Oil Vacuoles Research Articles

Caloplaca tephromelae(Teloschistaceae), a new lichenicolous species from Tasmania

AbstractCaloplaca tephromelaeKantvilas, Suija & Motiej., a lichenicolous species growing on saxicolous thalli of species ofTephromela, is described from Tasmania. The new species is characterized by lecanorine to zeorine apothecia with a whitish grey thalline margin devoid of anthraquinone pigments, a non-inspersed hymenium, paraphyses without oil vacuoles and ascospores 10–14 × 5–8 μm, with a septum 5–8 μm thick. It is compared with selected taxa ofCaloplacas. lat. that share these salient features. Molecular data support the distinctiveness of the new species but do not suggest any obvious close relatives.

Oxidative stress and immune complexes: Pathogenic mechanisms in pristane induced murine model of lupus.

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a systemic autoimmune inflammatory disease with a broad spectrum of clinical presentations. Mouse models play an indispensible role in understanding the disease pathology and for developing new therapeutics. This study investigated the effect of pristane administration on female BALB/c mice. The various manifestations of lupus replicated in this mouse model were analysed and their relevance to human disease was assessed. Pristane injection replicates the two prime manifestations of lupus i.e. oxidative stress and inflammation. An increase in oxidative stress was determined by the decreasing anti-oxidants, increasing ROS and lipid peroxidation. Inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) also increased in the plasma. The deteriorating organ functions after pristane administration were evident histopathologically. An increase in inflammatory cells, necrosis, oil vacuoles and pigment cells were marked in kidney, liver, lungs and spleen, whereas skin did not manifest any alteration. Liver function (bilirubin, SGPT) and kidney function (creatinine and proteinuria) tests were also altered. Pristane injection caused the generation of anti-nuclear antibodies, which were apparent from the different immunofluorescence patterns observed. Immune deposits were evident in all the vital organs stating the similarity this model holds with lupus patients. Replicating various manifestations of human lupus disorder, pristane induced mouse model of lupus serves as an appropriate model to study lupus complications and in the development of novel therapeutics for disease management.

Modified protocol for improvement of differentiation potential of menstrual blood-derived stem cells into adipogenic lineage.

To characterize potency of menstrual blood-derived stem cells (MenSCs) for future cell therapies, we examined differentiation potential of MenSCs into adipocytes. Differentiation potential of MenSCs in comparison to bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) was assessed in conventional culture medium. Differentiation potential of MenSCs into adipocytes was improved using different combinations of growth factors and hormones. First, we demonstrated that MenSCs preserve their appearance and karyotypic stability during passages. Although these cells express mesenchymal stem cells markers, they cannot simply be classified as mesenchymal stem cells due to expression of embryonic stem cells marker, OCT-4. Oil red O staining showed that differentiated MenSCs in conventional medium with/without retinoic acid (protocols 1 and 2) did not attain adipocyte characteristics, whereas differentiated BMSCs in conventional medium accumulated oil vacuoles typically. Nevertheless, real-time RT-PCR results showed that LPL gene expression was up-regulated in both protocols 1 and 2, whereas LEPR was up-regulated only in protocol 2 (fortified with retinoic acid). Surprisingly, protocol 3 (including rosiglitazone) had odd influence on mRNA expression of all genes (LEPR, LPL and PPAR-γ). Oil red O staining confirmed fat-producing ability of MenSCs under protocol 3. Presented data suggest an efficient differentiation protocol for in vitro production of MenSC-derived adipocytes. These cells are suggested to be an apt alternative to BMSCs for future stem cell therapy of soft tissue injuries.

Atmospheric cold plasma jet for plant disease treatment

This study shows that the atmospheric cold plasma jet is capable of curing the fungus-infected plant leaves and controlling the spread of infection as an attractive tool for plant disease management. The healing effect was significantly dependent on the size of the black spots infected with fungal cells and the leaf age. The leaves with the diameter of black spots of <2 mm can completely recover from the fungus-infected state. The plasma-generated species passing through the microns-sized stomas in a leaf can weaken the function of the oil vacuoles and cell membrane of fungal cells, resulting in plasma-induced inactivation.

Subconjunctival and orbital silicone oil granuloma (siliconoma) complicating intravitreal silicone oil tamponade.

A 30-year-old male, who underwent previous pars plana vitrectomy and silicone oil tamponade due to endogenous endophthalmitis originated from Klebsiella liver abscess, was referred for evisceration. At 2 months after vitrectomy with silicon oil tamponade, conjunctival chemosis and ocular pain were aggravated. Diffuse eyelid swelling and large subconjunctival mass with lipid droplets were noted. On MRI examination, subconjunctival mass and intra- and extraconal orbital mass around superior rectus muscle were observed. Excision of subconjunctival and orbital mass was performed. Histopathologic examination showed multiple silicone oil vacuoles surrounded by foreign body giant cells and fibrosis, which confirmed silicone oil granuloma. In a patient with suspicious melting sclera in diseases such as endophthalmitis, large silicone oil granuloma may be complicated in a rapid fashion after intravitreal silicone oil tamponade due to silicone oil leakage.

Mechanism and Flame Behavior of Small-Scale Oil Tank Boilover

Boilover is acknowledged as one of the most harmful fire in oil tank fire. A small-scale oil tank boilover apparatus was established to study the flame behavior during boilover process. Visualization experiments were also conducted to discuss the mechanism of boilover formation. The results indicate that boilover process can be divided into three stages: quasi steady combustion stage, boilover premonitory stage and boilover stage. The formation of boilover results from the reciprocity of bubbles and oil vacuoles generated by absorbing energy released from combustion reaction.

Superior lipolytic effect of the 1,444 nm Nd:YAG laser: Comparison with the 1,064 nm Nd:YAG laser

Recently developed laser lipolysis systems have been disappointing because they require more time to remove the same amount of fat than other liposuction methods. A new Nd:YAG laser has been introduced that uses the 1,444 nm wavelength, better absorbed by fat. This study consisted of two protocols. The first protocol was an in vivo minipig model. Four 10x10 cm(2) areas were treated on the back of the first minipig. Using the same total energy and power settings (5,000 J, 8 W), both the 1,064 nm and 1,444 nm lasers were used to irradiate the two cephalic areas. The two caudal areas were irradiated with both lasers, using the maximum power settings (12 W with the 1,064 nm laser, 8 W with the 1,444 nm laser). Another minipig was administered a preoperative injection of tumescent solution and treated with the same condition. Measurements of fat volume with computed tomography and histologic exams were conducted. The second experiment involved in vitro human fat. Equal amounts of human fat, harvested by liposuction, were put into test tubes and irradiated with 1,064 nm and 1,444 nm lasers. Oil production was measured from each test tube. A marked reduction in fat volume and more oil vacuoles and giant cells in histology were identified with the 1,444 nm wavelength compared to the 1,064 nm wavelength. Human fat in the in vitro experiments also revealed more oil production following the use of the 1,444 nm laser. The 1,444 nm Nd:YAG laser showed a greater lipolytic effect compared to the 1,064 nm Nd:YAG laser in in vivo minipig and in vitro human fat experiments. To achieve a full understanding of the effects of 1,444 nm Nd:YAG laser lipolysis on the human body, in vivo experimentation will be necessary.

Intraocular tissue migration of silicone oil after silicone oil tamponade: A histopathological study of enucleated silicone oil-filled eyes

Retrospective clinical and histopathological review of eight silicone oil-filled enucleated eyeballs using light microscopy was carried out in our department of ocular pathology during a period of six years. In all cases, silicone oil vacuoles, both free and incorporated within macrophages were seen in all the retinal layers. Silicone oil vacuoles were seen in the optic nerve, choroid, retinal pigment epithelium, corneal stroma, iris and ciliary body stroma, preretinal and subretinal membranes and retro-corneal membranes. Silicone oil migration could be seen in intraocular tissues as early as two months post surgery. There was no definite histopathological correlation between duration of tamponade and distribution of silicone oil vacuoles. Silicone oil vacuoles were seen in the optic nerve in eyes with neovascular glaucoma. Chronic inflammatory reaction was observed in the retinal tissue in the vicinity of silicone oil vacuoles.

Histopathological and ultrastructural characteristics of oil-associated complications in silicone oil-filled human eyes

To observe morphological changes of oil-associated complications in silicone oil-filled human eyes, and to further explore their pathogenesis. The morphology analysis and immunohistochemistrical study were performed in 25 specimens including 8 eyeballs, 1 ocular content, 4 preretinal membranes, 4 corneal buttons and 8 lens from human eyes with silicone oil tamponade. Two of preretinal membranes acquired freshly were also evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Endothelium cell loss (90%) and band keratopathy (83%) were the most typical changes in silicone oil-associated keratopathy;while epithelial cell fibrosis was the most frequent histopathological features in silicone oil-associated cataract. In 8 eyeballs and 1 ocular content, it was found that damages to normal retinal layers and formation of preretinal or subretinal membrane with extensive silicone bubbles were obvious in the cases of silicone oil-associated retinopathy, which included loss and degeneration of neuron cells. Moreover, in 3 eyeballs with silicone oil for more than 60 months, retinas were completely replaced by fibril membranes, and the oil vacuoles were also found in sclerocorneal scar, trabecula, iris, ciliary body, choroid, optic nerve and its tunica vaginalis. These finding demonstrated that the longer the silicone oil was retained in eyeballs, the more severe its complications were. Different sizes of silicone bubbles in 2 preretinal membranes were noted easier by TEM than light microscopy. There were some macrophages marker (CD68) positive staining cells in the tissues filled with silicone bubbles, such as preretinal or subretinal membrane and optic nerve. Partial of the membranes surrounding the oil bubbles was positive for GFAP staining, and other part was positive stained for Vimentin. Intraocular silicone oil can damage the normal tissue structures and function if it is retained in eyeballs too long. This results suggest that silicone oil should be removed timely after the retinal reattachment stabilized and can not be used as a kind of long term intraocular tamponade.

Intraretinal silicone oil vacuoles after macular hole surgery with internal limiting membrane peeling

Purpose To report the detection of intraretinal silicone oil vacuoles after the use of a silicone oil tamponade for macular hole surgery with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling. Design Observational case report. Methods A 57-year-old woman with a recurrent macular hole in the left eye underwent macular hole surgery with ILM peeling and silicone oil tamponade. After early silicone oil emulsification was detected, the silicone oil was removed. Results Follow-up ophthalmoscopic examination and optical coherence tomography imaging revealed intraretinal silicone oil vacuoles in the area of ILM peeling. Conclusions Internal limiting membrane defects may facilitate the entry of silicone oil into the retina, leading to accumulation of oil vacuoles. The use of silicone oil in macular hole surgery with ILM peeling may complicate the postoperative outcome.

Silicone oil–associated optic nerve degeneration

PURPOSE: To report the frequency and extent of silicone oil migration into the optic nerve during silicone oil endotamponade. METHODS: Histopathologic analysis of 74 eyes enucleated after silicone oil endotamponade. RESULTS: In 14 of 74 enucleated eyes (24%), optically empty vacuoles regarded as silicone oil vacuoles were observed in the retrolaminar optic nerve. In three eyes, silicone oil in the optic nerve was surrounded by a granulomatous inflammatory reaction. In serial cross sections, the vacuoles extended up to the line of surgical transsection (up to 9 mm) of the optic nerve and constituted up to 40% of the total cross-sectional area. CONCLUSIONS: After silicone oil endotamponade, silicone oil may replace a considerable amount of tissue of the retrolaminar optic nerve. A granulomatous inflammatory reaction surrounding silicone oil may add to optic nerve damage.

Isolation of a new mixotrophic bacterium which can fix C02 and assimilate aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons anaerobically

We isolated a new type of Gram-negative mixotrophic bacterium, Pseudomonas sp. HD-1, which is a facultative anaerobe. Cells were grown on CO2 as a sole carbon source in the presence of H2. Anaerobic growth of the strain was enhanced by the addition of aliphatic as well as aromatic hydrocarbons. When cells were grown on n-alkane anaerobically, many oil vacuoles formed in the cells and about 40–50% of the dry cell weight was lipid and oil. The total increase in the hydrophilic components of the cells indicated the anaerobic assimilation of aliphatic hydrocarbon. Electron microscopic observation showed that the cell surface was highly wavy and that the membrane had a multi-layer structure irrespective of the presence of oil. The strain can fix CO2 and produce n-alkane (C10 to C20) in the absence of oil. The strain has the following potentials from the viewpoint of bioremediation. 1) Dissolved the oil pollution problem by anaerobic degradation of hydrocarbons, 2) Dissolve the greenhouse effect by CO2 fixation, and 3) Microbial production of oil.

ULTRASTRUCTURAL MORPHOLOGY OF MICROTHAMNION ZOOSPORES1

SUMMARYThe Ultrastructure of Microthamnion zoospores is described (exclusive of the finer details of the flagellar apparatus). The zoospores have a typical chlorophycean morphology but, in addition, many unique features. The chloroplasts contain starch but no pyrenoid. Thylakoids may run from one edge of the chloroplast to the other and usually anastomose into 2‐ to 8‐membered stacks. The internal morphology is highly polarized and characterized by an intimate proximity and constant spacing between many organelle membranes. All the organelles are asymmetrically distributed within the cell in a precise manner. The anterior region of the zoospore is attenuated into a neck which contains a single, massive mitochondrion. A fibrous rhizoplast lies beside the mitochondrion and appears to connect the flagellar apparatus directly with the outer membrane of the nuclear envelope. In addition, this outer membrane is extended over a distance of several microns to eventually lie in close proximity to the basal bodies. Oil vacuoles and lipid bodies are restricted to the posterior end of the zoospore.

Reaction of swine to oil-adjuvanted inactivated foot-and-mouth disease virus vaccine inoculated by intramuscular and subcutaneous routes

Local reactions at inoculation sites of swine vaccinated with foot-and-mouth disease antigens emulsified with oil adjuvant were examined at 7, 14, 32, 45, 62 and 90 days postinoculation. The serologic data indicate that either the subcutaneous or intramuscular route, as well as the different inoculation sites selected induce a similar antibody response. Lesions at all inoculation sites were characterized by subacute and chronic granulomatous tissue reaction and the continuous presence of oil vacuoles. There is little doubt that some degree of reaction at the site of inoculation is to be expected and thus the site and route are of utmost importance in reducing the possibility of a carcass blemish.

Response of swine to inactivated foot-and-mouth disease vaccine. Duration of immunity and local tissue reaction.

The duration of immunity was studied for a 365-day period in swine vaccinated with a foot-and-mouth disease trivalent vaccine, inactivated for 48 hours with acetylethyleneimine and combined with an oil adjuvant. A satisfactory degree of immunity was afforded at 90 and 180 days postinoculation (DPI). At 365 DPI, vaccinated swine still maintained a degree of resistance to infection despite marked lowering of neutralizing antibody. At 6 months, lesions at inoculation sites were of very limited extent and appeared as scattered islands of small yellowish streaks of fibrous tissue and some spherical nodules. Histologically, lesions were multiple, foreign-body-type granulomas characterized by oil vacuoles, reticuloendothelial cell proliferation and fibrosis. Tissues surrounding lesions were normal. At 12 months, these lesions were almost impossible to locate. Microscopically, they were comparable to those observed at 6 months. Whether these lesions are more serious than those obtained with current products and other adjuvants and whether these constitute a carcass blemish remain to be determined.

ASCOSPORE DEVELOPMENT IN HANSENULA ANOMALA

The development of ascospores of Hansenula anomala (Hansen) H. &amp; P. Syd. was studied by electron microscopy. Within the young ascus, a double membrane develops around each of the haploid nuclei enclosing mitochondria, oil vacuoles, and endoplasmic reticulum as well. Two ascospore wall layers are deposited within the intercisternal space. The initial wall layer develops centripetally from the extremities of the base, then around the crown of the hat-shaped spore. In many spores, this initial wall is thin or incomplete around the upper portion of the crown. The second wall layer is less electron dense and is formed adjacent to and immediately within the initial layer. At maturity of the spores, no organelles remain in the epiplasm.

Modificazioni Strutturali Dei Plastidi in Semi Germinanti

Abstract Structural changes in plastids of germinating seeds. Observations on the Clementine (CITRUS NOBILIS x C. AURANTIUM AMARA PUMILA) cotyledons and the Castor-bean (RICINUS COMMUNIS) endosperm. — The structural changes in the plastids of germinating seeds have been studied with the electron microscope in the cotyledons of the Clementine (Citrus nobilis x C. aurantium amara pumila) and in the endosperm of the Castor-bean (Ricinus communis). In the seeds of the Clementines the chloroplasts are already present in the repening fruit, and contain one or few isolated grana, which are never connected by stroma lamellae. In the endosperm of resting Castor-bean seeds, the plastids, as other cytoplasmic organules, are not easily found, being the cells filled with large and numerous fat bodies or oil vacuoles, crowded and packed together so that some leucoplasts can be found only in the germinating seeds. During seed germination, reserve starch, synthesized from the fat representing the seed storage, is deposited in the Clementine chloroplasts and, in smaller amounts, in the Castor-bean plastids. When the Clementine seeds germinate under light conditions, the chloroplasts develop a larger system of lamellae, but the stroma lamellae are never formed. Instead, if seed germination occurs in the darkness, the lamellar system gradually involves, and a vescicular body is finally formed. The chloroplasts of Clementines show therefore a feature of the greatest interest. Indeed, in the ripening seeds, they become green and form a lamellar system in the darkness, but their lamellar system is however anomalous, lacking of stroma lamellae. During seed germination in the light, the lamellar system, even more developed, retains its anomalous features. On the contrary, when seeds germinate in the darkness, the chloroplasts are unable not only of increasing, but also of preserving their lamellar system, built during fruit ripening, which undergoes an involutive process. In the plastids of both the Castor-bean endosperm and the Clementine cotyledons, rounded organules are formed, at the oldest stages of germination, beetween the two membranes of the plastid. These organules, which can be found also outside the plastid, can be identified with the ones described by Weier and Thompson (1962) as « spherosomes » and by Hohl (1960–1961) as « Einschlusskörpern »; they are here interpreted as an expression of involutive events, consequent to the processes of tissue exhaustion.