Presence Of Granules Research Articles

Use of a controlled negative pressure system for the treatment of periprosthetic breast complications

Background. One of the most common methods of breast reconstruction after mastectomy for malignant tumors is reconstruction using an endoprosthesis. However, this technique is associated with the risk of developing periprosthetic complications. The classic solution to this problem is to remove the endoprosthesis, achieve complete remission of the infectious process and repeat the cycle of reconstructive measures. In this work we present a new approach to the treatment of periprosthetic complications.Aim. To evaluate the effectiveness of the controlled negative pressure system (CNP) in the treatment of periprosthetic breast complications.Materials and methods. From 2019 to 2023, the study included 23 patients who underwent combined/complex treatment for breast cancer, including reconstructive plastic surgery with the installation of endoprostheses, and 1 patient who underwent aesthetic surgery was included. All patients experienced various complications after the reconstructive stage: protrusion of the endoprosthesis, ischemia of the flap and/or local inflammation. To relieve the complications that arose, treatment was carried out using a flushing system and a CNP.Results. The duration of therapy with the sequential installation of a flushing system followed by replacement with a СNP averaged 15 days. In 7 cases out of 24, it was not possible to preserve or reinstall endoprostheses due to thinning of the musculocutaneous flap, resistance of the microflora to the treatment, or relapse of the infectious process. In 17 cases, no complications were recorded after re-installation of endoprostheses for 2 years. As a result of the work, in most cases, within one hospitalization, it was possible to preserve the skin sheath, achieve complete regression of complications and perform repeated reconstructive interventionConclusion. In most cases, the use of a CNP allows you to save the bed for the full installation of a new endoprosthesis. To do this, a number of conditions must be met: absence of microflora growth; presence of granulation after treatment; full thickness and integrity of the musculocutaneous flap. Systemic treatment and a history of radiation therapy are not a contraindication to retaining endoprostheses.

To Study the Pre Operative Indicators of Incudal Necrosis in Tubo-Tympanic Chronic Otitis Media.

To assess the pre-operative indicators of incudal necrosis in tubo-tympanic CSOM. A total of 80 patients with tubo-tympanic type of CSOM attending the SMGS Hospital ENT OPD/IPD of both genders were enrolled for the study. Pre-operative findings on oto-microscopic examination, pure-tone audiometry, x-ray mastoid and intra-operative microscopy was recorded. It was found that patients with age > 30years and more than 10years of CSOM had had higher incidence of ossicular necrosis as compared to patients age < 30years and less than 10years of CSOM (P < 0.05). Patients who had granulation tissue and moderate to moderately severe hearing loss had higher incidence of ossicular necrosis as compared to other patients. The difference was seen significant (P < 0.05). In this study, it was observed that the presence of granulations over the perforation margins, disease persisting for more than 10years, moderate to moderately severe hearing loss appear to be significant reliable indicators of incudal necrosis in tubo-tympanic type of CSOM. All patients of tubo-tympanic type of CSOM should be assessed in detail so as to reach early diagnosis of ossicular erosion that helps in surgical decision making and preparedness regarding ossiculoplasty and patient consent.

Negative effects of EPDM microplastic and cork granules on plant growth are mitigated by earthworms and likely caused by their structural properties

Soil microplastic pollution can have negative effects on organisms, including plants, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. We tested whether structural or chemical properties of a microplastic cause its effects on plant above- and belowground growth and whether these effects can be influenced by earthworms. We conducted a factorial experiment in a greenhouse with seven common Central European grassland species. Microplastic granules of the synthetic rubber ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM),11EPDM: ethylene propylene diene monomer. a frequently used infill material of artificial turfs, and cork granules with a comparable size and shape to the EPDM granules were used to test for structural effects of granules in general. To test for chemical effects, EPDM-infused fertilizer was used, which should have contained any leached water-soluble chemical components of EPDM. Two Lumbricus terrestris individuals were added to half of the pots, to test whether these earthworms modify effects of EPDM on plant growth. EPDM granules had a clear negative effect on plant growth, but since cork granules had a negative effect of similar magnitude, with an average decrease in biomass of 37 % in presence of granules, this is likely due to the structural properties of granules (i.e., size and shape). For some belowground plant traits, EPDM had a stronger effect than cork, which shows that there must be other factors playing into the effects of EPDM on plant growth. The EPDM-infused fertilizer did not have any significant effect on plant growth by itself, but it had in interaction with other treatments. Earthworms had an overall positive effect on plant growth and mitigated most of the negative effects of EPDM. Our study shows that EPDM microplastic can have negative effects on plant growth, and that these might be more related to its structural than to its chemical properties.

P-236 IL-6 levels in follicular-fluid and day5/6 spent culture drops indicate its role as a biomarker of oocyte maturation and an embryokine influencing embryo developmental competence

Abstract Study question To elucidate the role of IL-6 in folliculogenesis and embryo development during human in-vitro culture Summary answer High IL-6 levels in follicular-fluid positively correlate with oocyte maturity status whereas higher IL-6 secretome in day5/day6 spent culture media inversely correlates with blastocyst/ICM grades What is known already Although some studies have attempted to explore the correlation of FF IL-6 with fertilization and embryo development rates; the results have been inconclusive. Similarly, studies comparing FF IL-6 levels with endometrial receptivity and pregnancy outcomes have been ambiguous and contradictory. Recent research has reported improvement in bovine blastocyst ICM grades in culture media supplemented with IL-6. No study has yet evaluated the role of IL-6 as a biomarker of oocyte maturity nor investigated IL-6 as an embryokine that could regulate embryo developmental competence in humans. We have employed the FF metabolomic and Secretomic approach for IL-6 in human IVF cycles. Study design, size, duration Prospective study in women (25-35 years) undergoing IVF cycles (n = 256) for unexplained/tubal-factor infertility from 2018-2020. Only those women whose FF and day5/6 spent culture media sample could be obtained, were included. Women with endometriosis, PID, Genital Kochs were excluded. IL-6 levels were measured by diagnostic kit in spent micro-drops and FF (pooled per patient per cycle). Cycles were divided into Low and High IL-6 groups (FF: ≤ 47.5 and &amp;gt;47.5pg/ml; Spent Medium: &amp;lt;0.5 and ≥0.5pg/ml). Participants/materials, setting, methods Antagonist cycles involving COH with r-FSH and ICSI for all. Noted oocyte Nuclear maturity (GV/MI/MII). Oocyte Cytoplasmic maturity graded as Top and non-Top, based on presence of granulation, refractile bodies, sER, visco-elasticity. Post ICSI, oocytes cultured individually in 50µl single-step media micro-drops till day3 and shifted to fresh 50µl micro-drops for extended culture till day5/6. Blastocyst gradation was done using Gardner’s classification for expansion, ICM and trophectodermal cells. Statistical analysis done using graph-pad prism VI Main results and the role of chance High FF/IL-6 group (n = 103) had significantly higher proportion of MII (92.08 vs. 76.33%; p &amp;lt; 0.001) and top-quality (88.10 vs. 70.0%; p &amp;lt; 0.001) oocytes and fertilization rates (89.45 vs. 77.30%; p = 0.009) compared to Low FF/IL-6 group (n = 153) although total number of days of stimulation/gonadotropin dose, mean oocytes retrieved did not differ significantly between the two groups. Cleavage (84.64 vs. 75.92%; p = 0.061) and blastocyst formation (53.86 vs. 42.37%; p = 0.053) rate, although higher, did not differ significantly between the two FF/IL-6 groups. FF/IL-6 level correlated strongly with overall oocyte maturity status (Pearson r = 0.61, 95% CI 0.52-0.8). Threshold FF/IL-6 level for obtaining top-quality MII oocytes was &amp;gt;39.2pg/ml (ROCAUC = 86%, Sensitivity = 78%, Specificity = 83%). In D5/6 spent culture drops, likelihood of top-quality blastocyst formation (expansion grade ≥3 and ICM/TE grades AA/AB/BA) increased by 41% (odds ratio: 0.44, 95%CI: 0.4-0.5; χ2 p &amp;lt; 0.0001) if IL-6 concentration was &amp;lt;0.5 pg/ml. Lower culture-drop IL-6 levels correlated strongly with top ICM grades (Pearson r = −0.66, 95% CI 0.6-0.7). Highest IL-6 levels were found in spent culture-drops containing grade-C blastocysts whether on day5 or day6. IL-6 levels were comparatively higher in day6 than in day5 micro-drops, correlating with higher percentage of top-quality blastocysts on day5 than on day6. Threshold micro-drop IL-6 level for top-grade blastocyst &amp;lt;0.42 pg/ml. Limitations, reasons for caution We estimated IL-6 levels in pooled FF (per patient, per cycle). Although cumbersome &amp; time-consuming, it would be worthwhile to evaluate individual FF (per follicle, per patient, per cycle). Also, measuring IL-6 in spent media involving group embryo culture, may facilitate study of the probable paracrine effects of this ‘embryokine’. Wider implications of the findings IL-6 is a pleiotropic cytokine and its role/s in folliculogenesis, embryo development and endometrial receptivity is not yet clearly etched out. This study attempts to elucidate the functions of IL-6 in a systematic manner by deriving threshold values for obtaining top quality oocytes and blastocysts in human in-vitro culture conditions. Trial registration number NOT APPLICABLE

Effects of Different Types of Recombinant SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein on Circulating Monocytes' Structure.

This study investigated the biological effects on circulating monocytes after challenge with SARS-CoV-2 recombinant spike protein. Whole blood collected from seven ostensibly healthy healthcare workers was incubated for 15 min with 2 and 20 ng/mL final concentration of recombinant spike protein of Ancestral, Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants. Samples were analyzed with Sysmex XN and DI-60 analyzers. Cellular complexity (i.e., the presence of granules, vacuoles and other cytoplasmic inclusions) increased in all samples challenged with the recombinant spike protein of the Ancestral, Alpha, and Delta variants, but not in those containing Omicron. The cellular content of nucleic acids was constantly decreased in most samples, achieving statistical significance in those containing 20 ng/mL of Alpha and Delta recombinant spike proteins. The heterogeneity of monocyte volumes significantly increased in all samples, achieving statistical significance in those containing 20 ng/mL of recombinant spike protein of the Ancestral, Alpha and Delta variants. The monocyte morphological abnormalities after spike protein challenge included dysmorphia, granulation, intense vacuolization, platelet phagocytosis, development of aberrant nuclei, and cytoplasmic extrusions. The SARS-CoV-2 spike protein triggers important monocyte morphological abnormalities, more evident in cells challenged with recombinant spike protein of the more clinically severe Alpha and Delta variants.

Intestinal fat absorption shifting: polyglucosamine biopolymer controls lipids and weight and reduces the progression of subclinical atherosclerosis.

Intestinal fat absorption shifting (IFAS) can be obtained in hyperlipidemic subjects with polyglucosamine biopolymer (BP) able to segregate most metabolic fats in the gut, making them unavailable for intestinal interaction (shift). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a SM (standard management) for hyperlipidemia in asymptomatic subjects for primary cardiovascular prevention focusing on arterial wall morphology (IMT thickness) in comparison to SM associated to the administration of the BP. Two groups of comparable subjects (SM and SM+oral BP, 3 g/day) were considered; subjects were managed - in a supplement, pilot registry - for a year. Weight, fat mass, lipid profile, oxidative stress, IMT (carotids), the presence of granulations at the internal arterial layers and "near wall low density 'bubbles' were observed and compared at 1 year of management. A non-parallel, comparable group of subjects (102) using a statin for the same conditions was used as a reference population. Two hundred eighty-four subjects completed one year (140 in the SM group and 144 in the SM+BP group). Compliance was optimal with (96.3% of the table correctly used) with no side effects. BMI, fat mass and oxidative stress decreased more in the SM+BP group (P<0.05). Cholesterol and triglycerides levels were significantly improved with BP (P<0.05). IMT measurements were significantly decreased (P<0.05) in the SM+BP group (as for the intimal granulation/bubbles) with minimal variations in the comparative SM group. In the statin group, the lipid profile was modified (P<0.05) but not the IMT and the rate of drop outs was higher (15.7%); these patients stopped the management; in 23% of these subjects muscular pain not seen with BP, was observed. These results indicate positive effects of IFAS due to BP on IMT and arterial wall morphology and weight after 12 months. Fat shifting at intestinal level and the reduction of oxidative stress limit lipid oxidation/deposition into the arterial wall.

Should Silicone Lacrimal Stenting be a Better Choice for Primary Endoscopic Powered Dacryocystorhinostomy?

Objective: To compare endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EnDCR) with and without silicone lacrimal stenting through subjective (patients') and objective (surgeons') outcome parameters. Methodology: Following defined selection criteria, EnDCR was performed on patients with primary chronic dacryocystitis with post-saccal stenosis. Every alternate patient had silicone lacrimal stenting (group A: no stenting; group B: with stenting); stents were removed at three months. At six months (minimum follow-up period), patients' responses on symptom relief (through a five-point score) and naso-endoscopic evaluation (visualization of rhinostome; presence of granulations and synechiae; lacrimal drainage patency by estimating methylene blue flow pattern) were compared between the groups. Results: Each group had 20 patients. There was no statistically significant difference in group-wise follow-up periods. Five-point score at six months revealed 85% and 95% of patients in groups A and B, respectively, experienced "success"; among them, 60% and 75% were "symptom-free". The majority (75%) in group B experienced no discomfort from stenting. Naso-endoscopy revealed 80% patients in group A and 65% in group B had well-delineated rhinostome, albeit with granulations in 25% and 50%, respectively. Spontaneous dye flow was achieved, respectively, in 75% and 90%. The difference in none of the subjective and endoscopic parameters achieved statistical significance. None had synechia; fibrosis was seen in the four patients with no dye flow even with pressure/massaging. Conclusion: There was no statistically significant difference in EnDCR with and without silicone lacrimal stenting in the overall outcome of symptomatic improvement and endoscopic assessment of the surgical site.

CLINICAL SIGNS COMMONLY SEEN ON ENT EXAMINATION OF SYMPTOMATIC ACTIVE COVID-19 PATIENTS IN OUR TERTIARY CARE CENTRE

Objectives: The study intends to identify various clinical signs on proper ENT examination. This knowledge will help in successfully identifying infected individuals which can be otherwise missed on screening the patient. Study Design and Setting: This study is a Prospective Cross Sectional Study, a type of an Observational Analytical study. 70 individuals who were admitted in the COVID-19 wards in our Tertiary Care Hospital were subjected to fulfillment of the inclusion and exclusion criteria prepared for this study. Methods: Participants were chosen based on the selection criteria prepared for the study. After obtaining an informed consent, a proper and safe Otorhinolaryngological examination was performed with all necessary precautionary measures. Data was collected as per the designed clinical proforma. Results: 80% of the patients had the presence of clinical signs with respect to Otorhinolaryngology. 43 patients had clinical signs on Throat examination, 35 patients had clinical signs on Nasal examination while 9 patients had Ear related clinical signs. The ENT related clinical signs mostly included Nasal mucosa congestion, Posterior Pharyngeal Wall congestion and presence of Granulations in the Posterior Pharyngeal wall. Reduction of Smell and Taste was also elicited on clinical examination. Other clinical signs also included Tonsil enlargement, n/ Tympanic Membrane retractions and decreased hearing on clinical evaluation. Conclusion: Knowledge of ENT related clinical signs in COVID 19 patients are important while examining patients in the Out Patient Department or Clinic. Focus on ENT related clinical signs are also as important as symptomology.

Healing after transoral carbon dioxide laser surgery for early glottic cancer.

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical significance of granulation tissue after endoscopic carbon dioxide laser surgery for glottic cancer. This was a retrospective review of 36 patients who underwent endoscopic carbon dioxide laser surgery for T1 and T2 glottic cancer. Post-operative, endoscopic examinations were rated by three blinded otolaryngologists for time to heal and presence of granulation. Patient and surgical factors were compared with time to heal and granulation. A total of 16 of 36 wounds (44 per cent) developed granulation tissue, and 24 wounds (67 per cent) healed without requiring surgical intervention. A total of 7 of 8 wounds biopsied more than 3.5 months after surgery had persistent cancer versus 1 of 4 wounds biopsied at equal to or less than 3.5 months (85.7 per cent vs 25 per cent; p = 0.03). Biopsy at more than 3.5 months was associated with 28-fold increased odds of cancer in biopsy compared with biopsy at equal to or less than 3.5 months (odds ratio, 28.0; 95 per cent confidence interval, 1.088-373.3). After carbon dioxide laser surgery for glottic cancer, development of granulation tissue is common. Granulation that persists for more than 3.5 months necessitates biopsy because of increased risk of persistent cancer.

Results of application composite hydrogel coatings based on polyvinyl alcohol in the experiment

The results of the use in the experiment of composite hydrogel coatings of prolonged action based on polyvinyl alcohol are investigated.Objective. The aim of the study is a comparative clinical assessment of the effectiveness of the developed composite hydrogel coatings of prolonged action in an experiment in laboratory rats.Materials and research methods. After modeling alloxan diabetes mellitus and neuroischemic form of diabetic foot in laboratory white Wistar rats, the developed wound dressings were applied. A clinical analysis of their effectiveness was carried out and the optimal composition was determined. The animals were divided into three groups, 10 animals in each group, as follows: the first — control with self-healing of the wound, the second — with samples No. 1 (polyvinyl alcohol + chitosan + pectin + L-aspartic acid + gentamicin), the third — with samples No. 2 (polyvinyl alcohol + chitosan + pectin + L-aspartic acid + gentamicin + methyluracil). The first dressing change was carried out on the third day with the taking of histological material, then - every other day. When changing the dressing, such parameters as the nature and amount of wound discharge, the size of the ulcer, the presence of granulations and epithelialization were assessed. Dynamic assessment was performed on the 3rd, 7th, 14th and 21st days. The measurement of the area of the ulcer was carried out by transferring the contour of the ulcer to graph paper with manual counting.Research results. The healing rate of ulcers in the experimental groups was higher than in the control group. When comparing second and third groups, a significant increase in speed was noted by the seventh day in third group (p &lt; 0.05), which reduced the overall healing time of ulcers by 7 days.Conclusion. The study showed that the healing time of ulcers in laboratory animals with the use of the developed wound dressings is significantly reduced in comparison with the control group. The proposed method of local treatment can be considered effective in the treatment of vascular etiology trophic ulcers against the background of diabetes mellitus.

Histological and immunohistochemical evaluation in patients who underwent maxillary sinus lifting surgery using autogenous or heterogenous bone. A clinical randomised trial

Objectives: This study evaluated, through histological and immunohistochemical analysis the bone formation and remodeling after a maxillary sinus lift. Material and methods: 25 patients from 41 to 65 years of age, with inadequate bone volume in the posterior maxillary region and remaining native bone less than or equal to 5 mm, as measured radiographically, were selected and underwent maxillary sinus lift surgery, through the open technique. They were distributed in 3 groups: A - particulate, autogenous bone, AB - autogenous and heterogeneous bone, and B - only heterogeneous bone. Six months after this intervention, the patients were submitted to a surgery for the installation of implants and concomitant removal of the grafted bone sample from the surgical site. Results: The histological evaluation showed bone formation in the three groups, with presence of mature bone. In groups B and AB, the presence of granules of the biomaterial surrounded by bone tissue was observed. A statistical analysis showed significant difference (ANOVA p=0,002), suggesting greater bone formation in the autogenous group. In an immunohistochemical evaluation, no statistically significant differences were observed in the comparison between the experimental groups (A, B and AB), as well as in the proteins analyzed (OC: p= 0.657; VEGF: p= 0,133; TRAP: p= 0.163). Conclusion: The use of Bio-Oss ®, whether or not associated to autogenous bone, for a maxillary sinus lift through the side window technique results in bone repair. A predictable amount of bone formation is attained when this osteoconductive biomaterial is used.

S2198 Upper GI Bleed Due to an Uncommon, but Potentially Fatal Bacteria

INTRODUCTION: The most common etiology of peptic ulcer disease is infection with Helicobacter pylori. However, other organisms have also been described in the literature. Sarcina ventriculi is an anaerobic, gram-positive, carbohydrate-fermenting cocci that replicates in low pH environments. It has been associated with gastric ulcers, emphysematous gastritis and gastric perforation. We report a case of a large gastric ulcer in the setting of S. ventriculi infection. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: A 42-year-old male with past medical history of diabetes, end-stage renal disease and hypertension presented to the hospital with S. aureus bacteremia. Endocarditis was ruled out with an echocardiogram. An ultrasound of the right arm found an occlusion of his arterio-venous graft. This was excised, but he developed an occlusion of the right brachial artery requiring a heparin drip and thrombectomy. He was transitioned to dual-antiplatelet therapy but developed melena with a one-gram drop in hemoglobin. Upper endoscopy, showed a large non-bleeding gastric ulcer (Figure 1). Clopidogrel was discontinued. He was placed proton pump inhibitor (PPI), and back on heparin due to risk for limb ischemia. In the interim, he required several transfusions. A non-bleeding gastric ulcer and erosive gastropathy were found on repeat endoscopy. Pathology revealed S. ventriculi, and presence of granules from sevelamer (Figures 2 and 3). He was treated with ciprofloxacin and metronidazole for a week and sevelamer was discontinued. DISCUSSION: Gastroparesis and low pH create an ideal environment for S. ventricularis proliferation. With overgrowth, it is able to penetrate the gastric wall and produce gas, leading to complications such as emphysematous gastritis and perforation. However, patients most commonly present with nausea, dyspepsia, diarrhea or bleeding. When present, S. ventricularis are unlikely to initiate gastric injury, but under ideal circumstances can cause life-threatening disease. Symptomatic patients and those with predisposing risk factors such as: cystic fibrosis, gastric surgery, obstructing malignancy, PEG tubes and diabetic gastropathy should be treated. Metronidazole and ciprofloxacin or gentamicin have been used in combination, as well as imipenem alone. PPIs are used as an adjunct as they increase gastric pH and theoretically help eradicate S. ventriculi.Figure 1.: Upper endoscopy revealing gastropathy and ulcer in lesser curvature.Figure 2.: H&E stain of gastric biopsy showing Sarcina ventriculi. Arrow points towards tetrad formation.Figure 3.: Biopsy of lesser curvature of stomach with fibrinopurulent exudate, reactive changes in mucosa and pill fragments. Arrow points towards Sarcina ventriculi.

Description of a new species of deep-sea spider crab from the genus Crocydocinus Lee, Richer de Forges &amp;amp; Ng, 2019, from the south-eastern Arabian Sea (Crustacea: Decapoda: Majoidea: Epialtidae)

A new species of spider crab is described from two male specimens collected from the southeastern Arabian Sea. This species differs from its congeners in the absence of uograstric granule on carapace, the presence of two granules along lateral margin of carapace at branchial region, the presence of granules on P2-P4 dactyli and the constricted distal tip of the male first gonopod.

Life-history traits and description of the new gonochoric amphimictic Mesobiotus joenssoni (Eutardigrada: Macrobiotidae) from the island of Elba, Italy

Abstract Comparative analyses of life-history theory studies are based on the characteristics of the life cycles of different species. For tardigrades, life-history traits are available only from laboratory cultures, most of which have involved parthenogenetic species. The discovery of a new gonochoristic bisexual Mesobiotus species in a moss collected on the island of Elba (Italy) provides us with the opportunity to describe Mesobiotus joenssoni sp. nov. and to collect data on the life-history traits of cultured specimens to increase our knowledge of the life-history strategies present in tardigrades. This new species is differentiated from all other species of the genus by the presence of granules (~1 µm in diameter) on the dorsal cuticle of the last two body segments, two large bulges (gibbosities) on the hindlegs and long, conical egg processes. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in body length, with females being longer than males of the same age. The mean lifespan of specimens was 86 days, with a maximum of 150 days. The mean age at first oviposition was 19.8 days and the mean egg hatching time 15.4 days. The life-cycle traits correspond to those collected for the only other two macrobiotid species with gonochoric amphimictic reproduction examined so far.

Raman imaging highlights biochemical heterogeneity of human eosinophils versus human eosinophilic leukaemia cell line.

Eosinophils are acidophilic granulocytes that develop in the bone marrow. Although their population contributes only to approximately 1-6% of all leucocytes present in the human blood, they possess a wide range of specific functions. They play a key role in inflammation-regulating processes, when their numbers can increased to above 5×109 /l of peripheral blood. Their characteristic feature is the presence of granules containing eosinophil peroxidase (EPO), the release of which can trigger a cascade of events promoting oxidative stress, apoptosis or necrosis, leading finally to cell death. Raman spectroscopy is a powerful technique to detect EPO, which comprises a chromophore protoporphyrin IX. Another cell structure associated with inflammation processes are lipid bodies (lipid-rich organelles), also well recognized and imaged using high resolution confocal Raman spectroscopy. In this work, eosinophils isolated from the blood of a human donor were analysed versus their model, EoL-1 human eosinophilic leukaemia cell line, by Raman spectroscopic imaging. We showed that EPO was present only in primary cells and not found in the cell line. Eosinophils were activated using phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, which resulted in lipid bodies formation. An effect of cells stimulation was studied and compared for eosinophils and EoL-1.

Bioaccumulation and morphological traits in a multi-generation test with two Daphnia species exposed to lead

Anthropic pressure negatively affects natural environments. Lead (Pb) is a non-essential highly toxic metal that is present in aquatic ecosystems. Two daphnid species from two different latitudes, the temperate Daphnia magna and the tropical Daphnia similis were used as test-organisms to evaluate a long-term Pb exposure. Both species were exposed for nine generations to a chronic concentration of Pb (50 μg/L) and the effects were explored, considering some endpoints not commonly used in toxicity tests: body burden of Pb and presence of granules in the dorsal region of neonates, hemoglobin contents, carapace deformation and morphology, production of males and ephippia (or dormant haploid egg), changes in the eggs' colour and eggs abortion. This multi-generation test was conducted under two food regimes, the usual (3 × 105 cells/mL) and the restricted (1.5 × 105 cells/mL) regime. On generation F6, Pb acclimated neonates were changed to a clean media for three generations, to evaluate exposure retrieval (recovery period). Negative and adverse effects occurred through generations, but no disparity was shown between D. magna and D. similis. The D. magna Pb accumulation showed different patterns regarding food regime. Bioaccumulation was faster under usual food, rapidly reaching a saturation point, whereas a gradual increase occurred under food restriction. A successful retrieval happened regarding Pb in D. magna, since no difference between control and recovering organisms was evidenced regarding their Pb body burdens. Generational Pb exposure led to carapace malformations, Pb aggregation in neonates' dorsal region, reddish extremities, production of males, ephippia (or dormant haploid egg), and aborted eggs, and changes in the eggs’ colour (green and white). Food restriction also induced the production of males. Reddish extremities disappeared in recovering organisms and ephippia (or dormant haploid egg) did not occurred during the recovery period. Existent males revealed a shorter lifespan than females (under stress). D. magna and D. similis presented similar responses, for the endpoints analysed; however, it does not mean that this lack of sensitivity difference will be observed when other endpoints (e.g. survival, reproduction) are considered. Bioaccumulation of Pb and adverse effects occurred at the tested concentration of 50μg/L, although higher Pb levels are allowed in the environment as safe concentrations, as reported by the Brazilian legislation and the literature where effects are evidences above 400 μg/L of Pb. Pb effects on reproduction, respiration, malformation, and other adverse effects suggest that a chronic generational exposure can be harmful to both D. magna and D. similis, and that such chronic contaminated environments should not be disregarded when it comes to environmental monitoring.

Clinical significance of granule-containing myeloma cells in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma.

The clinical features and prognostic significance of myeloma cells containing granules remain unclear. The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the clinical significance of granule‐containing myeloma cells in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM). We retrospectively analyzed the records of 122 patients diagnosed with NDMM between January 2007 and December 2013. Granule‐containing myeloma cells were defined as myeloma cells that exhibited three or more granules in their cytoplasm by May‐Giemsa staining. The patients were classified into two groups, the granule‐containing myeloma (GM) and nongranule‐containing myeloma (non‐GM) groups, depending on the proportion of myeloma cells that contained granules (cut‐off value: 10%). There were 25 (20.5%) patients in the GM group. Patients in the GM group displayed significantly higher CD56 and CD49e expression than those in the non‐GM group (t‐test, P = 0.027 and 0.042). None of the patient characteristics differed significantly between the two groups. There was no significant difference in the chemotherapy profiles of the two groups, and the overall response rates of the two groups were similar. During the median follow‐up period of 33.9 months, the overall survival (OS) in the GM group was similar to that in the non‐GM group; 4‐year OS of the GM and non‐GM groups were 78.5% and 51.9%, respectively (P = 0.126). We concluded that cases of NDMM involving granule‐containing myeloma cells are not infrequent. Moreover, CD56 and CD49e expression was significantly higher in the presence of myeloma cell populations, and the presence of granules did not affect survival.

Treatment of cutaneous actinomycosis with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of amoxicillin/clavulanic (AMX/CLV) acid as treatment for cutaneous actinomycosis.Methods: We present a long-term follow-up study of cutaneous actinomycosis patients. Cervicofacial (CFA) and abdominal (AA) were recruited during 6 years. Diagnoses were based on clinical and microbiological characteristics; presence of granules, isolation and identification of etiological agents were carried out in each case. Patients received AMX–CLV 875/125 mg BID PO at a maximum period of 12 weeks.Results: Twenty-two cases were enrolled; the mean age was 45.2 years old. Twenty patients (91%) presented CFA and two AA (9%). All patients with CFA had dental caries, seven (35%) with periodontal disease and 10 (50%) had type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). One case of AA had history of intrauterine device and other appendicitis. Granules were observed in all the cases, the main etiological agent was Actinomyces israelii 16/22 (72.7%). Clinical and microbiological cure was achieved in 19/22 cases (86.4%), the remaining patients presented clinical improvement. The average duration of the treatment was 6.6 weeks. Side effects were recorded in 4/19 cases (18.2%), three of them presented nausea and one diarrhea.Conclusion: Treatment with AMX/CLV acid showed efficacy in the management of actinomycosis with cutaneous involvement.

Microbial population dynamics during sludge granulation in an A/O/A sequencing batch reactor

The evolution of the bacterial population during formation of denitrifying phosphorus removal granular sludge was investigated using high-throughput pyrosequencing. As a result, mature granules with a compact structure were obtained in an anaerobic/aerobic/anoxic (A/O/A) sequencing batch reactor under an organic loading rate as low as 0.3kg COD/(m3·d). Rod-shaped microbes were observed to cover with the outer surface of granules. Besides, reliable COD and simultaneous nitrogen and phosphorus removal efficiencies were achieved over the whole operation period. MiSeq pyrosequencing analysis illustrated that both the microbial diversity and richness increased sharply during the granulation process, whereas they stayed stable after the presence of granules. Some microorganisms seemed to contribute to the formation of granules, and some were identified as functional bacterial groups responsible for constructing the biological reactor.

Shielding of the Geomagnetic Field Alters Actin Assembly and Inhibits Cell Motility in Human Neuroblastoma Cells.

Accumulating evidence has shown that absence of the geomagnetic field (GMF), the so-called hypomagnetic field (HMF) environment, alters the biological functions in seemingly non-magnetosensitive cells and organisms, which indicates that the GMF could be sensed by non-iron-rich and non-photo-sensing cells. The underlying mechanisms of the HMF effects on those cells are closely related to their GMF sensation but remain poorly understood so far. Previously, we found that the HMF represses expressions of genes associated with cell migration and cytoskeleton assembly in human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y cell line). Here, we measured the HMF-induced changes on cell morphology, adhesion, motility and actin cytoskeleton in SH-SY5Y cells. The HMF inhibited cell adhesion and migration accompanied with a reduction in cellular F-actin amount. Moreover, following exposure to the HMF, the number of cell processes was reduced and cells were smaller in size and more round in shape. Furthermore, disordered kinetics of actin assembly in vitro were observed during exposure to the HMF, as evidenced by the presence of granule and meshed products. These results indicate that elimination of the GMF affects assembly of the motility-related actin cytoskeleton, and suggest that F-actin is a target of HMF exposure and probably a mediator of GMF sensation.