Morphological Association Research Articles

Assessment of acromial morphology in association with rotator cuff tear using magnetic resonance imaging

PurposeTo identify the morphological characteristics of the acromion associated with RCT using MRI. Also, to recognize which type of the acromion could be risk factor for full thickness RCT. Materials and methodsFifty-six patients with RCT (either partial or full thickness tear) and 30 control volunteers were enrolled in this study. Their shoulders were imaged by MRI. The acromial shapes were classified into type I (flat), type II (curved), type III (hooked) and type IV (convex). Additional measurements including acromial thickness, acromio-humeral distance (AHD), acromial index (AI) and lateral acromial angle (LAA) were performed for further assessment. ResultsType-II was the most commonly encountered acromial shape in both patients with RCT (44.6%) and control group (43.3%) with no significant difference in the incidence of each acromial shape between the two groups (P>0.05). The acromial thickness, AHD, AI and LAA were significantly different in patients with RCT compared to control group (P<0.001). Full thickness tear was significantly associated with type-III (P<0.05). ConclusionType-III acromion (hooked shaped) could be a risk factor for full thickness RCT.

Umbilical Signs of Peritoneal Tuberculosis in Children

To report the observation of involvement of the umbilicus with alteration of its morphology in association with peritoneal tuberculosis. This is a retrospective observational case series of abdominal tuberculosis (ATB) in children, treated in the department of pediatric surgery of a tertiary-care children's hospital in the period from January 2004 through April 2010. Out of a total of 38 cases of ATB in children, 22(57.9%) were of the peritoneal type, 14(36.8%) were of the intestinal type, and 2(5.3%) involved the mesenteric lymph nodes. Of the patients manifesting with peritoneal tuberculosis, 11 cases (50%) had involvement of the umbilicus with changes in the umbilical shape and appearance. In seven cases the umbilicus was found retracted and transversely oriented (a slit-like "smiling" appearance) with loss of the umbilical hollow. In two cases there was puckering of the umbilicus. Other findings included umbilical erythema with inflammation in one patient and a fecal fistula at the umbilicus in another patient. While seven cases responded to treatment with antituberculous therapy (ATT), four cases underwent surgery (two laparotomy and two laparoscopy). Findings were similar in all four patients, consisting of adhered dilated bowel loops studded with tubercles which also covered the parietal peritoneum and the falciform ligament. All four cases responded to postoperative ATT. Morphological changes of the umbilicus can provide an additional clue to the diagnosis of peritoneal tuberculosis in children.

Changes in cortical morphology resulting from long-term amygdala damage

The amygdala's contribution to emotion, cognition and behavior depends on its interactions with subcortical and cortical regions. Amygdala lesions result in altered functional activity in connected regions, but it is not known whether there might be long-term structural sequelae as well. We hypothesized that developmental bilateral amygdala lesions would be associated with specific gray matter morphometric abnormalities in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the ventral visual stream. We conducted regions of interest and vertex-based analyses of structural MRI data acquired in two patients with long-standing focal bilateral amygdala lesions (S.M. and A.P.), compared to gender- and age-matched healthy comparison subjects. Both patients showed significant proportional increases in gray matter volume of the vmPFC. Cortical thickness was increased in the vmPFC and ACC and decreased in the ventral visual stream. There were no morphometric changes in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex or dorsal visual stream cortices. These findings support the hypothesis that cortical regions strongly connected with the amygdala undergo morphometric changes with long-standing amygdala damage. This is the first evidence in humans of the remote alteration of brain morphology in association with amygdala lesions, and will help in interpreting the structural and functional consequences of amygdala pathology in neuropsychiatric disorders.

Day 5 blastocyst morphology correlates with comprehensive chromosome constitution and outcome

OBJECTIVE: Currently, there is no reliable morphological marker for chromosome aneuploidies during preimplantation embryo development that could be used as selection criteria for transfer. The aim of this study was to investigate D5 blastocyst morphology in association with comprehensive chromosome constitution of all 23 pairs of chromosomes.DESIGN: Retrospective study.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1,492 blastocysts (≥Grade 3BB) were biopsied and vitrified on either D5 or D6 of embryo development. D6 biopsied blastocysts were considered morphologically slow in development on D5 (morula, Grade 1 or Grade 2). Biopsied TE cells were analyzed for comprehensive chromosome screening (CCS) by mCGH (Reprogenetics) or SNP microarray (RMA-NJ). Analysis was performed based on D5 morphology regardless of the day of biopsy.RESULTS: In relation to D5 morphology, similarities in aneuploidy were observed for morula (55%), Grade 1 (56%), Grade 2 (59%) and Grade 3 (57%) blastocysts. In contrast, a significant decrease in aneuploidy was observed for Grade 4 (48%) (P<0.05) and Grade 5 (33%) (P<0.01) D5 blastocysts relative to earlier stages. A significant decrease in aneuploidy was also observed when more TE cells formed a cohesive epithelium compared to fewer TE cells (P<0.05). No significant differences were observed with inner cell mass grading. Ongoing clinical pregnancy rate following a frozen blastocyst transfer with euploid D5 biopsied blastocysts (63/79=79.8%) was significantly higher than with euploid D6 biopsied blastocysts (35/62=56.5%) (P<0.05). The CCS technique employed had no bearing on results when analyzed separately.CONCLUSION: Evaluation of D5 blastocyst morphology in relation to comprehensive chromosome constitution has revealed expanded and hatching D5 blastocysts to more likely be euploid. Nevertheless, this morphology indicator was not absolute. In addition, euploid D6 biopsied blastocysts exhibited poorer outcome following transfer, indicating multiple variables influence embryo viability and implantation. OBJECTIVE: Currently, there is no reliable morphological marker for chromosome aneuploidies during preimplantation embryo development that could be used as selection criteria for transfer. The aim of this study was to investigate D5 blastocyst morphology in association with comprehensive chromosome constitution of all 23 pairs of chromosomes. DESIGN: Retrospective study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1,492 blastocysts (≥Grade 3BB) were biopsied and vitrified on either D5 or D6 of embryo development. D6 biopsied blastocysts were considered morphologically slow in development on D5 (morula, Grade 1 or Grade 2). Biopsied TE cells were analyzed for comprehensive chromosome screening (CCS) by mCGH (Reprogenetics) or SNP microarray (RMA-NJ). Analysis was performed based on D5 morphology regardless of the day of biopsy. RESULTS: In relation to D5 morphology, similarities in aneuploidy were observed for morula (55%), Grade 1 (56%), Grade 2 (59%) and Grade 3 (57%) blastocysts. In contrast, a significant decrease in aneuploidy was observed for Grade 4 (48%) (P<0.05) and Grade 5 (33%) (P<0.01) D5 blastocysts relative to earlier stages. A significant decrease in aneuploidy was also observed when more TE cells formed a cohesive epithelium compared to fewer TE cells (P<0.05). No significant differences were observed with inner cell mass grading. Ongoing clinical pregnancy rate following a frozen blastocyst transfer with euploid D5 biopsied blastocysts (63/79=79.8%) was significantly higher than with euploid D6 biopsied blastocysts (35/62=56.5%) (P<0.05). The CCS technique employed had no bearing on results when analyzed separately. CONCLUSION: Evaluation of D5 blastocyst morphology in relation to comprehensive chromosome constitution has revealed expanded and hatching D5 blastocysts to more likely be euploid. Nevertheless, this morphology indicator was not absolute. In addition, euploid D6 biopsied blastocysts exhibited poorer outcome following transfer, indicating multiple variables influence embryo viability and implantation.

PRL-2 increases Epo and IL-3 responses in hematopoietic cells

Dual specificity protein tyrosine phosphatase PRL-2 is overexpressed in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and is located at human chromosome 1p35, a region often rearranged or amplified in malignant lymphoma and B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL). Little is known of the significance of PRL-2 expression in hematopoietic malignancies. Herein we demonstrated that ectopic expression of PRL-2 in murine pre-B-cell line Baf3ER and mouse bone marrow cells induced key features associated with malignant progression and metastasis. PRL-2-transfected Baf3ER cells had augmented growth responses to hematopoietic growth factors Epo or IL-3 with shortened cell cycle, reduced requirement (5×) for Epo in cell survival, increased cell migration (3×), reduced cell adhesion (5×), and conversion to an immature cell morphology in association with increased expression (3×) of stem cell marker Bmi-1. When transduced into mouse bone marrow cells, PRL-2 increased Epo-induced colony formation (4×) and gave rise to larger colonies. These observations provide evidences implicating PRL-2 as a pathogenic molecule in hematopoietic malignancies and suggest its potential as a novel therapeutic target.

Lipidic and proteic absorption in digestive tract of tropical fat snook ( Centropomus parallelus, POEY 1860)

The tropical fat snook Centropomus parallelus is a species of recognized ecological importance and with a high economical potential for fisheries and aquaculture. The investigations of digestive tube morphology in association with their feeding abilities are fundamental to improve techniques for aquaculture feeding procedures. Sudan black staining and Perl's method were used to evaluate their absorption capacity of fat and protein respectively. The Sudan black stain was performed 12 h after the ingestion of lipids. The lipids are intensely absorbed in the ceca epithelium and less intensely in the intestine and rectum. The Perl's method was performed 12 h after the ingestion of ferritin. The proteins are absorbed only in the rectum. This is the first description of fat and protein absorption ability by the digestive tube of fat snook. These data enhance the possibility of the addition of macromolecules in rations that can show a diversity of physiological effects. The histological implications of each segment of the digestive tube in association with fish biology are further discussed.

Abnormal mitosis in hypertetraploid cells causes aberrant nuclear morphology in association with H2O2‐induced premature senescence

Aberrant nuclear morphology, such as nuclei with irregular shapes or fragmented nuclei, is often observed in senescent cells, but its biological significance is not fully understood. My previous study showed that aberrant nuclear morphology in senescent human fibroblasts is attributable to abnormal mitosis in later passages. In this study, the production of abnormal nuclei in association with premature senescence was investigated. Premature senescence was induced by brief exposure of human fibroblasts to hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), and mitosis was observed by time-lapse microscopy. In addition, cell cycle and nuclear morphology after exposure to H(2)O(2) were also analyzed using a laser scanning cytometer. Time-lapse analysis revealed that the induction of premature senescence caused abnormal mitoses, such as mitotic slippage or incomplete mitosis, especially in later days after H(2)O(2) exposure and often resulted in abnormal nuclear morphology. Analysis by laser scanning cytometer showed significantly higher frequency of abnormal cells with deformed nuclei and abnormal mitotic cells with misaligned chromosomes in a hypertetraploid subpopulation. These results suggest that unstable hypertetraploid cells, formed in association with H(2)O(2)-induced premature senescence, cause abnormal mitosis that leads to aberrant nuclear morphology.

Phenotypic plasticity in a mutualistic association between the sponge Haliclona caerulea and the calcareous macroalga Jania adherens induced by transplanting experiments. I: morphological responses of the sponge

The mutualistic association between the sponge Haliclona caerulea and the calcareous red macroalga Jania adherens is conspicuous on shallow rocky regions of Mazatlan Bay (eastern tropical Pacific, Mexico). Transplanting experiments were carried out to examine the morphological responses of the association to an environmental depth gradient. Simultaneously, we conducted caging experiments to examine the effects of predation (mainly by angelfishes) on association morphology. For this, we transplanted specimens of the association from a control area at 3 m depth to depths of 1 and 5 m, and measured the morphological responses in the association (macro- and microstructure) from the three sites before and after 103 days. The association had the capacity to adjust both macro and micromorphologically, and both external morphology and body structure changed significantly with depth. The specimens grown at 1 m developed a larger surface area of attachment, higher organic density and higher inorganic content than the control specimens at 3 m, and the organisms grown at 5 m depth. We also detected significant differences in the aquiferous system of the sponge, which developed smaller and more numerous oscula at 1 m than at 5 m depth. These differences seem to be consistent with the wave movement as one of the main regulatory factors of the morphology of the association. However, the spicules from H. caerulea were most slender in shallow water, which is not consistent with increasing robustness in the face of greater wave force. The algal skeleton supplied up to 27% of the total inorganic structure of the association; thus, algal contribution significantly reduces the energy costs of spicule production, specifically under high wave exposure, when H. caerulea requires structural reinforcement relative to organic content. The contribution of the sponge to the association (as ratio Si to CaCO3) increased significantly from 3 to 5 m (12% in the uncaged specimens and 22% in the caged specimens), showing that the mutualistic relationship decreases with depth. The production of sponge branches in caged individuals was the most notable difference from uncaged morphs, which could suggest the effect of predators like angelfishes. However, branches could also be a response to the reduction in water movement and irradiance inside the cages. Sponges are known to show morphological acclimation in response to habitat variation, but this is the first study to show it in a sponge living in association with a macroalga.

A parametric relationship for synthesized diamond powder

Diamond powders synthesized in different solvent/catalyst systems at high pressure and high temperature conditions contain crystals that could be separated into groups of distinct size and defect morphology. These groups differ by their mechanical compressive resistance, given by the fracture load, which could be used to classify them for potential industrial applications. In the present work a parametric relationship between the defect morphological aspects, the granulometry and the compressive resistance of diamond powders synthesized in a concave anvil high-pressure device at 4.7 GPa and 1250 °C was established. Results were obtained by measuring the fracture load, using the single grit test of individual crystals, and comparing the average value for crystals with different defect morphology and corresponding grain sizes. The parametric relationship permitted to classify each diamond crystal by its size and defect morphology in association with its compressive resistance. It is therefore suggested that this parametric relationship be used as a new method to evaluate a diamond powder in terms of crystal size, defect morphological aspects and mechanical resistance.

Uteroplacental insufficiency decreases small intestine growth and alters apoptotic homeostasis in term intrauterine growth retarded rats

Human and animal studies demonstrate that uteroplacental insufficiency and subsequent intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) decrease intestinal growth and lead to both an increased incidence of feeding intolerance and necrotizing enterocolitis. Our objective was to determine the effects of uteroplacental insufficiency upon small intestine growth, histology, gene expression of the apoptosis related proteins Bcl-2, Bax and p53, and caspase-3 activity. For this purpose, we induced uteroplacental insufficiency through bilateral uterine artery ligation on day 19 of gestation in fully anesthetized pregnant Sprague–Dawley rats and harvested pups at term 2 days latter. Pups from sham surgeries served as controls. Uteroplacental insufficiency reduced cell count per crypt and decreased small intestinal weight. In association with these changes, IUGR intestinal Bcl-2 mRNA levels were decreased significantly, and Bax and p53 mRNA were significantly increased in distal ileum. Immunohistochemistry for Bcl-2, Bax, and p53 revealed similar findings. In association with the decreased Bcl-2 and the increased Bax gene expression, increased caspase-3 activity characterized the IUGR distal ileum. We conclude that uteroplacental insufficiency affects intestinal growth and morphology in association with altered gene expression of apoptosis related proteins. We speculate that the morphological change and associated altered apoptotic homeostasis contribute to the increased morbidity of infants affected by uteroplacental insufficiency.

The significance of Chlamydia pneumoniae in symptomatic carotid stenosis.

An association between symptomatic carotid stenosis and recent infection with Chlamydia pneumoniae is reported. Thirty-five patients (20 symptomatic and 15 asymptomatic) with carotid stenosis of 70% to 90% underwent carotid endarterectomy. Endarterectomy was performed without patch and shunt; the average occlusion time of the internal carotid artery was 14 +/- 3 min. The atheromatic plaque and a portion of the thyroid artery were examined with polymerase chain reaction and peripheral vein blood was obtained for serologic detection of systematic infection, and IgG and IgM antibodies to C. pneumoniae by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Twenty of 35 patients (57.1%) had increased titers of IgG antibodies to C. pneumoniae. Eight patients revealed IgG plus IgM antibodies; two of the eight had IgG, IgM, and positive findings on polymerase chain reaction. No C. pneumoniae was detected on the thyroid arteries. Sixty-five percent (13/20) of the patients with increased IgG antibodies to C. pneumoniae, 87.5% (7/8) with IgG + IgM, and 100% with IgG + IgM + positive polymerase chain reaction were symptomatic. Plaque morphology in association with symptoms did not reveal a significant correlation between soft plaques and symptoms, whereas the majority of the symptomatic patients had plaques of type III-V. Patients having recent contamination and positive polymerase chain reaction had a significant relationship between C. pneumoniae infection and symptomatic carotid disease. This supports the hypothesis that C. pneumoniae infection can produce a kind of instability of the carotid plaque. The results of this study demonstrate that patients with advanced atherosclerotic carotid disease have an increased incidence of C. pneumoniae infection. Recent infection could be responsible for instability of the carotid plaque, causing cerebral ischemic episodes.

Rod aggregation in graft rigid-rod copolymers for single-component molecular composites

Graft copolymers of rigid-rod polymers, specially synthesized for single-component molecular composites, were investigated by wide-angle X-ray scattering. The copolymers consist of a flexible poly(ether ketone) (PEK) side chain attached to a rigid-rod poly( p-phenylene benzobisthiazole) (PBZT). Emphasis was especially placed on the extent of rod aggregation in the copolymers before and after heat treatments. Results were compared among the graft copolymers of various structural characteristics and the blend of PBZT and PEK homopolymers. The results confirmed that the flexible side chains effectively suppress the thermally induced rod aggregation. The frequency of the graft sites along the rigid-rod backbone was found to be the key structural parameter limiting the extent of rod aggregation. A certain minimum frequency of the graft sites appeared to be required for the copolymers to be stable against the thermal aggregation. The side-chain length showed only a minimal effect, while the rigid-rod backbone length exhibited no effect on the stability of the copolymer morphology in association with the thermal aggregation.

Glucocorticoids impair bone resorptive activity and viability of osteoclasts disaggregated from neonatal rat long bones.

It is generally believed that glucocorticoids cause osteoporosis through a combination of decreased bone formation and increased bone resorption. However, the direct effect of glucocorticoids on osteoclasts has not been determined. We therefore tested the effects of hydrocortisone and dexamethasone on bone resorption by osteoclasts disaggregated from neonatal rat long bones. Hydrocortisone and dexamethasone caused a dose-dependent inhibition of osteoclastic bone resorption in the range 10(-7) to 10(-5) M, and 10(-9) to 10(-6) M, respectively, at concentrations likely to occur during therapy and disease. Inhibition of bone resorption was found to be associated with impaired osteoclast survival: osteoclast numbers were reduced to approximately 25% of control values by 10(-6) M hydrocortisone and 10(-7) M dexamethasone. Osteoclast cytotoxicity by glucocorticoids was completely antagonized by progesterone, which itself had no effect on osteoclast survival. Analysis of the time course of these inhibitory effects showed a nonsignificant reduction in survival by 6 h and marked inhibition of survival by 12 h. We could detect no specific changes in osteoclast morphology in association with this impaired viability. The relative potencies of the glucocorticoids for impairment of osteoclast viability was similar to their relative affinities for binding the glucocorticoid receptor, and this, together with inhibition by progesterone, suggests a receptor-mediated mechanism. Such a receptor-mediated cytotoxic action of glucocorticoids has only previously been reported with lymphoid cells. The sensitivity of osteoclasts to the lethal effects of glucocorticoids suggests that glucocorticoids may have a role in physiology as inhibitors of osteoclastic bone resorption.

Firm structural associations between migratory pigment granules and microtubules in crayfish retinula cells.

The morphology of associations between mobile pigment granules and microtubules of the crayfish retinula cells was examined with transmission electron microscopy. Many pigment granules were found associated with microtubules through linkages of fuzzy appearance in thin sections. The linkages were revealed as discrete strands of variable shape in rotary-shadowed replicas of freeze-fractured and deep-etched specimens. The only feature of constant morphology among these connections consisted of 2-4-nm filaments projecting laterally from the microtubules. The firmness of the pigment granule-microtubule associations was judged by their ability to hold up during cell disruption procedures of increasing disaggregation effects in a low-Ca++ stabilization buffer. The results of these tests were inspected with scanning electron microscopy and with transmission electron microscopy of negatively stained preparations. Numerous pigment granules remained associated with a stable microtubule framework after the plasma membrane had been stripped away. Moreover, granule-microtubule attachments survived breakdown of this framework into free fascicles of microtubules. The pigment granules were associated with the free microtubules either individually or as clusters entangled in a fibrous material interwoven with 10-nm filaments. These findings attest that many pigment granules are bound to microtubules through linkages that constitute effective attachments. Further, it is demonstrated that a highly cohesive substance associates the pigment granules with one another. These conclusions are discussed in terms of a pigment transport mechanism in which a network of interconnected granules would establish firm transient interactions with a supporting skeleton of microtubules.

Recent carbonate sedimentation in Connemara, Western Ireland

An extensive area of biogenic carbonate sedimentation characterizes the Atlantic seaboard of Western Ireland. In accounting for the distribution of these sediments, perhaps the most significant factor is the orientation of the coastal and submarine morphology in association with a 230 ° wind vector that provides the main energy input into the sedimentary system. Four major sedimentary facies are recognized in the study area each having a particular constituent composition and texture. The interaction of the energy flow with the coastal geomorphology results in the coarser sediments being confined to the more exposed parts of the embayments, while the finer sediments accumulate in the sheltered areas. The apparently simple relationships between grain size, particle composition, sorting and the degree of sheltering from the energy flow indicates that the biogenic components are all hydrodynamically sorted and that the sediment assemblages reflect the degree of local environmental energy. Marine vegetation influences sedimentation by reducing current strengths, creating baffles, trapping and binding particles and stabilizing the substrates. In Connemara, skeletal breakdown is controlled primarily by biological processes. Superimposed on this is a secondary process of mechanical disintegration. Analysis of data by simple statistical techniques indicated that the physical environment of deposition in terms of the degree of protection (or quietness of the water) ultimately determines the distribution of the biogenic and mineral phase constituents of the sediments. These in turn govern the bulk chemical composition. Each facies has its own specific hydrodynamic regime. The mean sediment composition of each facies in effect reflects this basic physical control on sedimentation.

Cranial base morphology in association with intentional cranial vault deformation: By R. William McNeill and George N. Newton. Am. J. Phys. Anthrop. 23: 241–254, September, 1965

Cranial base morphology in association with intentional cranial vault deformation: By R. William McNeill and George N. Newton. Am. J. Phys. Anthrop. 23: 241–254, September, 1965

Cranial base morphology in association with intentional cranial vault deformation.

AbstractComparison of vault and basal dimensions in 86 Amerind crania revealed that artificial deformation is associated with elevation of frontal orbital processes and temporal petrous crests, restriction of normal downward rotation of foramen magnum, and flattening of mid‐saggital cranial base. Circumferentially deformed crania were modified to a greater degree than antero‐posteriorly deformed skulls. While degree of basal deformation was dependent upon type of vault deformation, this study could not demonstrate the existence of a relationship between type of vault deformation and direction of cranial base modification.