Smooth Rim Research Articles

Abnormal assembly of membrane proteins in erythroid progenitors of patients with beta-thalassemia major

The life threatening anemia in beta-thalassemia major (Cooley's anemia) is characterized by profound intramedullary lysis, the cause of which is incompletely understood. Using marrow obtained from beta thalassemia major patients undergoing allogeneic bone marrow transplantation in Pesaro Italy, it became possible to directly study the mechanism of the intramedullary hemolysis. Based on our previous studies, we hypothesized that the unmatched alpha globin chains would interfere with normal assembly of erythroid precursor membrane proteins. Patient and control erythroid precursors were reacted with monospecific polyclonal rabbit antibodies directed against spectrin, band 3, and band 4.1 and with a monoclonal anti-alpha globin chain antibody. Using laser confocal fluorescence microscopy, normal erythroid precursors show no alpha globin chain accumulation and exhibited uniformly smooth rim fluorescence of the three membrane proteins. In some thalassemic precursors, spectrin appeared to interact with large alpha globin accumulations, and in many of these cells the spectin appeared clumped and discontinuous. Band 4.1 interacted strongly with accumulations of alpha globin in thalassemic precursors to produce bizarrely clumped zones of abnormal band 4.1 distribution. Band 3 was incorporated smoothly into thalassemic erythroblast membranes. However, the proerythroblasts and basophilic erythroblasts were significantly deficient in band 3. Thus, accumulations of alpha globin in beta- thalassemia major colocalized with and disrupt band 4.1 and spectrin assembly into the membrane. The cause of deficient band 3 incorporation into thalassemic proerythroblast membranes remains unknown. These profound membrane alterations would likely contribute to the intramedullary lysis seen in Cooley's anemia.

Abnormal Assembly of Membrane Proteins in Erythroid Progenitors of Patients With β-Thalassemia Major

The life threatening anemia in beta-thalassemia major (Cooley's anemia) is characterized by profound intramedullary lysis, the cause of which is incompletely understood. Using marrow obtained from beta thalassemia major patients undergoing allogeneic bone marrow transplantation in Pesaro Italy, it became possible to directly study the mechanism of the intramedullary hemolysis. Based on our previous studies, we hypothesized that the unmatched alpha globin chains would interfere with normal assembly of erythroid precursor membrane proteins. Patient and control erythroid precursors were reacted with monospecific polyclonal rabbit antibodies directed against spectrin, band 3, and band 4.1 and with a monoclonal anti-alpha globin chain antibody. Using laser confocal fluorescence microscopy, normal erythroid precursors show no alpha globin chain accumulation and exhibited uniformly smooth rim fluorescence of the three membrane proteins. In some thalassemic precursors, spectrin appeared to interact with large alpha globin accumulations, and in many of these cells the spectin appeared clumped and discontinuous. Band 4.1 interacted strongly with accumulations of alpha globin in thalassemic precursors to produce bizarrely clumped zones of abnormal band 4.1 distribution. Band 3 was incorporated smoothly into thalassemic erythroblast membranes. However, the proerythroblasts and basophilic erythroblasts were significantly deficient in band 3. Thus, accumulations of alpha globin in beta-thalassemia major colocalized with and disrupt band 4.1 and spectrin assembly into the membrane. The cause of deficient band 3 incorporation into thalassemic proerythroblast membranes remains unknown. These profound membrane alterations would likely contribute to the intramedullary lysis seen in Cooley's anemia.

Sonographic findings in bladder haematoma

The medical imaging and clinical histories of three cases of haematoma of the urinary bladder in paediatrics were reviewed retrospectively. The sonographic findings are unique and diagnostic. Three distinctive sonographic features were observed. The haematomas were large, occupying most of the bladder lumen. They showed an echogenic thick, smooth rim and, in two cases, a laminated appearance with concentric layers of alternating hyperechogenicity and hypo-echogenicity.

Laser ablative hole formation in amorphous thin films

Laser ablative hole formation in amorphous Te-Se-I films was studied by microscopy and transient reflectivity measurements. Laser pulses of variable power and length were focused to either 0.8 or 10 μm spots on the films which were deposited on glass and polycarbonate substrates. The important feature of these films was that they did not crystallize upon pulsed laser irradiation. This allowed the examination of dependences on experimental parameters without the complication of phase transitions. The absence of a crystal-melt interface in the films enabled the ablation of holes with exceptionally smooth rims. The experiments confirm that hole formation is by material flow, induced by the laser heating, radially away from the irradiation center. We show that the hole opening is a thermally activated process limited by viscous flow. A barrier of 0.7 eV is derived for the Te-Se-I films. Film viscosity and substrate thermal properties are identified as the key variables by which the dynamics of the process can be affected and the final shape of the hole thereby controlled.

The value of CT scanning and percutaneous fine needle aspiration of adrenal masses in biopsy-proven lung cancer

Pre-operative CT scans of 546 patients with biopsy-proven primary bronchial carcinoma were reviewed. Twenty-two patients had a solid adrenal tumour (2 bilateral). Sixteen underwent percutaneous fine needle aspiration (FNA). Malignant cells were aspirated in five, eight revealed benign cells and in three cases there was insufficient material for diagnostic purposes. Six patients did not undergo FNA, four of these were considered to have benign adenomas on CT. This was confirmed by the unchanged CT image at more than 21 months follow-up. The five subjects with FNA-proven metastases died at a median of 14 months (range 3-24 months). All five would have been regarded as operable on their staging chest CT scan. Five patients with a negative biopsy underwent surgery, two died of metastases at 6 and 11 months respectively and one died of post-operative complications. The other two have unchanged adrenal lesions on CT at 9 months and 25 months. The CT appearances of these lesions were analysed. Well defined, low attenuation lesions which had a smooth attenuation rim or only involved part of the gland were benign and the survivors had unchanged CT appearances at follow-up (six lesions in five patients). Of these four lesions were less than or equal to 2 cm in diameter. Low attenuation lesions without a rim were malignant (n = 2). These latter both measured more than 2 cm in diameter. The CT appearances of many adrenal lesions were insufficiently distinctive to exclude malignancy and biopsy was necessary to establish a diagnosis.

Lipid cyst: classic and atypical appearances.

Lipid cysts, a specific type of fat necrosis, frequently have a pathognomonic appearance on radiographs. This consists of a lucent lesion surrounded by a smooth rim that may or not be calcified. Occasionally, lipid cysts with unusual mammographic appearances are encountered. An appreciation of some of these appearances may prevent unnecessary biopsies.

Die Otolithen der Macropodus‐Arten (Pisces, Belontiidae)

The Otoliths of the Species of the Genus Macropodus (Pisces, Belontiidae)The sagittae of the three Macropodus species opercularis, concolor and ocellatus (formerly chinensis) as well as their hybrids are described and sketched. Characteristic for the species of the genus Macropodus are sagittae with a prominent rostrum, a deep exisura ostii, and a projected predorsal angle. The sligthly S‐sharped cauda is the largest part of the sulcus while the ostium is not completely developed. The cauda has only an anterior opening. But in some cases there is a shallow channel or groove connecting the end of the cauda with the posterior notch. The crista superior is prominent while the crista inferior shows only a sharp edge. A caudal colliculum can be discerned on some otoliths.Adult males of the three species can be recognized on the basis of their otoliths as follows: The sagittae of M. concolor are the largest. Their dorsal rim is frequently very deeply furrowed or notched, a posterior notch is mostly well developed. The sagittae of M. opercularis are mostly circular in shape and their rims are not very deeply furrowed, but only waved. The sagittae of M. ocellatus are the smallest with an inferior rostrum, frequently with smooth rims and often almost trapeze shaped.The results are partly in conformity with the evidences given by LIEM (1963) about the otoliths of the Belontiidae but a colliculum as well as parts of an ostium – not identified by LIEM in these fishes – were found by the author.The marked differences between the sagittae of M. opercularis and M. concolor support the species level of the latter, a fact, which has been discussed long.

Floating C-shaped orbital osteotomy for orbital rim advancement in craniosynostosis: preliminary report

A method of lateral orbital rim advancement is described for periorbital deformities associated with coronal and metopic synostosis in infants. The technique offers the advantages of a smooth lateral rim contour and improvement in accompanying malar recession. In 13 patients with follow-up periods of up to 2 years following surgery, improved orbital contour has been appreciated. Further observation is warranted to determine whether this improvement will last into adulthood.

Primary mediastinal endodermal sinus tumors: CT evaluation

Five patients with primary mediastinal endodermal sinus tumor have been evaluated by computed tomography (CT). The tumors were all located in the anterior mediastinum. Prechemotherapy CT demonstrated large, irregularly enhancing inhomogeneous masses without fat components. Calcification was visualized in two tumors. Some parts of the pleura-lung interface were irregular in four cases. Obliteration of fat planes to pericardium and chest wall was evident in all cases, and there was infiltration of intercostal muscles in four. Postchemotherapy CT in two patients who responded to chemotherapy showed either newly developed cystic lesions or cystic change of the original mediastinal mass. The cystic masses had more regular borders, a homogeneous hypodense center, and a smooth peripheral rim of contrast-enhancing tissue.

Corticolous Myxomycetes X: Ultrastructure and Taxonomic Status of Cribraria Minutissima and C. Confusa

Until recently, Cribraria minutissima was broadly described as having sporangia with or without a peridial cup (calyculus). The cupless form was recently given the name Cribraria confusa. Study of type specimens, specimens collected from different geographical areas, and scanning electron micrographs of sporangia support recognition of two distinct taxa. Cribraria minutissima is recognized by cupped sporangia, thickened, smooth upper rim of the cup sharply delimiting it from the peridial net, peridial net devoid of dictydine granules, reddish-orange spore mass, and spore ornamentation of obtuse spines. Surface ornamentation of the cup appears as rounded spherules (dictydine or plasmodic granules) shown with SEM, which often collapse, producing concavities. Cribraria confusa differs from C. minutissima in lack of peridial cup, bright yellow spore mass, smaller sporangia, and spores that bear sharply pointed spines and collapse along preformed lines. In some sporangia a basal disk may be present, or when absent, replaced by basal peridial strands. This disk could not be correlated with other characteristics. Cribraria confusa is the smallest known taxon in the genus Cribraria.

A phylogenetic study of the antenna cleaner in Formicidae, Mutillidae, and Tiphiidae (Insecta, Hymenoptera)

The morphology of the tibio-tarsal antenna cleaner (strigilis) of 30 species of Formicidae, 14 species of Mutillidae and 9 species of Tiphiidae was investigated and is described comparatively. In Formicidae, there is a common type of strigilis. The spur has a posterior-dorsal comb and its anterior side is covered with squamae, which usually form a brush. Posteriorly, the basitarsal notch bears a comb and anteriorly specialized paddle-shaped hairs. These characters may be apomorphic for Formicidae. In several Ponerinae and in Myrmecia there is also a velum on the spur. In two species of ants which are strongly parasitic (Teleutomyrmex schneideri and Anergates atratulus ♂) there are reduced antenna cleaners. Mutillidae (except Myrmosa) have another common type of strigilis: the spur bears a velum with a smooth rim and a clear apex with two rows of teeth. The notch in the basitarsus is usually deeper than that of ants; there is a comb, but no paddle-shaped hairs. The strigilis of Myrmosa females has no velum but there are two prominent rows of teeth on the spur. In the male, the velum is reduced to a slender strip. In Tiphiidae the antenna cleaners show considerable diversity. In Methocha the spur bears a comb but no velum; the spur of Tiphia has a velum with a serrated rim; the spur of Myzinum is equipped with a velum with a smooth rim; in Thynnus the surface of the velum is wrinkled or undulating. An apex (without teeth) is present in all investigated Tiphiidae. The notch of the basitarsus bears a comb except in female Myzinum, where the teeth seem to have fused, thus forming a rim. It is suggested that a velum with a serrated or toothed edge and an apex with two rows of teeth are plesiomorphic for aculeate Hymenoptera. The antenna cleaners in Mutillidae are remarkably similar to those in some bees. This fact is interpreted as partly due to convergence and as partly symplesiomorphic. In several species of ants, there is a specialized cuticular area (“bande poreuse”) anterior to the comb of the notch, which is characterized by fissures or holes. These are presumably openings of an excretory gland.

Fat Within the Falx

Falcine bony metaplasia frequently is incorrectly labeled "dense calcification" on brain CT and conventional radiography. Of 3,000 brain magnetic resonance (MR) scans reviewed, 12 demonstrated a central area of increased signal intensity on T1 and T2 weighted images with a smooth peripheral rim of diminished signal intensity within the region of the falx. The central area of increased signal intensity corresponded to fat in the medullary cavity and the peripheral area of low signal intensity corresponded to cortical bone. The CT scans, available in nine of 12 patients, were compared with the MR scans and revealed dense mineralization in the corresponding region of the falx. A postmortem specimen of densely "calcified" falx cerebri was examined that revealed cortical bone and a medullary cavity complete with bony trabeculae and marrow. The MR findings of falx ossification should not be confused with other entities of greater clinical significance.

Tidlig-neolitiske anlæg ved Rustrup

Tidlig-neolitiske anlæg ved Rustrup

Cytological Findings of Testicular Tumor, especially Seminoma and Embryonal Carcinoma

In cases of testicular tumor, seminoma and embryonal carcinoma were seen more frequently than othertypes.But seminoma and embryonal carcinoma differed significantly in clinical findings. Specimens forthe cytological study were obtained by imprintingand aspiration of tumorous testis or metastatic lymphnodes from 7 patients with seminoma and 4 patients with embryonal carcinoma.Cytological findings onseminoma and embryonal carcinoma are as follows: Seminoma: Tumor cells are monotonous and noncohesive.The cells are polygonal, and their cytoplasmic rims are distinct.Nuclei are oval or round, with thin and smooth rims as well as delicate chromatin networks.Prominent round nucleoli are locatedin the center.Cytoplasm is clear and stained lightgreen in perinuclear region by the Pap. method, whileit either is homogeneously light blue or shows marginal vacuolization by the M-G method.Embryonal Carcinoma: Tumor cells are in closeclumps.Shapes of cells are irregular, they are fibrous, spindleshaped or tadpoleshaped at times.The cytoplasmic rims are indistinct.Nuclei are irregular in shape or oval with thin rims and fine granular chromatins.Nucleoli are irregularly shaped or round.Cytoplasms are foamy and stained light green by the Pap. method, and light blue or amphophilic by the M-Gmethod.They are in many cases vacuolated.

Cauldron subsidence in lunar craters Ritter and Sabine

Ritter and Sabine, on the southwestern edge of the Sea of Tranquillity, form a contiguous pair of post-mare craters almost identical in size (30-32 km in diameter). In contrast to craters presumably of impact origin, Ritter and Sabine are characterized by low depth-to-diameter ratios, relatively smooth dark rims, and an absence of secondary craters. The fundamentally different morphological aspects of these craters compared with eumorphic craters of the same age suggest a different mode of origin. The best analogies for Ritter and Sabine are found in terrestrial caldera such as Valles, New Mexico. Ritter and Sabine exhibit a wide variety of internal features similar to those of cauldrons of subsidence, including subsidence along ring faults, postsubsidence volcanism controlled by ring fractures, and probable resurgence of magma with accompanying uplift of the caldera floor. The floor of Ritter has collapsed along multiple ring fractures and stepped crescent wedges. The central floor is uplifted along inner ring faults, creating an elevated central plateau. Domes of probable volcanic origin are located over ring fractures and on the central floor. Sabine displays a prominent arcuate ridge of coalescing domes on the periphery of the western floor, as well as a large dome that straddles the southern rim crest and a well-developed flank ridge. Such structures are unexplained by an impact hypothesis, but they are compatible with a volcanic hypothesis.

RECURRING DISLOCATION OF THE SHOULDER

Twenty-five years ago I had the honour of presenting to fellows and members of this College a report of various uses made of the principle of transplantation of fibrous tissues. In that report it was suggested that, as recurring dislocation of the shoulder seemed to result from some defect in the ligaments, it should be possible to repair the defect either by plicating the supposedly loose ligaments with living sutures of fascia, or by replacing them with new ones. Soon afterwards an opportunity arose to try out this suggestion and from it there developed the method which I wish to discuss to-day. It is most gratifying that in this Moynihan Lecture I am to have the opportunity of reporting once more to the Royal College a further application of the principles I presented in the Hunterian Lecture of 1924. A Moynihan Lecture would be incomplete without reference to the founder. I had hoped to find that at some period in his distinguished career the great man had said or written something which would indicate that he might have been interested in what we are discussing to-day. I have been unable to find any such reference, and I must content myself with telling you that once, long ago, he came into my operating room while an operation such as I shall describe was going on, and showed great interest in those features of it which to him were novel, and in the anatomical exercise involved. A kindly word of encouragement from the great is a priceless thing to the young. When Le Mesurier and I first became interested in recurring dislocation of the shoulder we were quite ignorant of the cause, and quite without any original idea of how to prevent it. We did notice, however, in performing the various operations that had been recommended, such as Clairmont’s operation, Joseph’s operation, and plication of the capsule, that we were never able to see a defect in the ligaments through which the head of the humerus had passed at the first dislocation. It gradually dawned on us, as the result of watching a dislocation produced on the operating table with the capsule exposed, that the head of the humerus did not pass out through a rent in the ligaments in the lower part of the joint, but that it simply slipped over the anterior rim of the glenoid into a cavity, lined with synovial membrane, which had resulted from detachment of the capsule and glenohumeral ligament. This pathological picture has been clearly and forcibly described by Bankart (1923, 1938) who on many occasions opened the joint and observed that the capsule and the glenoid labrum were not attached to the rim of the glenoid, and that the head of the humerus could slip over its smooth anterior rim with the greatest ease. While the study of our cases did not involve opening the joint, except in a few instances in which we wished to confirm Bankart’s observation, we did notice that in the great majority we could feel the thick edge of the anterior ligaments quite loose from the anterior lip of the glenoid, and occasionally, by rotating the head of the humerus outward, we could see that nothing covered it but synovial membrane. Careful study of the method of production of the first dislocation in a large number of our cases (nearly 200) has led to some definite observations: 1. It occurs chiefly in young men. \Ve have seen only nine women in 200 cases. The great majority have been in healthy athletic young men of nineteen or twenty years of age. 2. It is frequently double.