Light Photomicrographs Research Articles

Alteration in Oxidative Stress Biomarkers and Cytoarchitecture of Hepatic Tissues in Freshwater Fish <i>Clarias batrachus</i> (Linn.) under Sub lethal Butachlor Stress: Spectrophotometric and TEM Study

<p>The present study addresses the deleterious impact of sub lethal exposure of butachlor 2-chloro-N-(2-6-diphenyl) acetamide on hepatic cells of air breathing fish <em>Clarias batrachus</em> (Linn.) based on light and transmission electron microscopy and estimation of oxidative stress biomarker enzymes <em>viz.</em> reduced glutathione and lipidperoxidase. Fishes were exposed to 1.0µl/L butachlor for 5, 10 and 15 days respectively. After schedule exposure, blood sample were collected and extracted serum were analyzed for quantitative estimation of serum reduced glutathione and lipid peroxidase activity by spectrophotometer. The liver tissues were processed for light and electron microscope. Light photomicrographs of hepatic cells reveal dose related abnormalities which increases with the duration of exposure. Major changes attributed to the hepatic cell were parenchyma degeneration, necrosis along with fibrosis, widening of sinusoids, vacuolation, and infiltration of eosinophilic inclusion, karyolysis, pyknosis and perivenular congestion. Transmission electron microscopy of hepatic cells also revealed degenerated hepatic parenchyma, accumulation of lipid and electron dense material, degenerated mitochondria, nuclear shrinkage and enlarged lysosomes engulfing cytoplasmic particles in contrast to control fish. On prolonged exposure, the most frequent pathological modifications were mitochondrial swelling with regression of cristae and giant lysosome with myelinated phospholipid membrane pointing towards phospholipidosis. The activities of all the marker enzymes showed high fluctuation indicating significant imbalance in comparison to control. The study highlights the oxidative stress caused by butachlor correlated with histopathological anomalies of hepatic cells. It can be used as sensitive index for assessing the magnitude of oxidative damage and physiological dysfunction of experimental fish under laboratory condition.</p>

Protective Effect of Lactoferrin against Chromium Induced Adverse Renal Changes in Rats: Oxidative Stress Theory

Among the toxic metals, chromium (Cr) which is a naturally occurring heavy metal commonly enters the environment through the effluents from various industries. Kidney disease is often cited as an adverse effect of chromium. We aimed to assess chromium-induced pathophysiological adverse renal damage and determine the potential protective effects of co-therapy with Lactoferrin (LF) in male albino rats. Forty male albino Wister rats were used in this study, allocated into 4 groups (n = 10 each). Group-I (control group) and received 1% DMSO; group-II (LF group); group-III [Potassium Dichromate (PDC) group] and group-IV (PDC+LF group). Biochemical measurements of renal function (urea and creatinine), serum glucose and Total Antioxidant capacity (TAO) were performed using colorimetric methods. Renal tissue samples were used for histopathological examinations using light and transmission electron microscopic photomicrographs. There were significantly higher serum urea, creatinine and glucose with significantly lower TAO among PDC group (69.4 mg/dl ±44.15, 0.566 mg/dl ±0.13, 140.8 mg/dl ±50.27 and 6.22±2.09 mmol/ml) compared to both the control group (45.2±7.44, 0.492±0.07, 113±15.23 and 8±.0.84) and LF group (38.8±7.49, 0.402±0.03, 110.8±27.95 and 8.02±1.05), p˂0.05 for all. In addition, significanly lower serum urea and higher TAO among PDC+LF group (45.2±4.02 and 7.94±1.53) were evidenent compared to PDC group, p˂0.05 for both. There were histological similarities in both control and LF groups with significant structural damage of the kidneys of PDC group and significant improvment of such damage in PDC+LF treated group. Lactoferrin could have a renoprotective effect against drug induced nephrotoxicity via its antioxidant property.

Morphological and molecular characterization of Paratylenchus beltsvillensis n. sp. (Tylenchida: Paratylenchidae) from the rhizosphere of pine tree (Pinus virginiana Mill) in Maryland, USA.

The pin nematode, Paratylechus beltsvillensis n. sp. collected from rhizosphere soil of a Virginia pine tree (Pinus virginiana Mill) growing in Little Paint Branch Park, Beltsville, Prince George’s County, Maryland, USA, is described and illustrated along with light and scanning electron photomicrographs. Females, males, and juveniles of this new species were recovered from soil samples using the sugar centrifugal flotation and Baermann funnel extraction methods. Morphologically, females are short, body length ranging from 245 to 267 μm, stylet from 70 to 75 μm long with anchor shaped knobs, vulva located at 70–73% and small vulval flap, spermatheca large, and ovoid filled with sperms. Lateral field with three incisures, of which the outer two are prominent. Tail slender, having a rounded tail terminus. Males without stylet and have a degenerated pharynx, spicules = 17–20 µm and gubernaculum = 5.0–5.5 µm. Both morphological observations and molecular analysis of ITS and partial 28S ribosomal RNA gene sequences indicated that the specimens collected from the soil at Beltsville Park from rhizosphere soil samples from Virginia pine represents a new pin nematode species.

Networking through pottery characterisation at Takarkori rock shelter (Libyan Sahara, 10,200–4650 cal BP)

Routine pottery analyses (optical microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, X-ray fluorescence) and digital image processing of polarised light photomicrographs were used to answer questions on the provenance and technology of pottery assemblages belonging to Late Acacus hunter–gatherers (ca. 10,200–8000 cal BP) and Pastoral herders (ca. 8300–4650 cal BP) from Takarkori rock shelter (SW Libya, central Sahara). This integrated analytical approach on potsherds was combined with the characterisation of local clayey sediments to identify different local and proximal sources for coarse and fine sediments exploited for pottery production. Two main fabric groups (i.e. Q* and QF*) were identified among the analysed potsherds, where the sediments from the Takarkori area are compatible with the quartz-dominated fabrics (Q*). The local fabric QVe shows evidence of dung addition. Pottery with plutonic non-plastic inclusions (QF*) points to provenance from the southern edges of the Tassili n’Ajjer and is more frequent in Late Acacus and Early Pastoral layers. New insights into pottery production and circulation between Early Holocene Saharan hunter–gatherers and Pastoral communities, as well as into modes of occupation of Takarkori rock shelter, are provided.

Macro- and Micro-morphological, Anatomical, Cytological and Phytochemical Properties of <i>Tridax procumbens</i> Linn. (Asteraceae)

This study examined the macro- and micro-morphological, Anatomical, Cytological and Phytochemical Properties of Tridax procumbens L. in the family Asteraceae. Observations of plant parts aided by measurements were done and these were sectioned following Wahua’s method; root tips squashed with FLP Orcein and qualitative phytochemical analyses were carried out. The slides were viewed using the light compound microscope and photomicrographs were taken after careful examination from good preparations. Macromorphological studies showed the plant grows up to 40cm or more in height. Foliar features revealed opposite, pinnate, oblong to ovate with coarsely serrated margin and acute apex, 4±1.5cm long and 2±1cm wide with petiole up to 1.5±0.5cm in length. The floral structure show cased diameter of each flower head as 1.0±0.4cm while the peduncle is elongated and up to 10±5cm in length; the petal is 0.7±0.2cm in length alongside tubular sepals up to 0.9±0.3cm in length. The stamen is 0.9±0.2cm in length while the carpel is 1.0±0.1cm. Presence of anomocytic stomata which is amphistomatic. Anatomical sections on the mid-ribs, petiole, internodes, nodes and roots revealed peculiar internal features. Mitotic chromosome is 2n=36. Phytochemical studies revealed the presence of saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, cardiac glycosides, phenols. The information generated from this study would further aid in the delimitation of the species.
 Keywords: Tridax procumbens, Morphology, anatomy, cytology, palynology, phytochemistry

First record of the rare freshwater alga Tetrasporopsis fuscescens (Chrysomerophyceae, Ochrophyta) in North America

This study presents the first record of the ochrophyte alga Tetrasporopsis fuscescens in North America, confirmed with light and transmission electron microscopic photomicrographs, cytochemical and molecular phylogenetic analyses. T. fuscescens was recorded rarely, being found in the benthos of only twelve stream sites: nine locations in Southern California and three in Northern California. More than half of the streams were non-perennial, characterized by long dry periods. Tetrasporopsis cells were gold-colored, spherical, with a distinct wall, assembled in the periphery of macroscopical gelatinous colonies, which start as tubular or sac-like structures, but later become membranous. The cells have 1-2 parietal chloroplasts, without a stigma or pyrenoid, and reproduction occurs by longitudinal cell division. Other features of the genus are as follows: cells in the colonies also divide by what appears to be smaller autospores with remnant cell walls remaining, the colonial mucilage consists of cylindrical dichotomously branched tubes radiating from the center of the colony to which attach the peripheral cells, and older cells become filled with large oil droplets. A combined gene tree of sequences from nuclear SSU rDNA, plastid rbcL, psaA, psbA and psbC showed that T. fuscescens specimens from Europe and U. S. A. formed a clade, which clustered with taxa classified in the class Chrysomerophyceae.

IDH1‐mutant cancer cells are sensitive to cisplatin and an IDH1‐mutant inhibitor counteracts this sensitivity

IntroductionIsocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) is mutated in various types of human cancer and the presence of a mutation is associated with improved responses to irradiation and chemotherapy in solid tumor cells. Mutated IDH1 (IDH1MUT) enzymes consume NADPH to produce D‐2‐hydroxyglutarate (D‐2HG) resulting in a decreased reducing power needed for detoxification of e.g. reactive oxygen species (ROS). The objective of the current study was to investigate the mechanism behind the chemosensitivity of the widely‐used anti‐cancer agent cisplatin in IDH1MUT cancer cells.MethodsOxidative stress, DNA damage and mitochondrial dysfunction caused by cisplatin treatment were monitored in IDH1MUT HCT116 cells and U251 glioma cells.ResultsBy performing histo‐ and cytochemical experiments, we found that exposure to cisplatin induced higher levels of ROS, DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs), and cell death in IDH1MUT cancer cells as compared to IDH1 wild‐type (IDH1WT) cells. Mechanistic investigations as in situ histochemical enzyme activity assays revealed that cisplatin treatment dose‐dependently reduced oxidative respiration in lDH1MUT cells, which was accompanied by disturbed mitochondrial proteostasis, indicative for impaired mitochondrial activity. These effects were abolished by the IDH1MUT inhibitor AGI‐5198 and were recapitulated by treatment with D‐2HG.ConclusionsOur study shows that altered oxidative stress responses and a vulnerable oxidative metabolism underlie the sensitivity of IDH1MUT cancer cells to cisplatin. Our study may have clinical implications and imply that administration of IDH1MUT inhibitors to patients with IDH1MUT cancer abolishes the therapeutic effect of cisplatin. Our in vitro results suggest that concomitant administration of IDH1MUT inhibitors and cisplatin may result in an unfavorable clinical outcome.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported by Dutch Cancer Society Grants KWF‐UVA 2014‐6839 (to M.K., V.V.V.H., R.J.M., and C.J.F.V.N.) and AMC2016.1‐10460 (to M.K., R.J.M., J.W.W., and C.J.F.V.N.). A) Proliferation assay using HCT116 cells after cisplatin exposure and in the presence or absence of ROS‐scavenging NAC.B) Colony‐forming assay after cisplatin exposure with HCT116 cells in the presence or absence of AGI‐5198 or of D‐2HG.C) Representative photomicrographs and plots of cells in the presence or absence of AGI‐5198, and cisplatin treatment. Y‐H2AX was stained immunocytochemically (red) to demonstrate DNA DSBs and with DAPI (blue) to demonstrate DNA nucleus content.imageA) Proliferation assay using HCT116 cells after cisplatin exposure and in the presence or absence of ROS‐scavenging NAC.B) Colony‐forming assay after cisplatin exposure with HCT116 cells in the presence or absence of AGI‐5198 or of D‐2HG.C) Representative photomicrographs and plots of cells in the presence or absence of AGI‐5198, and cisplatin treatment. Y‐H2AX was stained immunocytochemically (red) to demonstrate DNA DSBs and with DAPI (blue) to demonstrate DNA nucleus content. D) The basal oxygen consumption rate of HCT116 cells shown in the presence or absence of cisplatin. E) Western blot and mitonuclear protein imbalance of MTCO1 and nuclear DNA–encoded SDHA expression in HCT116 cells after exposure to cisplatin or carboplatin. F) Representative monochromatic light photomicrographs and quantification of histochemical enzyme activity of HCT116 cells treated with cisplatin or left untreated after staining for SDH activity in the presence or absence of sodium azide.imageD) The basal oxygen consumption rate of HCT116 cells shown in the presence or absence of cisplatin. E) Western blot and mitonuclear protein imbalance of MTCO1 and nuclear DNA–encoded SDHA expression in HCT116 cells after exposure to cisplatin or carboplatin. F) Representative monochromatic light photomicrographs and quantification of histochemical enzyme activity of HCT116 cells treated with cisplatin or left untreated after staining for SDH activity in the presence or absence of sodium azide.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Tensile and Impact Properties of Microcrystalline Cellulose Nanoclay Polypropylene Composites

The aim of the present work is to investigate the effects of nanoclay (NC) on the mechanical properties of polypropylene (PP)/microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) composites modified by maleic anhydride grafted PP (PP-g-MA). Polypropylene/microcrystalline cellulose nanocomposites were prepared using a twin screw Brabender Plasticorder, the weight percent of the MCC was varied at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 40 wt%, and the NC content was varied at 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 wt%. The results showed that consistent and uniform PP/MCC nanoclay composite can be produced easily with the presence of PP-g-MA. Compression molding technique was used to produce tensile and impact testing samples; all samples were characterized by tensile and impact tests. It is observed that increasing the amount of either the MCC or the NC will decrease the tensile strength, elongation at break, and impact strength; much more reduction in the same properties was obtained in case both MCC and NC exist within PP composites. Compared with neat PP, a loss of over 75% in both elongation and impact strength was obtained for nanoclay composites which contain 60 wt% PP/40 wt% MCC. The most significant enhancement in the mechanical properties of polypropylene/microcrystalline cellulose nanocomposites is in Young’s modulus where an increment of more than twofold can be achieved for 60 wt% PP/40 wt% MCC nanocomposite. Polarized light photomicrographs showed that MCC particles play a nucleating agent rule in terms of intensity of nucleation and crystal growth acceleration.

Typification of Eocene–Oligocene diatom taxa proposed by Grove & Sturt (1886–1887) from the Oamaru Diatomite

The so-called Oamaru Diatomite dates from approximately the Eocene–Oligocene Transition (∼34 million years ago), which is widely regarded as one of the most important climatic events of the entire Cenozoic era due to global cooling and the onset of continental-scale Antarctic glaciations. It also represents one of the richest fossil diatom deposits ever known and was first made famous owing to a series of diatom papers by Grove & Sturt. Based primarily on the collection of Sturt, supplemented by slides mounted by Grove, all curated in The Natural History Museum, we consider all 108 diatom taxa from the Oamaru Diatomite that were proposed in these seminal papers by Grove & Sturt and designate type specimens for 87 taxa that were not typified by previous workers, and for which nomenclatural types could be established. Light photomicrographs of all specimens interpreted as types are presented next to reproductions of the line drawings from Grove & Sturt publications to aid future workers on the Oamaru Diatomite, and on diatom evolution across this critical climatic phase of the Palaeogene period.

Confocal (CLSM) and light (LM) photomicrographs of different plant pollen taxa from Lucknow, India: Implications of pollen morphology for systematics, phylogeny and preservation

Pollen morphology of 28 plant taxa belonging to 23 families from Lucknow, India is illustrated and described on the basis of observations from light microscopy (LM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The principal objective is to observe and document the widespread variation in pollen shape, size, aperture diameter and pollen wall architecture of the studied plant taxa. The pollen morphological characters of 28 plant taxa were subjected to Principal Component Analysis and Hierarchical Component Analysis (PCA and HCA) suggesting four clusters. Cophenetic correlation coefficient also validates the four group clustering. The study will improve precise identification of fossil pollen grains recovered in sediments, thus aid in pollen analysis of the Quaternary deposits in India and also in similar tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Also, the study has implications for comparative morphologic, taxonomic and phylogenic studies. Besides these, preservation potential of different pollen grains has been described on the basis of pollen wall architecture.

Phytochemistry and microscopy of Tapinanthus dodoneifolius (DC) (Danser) (Santalales: Loranthaceae) (African mistletoes) from guava, rubber and orange host trees

Qualitative and quantitative phytochemistry, micro and macro-elements and microscopy of Tapinanthus dodoneifolius (DC) (Danser) (Santalales: Loranthaceae) collected from guava (Psidum guajava L.), rubber (Hivea brasilensis Müll. Arg.) and orange (Citrus sinensis (L) Osbeck.) trees was carried out. This was done with the purpose of comparing their pharmacological and biological contents. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screenings were done using described methods. Microscopic study was done with the aid of a light microscope and photomicrographs were taken using a 14-mega pixel Sony cyber-shot. Result of phytochemical analysis showed the presence of oxalate, phytate, saponin, alkaloid, glycoside and tannin in African mistletoes. These phytochemicals were present in proportions that varied with their hosts. The microscopic observation showed no significant differences in the internal structures of mistletoes from the three host trees. From this present study, more differences were observed in the phytochemistry than the anatomy of the mistletoes understudied.

Protective role of green tea on malathion-induced testicular oxidative damage in rats

Abstract Objective To examine effects of total green tea extract, a potent free radical scavenger on testicular tissue oxidative status. Methods 32 male albino rats of Wistar strain were divided into four groups, every group restricted 8 animals: (i) control rats; (ii) green tea-treated control rats; (iii) malathion rats; (iv) malathion-treated green tea rats. Animals received malathion 150 mg/kg and green tea 30 mg/kg for 24 h intraperitoneally. At the end of the treatment period, rat testis tissues were quickly removed and analyzed. Diameter of seminiferous tubules and germinal cell thickness, spermatogonia sertoli cells, primary spermatocytes, spermatids and leydig cell were evaluated. Also, oxidative stress evaluation was conducted based on total antioxidant capacity (TAC), lipid peroxidation (LPO) and total thiol molecules (TTM) in homogenate testis tissues. Results The results showed that total green tea extract improve oxidative damages against malathion group. Light photomicrograph of seminiferous tubules in malathion-treated group showed noticeable reduced height of germinal epithelium and disorganization of the tubules. An increased intestinal tissue was also observed. Primary spermatocytes were located distance from basal lamina indicating it induced damages to the intestinal tissue. While seminiferous tubules in malathion exposed and green tea extract-treated were normal. Conclusion This study demonstrated the effectiveness of TGTE on oxidative stress and testicular tissue damage induced in malathion in infertility disorders.

T24 HRAS transformed NIH/3T3 mouse cells (GhrasT-NIH/3T3) in serial tumorigenic in vitro/in vivo passages give rise to increasingly aggressive tumorigenic cell lines T1-A and T2-A and metastatic cell lines T3-HA and T4-PA

Cancer cells often arise progressively from “normal” to “pre-cancer” to “transformed” to “local metastasis” to “metastatic disease” to “aggressive metastatic disease”. Recent whole genome sequencing (WGS) and spectral karyotyping (SKY) of cancer cells and tumorigenic models have shown this progression involves three major types of genome rearrangements: ordered small step-wise changes, more dramatic “punctuated evolution” (chromoplexy), and large catastrophic steps (chromothripsis) which all occur in random combinations to generate near infinite numbers of stochastically rearranged metastatic cancer cell genomes. This paper describes a series of mouse cell lines developed sequentially to mimic this type of progression. This starts with the new GhrasT-NIH/Swiss cell line that was produced from the NIH/3T3 cell line that had been transformed by transfection with HRAS oncogene DNA from the T24 human bladder carcinoma. These GhrasT-NIH/Swiss cells were injected s.c. into NIH/Swiss mice to produce primary tumors from which one was used to establish the T1-A cell line. T1-A cells injected i.v. into the tail vein of a NIH/Swiss mouse produced a local metastatic tumor near the base of the tail from which the T2-A cell line was established. T2-A cells injected i.v. into the tail vein of a nude NIH/Swiss mouse produced metastases in the liver and one lung from which the T3-HA (H=hepatic) and T3-PA (P=pulmonary) cell lines were developed, respectively. T3-HA cells injected i.v. into a nude mouse produced a metastasis in the lung from which the T4-PA cell line was established. PCR analysis indicated the human T24 HRAS oncogene was carried along with each in vitro/in vivo transfer step and found in the T2-A and T4-PA cell lines. Light photomicrographs indicate that all transformed cells are morphologically similar. GhrasT-NIH/Swiss cells injected s.c. produced tumors in 4% of NIH/Swiss mice in 6–10 weeks; T1-A cells injected s.c. produced tumors in 100% of NIH/Swiss mice in 7–10 days. T1-A, T-2A, T3-HA and T4-PA cells when injected i.v. into the tail produced local metastasis in non-nude or nude NIH/Swiss mice. T4-PA cells were more widely metastatic than T3-HA cells when injected i.v. into nude mice. Evaluation of the injected mice indicated a general increase in metastatic potential of each cell line in the progression as compared to the GhrasT-NIH/3T3 transformed cells. A new photomicrographic technique to follow growth rates within six preselected 2×2mm2 grids per plate is described. Average doubling times of the transformed cells GhrasT-NIH/3T3 (17h), T1A (17.5h), T2A (15.5h), T3-HA (17.5h) and T4-PA (18.5h) (average 17.2h) were significantly faster (P=0.006) than NIH Swiss primary embryonic cells and NIH/3T3 cells (22 h each). This cell series is currently used in this lab for studies of cancer cell inhibitors, mitochondrial biogenesis and gene expression and is available for further study by other investigators for intra- and inter-laboratory comparisons of WGS, transcriptome sequencing, SKY and other analyses. The genome rearrangements in these cells together with their phenotypic properties may help provide more insights into how one tumorigenic progression occurred to produce the various cell lines that led to the highly metastatic T4-PA cell line.

Comparative histologic anatomy of vertebrate liver

Introduction: The aim of the study was to compare the histological features of the liver of vertebrates and demonstrate the possible histological evolutionary trend within the sub-phylum vertebrata . Materials and Methods: Liver tissues were dissected from the five vertebrate classes; the Fish (Cat-fish - Clarias gariepinus ), Amphibian (Rana tigrina), Reptilian (Lizard - Agama aculeata ), Avian (Domestic bird- Gallus gallus domesticus ), and Mammalian (Wistar rat- Rattus norvegicus ) were used for the study. The tissue samples were fixed in 10% formal-saline and processed using standard histological techniques. The liver tissues were studied with a light microscope and photomicrographs were obtained. Results: The results showed structural similarities of the liver across the sub-phylum, with noticeable differences in the hepato-sinusoidal arrangements, composition and association of the bile duct and presence of portal triad. The study observed a gradual transition of hepatocytes distributions in singles and clusters to cord-like as observed in Gallus gallus domesticus and Rattus norvegicus . The study also revealed incomplete portal triad in Clarias gariepinus and Rana tigrina . The observed variations were attributed to adaption, feeding mechanism, mode of nutrition and selective specialization, which are important ecological and biological changes involved in evolution. Conclusion: This study has established that evolutionary trends occurred within the subphylum vertebrata.

The Editor takes a closer look at some of this month's articles

Clinical & Experimental AllergyVolume 44, Issue 10 p. 1205-1205 Editor's ChoiceFree Access The Editor takes a closer look at some of this month's articles First published: 22 September 2014 https://doi.org/10.1111/cea.12396AboutSectionsPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Adherence: the key to success in treatment of chronic airway disease The main cause for treatment failure in asthma and rhinitis is suboptimal adherence to inhaled corticosteroids 1. The need to take these medications regularly to obtain maximum effect even when asymptomatic is a particular problem for seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) where symptoms are often episodic. The reasons for suboptimal adherence are complex, but the key to successful management is good education both in the rationale for treatment and inhaler technique. Telemedicine has found its way into most corners of health care, but there is relatively little published on its potential role in allergic disease. Therefore, Pizzulli and colleagues (pp. 1246–1254) have undertaken an original study looking at the value of telemonitoring on adherence to topical corticosteroids in children with severe hay fever. They demonstrated an improvement in both adherence and disease knowledge, and the informatics platform was positively received by the study participants. No improvement was seen in disease control, but pollen counts were low during the study period, and the study may also have been relatively underpowered for treatment efficacy endpoints. Antonio Pizzulli Estimated frequency (normal approximation) of daily consumption of mometasone in 63 children with hay fever, by allocation to AllergyMonitor or to usual care. [see figure 3 in A. Pizzulli et al. (pp. 1246–1254)]. Asthma and viral exacerbations: basophils get in on the act It is well established that upper respiratory tract viral infections particularly with rhinovirus are associated with the majority of exacerbations of asthma. The mechanisms involved have been studied in detail although the precise pathways involved remain elusive. Basophils have been relatively ignored as a player in the rhinovirus–asthma axis. However, the role of basophils may need to be reconsidered following the paper by Agrawal et al. (pp. 1266–1273), in which they have made the original observation that basophils become activated after rhinovirus infection with the maximal effect seen as late as 3 weeks after infection. A deterioration in asthma control is often prolonged after rhinovirus infection including an increase in airways hyperresponsiveness that can last for several weeks. It is intriguing to think that basophils, often the bridesmaid to mast cells, may be responsible. Rachana Agrawal Basophile Granulocyte. [Photo credit: User CS99 at German Wikipedia; Wikimedia Commons]. Patterns of inflammation in asthma: does it depend on your age? Asthma can start at any age, and there is an increasing interest in whether asthma that develops in older people is in any way different to asthma that develops in childhood or early adulthood. Evidence that this might be the case comes from a paper by Brandenberger and colleagues (pp. 1282–1292), who investigated the nature of the inflammatory response to house dust mite challenge in young and old mice. Interestingly, they found that whereas there was more airway hyperresponsiveness in young mice, there was a greater inflammatory response in the older mice which included a Th17-neutrophilic component. One might speculate that this may be due to the development of a different microbiota in the airways of the older mice. As steroid responsiveness is closely linked to Th2 responses in asthma, this raises the possibility that older asthmatics may be more resistant to inhaled corticosteroids. This observation now needs to be translated into clinical asthma. Christina Brandenberger Representative light photomicrographs of lung tissue sections stained with haematoxylin and eosin, showing a peribronchiolar and perivascular mixed inflammatory cell infiltration in HDM mice (arrows). b: bronchiolar airspace, a: alveoli, v: blood vessel, scale bar: 50 lm. [see figure 1b in Brandenberger et al. (pp. 1282–1292)]. Reference 1Bourdin A, Halimi L, Vachier I et al. Adherence in severe asthma. Clin Exp Allergy 2012; 42: 1566– 74. Caption to cover illustration: Patient taking a mannitol bronchial challenge test for diagnosing asthma (Image courtesy of Dr Brian Lipworth, Scottish Centre for Respiratory Research, Univ of Dundee Ninewells Hospital and Medical School). This logo highlights the Editor's Choice articles on the cover and the first page of each of the articles. Volume44, Issue10October 2014Pages 1205-1205 ReferencesRelatedInformation

Englerulaceae (Dothideomycetes)

The family Englerulaceae presently includes seven genera that produce brown to dark-brown colonies on living leaves. Ascomata are superficial and scattered on the colonies and lack ostioles. Asci are 2–8-spored, bitunicate, ovate to globose and ascospores are multi-seriate, oblong to ellipsoid, brown, and smooth-walled with a single septum. This paper brings all genera of the family together in one place with descriptions and illustrations and discusses their current taxonomic placement. The type species of Englerula, Parenglerula, Rhizotexis, Rhytidenglerula, Schiffnerula and a new species of Thrauste are redescribed and illustrated with light photomicrographs, in this paper. It is suggested that Butleria should be accommodated in Myriangiaceae. Rhizotexis is excluded from the family and moved to Dothideomycetes genera incertae sedis, as morphological characters are not similar to type genus and other genera in the family. The type specimen of Goosia is missing and is redrawn from the protologue. By illustrating and redescribing the genera we expect renewed interest for recollection and molecular study so that these dothideomycetous genera can be placed in a natural taxonomic framework.

Textural and Morphometric Analysis Applied to Holocene Pottery from Takarkori Rock Shelter (SW Libya, Central Sahara): A Quantitative Sedimentological Approach

This paper proposes the application of digital image processing of plane‐ and cross‐polarized light photomicrographs to textural and morphometric analysis as an extension of routine petrographic characterization. The aim is to answer questions on the provenance and technology of quartz‐ and calcite‐bearing potsherds from the Takarkori rock shelter (Libyan Sahara, from around 8900 to 4200 uncal. years bp). Specific processing algorithms run on image analysis freeware (ImageJ) isolate quartz and calcite inclusions to obtain quantitative textural and morphometric data that are useful in identifying different local fluvial and swampy sedimentary environments as sources of sandy clays for pottery.

Influence of Nickel on Abrasion and Erosion Wear Behavior of Thin and Thick Section Permanent Molded Austempered Ductile Iron for Wind Turbine Hubs

The influence of 2.0% nickel on thin and section permanent molded austempered ductile iron samples were investigated for abrasion and erosion behavior. The section sizes of samples were varied at two levels viz. 25 mm and 50 mm. Wind turbine hubs which were subjected to wear and erosion were made from thin and thick section PMADI castings. The austempering temperature and time were optimized for improved wear behavior and strength at 3000 C for 60 mins. Nickel additions showed about 7% improvement in the wear resistance of thin section PMADI samples over unalloyed PMADI samples. For the purpose of comparison, sand-cast austempered ductile iron was also evaluated for abrasion, erosion resistance. Thin section (25 mm) PMADI samples subjected to austempering at 3000 C for 60 mins showed improved abrasion and erosion behavior in addition to higher strength values over thick section (50 mm) PMADI and sand cast ADI samples. Further these data were analyzed with structure property correlation and were well supported by light photomicrographs.

Comparative Anatomy of Four Species of Piper (Piperaceae)

The genus Piper L. (Piperaceae) comprises about 2000 species [1]. The present work provides a comparative account on the anatomy of four species of Piper namely, P. auritum Kunth, P. betle L., P. nigrum L. and P. sarmentosum Roxb. The anatomy of leaves, petioles and stems of the four species were studied by light, polarization and scanning electron microscopy and photomicrographs were prepared. Several characteristics such as trichomes, presence or absence of calcium oxalate crystals, starch grains and number and arrangement of vascular bundles in petiole were useful in distinguishing the species [2]. Acknowledgements: This research is supported in part by Science Based Authentication of Dietary Supplements funded by the Food and Drug Administration grant No. 1U01FD004246–01; the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Specific Cooperative Agreement No. 58–6408–2-0009; the Global Research Network for Medicinal Plants (GRNMP), King Saud University.

Striatal cellular properties conserved from lampreys to mammals

The striatum of the lamprey, the first vertebrate group to appear in evolution, shows striking similarities to that of mammals with respect to histochemical markers, afferent and efferent projections and the effect of dopamine depletion, which leads to hypokinetic motor symptoms. The cellular properties of lamprey striatal neurons were studied here using patch-clamp recordings in acute striatal slices. Sixty-five per cent of recorded neurons were characterised by a prominent inward rectification due to a K+ conductance of the Kir type. They had a ramping response with a long delay to the first action potential due to activation of a low-voltage-activated A-type K+ current. Many such inwardly rectifying neurons (IRNs) had a hyperpolarised resting membrane potential and some had spiny dendrites. The remaining 35% of the neurons (non-IRNs) represent a heterogeneous group, including some with characteristics similar to the fast-spiking interneuron of the mammalian striatum. They showed short-lasting, large after hyperpolarisations (AHPs) and discharged action potentials at high frequency. None of the recorded neurons were spontaneously active but they received GABAergic and glutamatergic synaptic input. The fact that most lamprey striatal neurons display inward rectification indicates that this is a conserved characteristic of striatal neurons throughout vertebrate phylogeny. This is a cellular property of critical importance for the operations of the striatum in mammals.