Extent Of Morphological Changes Research Articles

Climate control on the channel morphodynamics of the Sittaung River, Myanmar

The spatio–temporal development of a meandering river is controlled by its channel morphodynamics. In regions of rapid channel evolution, understanding the driving factors of meander migration is crucial in forecasting the rate and extent of morphological change. Sediment supply and fluvial discharge are the primary influences on migration rate, however climate oscillations are also integral in indirectly regulating migration rate through their control of regional precipitation, as well as the monsoon season of sub-tropical Asia. Despite this, an in-depth investigation into the impact of climate oscillations on meander bend migration remains undocumented. This study presents a satellite-based analysis of multi-decadal climatic forcing on the migration rate of the Sittaung River in Myanmar, through interpretation of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The mode of ENSO exerts significant climatic control on the migration rate of the meandering channels of the Sittaung River, with low-to-average migration rates recorded during dry El Niño events and peak migration rates observed during wet La Niña events. However, this climatic signal may have been obscured by certain local environmental conditions. In cases where meanders faced geological basement, the basement rock inhibited their migration through extension, forcing more rapid migration by way of seaward translation. Consequently, these translating meanders developed to be more elongate, with lower curvatures. Meanders downstream of the approximate tidal limit were less downstream skewed, indicative of tidal modulation, potentially obscuring the impact of fluvially driven climate forcing. Additionally, downstream of a major confluence, the input of sediment and fluvial discharge may have been regulated by upstream anthropogenic activities such as mining and dam construction, leading to greater variability in migration rate downstream of this confluence and further obfuscation of the climate signal.

Carbon-Induced Changes in the Morphology and Wetting Behavior of Ionic Liquids on the Mesoscale.

Thin films of ionic liquids (ILs) have gained significant attention due to their unique properties and broad applications. Extensive research has focused on studying the influence of ILs' chemical composition and substrate characteristics on the structure and morphology of IL films at the nano- and mesoscopic scales. This study explores the impact of carbon-coated surfaces on the morphology and wetting behavior of a series of alkylimidazolium-based ILs. Specifically, this work investigates the effect of carbon coating on the morphology and wetting behavior of short-chain ([C2C1im][NTf2] and [C2C1im][OTf]) and long-chain ([C8C1im][NTf2] and [C8C1im][OTf]) ILs deposited on indium tin oxide (ITO), silver (Ag), and gold (Au) substrates. A reproducible vapor deposition methodology was utilized for the deposition process. High-resolution scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to analyze the morphological and structural characteristics of the substrates and obtained IL films. The experimental data revealed that the IL films deposited on carbon-coated Au substrates showed minor changes in their morphology compared to that of the films deposited on clean Au surfaces. However, the presence of carbon coatings on the ITO and Ag surfaces led to significant morphological alterations in the IL films. Specifically, for short-chain ILs, the carbon film surface induced 2D growth of the IL film, followed by subsequent island growth. In contrast, for long-chain ILs deposited on carbon surfaces, layer-by-layer growth occurred without island formation, resulting in highly uniform and coalesced IL films. The extent of morphological changes observed in the IL films was found to be influenced by two crucial factors: the thickness of the carbon film on the substrate surface and the amount of IL deposition.

Cytomorphology of Human Bone Marrow Subjected to Prolonged Standing That Mimic Features of Myelodysplasia

Examination of bone marrow (BM) aspirate smears plays an important role in the diagnosis of patients with various hematological disorders particularly patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). In current practice, bone marrow samples are often collected by the clinical staff and sent to the laboratory after a variable period of delay. As a result bone marrow aspirate smears prepared from such samples are prone to show morphological changes which may mimic changes observed in MDS. To ascertain the type and extent of morphological changes that may occur due to prolonged standing we have studied BM aspirate specimens from patients diagnosed with various hematological disorders which have been left standing for 30 minutes to 24 hours. Bone marrow aspirate samples were obtained from the right or left posterior iliac crest from ten patients (seven men and three women, age range 50-70 years) presenting with various hematological disorders who underwent BM aspiration and BM trephine biopsy procedures as part of their diagnostic work-up. Clinical indications included pancytopenia (n=3), leukopenia (n=2), thrombocytopenia (n=2), thrombocytosis (n=1), lymphocytosis (n=2). The first draw of 2.0 ml of BM aspirate sample was obtained using a conventional BM aspiration needle and placed in a tube containing appropriate concentrations of dipotassium ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA). A drop of marrow was then placed on each of the three glass slides and smears were made. The subsequent smears (three slides from each patient) were made from the collected samples at intervals of 30 minutes, one hour, two hours, four hours, eight hours, 12 hours, 18 hours, and 24 hours. The slides were stained with Romanowsky stain and examined under a light microscope. Five hundred consecutive cells in each slide were assessed and the number of cells exhibiting dysplastic changes was recorded. Striking morphological changes were observed between the smears made of fresh marrow as compared to marrows left standing for a "lengthy" period. No noticeable changes in the morphology of hematopoietic cells were observed in the films made from the marrow which was left standing for not more than an hour at room temperature and were not easily distinguishable from the films made immediately after its collection (fresh marrow). By two hours changes were discernible and by 18-24 hours they became striking, affecting the morphology of all the hematopoietic cells. Myeloid cells were affected uniformly; their nuclei stained more homogeneously than in the fresh marrow, the nuclear lobes became separated and the cytoplasmic margins appeared ragged or less well defined. Small vacuoles appeared in the cytoplasm and they became more prominent and more numerous and the quantity of cytoplasmic granules decreased the longer the samples stood. Nuclear hypolobulation (pseudo-Pelger-Huet anomaly) and bizarre nuclear shapes were also observed. Erythroid precursors were also affected by prolonged standing which led to progressive degenerative changes such as nuclear lobulation and budding, nuclear-cytoplasmic asynchrony, karyorrhexis, cytoplasmic vacuolation, and cytoplasmic blebs. Megakaryocytes were also adversely affected and showed morphological changes in the form of multi-nuclearity and less granulation. Some of the lymphocytes also showed similar changes, including cytoplasmic vacuolation. Some of the nuclei showed major budding giving the appearance of a nucleus with two or three lobes (clover leaf shape). Examination of a BM aspirate smear is a highly informative hematological tool at the hematologist's disposal. However, the preparation of a good quality BM aspirate smear and the aberrations in the morphology of hematopoietic cells caused by a delay in smear preparation have not been reported. Our findings demonstrate that the morphology of hematopoietic cells in the BM aspirate deteriorates considerably during prolonged standing. Some of the changes that were noted were akin to the alterations seen in patients with MDS. We recommend that whenever possible the smears should be made immediately after the sample is withdrawn from the patient. This approach helps ensure the ideal morphology of hematopoietic cells and their accurate analysis for hematological diagnosis and may even prevent misdiagnosis of conditions such as myelodysplastic syndromes.

18F]Fluoride Positron-Emission Tomography (PET) and [18F]FDG PET for Assessment of Osteomyelitis of the Jaw in Comparison to Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): A Prospective PET/CT and PET/MRI Pilot Study.

To investigate imaging features of osteomyelitis of the jaw (OMJ) using [18F]fluoride positron emission tomography (PET) and [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-PET compared with computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess extent and disease activity. Six female patients (55.3 ± 10.0 years) were enrolled for assessment of symptomatic OMJ. 4/6 patients underwent [18F]FDG-PET/MRI and [18F]fluoride-PET/CT, one patient MRI and [18F]fluoride-PET/CT and another patient only [18F]FDG-PET/MRI. Image analysis was performed by two radiologists, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, and a nuclear medicine specialist. The extent of affected jawbone was analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively, including the PET tracer uptake, CT-Hounsfield-Units (HU) and MRI parameters in affected and healthy jawbone. All patients had trabecular sclerosis in the affected jawbone compared to healthy jawbone (560 ± 328 HU vs. 282 ± 211 HU; p > 0.05), while 3/6 patients had cortical erosions. Bone marrow edema and gadolinium enhancement were documented in 5/6 patients. In affected jawbone, [18F]fluoride-uptake was increased in all patients compared to healthy jawbone (SUVmean 15.4 ± 4.2 vs. 2.1 ± 0.6; p < 0.05), and [18F]FDG-uptake was moderately higher (SUVmean 1.9 ± 0.7 vs. 0.7 ± 0.2; p > 0.05). The extent of regions with increased metabolic activity was less than the extent of morphologic changes in all patients. Information on jawbone metabolism and inflammation is different from morphologic changes and therefore has the potential to provide a more accurate and objective assessment of the extent and activity of OMJ.

Evolution of kaolinite morphology upon exfoliation and dissolution: Evidence for nanoscale layer thinning in metakaolin

The use of calcined clays as a supplementary cementitious material has been a subject of intensive research due to their high availability and their potential to be used as a low-CO2 alternative to Portland cement. Once calcined, kaolinite transforms into metakaolin, which can dissolve and react under alkaline conditions. This reactivity has been studied in terms of dissolution kinetics, but not much is known about the evolution of clay morphology upon dissolution. Here, we apply quantitative imaging approaches to statistically quantify the extent of morphological changes that occur in dissolving kaolinite and metakaolin at multiple scales. Firstly, at the micro-scale, we successfully capture in situ exfoliation of clay particles in an alkaline solution using a novel experimental setup. We find a noticeable difference in the maximum relative Feret diameters (2.4 for kaolinite vs 1.5 for metakaolin) as well as the pattern in which these clays break apart (exfoliation for kaolinite vs disintegration for metakaolin). Secondly, at the nano-scale, we report ex-situ measurements and comparisons of individual layer thicknesses before and after dissolution. For the first time, to our knowledge, we report that kaolinite undergoes an average thinning of ~15 nm (from 110 nm to 95 nm) upon calcination to metakaolin, and consequently, metakaolin layers undergo an evident thinning of ~20 nm (from 95 nm to 75 nm) upon dissolution. These new quantitative results on morphological changes in 1:1 clays upon dissolution could pave towards a fundamental understanding of clay reactivity as well as widespread usage in cementitious systems.

Erythrocyte Morphology, Osmotic Fragility and Hematological Studies after Short Term Dietary Copper Deficiency in Male Wistar Rats

Trace element copper is involved in myriad of physiological activities vital for normal function of organs of animals and humans from fetal development onwards. Its deficiency might occur in infants, children as well as adults and has been reported as a global problem affecting developed and undeveloped countries. Copper is essential for efficient iron uptake and mobilization. The present study evaluates the effect of dietary copper deficiency on erythrocyte of prepubertal male Wistar rats for 2, 4 and 6 w. Erythrocyte morphology, osmotic fragility, hematological parameters-hemoglobin, total leukocyte count, cell count (neutrophil, lymphocytes monocytes, eosinophils, platelets), packed cell volume, total red blood cell count, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration were evaluated. Occurrence of stomatocytes, echinocytes, dracocytes, acanthocytes, Howell-Jolly inclusion, microcyte and macrocytes were observed after 2 and 4 w of copper deficiency when compared with their respective control and pair fed groups. The extent of morphological changes enhanced after 6 w of dietary copper deficiency with additional appearance of fragmented cells and few elongated cells. The percentage of altered erythrocyte morphology after 2 w deficiency was 0.051 % which enhanced subsequently as duration increased to 0.081 % (4 w) and 0.1709 % (6 w). Consequent to these changes significant (p<0.05) increase in erythrocyte osmotic fragility, eosinophil and lymphocyte count was observed while hemoglobin, neutrophil and platelet count, packed cell volume, total red blood cell count, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration decreased. Monocyte decrease was not significant. These changes were more pronounced after 4 and 6 w. Dietary copper insufficiency caused impairment of membrane, deregulation of hematopoiesis and altered the hematological profile indicating detrimental changes in properties of cellular membrane which may probably be due to enhanced oxidative stress.

Concealed cardiomyopathy as a frequent cause of idiopathic ventricular fibrillation in a representative Czech cohort of survivors of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA)

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic Introduction The complex diagnostic work up in SCA survivors often does not yield a concrete cardiological diagnosis. Moreover, there is conflicting evidence whether genetic testing could support or guide clinical diagnostics. Purpose To assess the molecular architecture of idiopathic ventricular fibrillation in cases without apparent evidence of specific structural or arrhythmic cardiac disease at initial diagnostic work up in a representative Czech cohort. Patients and Methods Between 2013 - 2020 we have ascertained 100 SCA survivors (54 M / 46 F; age range at cardiac arrest 5-69 years). Genetic counselling was followed by massively parallel DNA sequencing using custom-made panels comprising 100 cardiac conditions-related genes. Subsequently, thorough cardiological screening examinations in first degree relatives were carried out. Presence of pathogenic variants was validated by Sanger DNA sequencing and through family segregation analyses. Results Highly likely or certain molecular aetiology (i.e. based on the presence of Class 4 or 5 variants) was disclosed in 20/100 (20%) in PKP2 (3x), SCN5A (4x), RYR2 (3x), TTN (2x), PLN, FLNC, PRKAG2, KCNH2, KCNQ1, SLC4A, TNNT2, and DSP. Interestingly, the KCNE1 p.Asp85Asn (LQT 5 lite) variant, was detected in further 3/100 cases, representing a recognized risk factor for ventricular arrhythmias. Conclusions Genetic testing facilitates stratification of the cause of arrhythmia in a substantial portion of SCA survivors. The utility of positive outcomes of genetic testing was substantiated in 10/20 gene positive patients, where the genetic stratification led to diagnosis of concealed arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, whose extent of morphological changes was under the diagnostic sensibility of imaging modalities or ECG. Our results enable individualized care in SCA survivors and assure targeted preventive approaches in their relatives.

Izmeneniya ob'yomnykh doley strukturnykh komponentov bol'shoy podkozhnoy veny s vozrastom i pri varikoznoy bolezni

The purpose of this study is to assess the extent of morphological changes in the structural components of the great saphenous vein in individuals of different age groups in norm and in varicose veins by morphometry of their volume fractions. The work was performed on autopsy material of 55 people who died at the age of 25 to 89 years, who had no pathological changes in the wall of the examined of the great saphenous veins at the time of death. To study of changes in the wall of the great saphenous vein in individuals of different age groups in varicose disease, fragments of veins removed during phlebotomy in 80 patients with varicose veins were used. The study of volume fractions structural components in individuals of different age groups showed that the volume of the inner shell - (further -tunica intima - TI) and the volume of the capillary network in the middle shell (hereinafter - tunica media - TM) decreased with age, while the volume of the muscular component in the circular layer of TM, as the age of patients did not change, and the content of longitudinal bundles of smooth muscle cells in the outer shell (further tunica externa - TE) increased. The study of changes in vascular-tissue relations in the wall of the great saphenous vein in individuals of different age groups showed that the vascularization of the circular layer of TM is higher than in TE. In varicose veins, there is an increase in volume fraction of TI in young and adulthood, which indicates an increase in signs of fibrosis, and a decrease in the volume fraction of TI in the elderly and old age indicates the progression of sclerotic changes. Unlike the norm in all age groups with varicose disease in the TM structure, the quantitative changes of the characteristics studied by us change into qualitative ones. In the circular layer TM, a decrease in the proportion of circularly oriented beams of smooth muscle cells is accompanied by an increase in the connective tissue matrix, the proportion of whose volume increases with the age of the patients. Thus, the data obtained by us showed that with age in the wall of the great saphenous vein are in varicose disease, morphological changes that promote endothelial dysfunction increase, which can be one of the factors of formation of thrombi. Also is reduced the share of structures with contractile function in TM, which leads to venous congestion in basin of the great saphenous vein.

Morphological and histochemical changes in the brain stem in case of experimental hemispheric intracerebral hemorrhage

Aim . Investigation of the extent of morphological changes and activity of biogenic amines (according to the intensity of luminescence) in the neurons of the brain stem in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Methods and results. ICH was designed on 29 white rats of Vistar line by the administration of autologous blood in the cerebral hemisphere. It was revealed that increased luminescence intensity by 18.4±5.5% was registered in monoaminergic neurons in 1–6 hours after experimental ICH. After 12 hours – 1 day development of dislocation syndrome leads to mosaic focal ischemic neuronal injuries with maximum reduction in the level of catecholamines by 29.5±5.0% compared with control cases. Three–6 days after ICH on a background of selective neuronal necrosis in substantial number of neurons in the nuclei of the brainstem the level of catecholamines is significantly reduced. Conclusion . Disclosed observations reflect significant functional pathology of neurons responsible for the regulation of cardiorespiratory function and may underlie disturbances of integrative activity in the brain stem in general.

Relationship between the Extent of Morphological Changes in the Brain and Blood and Urine Ethanol Concentrations

Regression analysis of the connections between changes in histological brain structures (neurons, neuroglia, and microvessels) and the extent of poisoning with ethanol (blood and urine ethanol concentrations) was performed. Specimens were obtained from 40 male and female corpses aged 20–81 years. Decreases in microvessel diameter in the cerebral cortex and cerebellum and increases in microvessel diameter in the white matter, along with increases in the numbers of vessels with stasis, in the numbers of astrocytes with cytoplasmic granularity, and in various signs of cerebral edema, as well as decreases in the numbers of astrocyte processes and the ability of erythrocytes in the stasis zone to stain with glycine cresol stain, were found to correlate with the mean square ethanol concentration (MSEC) in blood and urine. This allows this parameter to be assessed in histological studies of the brain. Conversely, knowledge of MSEC allows the presence of certain histological changes in the brain to be evaluated.

MORPHOLOGY SCORE AS A MARKER OF RETINAL FUNCTION IN DRUSENOID PIGMENT EPITHELIAL DETACHMENT.

To evaluate a morphology score for drusenoid pigment epithelial detachment (dPED) regarding predictability of a decline in retinal function beyond best-corrected visual acuity. Thirteen eyes of 10 patients with dPED due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) were included (age 72.8 ± 4.2 years). All underwent volume spectral domain optical coherence tomography, fluorescence angiography, and confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy infrared imaging as well as multifocal electroretinography and microperimetry. The dPED morphology score suggested consists of five parameters: hyperreflective spots in infrared, lesion diameter, lesion height, presence of vitelliform-like material in the subretinal space or subretinal fluid, and integrity of the ellipsoid zone in spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Subsequently, a score value between 0 and 1 according to the extent of morphologic changes was correlated to foveal multifocal electroretinography and microperimetry measurements. The mean best-corrected visual acuity was 20/40. The mean height and mean diameter of dPED were 312.2 ± 111 μm and 2,535 ± 805 μm. Two dPED showed no hyperreflective spots in confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy infrared images, three displayed a moderate stage of hyperreflective spots, and eight had severe hyperreflective spots. Two eyes showed subretinal fluid, and five patients showed vitelliform-like material in the subretinal space. Eight eyes revealed a severe disruption of the ellipsoid zone. Although no correlation was found between dPED morphology score and best-corrected visual acuity, eyes with a dPED morphology score >0.5 revealed distinctly decreased values in functional measurements compared with those with a score ≤0.5. The dPED morphology score aggregates all currently known morphologic changes in dPED and represents a valuable tool for clinical lesion evaluation. Furthermore, it allows for assessing an estimate of functional decline beyond best-corrected visual acuity.

Evaluation of pelvic morphology in the sagittal plane

Background contextIt is generally accepted that for normal subjects the angle of pelvic incidence (PI) increases during childhood and then remains unchanged throughout adolescence and adulthood. However, recent findings show that PI increases linearly throughout the lifespan due to morphological changes of the pelvis. PurposeA retrospective study aiming to determine the extent of morphological changes of the pelvis related to the age of the subjects. Study designPelvic morphology was evaluated in a normal adult population by measuring the anatomical parameters of sagittal pelvic alignment. Patient sampleThe final study cohort consisted of 330 subjects (mean age, 45.3 years; standard deviation, 18.1 years; range, 18–87 years; 164 male and 166 female subjects). Outcome measuresPhysiologic measures, obtained as measurements of PI, sacral end plate width (S1W), and pelvic thickness (PTH). MethodsParameters of PI, S1W, and PTH were evaluated from computed tomography images of the subjects. The measured PTH was normalized according to S1W and age of the subjects, allowing the comparison among anatomies of different sizes. The normalized components of PTH in anteroposterior and cephalocaudal directions were computed to determine the configuration and extent of changes in pelvic morphology related to subject age. ResultsStatistically significant correlation with both age and PI was obtained for all normalized parameters (except for the anteroposterior component of PTH for male subjects), and no statistically significant differences were observed between the sexes. With increasing PI that occurs due to the aging process, a decrease of PTH can be observed that is manifested not only as an increase of the distance between the sacrum and the hip axis in the anterior direction but considerably more as a decrease of the distance between the sacrum and the hip axis in the cephalic direction. By considering these morphological changes in the pelvis simultaneously, the hip axis can move only within a narrow area. ConclusionsThe changes in pelvic morphology due to the aging process occur in the anterior direction, which may be due to the remodeling process affecting the coxal bone that results in an anterior drift of the acetabulum relative to the sacrum. More importantly, the changes are considerably more evident in the cephalic direction, which may be the result of the weight-bearing loads and consequent wear of acetabular cartilage.

Morphology-Based Plasmonic Nanoparticle Sensors: Controlling Etching Kinetics with Target-Responsive Permeability Gate

We present a sensing platform based on the morphological changes of plasmonic nanoparticles. Detection is achieved by using a stimulus-responsive polyelectrolyte-aptamer thin film to control the rate of diffusion of etchants that alter the shape and size of the nanoparticles. We show that the extent of morphological change and the colorimetric response depends on the amount of analyte bound. Contrary to conventional plasmonic sensors, our detection scheme does not rely on any interparticle interaction and is completely label-free, both in terms of the analyte and the capture probe. It presents new opportunities for designing facile, low-cost, and portable chip-based sensors for biodiagnostic and field analysis.

The mechanisms of surface chemistry effects of mesoporous silicon nanoparticles on immunotoxicity and biocompatibility

Despite steadily increasing insights on the biocompatibility of PSi nanoparticles (NPs), an extensive biosafety study on the immune and red blood cells (RBCs) is still lacking. Herein, we evaluated the impact of the PSi NPs' surface chemistry on immune cells and human RBCs both in vitro and in vivo. Negatively charged hydrophilic and hydrophobic PSi NPs caused less ATP depletion and genotoxicity than the positively charged amine modified hydrophilic PSi NPs, demonstrating the main role of PSi NPs' surface charge on the immunocompatibility profile. Furthermore, cells with lower metabolic activity, longer doubling time, and shorter half-life were more sensitive to the concentration- and time-dependent toxicity in the following order: T-cells ≈ monocytes > macrophages ≈ B-cells. RBC hemolysis and imaging assay revealed a significant correlation between the surface chemistry, the amount of the PSi NPs adsorbed on the cell surface and the extent of morphological changes. The in vivo results showed that despite mild renal steatosis, glomerular degeneration, hepatic central vein dilation and white pulp shrinkage in spleen, no notable changes were observed in the serum level of biochemical and hematological factors. This study is a comprehensive demonstration of the mechanistic direct and indirect genotoxicity effects of PSi NPs, elucidating the most influencing properties for the PSi NPs' design.

Pathologisches Staging und Response-Evaluation beim Rektumkarzinom

The application of so-called neoadjuvant therapy may induce changes in tumor tissues that have to be determined concerning the degree of severity (regression grading) and which also influence pathological staging. The extent of morphological changes (response) to be evaluated ranges from carcinomas showing no damage at all to complete disappearance of carcinomas. More than ten different systems of regression grading have been published in order to assess the dimension of morphological changes in a semiquantitative manner.

Effect on apical intracanal dentin after laser irradiation: A microleakage and scanning electron microscopic evaluation

Aim: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of neodymium:Yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser and diode laser irradiation on intracanal dentin surface by scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis, and its interference in the apical seal of filled canals. Materials and Methods: After endodontic treatment procedures, 60 single-rooted teeth were randomly assigned to four groups. In the negative control group (n = 15), no additional treatment was performed and teeth were filled with laterally condensed gutta-percha; in the Nd:YAG laser-treated group (n = 15) and in the diode laser-treated groups (n = 15), the root canals were irradiated withNd:YAG laser -1.5 W/Diode laser 810 nm - 2 W /Diode laser 980 nm - 2 W } using 200 micron fiberbefore filling, as described for the control group. Two specimens of each group were prepared for SEM analysis to evaluate the presence and extent of morphological changes and removal of debris; the other specimens were immersed in 2% rhodamine B for 72 h at 37°C for evaluation of the linear dye leakage at the apical third. Results: Laser groups showed significantly less linear leakage as compared to the control group.

Nd:YAG laser irradiation effect on apical intracanal dentin - a microleakage and SEM evaluation

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser irradiation on intracanal dentin surface by SEM analysis and its interference in the apical seal of filled canals. After endodontic treatment procedures, 34 maxillary human incisors were randomly assigned to 2 groups. In the negative control group (n=17), no additional treatment was performed and teeth were filled with vertically condensed gutta-percha; in the laser-treated group (n=17), the root canals were irradiated with Nd:YAG laser (1.5 W, 100 mJ, 15 Hz) before filling as described for the control group. Two specimens of each group were prepared for SEM analysis to evaluate the presence and extent of morphological changes and removal of debris; the other specimens were immersed in 0.5% methylene blue dye (pH 7.2) for 24 h for evaluation of the linear dye leakage at the apical third. SEM analysis of the laser-treated group showed dentin fusion and resolidification without smear layer or debris. The Student's t-test showed that the laser-treated group had significantly less leakage in apical third than the control group. Within the limitations of this study, it may be concluded that the morphological changes on the apical intraradicular dentin surface caused by Nd:YAG laser resulted in less linear dye apical leakage.

Surgical treatment in acute pancreatitis. The change as influenced by sonography and computer tomography

The diagnosis of acute pancreatitis is based on anamnestic, clinical and chemical data. Ultrasound and computed tomography permit direct visualisation of the pancreas and establish the diagnosis. In cases of haemorrhagic-necrotising pancreatitis they demonstrate the extent of morphological changes and permit exclusion of other causes of an acute abdomen. The imaging methods support indications for operation in cases of subtotal or total parenchymatous necrosis and in pancreatic abscesses. Conservative expectant approaches in patients with severe clinical course and slight morphological changes as well as in agreement of clinical and morphological findings are facilitated. Complete demonstration of parenchymatous and peripancreatic necroses furnishes useful additional information for total extirpation. Gallstone disease can be demonstrated or excluded preoperatively. Since introduction of ultrasound and computed tomography for the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis a marked diminution of early surgical intervention and delayed operation has been achieved.

Histologic Changes in Thyroid Glands from Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) in Tokyo Bay, Japan: Possible Association with Environmental Contaminants

We compared morphologic changes in thyroid glands of great cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) from the Tokyo Bay and Lake Biwa areas in Japan with presence of residues of polychlorinated dibenzo-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzo-furans (PCDFs), and coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls (Co-PCBs). Prominent morphologic changes in thyroid glands included increased density of small follicles and increased number of epithelial cells surrounding follicular lumens. The extent of morphologic changes in the thyroid gland was higher in cormorants captured from Tokyo Bay than in those captured from Lake Biwa. Increased thyroid change in cormorants from the Tokyo Bay area was associated with significantly higher levels of PCDFs and Co-PCBs. Thus, we suggest that morphologic changes in thyroid glands from the cormorants are associated with increased levels of dioxin contamination in Japan.

The neurofibromatosis type 2 gene product, merlin, reverses the F-actin cytoskeletal defects in primary human Schwannoma cells.

Schwannoma tumors, which occur sporadically and in patients with neurofibromatosis, account for 8% of intracranial tumors and can only be treated by surgical removal. Most schwannomas have biallelic mutations in the NF2 tumor suppressor gene. We previously showed that schwannoma-derived Schwann cells exhibit membrane ruffling and aberrant cell spreading when plated onto laminin, indicative of fundamental F-actin cytoskeletal defects. Here we expand these observations to a large group of sporadic and NF2-related tumors and extend them to schwannomatosis-derived tumors. Mutation at NF2 correlated with F-actin abnormalities, but the extent of morphological change did not correlate with the type of NF2 mutation. We used a recently described molecular strategy, TAT-mediated protein transfer, to acutely introduce the NF2 protein, merlin, into primary human schwannoma cells in an attempt to reverse the cytoskeletal phenotype. Abnormal ruffling and cell spreading by cells with identified NF2 mutations were rapidly reversed by introduction of TAT-merlin. The effect is specific to TAT-merlin isoform 1, the growth-suppressive isoform of merlin. TAT-merlin isoform 2, a TAT-merlin mutant (L64P), and merlin lacking TAT were ineffective in reversing the cytoskeletal phenotype. Results show that merlin isoform 1 is sufficient to restore normal actin organization in NF2-deficient human tumor cells, demonstrating a key role for merlin in the NF2 phenotype. These results lay the foundation for epigenetic complementation studies in NF2 mouse models and possibly for experiments to evaluate the utility of merlin transduction into patients as protein therapy.