequate decellularization of our used protocol was assessed. In the second series, DSC measurements were performed both on native and on treated samples; thereafter, histological evaluation of the analyzed samples was performed. Light and electron microscopy evaluation showed complete removal of cells and preserved connective tissue fiber structure after decellularization in the first series. In the second part of our investigation, DSC measurements demonstrated reversible change in the structure of elastic fibers and irreversible change in the structure of collagen fiber structure supported by histological findings. Our examination strengthens the earlier observations that decellularized biological grafts can tend to late aneurysmatic degeneration, due to their weakened fiber structure, besides the known immunological circumstances.

Thymic Fatty Degeneration in the Vertebrate Animals and Humans

The aim of the study was to compare features of fatty degeneration of the thymus in humans and vertebrate animals living in the natural and anthropogenic environment. Material and methods. This was a comparative morphological study. For the first time, the methods of light microscopy were applied to compare the thymus in humans and vertebrates belonging to four classes: Amphibia, Reptilia, Aves, Mammalia. The results of the study evidence the absence of fatty degeneration of the thymus in the vast majority of animals living in the natural environment. Owing to the specific features of biology, an insignificant amount of adipose tissue (0.38±0.041%) in the area of interlobular septa appears only in the thymus of a white-breasted hedgehog. There is no fat replacement of the lymphoid tissue of the thymus in the hedgehog, since fat cells remain separated from the lymphocytes and reticulo-epithelial stroma by the connective tissue fibers of the interlobular septa. In vertebrates under vivar conditions, as well as in humans, the severity of fatty degeneration increases tenfold due to the effects of physical inactivity. It was found that in the second period of maturity, the area occupied by the adipose tissue in the thymus of mature American mink reaches 3.07±0.68%, in an outbred rat – 28.4±4.1% and in humans – 39.15±6.65%. The early terms of the onset of fatty degeneration and the greatest severity of this phenomenon in the thymus of a human are associated not only with the influence of hypokinesia and excessive intake of calories, but also due to a complex of other adverse effects that are found in abundance in an anthropogenic environment. Conclusion. Thus, fatty degeneration is not an obligate effect of age-related involution of the lymphoid system, but most likely results from the influence of specific conditions of existence.

Effets aigus de l’exposition à la tartrazine (E102) sur le comportement et l’histologie d’un modèle biologique l’escargot terrestre Helix aspersa

Introduction. Tartrazine is an azofood additive widely used in the pharmaceu-cal, cosmetic, food, and other industries. Objective. To assess the effects of tartrazineon the attitude to move and to eat, and histological changes in digestive, and renal sys-tem, after an acute treatment on a biological model the snail Helix aspersa. Material and Methods. Snails were exposed orally, and by contact to flour contaminated with this dye for 24 hours. Adult snails were divided into two groups of 20 animals each. The control group fed flour alone. The experimental group was administered orally with flour treated with tartrazine (200mg/g flour). Results. The observation of behaviour revealed inhibitory effects of tartrazine on locomotion, and nutrition of snails. Histolo-gical examination of intestines, hepatopancreas, and kidney of treated animals showed altered tissue structures, with advanced degeneration of digestive tubules, connective tissue, and smooth muscle fibers of the walls surrounding the three organs, in response to tartrazine, compared to controls. Conclusion. This study suggests that acute exposure to tartrazine may lead to disorders in locomotor, and nutritional behavior, in addition to tissue alterations. Therefore, this study on behavior, supported by histological changes in H. Aspersa can be used as potential biomarkers of exposure to other azodyes.

Does melamine exposure during infancy cause rhabdomyolysis?

ABSTRACT We investigated the possible toxic effects of melamine on muscle tissue in rats using biochemical, hematological and histopathological methods. We used three groups of female albino Wistar rats. The first group was given 0.1 ml saline. The second and third groups were given 50 and 75 mg/kg melamine dissolved in 0.1 ml saline, respectively, daily for 21 days. On day 45, all rats were sacrificed, and whole blood and plasma were analyzed for hematologic and biochemical characteristics. Muscle samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histopathological investigation. Other sections were immunostained for matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and type IV collagen. We found a significant increase in the lymphocytosis-compliant leukocyte number in the 75 mg/kg melamine group compared to the other groups. We also found significant decreases in the hemoglobin levels and hematocrit values in the 75 mg/kg compared to the other groups. We found that the 75 mg/kg melamine group exhibited a significant increase in plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity compared to the other groups. Changes in plasma creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase activity were not statistically significant. Plasma AST activity and mean corpuscular hemoglobin levels were correlated with the lymphocyte:neutrophil ratio. We found mononuclear cell infiltration at the periphery of muscle bundles and in the connective tissue bundles in the melamine treated group. We found MMP-9 expression in muscle cell membranes and type IV collagen expression in degenerative connective tissue fibers. Whole blood, plasma and muscle tissue analysis indicated that the 75 mg/kg melamine group exhibited rhabdomyolysis that was associated with lymphocytosis and anemia. The underlying mechanisms by which melamine causes rhabdomyolytic effects remain unclear.

CO-EXTRUSION OF COLLAGEN CASINGS. EFFECTS OF PREPARATION, BRINING, AND HEATING ON STRENGTH, RHEOLOGY AND MICROSTRUCTURE

Properties of five collagen preparations were investigated to enhance understanding of in-line co-extrusion casing formation. The first study revealed that 30% NaCl and 5 min brining provided maximum strength. The second study showed 100% difference in tensile strength between preparations; when adjusted to % protein, the difference was smaller but still existed. Extrusion force and elastic modulus (G’) also varied; appear to be acid dependent. Denaturation temperature of raw dispersions was between 36.7 and 38.9 ?C. Upon salt brining, it substantially increased to 63.3 -65.3 ?C. Polarized light microscopy revealed numerus intact segments of connective tissue fibers and some cellulose fibers.

Bilaminar Structure of the Human Optic Nerve Sheath

ABSTRACT Purpose/Aim We aimed to characterize the connective tissue microanatomy, elastin abundance, and fiber orientation in the human optic nerve sheath, also known as the optic nerve dura mater, for correlation with its biomechanical properties. Materials and Methods Seven whole human orbits aged 4–93 years, and five isolated human optic nerve sheaths aged 26–75 years were formalin fixed, paraffin embedded, coronally sectioned, stained by Masson trichrome and van Gieson’s elastin methods, and analyzed quantitatively for elastin fiber abundance and orientation. Elastin area fraction was defined as area stained for elastin divided by total area. Results While unilaminar in children, the adult ON sheath exhibited distinct inner and outer layers. Collagen was denser and more compact in the inner layer. Elastin area fraction was significantly greater at 6.0 ± 0.4% (standard error of mean) in the inner than outer layer at 3.6 ± 0.4% (P < 10−5). Elastin fibers had three predominant orientations: longitudinal, diagonal, and circumferential. Of circumferential fibers, 63 ± 4.7% were in the inner and 37 ± 4.7% in the outer layer (P < 10−4). Longitudinal and diagonal fibers were uniformly distributed in both layers. Elastin density and sheath thickness increased significantly with age (P < .01). Conclusions The adult human optic nerve sheath is bilaminar, with each layer containing elastin fibers oriented in multiple directions consistent with isotropic properties. Differences in laminar elastin density and orientation may reflect greater tensile loading in the inner than in the outer layer.

Morphological peculiarities of the liver in alcoholic hepatitis in combination with arterial hypertension

The purpose of the study is to investigate the morphological features of the liver with alcoholic hepatitis in combination with arterial hypertension. Material and methods. Autopsy material (34 cases) of the liver of the deceased with the clinical diagnosis of alcoholic liver disease was investigated. The definitive diagnosis of the form of alcoholic liver damage was revealed by microscopic examination of histological sections of the liver using the method of inspection staining (hematoxylin and eosin) and three histochemical methods: staining with chromotropic-aqueous blue by N. Z. Slinchenko, bromphenol blue according to Mikel Calvo (to evaluate the processes of oxidative modification of proteins and to estimate the total protein concentration), staining free amino groups of proteins in ninghydrin-Schiff and reaction Yasuma Ichikawa and evaluation processes for limited proteolysis. Results. Histological examination of liver preparations of patients with alcoholic hepatitis showed a typical picture of the inflammatory process in combination with steatosis. The inflammation was localized mainly in the connective tissue of the portal tracts in the form of lymphocytic infiltrates with impurities of polymorphonuclear leukocytes. The proportion of infiltrates in patients with hypertension did not differ, on average, from patients without hypertension. The density of infiltration by lymphocytes and polymorphonuclear leukocytes was very uneven, even within one liver. But it can be noted that the infiltration of the portal tracts was generally more dense than the periportal areas of the liver lobules. The portal tract stroma in some patients was slightly swollen. The sinusoids of the liver lobules are somewhat enlarged, with plethora. There are hemorrhages in the stroma of the portal tracts and around them. In hypertension, the specific volume of hemorrhage is more than twice the rate of patients with alcoholic hepatitis without arterial hypertension. In arterial hypertension, the percentage of hepatocytes in the state of fatty dystrophy and in the state of necrosis is much higher. Fatty dystrophy was predominantly a large droplet in both groups of the study, some of the hepatocytes were with signs of medium-sized fatty dystrophy. The nature of the fat droplets did not depend on the presence of hypertension. Necrosis was either colliquative (more common), or in other cases, necrosis was fat. In arterial hypertension, the specific connective tissue volume of portal tracts and collagen fibers was higher (p <0.05). For hepatocytes with signs of fatty dystrophy, the R/B coefficient in hypertension exceeded this in observations of alcoholic hepatitis without hypertension. Alcoholic hepatitis on the background of hypertension in all hepatocytes there is also an increase in processes of limited proteolysis. An important fact was the establishment of a higher level of proteolysis in connective tissue fibers. Conclusions. In alcoholic hepatitis in patients with hypertension compared with patients without hypertension, there is an increase in the percentage of hepatocytes in the state of fatty dystrophy and the percentage of hepatocytes in a state of necrosis, increase in the specific volume of hemorrhage, increase in the specific volume of tissue. collagen fibers and the optical color density of collagen fibers. There is also an intensification of the processes of free radical oxidation of proteins and limited proteolysis in hepatocytes and connective tissue fibers.

Scelidosaurus harrisoniifrom the Early Jurassic of Dorset, England: the dermal skeleton

<i>Scelidosaurus harrisonii</i>from the Early Jurassic of Dorset, England: the dermal skeleton

From Pressure-Volume Relationship to Volume-Energy Relationship: A Thermo-Statistical Model for Alveolar Micromechanics

The connective tissue fiber system and the surfactant system are essential and interdependent components of lung elasticity. Despite considerable efforts over the last decades, we are still far from understanding the quantitative roles of either the connective tissue fiber or the surfactant systems. Through thermo-statistic considerations of alveolar micromechanics, the author introduced a thermo-statistic state function “entropy” to analyze the elastic property of pulmonary parenchyma based on the origami model of alveolar polyhedron. By use of the entropy for alveolar micromechanics, from the logistic equation for the static pressure (P)-volume (V) curves including parameters a, b, c, and k (V - a = b/[1+ exp{-k (P - c)}]), a set of equations was obtained to define the internal energy of lungs (UL) and its corresponding lung volume (VL). Then, by use of parameters a, b, c, and k, an individual volume-internal energy (VL - UL) diagram was constructed from reported data in patients on mechanical ventilation. Each VL - UL diagram constructed was discussed that its minimal value Uo = c (a + b/2) and its shape parameter b/k represent quantitatively the energy of tissue force and the energy of surface force. Furthermore, by use of the VL - UL relationship, the hysteresis of lungs estimated by entropy production was discussed as dependent on the difference in the number of contributing pulmonary lobules. That is, entropy production might be a novel quantitative indicator to estimate the dynamics of the bronchial tree. These values obtained by combinations of parameters of the logistic P-V curve seem useful indicators to optimize setting a mechanical ventilator. Thus, it is necessary to develop easy tools for fitting the individual sigmoid pressure-volume curve measured in the intensive care unit to the logistic equation.

Reaching task performance is associated to neuromuscular junction adaptations in rats with induced diabetes mellitus.

Upper limb performance is affected by diabetes mellitus (DM). Neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a key structure to understand the relationship between performance and morphology in DM. The aim of the study was to analyze NMJ plasticity due to DM in an animal model and its relationship with the function of forelimbs in rats. Twelve Wistar rats were divided into control (C) and DM groups. Animals were trained to perform a grasping task, following procedures of habituation, shaping, and reaching task. DM was induced using streptozotocin. Forelimb neuromuscular performance for dexterity was evaluated one day before DM induction and five weeks following induction. After that, biceps, triceps, and finger flexors and extensors were removed. Connective tissue and muscle fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) were measured. NMJ was assessed by its morphometric characteristics (area, perimeter, and maximum diameter), using ImageJ software. Motor performance analyses were made using single pellet retrieval task performance test. Student’s t-test was used for comparisons between groups. A significant decrease in all NMJ morphometric parameters was observed in the DM group compared with the C group. Results showed that DM generated NMJ retraction in muscles involved in a reaching task. These alterations are related to signs of muscular atrophy and to poor reaching task performance. In conclusion, induced DM caused NMJ retraction and muscular atrophy in muscles involved in reaching task performance. Induced DM caused significantly lower motor performance, especially in the final moments of evaluation, when DM compromised the tropism of the muscular tissue.

The Effect of Laser-Lok Abutments on Fiber Orientation and Buccal Bone Remodeling: A Histomorphometric Study.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect that microgrooved abutments may have on peri-implant tissues. After the flapless extractions of the mandibular premolars of eight dogs, four Laser-Lok implants were placed in each mandibular quadrant, and half of them received laser-microgrooved abutments. A xenograft (MinerOss X, BioHorizons) was used in the gaps. The dogs were euthanized 12 weeks after treatment, and the histomorphometric analysis was performed. Unlike the machined abutments, the microgrooved abutments influenced the orientation of connective tissue fibers, which appeared perpendicularly and adhered to the implant-abutment surfaces, preventing the apical migration of the junctional epithelium. Laser-microgrooved abutments showed superior results.

Protective effect of Melatonin and Ganoderma lucidum against the negative effects of extremely low frequency electric and magnetic fields in the periodontal tissues

Aim:The purpose of this study was to determine whether extremely low frequency electric and magnetic field (ELF-EMF) had any detrimental effects on periodontal tissue and to investigate, histologically and immunohistochemically whether melatonin (MLT) and Ganoderma lucidum (GL) had a protective role against these detrimental effects.&#x0D; Methodology:A total of 56 adults, male Wistar Albino rats were used in this study. Rats were divided into 7 equal groups and exposed to ELF-EMF, which was produced by a high voltage source, 8 hours / day for 26 days. GL (20 mg / kg / day) and MLT (10 mg / kg / day) were administered by the oral gavage and intraperitoneal method.&#x0D; Results: Fibrous degeneration in the periodontal membrane, inflammatory cell infiltration, connective tissue fiber organization, dilation, and hemorrhage in the blood vessels changes were determined in the periodontal tissue of the rats in groups I and IV. A statistically significant difference was determined in the groups treated with MLT and GL (p&lt;0.05).&#x0D; Conclusions: It has been determined that ELF-EMF exposure causes histological changes in the periodontal tissue of rats and that MLT and GL may protect against these effects.&#x0D; &#x0D; How to cite this article: Gül M, Yavaş MC, Dündar S. Protective effect of Melatonin and Ganoderma lucidum against the negative effects of extremely low frequency electric and magnetic fields in the periodontal tissues. Int Dent Res 2019;9(3):119-26.&#x0D; &#x0D; Linguistic Revision: The English in this manuscript has been checked by at least two professional editors, both native speakers of English.

Pathomorphology of cats with myocardial infectious peritonitis

The article presents the results of macroscopic and microscopic examinations of myocardial cats in wet and mixed forms of FIP. A pathoanatomical study of 19 cat carcasses, aged from 3 months to 7 years, was diagnosed with infectious peritonitis during life (on the basis of anamnesis, clinical features, morphological and biochemical blood test, ultrasound, Rivalt test and FCVetx rapid test VetE.) All animals were kept at home. For the microstructural study, samples of cats' hearts were selected, which were fixed in 10% aqueous formalin neutral solution, Carnua, Buen solutions and 96 ° ethyl alcohol. Histogram sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin staining, picrofuxin (Van Gizon), PAS reaction (McManus), methyl green pyronin (Brache), Malory, and examined under a microscope. Histological examination of the cardiac muscle of cats in various forms of infectious peritonitis revealed changes of non-inflammatory and inflammatory nature. In the exudative form, non-inflammatory processes prevailed. In the myocardium, the most severe changes occurred in the capillaries, the walls of the arterial vessels and the stroma, which were characterized by diapedic hemorrhage, mucoid and fibrinoid swelling and necrosis of the walls of the arterioles. Disorganization of connective tissue was accompanied by stratification of connective tissue fibers and impregnation of weakly oxyphilic, PAS-positive compounds of the intermuscular lumen, which was combined with dystrophic changes in cardiomyocytes. In the mixed form, proliferative-destructive vasculitis, diffuse or focal lymphoid-histiocytic infiltrates in the myocardium prevail. The revealed optical changes in the structural elements of the heart indicated a sharp weakening of the contractile function of cardiomyocytes and heart failure. In addition, it should be noted that the characteristic morphological manifestation for immunocomplex diseases is the development of vasculitis, which is preceded by fibrinoid necrosis of the walls of the arterial vessels and intensive infiltration of their circulatory elements, and these changes occurred in infectious peritonitis of cats.

Function of Cryopreserved Cat Ovarian Tissue after Autotransplantation.

Simple SummaryAssisted reproduction techniques are potentially important tools for the creation of gene banks largely focused on preserving female germ cells and tissues, cryopreservation being one of the most important. Since there is not yet a protocol established for the preservation of cat ovarian tissue, we decided to assess our cryopreservation protocol with autotransplantation of the ovary. Our study showed that even though follicular survival was low, follicles were able to survive up to 28 days of transplantation and develop up to the antral stage, which helps elucidate the path for preservation of felid ovaries. Once this technique is improved, it may contribute to the preservation of wild feline species.The aim of this study was to assess a slow-freezing protocol of cat ovarian tissue cryopreservation using autotransplantation. Four adult queens were ovariohysterectomized and the ovaries were fragmented and cryopreserved. After one week, the grafts were thawed and autografted to the subcutaneous tissue of the dorsal neck of each queen, then randomly removed after 7, 14, 28, 49, and 63 days after transplantation. Percentages of morphologically normal primordial and growing follicles (MNFs) were 88% and 97%, respectively, in fresh tissue samples (fresh controls), and 74% and 100%, respectively, immediately after thawing (cryo D0). No MNFs were found after 49 days of transplantation. In both fresh control and cryo D0 fragments, granulosa cells were frequently in proliferation. Two morphologically normal antral follicles were detected in one queen on Day 28 post-transplantation. Connective tissue fibers increased, suggesting replacement of active ovarian cortex by fibrous tissue. Tissue vascularization was observed at 7 days after grafting, and wide blood vessels were clearly visible on Days 49 and 63. In conclusion, although follicular survival was low after cryopreservation and grafting of cat ovarian tissue, follicles were able to develop up to the antral stage, which is an encouraging outcome.

Fibrillin-2 gene mutations associated with hereditary connective tissue diseases

Fibrillin-2 (FBN2) is an important component of microfibers which are involved in the formation of elastic fibers in connective tissue throughout the human body. Hereditary connective tissue diseases may result from genetic mutations of FBN2 causing heterogeneity of fibrin. Genetic mutations of FBN2 are associated with a variety of hereditary connective tissue diseases including Congenital Contractural Arachnodactyl (CCA), Macular Degeneration (MD), and myopathy. Studies have shown that the FBN2 gene is recognized as the only pathogenic gene related to CCA and that CCA patients have different clinical presentations depending on the identified genetic mutations at different FBN2 sites. In this review, we summarize the roles of FBN2, its mutations and impact on the physiological and pathological processes of many hereditary connective tissue diseases. We include brief descriptions of clinical manifestations of these diseases providing a basis for further exploration of the specific molecular mechanism of FBN2 gene mutation pathogenesis which provides a theoretical basis for the therapy and medications for refractory diseases caused by FBN2 gene mutation.

Hard and soft tissue evaluation of titanium dental implants and abutments with nanotubes in canines.

Little is known regarding the interaction of dental implant surface nanotubes and oral soft and hard tissues. The purpose of this study was to evaluate both histologically and radiographically the qualitative and quantitative effects of dental implant surface nanotubes on hard and soft tissue in a canine model. Three subgroups consisting of a combination of test and control implants and abutments (Group A: control implant/control abutment, Group B: control implant/test abutment: Group C: test implant/test abutment) were placed in edentulous mandibles of six large-breed canines. Implants and abutments were placed on one side at baseline, and on the opposite side of the mandible at week 10; sacrifice occurred at week 12. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were used to measure newly formed hard and soft tissues histologically and radiographically. The mean radiographic change in marginal bone level from weeks 0 to 12 between implant groups was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Mean soft tissue contact (junctional epithelium + connective tissue) for Groups A, B, and C were 2.29, 2.33, and 2.31mm, respectively, with no statistically significant difference (P>0.05) between the groups. All connective tissue fibers were oriented parallel to the abutment regardless of surface treatment. The findings of this study suggest that healing of hard and soft tissues around implants and abutments is similar when comparing grit-blasted surfaces to machined, turned surfaces with nanotubes. Both resulted in similar soft tissue contact values, as well as connective tissue fiber orientation.

The myodural bridge complex defined as a new functional structure.

The connective tissue between suboccipital muscles and the cervical spinal dura mater (SDM) is known as the myodural bridge (MDB). However, the adjacent relationship of the different connective tissue fibers that form the MDB remains unclear. This information will be highly useful in exploring the function of the MDB. The adjacent relationship of different connective tissue fibers of MDB was demonstrated based upon three-dimensional visualization model, P45 plastinated slices and histological sections of human MDB. We found that the MDB originating from the rectus capitis posterior minor muscle (RCPmi), rectus capitis posterior major muscle (RCPma) and obliquus capitis inferior muscle (OCI) in the suboccipital region coexists. Part of the MDB fibers originate from the ventral aspect of the RCPmi and, together with that from the cranial segment of the RCPma, pass through the posterior atlanto-occipital interspace (PAOiS) and enter into the posterior aspect of the upper cervical SDM. Also, part of the MDB fibers originate from the dorsal aspect of the RCPmi, the ventral aspect of the caudal segment of the RCPma, and the ventral aspect of the medial segment of the OCI, enter the central part of the posterior atlanto-axial interspace (PAAiS) and fuse with the vertebral dura ligament (VDL), which connects with the cervical SDM. Our findings prove that the MDB exists as a complex structure which we termed the 'myodural bridge complex' (MDBC). In the process of head movement, tensile forces could be transferred possibly and effectively by means of the MDBC. The concept of MDBC will be beneficial in the overall exploration of the function of the MDB.