Various Types Of Pathology Research Articles

Calcium ions in neuronal degeneration

Neuronal Ca(2+) homeostasis and Ca(2+) signaling regulate multiple neuronal functions, including synaptic transmission, plasticity, and cell survival. Therefore disturbances in Ca(2+) homeostasis can affect the well-being of the neuron in different ways and to various degrees. Ca(2+) homeostasis undergoes subtle dysregulation in the physiological ageing. Products of energy metabolism accumulating with age together with oxidative stress gradually impair Ca(2+) homeostasis, making neurons more vulnerable to additional stress which, in turn, can lead to neuronal degeneration. Neurodegenerative diseases related to aging, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, or Huntington's disease, develop slowly and are characterized by the positive feedback between Ca(2+) dyshomeostasis and the aggregation of disease-related proteins such as amyloid beta, alfa-synuclein, or huntingtin. Ca(2+) dyshomeostasis escalates with time eventually leading to neuronal loss. Ca(2+) dyshomeostasis in these chronic pathologies comprises mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum dysfunction, Ca(2+) buffering impairment, glutamate excitotoxicity and alterations in Ca(2+) entry routes into neurons. Similar changes have been described in a group of multifactorial diseases not related to ageing, such as epilepsy, schizophrenia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or glaucoma. Dysregulation of Ca(2+) homeostasis caused by HIV infection or by sudden accidents, such as brain stroke or traumatic brain injury, leads to rapid neuronal death. The differences between the distinct types of Ca(2+) dyshomeostasis underlying neuronal degeneration in various types of pathologies are not clear. Questions that should be addressed concern the sequence of pathogenic events in an affected neuron and the pattern of progressive degeneration in the brain itself. Moreover, elucidation of the selective vulnerability of various types of neurons affected in the diseases described here will require identification of differences in the types of Ca(2+) homeostasis and signaling among these neurons. This information will be required for improved targeting of Ca(2+) homeostasis and signaling components in future therapeutic strategies, since no effective treatment is currently available to prevent neuronal degeneration in any of the pathologies described here.

Comparison of the Results of Abdominal Ultrasonography and Exploratory Laparotomy in the Dog and Cat

Results of preoperative ultrasonography and exploratory laparotomy were reviewed retrospectively in a series of 100 small animals to assess the agreement between ultrasonographic and surgical findings and to identify abdominal lesions likely to be missed by ultrasonography. Good agreement occurred between ultrasound reports and surgical reports in 64% of the animals, which supported the use of ultrasonography in potential surgical candidates. A major discrepancy was observed between the ultrasound report and surgical findings in 25% of the animals. Of the various types of pathology encountered in the study, gastrointestinal ulceration or perforation was the most likely lesion to be missed by ultrasonography.

Neuroimaging for the Diagnosis and Study of Psychiatric Disorders [Life Sciences

This paper summarizes the neuroimaging methods in the diagnostic assessment process that have been applied to neuropsychiatric studies. Here, we outline the signal processing challenges in structural and functional neuroimaging methods and discuss the specific difficulties in multisite data analysis for the diagnosis of neuropsychiatric disorders. Currently, fMRI and other brain imaging methods are used to aid in diagnosis primarily by revealing various types of pathology; e.g., evidence of brain tumors or multiple strokes. Significant research efforts have been directed toward understanding, analyzing, and diagnosing neuropsychiatric disorders.

Analysis of Anterior Skull Base Surgery in Children

Background: Children are affected with various types of pathology involving the anterior skull base, including developmental anomalies, tumors, and trauma. The objective of this study was to evaluate the surgical principles and complications of anterior skull base surgery in 289 children treated in our institution.

Lumboscopia: Experiencia con la técnica en Berazategui. Primeros 600 casos

To show the lumboscopy technique developed in our department, our case series and its results. From August 15th 1997 to date 606 patients were operated on by means of the lumboscopy technique. 152 nephrectomies, 18 partial nephrectomies, 103 pyeloplasties, 5 adrenalectomies, 89 pyelolithotomies, 153 ureterolithotomies, 44 renal cyst unroofing and other 42 procedures were performed. We perform the retroperitoneal access in the inferior lumbar triangle, with digital blunt dissection only and direct pneumatic dissection with a high flow insufflator, without balloon or balloon trocar dissection. We describe the development of the working space with perirenal fat flaps, as well as the various types of pathology operated and our complications. The working space in lumboscopy must be created by the surgeon beyond using a balloon or direct digital dissection technique. The technique we describe is easy and reproducible, creating an adequate surgical space and requires the anatomical knowledge to be able to identify landmarks.

Analysis of Anterior Skull Base Surgery in Children

Background: Children are affected with various types of pathology involving the anterior skull base, including developmental anomalies, tumors, and trauma. The objective of this study was to evaluate the surgical principles and complications of anterior skull base surgery in 289 children treated in our institution.

Proinflammogenic Effects of Low-Toxicity and Metal Nanoparticles In Vivo and In Vitro: Highlighting the Role of Particle Surface Area and Surface Reactivity

Different particle types cause excessive lung inflammation that is thought to play a role in the various types of pathology they produce. Recently attention has been focused on nanoparticles due to their presence in environmental particulate air pollution, their use and exposure in occupational settings, and their potential use in nanotechnology and novel therapeutics. We have shown previously that the surface area metric drives the overload response. We have instilled a number of low-toxicity dusts of various particle sizes and assessed neutrophil influx into the lung at 18–24 h postinstillation. The extent of inflammation was demonstrated as being a function not of the mass dose instilled but interestingly of the surface area dose instilled. Since low-toxicity nanoparticles present a “special” case of high surface area, they are relatively inflammogenic. We tested whether we could use this approach to model the reactivity of highly toxic dusts. Rats were instilled with either DQ12 quartz or aluminum lactate-treated DQ12 and, as anticipated, the high specific surface toxicity of DQ12 meant that it was much more inflammogenic (63 times more) than the surface area alone would have predicted. By contrast, aluminum lactate-treated DQ12 fell into the line of “low-toxicity” dusts. In addition, as an in vitro testing alternative to that of in vivo testing, interleukin (IL)-8 production in A549 cells exposed to the panel of various particles clearly demonstrated the ability to also identify a relationship between surface area dose and reactivity. These approaches present the possibility of modelling potential toxicity of nanoparticles and nuisance dusts based on the inflammatory response of a given instilled surface area dose.

Analysis of Long-term Survivors After Surgical Resection for Pancreatic Cancer

The purpose of this study was to determine the outcome of surgical resection for pancreatic cancer and to characterize the clinicopathologic features of actual long-term survivors. Of the 789 pancreatic cancer patients, we retrospectively analyzed 242 patients who underwent an operation between 1985 and 1999. Surgical resection with curative intent was performed in 123 patients. We analyzed the overall results of surgical treatment, compared the clinicopathologic features between long-term and short-term survivors, and reevaluated the histological slides of the long-term survivors. Median survival and cumulative 5-year survival rate after surgical resection were 14.8 months and 12.1%. Tumor size, American Joint Committee on Cancer stage, resection margin involvement, and lymph node metastases were the significant prognostic factors. Eleven patients survived for more than 5 years. Some patients with poor prognostic factors such as lymph node metastasis and big tumor size survived for more than 5 years. Histological reevaluation in the long-term survivors revealed 4 cases of variant adenocarcinoma (anaplastic carcinoma, mucinous noncystic adenocarcinoma [n = 2], and undifferentiated carcinoma). Active surgical resection should be attempted even in patients with poor prognostic factors. As there were various types of pathology among the long-term survivors, typical ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas might have a poorer survival rate.

MRI and CT in the diagnosis of vascular dementia

Neuroimaging is necessary to demonstrate cerebrovascular disease (CVD) and is therefore an important examination in vascular dementia (VaD) and vascular cognitive impairment (VCI). MRI is preferred over CT because multiple planes and sequences are needed to assess various types of pathology in relevant regions. These protocols allow differentiation of VaD from other forms of dementia and sometimes identify specific underlying disorders. Different diagnostic criteria for VaD exist but the NINDS-AIREN criteria are widely used in controlled clinical trials in VaD. These criteria have relatively low sensitivity but are highly specific and include radiological requirements. The radiological criteria have poor interobserver agreement. In general, the radiological portion of the diagnostic criteria for VaD needs revision and refinement to include bone fide cases of VaD not currently accepted by imaging rules, and for the early detection of patients with VCI.

The Importance of Surface Area and Specific Reactivity in the Acute Pulmonary Inflammatory Response to Particles

A range of different particle types cause excessive lung inflammation that is thought to play a role in the various types of pathology they produce. Recently attention has been focused on ultrafine particles and the phenomenon of rat lung overload. The authors and their collaborators have shown previously that the surface area metric drives the overload response. Acute inflammatory response following instillation of particles has also been used to evaluate hazard but has been criticized because of the non-physiological delivery and the problems of local overload. We have instilled a number of low-toxicity dusts of various particle sizes and assessed neutrophil influx into the lung at 18–24 h. The extent of inflammation has been shown to be a function of the surface area instilled. Since ultrafine particles present a ‘special’ case of high surface area, they are relatively inflammogenic. There is no evidence that ultrafine particles of carbon black, titanium dioxide or latex have any special reactivity in addition to their large surface area. We tested whether we could use this approach to model the reactivity of highly toxic dusts. Rats were instilled with either DQ12 quartz or aluminium lactate-treated DQ12 and, as anticipated, the high specific surface toxicity of DQ12 meant that it was much more inflammogenic than was predicted using the relationship described for low-toxicity dusts. By contrast, aluminium lactate-treated DQ12 fell on to the line of ‘low-toxicity’ dusts. This approach presents the possibility of modelling potential toxicity for nuisance dusts based on the inflammatory response of a given instilled surface area dose.

Clinical Update: Evaluation of Low Back Pain

Abstract This article provides an overview of the neurological examination and diagnostic studies commonly used in the evaluation of low back pain, information that is essential for both clinical assessment and impairment rating in the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment. Clinical evaluation begins with a careful review of medical records. After taking a thorough history, the physician performs the physical examination, including neurological testing, on the patient. The clinical evaluation also determines data needed for impairment evaluation. Neurological examination helps distinguish among the various types of pathology suggested by the history, but to some extent the neurological examination lacks sensitivity and specificity and only about two-thirds (69%) of patients with documented L4-L5 or L5-S1 disc herniations demonstrated weakness or deep tendon reflex changes. To maximize information from the evaluation, physicians routinely test for nonorganic physical signs. Isolated positive signs have no clinical or predictive value, and only a score of three or more positive signs is considered clinically significant. Further, these tests were not designed to detect malingering. Used in isolation, the history, neurological examination, and various diagnostic studies do not have the necessary sensitivity and specificity to diagnose and identify the structural pathology responsible for lumbar radiculopathy. Integrating these components into a logical, unbiased evaluation, physicians usually can perform an accurate assessment.

Basis for rapid efflux of biosynthetic desmosterol from cells

Previous work shows that the efflux of biosynthetic desmosterol from cells is three times more efficient than that of cholesterol. To explain this difference, we labeled CHO-K1 cells with [3H]acetate precursor and measured sterols in the whole cells, plasma membranes and caveolae, and those released to high density lipoprotein (HDL3). The [3H]desmosterol-to-[3H]cholesterol ratio was similar in the plasma membrane and whole cells but was greater in HDL3, suggesting that the more efficient efflux of desmosterol is due to more rapid desorption from the plasma membrane. The ratio in caveolae was similar to that in whole cells, arguing against selective delivery of desmosterol to caveolae as an explanation for the more rapid efflux of this sterol. Additionally, to demonstrate that the enhanced release of desmosterol was not due to enhanced intracellular cycling, we made vesicles from CHO-cell plasma membranes labeled with [3H]desmosterol or [14C]cholesterol, and the rapid release of desmosterol was demonstrated in this system. To characterize sterol efflux from a simple lipid bilayer system, we measured the transfer of cholesterol and desmosterol between large unilamellar vesicles (LUV), and found that desmosterol transferred two to three times more rapidly than cholesterol. A similar differential was seen when HDL3 or low density lipoprotein (LDL) served as the acceptor. These results show that the greater efflux efficiency of biosynthetic desmosterol can be attributed to more efficient desorption from the plasma membrane, and that this difference is a property of the sterols' association with the lipid bilayer. In vivo, the rapid efflux of biosynthetic sterol intermediates, followed by efficient delivery to the liver, may constitute an important mechanism for preventing various types of pathology associated with these materials.

Identification and mapping of 26 human testis mRNAs containing CAG/CTG repeats.

Various types of pathologies, including neurodegenerative diseases, as well as different types of neoplasia, are related to genes exhibiting simple tandem repeat instabilities. In order to seek for new candidate genes for such disorders, we screened 4.10(6) human testis cDNAs for CAG- and CTG-containing clones. Among 910 positive clones, we characterized 109 cDNAs corresponding to 26 independent mRNAs. Fourteen of these mRNAs represent new genes. The corresponding clones contain between 3 and 19 consecutive CAG or CTG triplets. We assigned 15 out of these 26 genes to 14 different human chromosomes. These genes represent new potential candidates for diseases associated with CAG or CTG repeat mutations.

Evaluation of the Acutely Painful Scrotum

High-resolution, real-time Liltrasorzography with pulsed and color Doppler sonography is the imaging modality of choice in the investigation of patients with acute disorders of the scrotum. To effect urgent and appropriate management of these conditions, the radiologist must be capable of identihing the diagnostic features which discriminate among the various types of pathology. Equally importunt, the radiologist must be aware of the pitfalls which are encountered occasionally in the interpretation of the various ultrasound findings. The purpose of this lesson is to describe the clinical and sonographic features of the causes of acute disorders of the scrotum, especially testicular torsion, torsion of the testicular appendages, epididymo-orchitis, and testicular trauma, and further to alert the radiologist about the potential pitfalls in the differential diagnosis of these conditions.

Book reviews

Ref 87–15 (J) This is a well produced and instructive audiovisual teaching programme consisting of 89 slides and two tapes (47 minutes). The presentation starts with a description of the normal anatomy and the otoscopic and radiological appearances of the middle ear, and progresses to describe various types of pathology affecting the middle ear. Unfortunately, the title is a little misleading because this audiovisual series only covers a limited range of middle ear pathology. For example, there is no mention of malignant disease, traumatic lesions or congenital abnormalities.

Macroradiographic study of post-burn contracture of limbs

Fifty patients with post-burn contracture involving various joints of the limbs were analysed. To study the minor skeletal changes the patients were subjected to macroradiography. In half of the patients various types of pathology were observed and their therapeutic and prognostic significance have been discussed.

The effect of tri-iodinated contrast media on clotting. An investigation of thrombocyte aggregation (author's transl)

In vitro investigations showed that renographic and cholecystographic contrast media reduced thrombocyte aggregation proportionate to contrast concentration. In vivo this disturbance of thrombocyte function could not be demonstrated. Other factors investigated, such as clotting time and thrombocyte counts, remained unaffected in vivo and in vitro. Age and sex and the presence of various types of pathology were also found to have no affect. These findings and their significance are discussed.

Fundamentals of Sensorineural Auditory Pathology

This textbook presents a neuropathologist's view of auditory system disorders. It emphasizes that pathology within the CNS can be correlated with auditory function and disorders. The book introduces methodology first and then basic anatomy which is followed by various types of pathology. The neuroanatomical description (with illustrations) of the auditory afferent pathway, including the cochlear nuclear complex, the dorsal olivary nuclear complex, the inferior colliculus, and the auditory cortex, is a good condensed reading for otolaryngologists. Pathologic discussions are focused on the following developmental abnormalities: congenital and genetic disorders, infections, immune disorders, injuries, tumors, and metabolic disorders. The author uses many gross photographs and photomicrographs of neural tissues, which provide helpful descriptions for otolaryngologists who are not familiar with CNS pathology in the aforementioned disease entities. The problem of a book of this size is that the author's intent is to cover a wide area; therefore, the discussions are somewhat

Diagnostic Bronchoscopy.

This volume is slim, elegant, useful, and most educational. It tells it "how it is." The specific descriptions involving the technique of bronchoscopy are accurate and clear. They will clarify for the neophyte things unsaid by his teacher or unrecognized due to lack of accumulated experience. Thus in a real sense it brings an equivalent of experience quickly to the reader. The color illustrations are beautiful and accurate. They are paralleled by line drawings which give anatomic location and help in both recognition and localization. Various types of pathology are represented but all cannot be present in this slim volume. The section on specimen removal is particularly recommended. This reviewer has quite limited enthusiasm for the use of the chest cuirasse illustrated here, and also feels that the virtues of general anesthesia are perhaps too strongly urged. Exception is made to this in that too much special equipment is needed—too

A Guide to Diseases of the Nose, Throat and Ear.

This is one of the few English texts written for the general practitioner and the medical student which have been reviewed here. The expected disadvantage to the American physician of regional variation in terminology, techniques, and therapeutics which, though not serious, is a point in favor of American texts. As is characteristic of most English texts, it is exceptionally easily read without excessive verbiage, this book being unusually so because of the author's use of a conversational style. A good addition is several charts on differential diagnostic features of various types of pathology. The illustrations are quite standard but lacking is any bibliography to assist those who desire more detail than this book can offer and I feel this is important. There are many otolaryngologic texts written for the general practitioner and the medical student, but very few, including this one, would I call excellent.