scholarly journals Immunological and Immunogenetic Parameters on the Diversity of Ocular Toxoplasmosis: Evidence to Support Morphological Criteria to Classify Retinal/Retinochoroidal Scar Lesions in Epidemiologic Surveys

10.5772/50086 ◽  
2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Llian M.G. ◽  
Alba L.P. ◽  
Marcela S.B. ◽  
Bianca M. ◽  
Livia M. ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ocular Toxoplasmosis ◽  
Morphological Criteria

Ultrastructural study on the development of rat amygdaloid body

1990 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 432-433
Author(s):  
A. Manolova ◽  
S. Manolov
Keyword(s):  
Nerve Cells ◽  
Amygdaloid Complex ◽  
Amygdaloid Body ◽  
Thin Ring ◽  
Morphological Criteria ◽  
Neural Processes ◽  
Abundant Cytoplasm ◽  
Level 1 ◽  
Few Data ◽  
Oval Shape

Relatively few data on the development of the amygdaloid complex are available only at the light microscopic level (1-3). The existence of just general morphological criteria requires the performance of other investigations in particular ultrastructural in order to obtain new and more detailed information about the changes in the amygdaloid complex during development.The prenatal and postnatal development of rat amygdaloid complex beginning from the 12th embrionic day (ED) till the 33rd postnatal day (PD) has been studied. During the early stages of neurogenesis (12ED), the nerve cells were observed to be closely packed, small-sized, with oval shape. A thin ring of cytoplasm surrounded their large nuclei, their nucleoli being very active with various size and form (Fig.1). Some cells possessed more abundant cytoplasm. The perikarya were extremely rich in free ribosomes. Single sacs of the rough endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria were observed among them. The mitochondria were with light matrix and possessed few cristae. Neural processes were viewed to sprout from some nerve cells (Fig.2). Later the nuclei were still comparatively large and with various shape.

MORPHOLOGICAL CRITERIA OF REMOTENESS OF ISCHEMIC STROKES’ DEVELOPMENT INTO LATE SUBACUTE AND CHRONIC STAGES

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. A. Machinskiy ◽  
◽  
N. A. Plotnikova ◽  
S. P. Kemaykin ◽  
A. G. Rybakov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Morphological Criteria

scholarly journals The elephant at the dump: how does garbage consumption impact Asian elephants?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dulmini J. Liyanage ◽  
Prithiviraj Fernando ◽  
P. Nihal Dayawansa ◽  
H. K. Janaka ◽  
Jennifer Pastorini
Keyword(s):  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Alimentary Tract ◽  
Natural Food ◽  
Asian Elephants ◽  
Garbage Dump ◽  
Focal Animal ◽  
Morphological Criteria ◽  
Sexual Bias ◽  
Prepared Food ◽  
Dung Analysis

AbstractWe studied garbage consumption by Asian elephants at the Uddakandara garbage dump in southern Sri Lanka. Garbage at the dump was classified under six categories and quantified using a grid overlay. Elephants visiting the dump were individually identified by morphological criteria and items and quantities consumed by them were determined by focal animal sampling. Dung of elephants that did not consume garbage and those from the dump were compared quantitatively and dung constituents assessed by washing through three layered sieves. A total of 17 individual elephants visited the garbage dump during the study period, all of who were males. The observed sexual bias could be related to behavioural differences between the sexes. Elephants mostly consumed ‘fruits and vegetables’ and ‘prepared food’, possibly due to their higher palatability and nutritional value. Ingestion of polythene was incidental and associated with consuming prepared food. Proportions of the six categories in elephant diet and garbage piles were significantly different, indicating that elephants were highly selective when feeding. Elephant arrivals increased in response to unloading of garbage, suggesting attraction to fresh garbage. Dung analysis found that garbage consumption did not change the quantity and constituents of dung, except for the presence of anthropogenic items. As consumed anthropogenic items were regularly excreted, retention and obstruction of the alimentary tract are unlikely in elephants. Elephants feeding on garbage had better body condition than non-garbage consuming elephants, indicating that garbage provided better nutrition than natural food and was not detrimental to their health.

scholarly journals Combination of nuclear and mitochondrial markers as a useful tool to identify Ctenophthalmus species and subspecies (Siphonaptera: Ctenophthalmidae)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Zurita ◽  
Cristina Cutillas
Keyword(s):  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Molecular Study ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Morphological Data ◽  
Molecular Approach ◽  
Nuclear Marker ◽  
Mitochondrial Markers ◽  
Morphological Criteria ◽  
Mtdna Markers

AbstractCtenophthalmus is considered the largest genus within the Order Siphonaptera. From a morphological point of view, only males of this genus can be identified at species and subspecies levels using morphological keys, whereas there are no morphological criteria in order to classify females at these taxonomical levels. Furthermore, the amount of available molecular and phylogenetic data for this genus is quite scarce so far. The main objective of this work was to assess the utility of the combination of nuclear and mitochondrial markers with respect to their ability to differentiate among different subspecies within the Ctenophthalmus genus. With this purpose, we carried out a comparative morphological and molecular study of three different subspecies (Ctenophthalmus baeticus arvernus, Ctenophthalmus nobilis dobyi, and Ctenophthalmus andorrensis catalaniensis) in order to clarify and discuss its taxonomic status. In addition, our study complemented the molecular data previously provided for Ctenophthalmus baeticus boisseauorum and Ctenophthalmus apertus allani subspecies. We sequenced five different molecular markers: EF1-α, ITS1, ITS2, cox1, and cytb. Our results confirmed that morphological data by themselves are not able to discriminate among Ctenophthalmus female taxa; however, the combination of the nuclear marker EF1-α together with mtDNA markers cytb and cox1 constituted a useful taxonomical and phylogenetic tool to solve this issue. Based on these results, we consider that the use of this molecular approach should be gradually used within Ctenophthalmus genus in order to complement its classical taxonomy and clarifying the complex taxonomy of other congeneric species of fleas.

scholarly journals Ocular Toxoplasmosis: Mechanisms of Retinal Infection and Experimental Models

Parasitologia ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 50-60
Author(s):  
Veronica Rodriguez Fernandez ◽  
Giovanni Casini ◽  
Fabrizio Bruschi
Keyword(s):  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Cell Damage ◽  
Pigment Epithelium ◽  
Retinal Pigment ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Experimental Models ◽  
Ocular Toxoplasmosis ◽  
Cell Infection

Ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) is caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii and affects many individuals throughout the world. Infection may occur through congenital or acquired routes. The parasites enter the blood circulation and reach both the retina and the retinal pigment epithelium, where they may cause cell damage and cell death. Different routes of access are used by T. gondii to reach the retina through the retinal endothelium: by transmission inside leukocytes, as free parasites through a paracellular route, or after endothelial cell infection. A main feature of OT is the induction of an important inflammatory state, and the course of infection has been shown to be influenced by the host immunogenetics. On the other hand, there is evidence that the T. gondii phenotype also has an impact on the distribution of the pathology in different areas. Although considerable knowledge has been acquired on OT, a deeper knowledge of its mechanisms is necessary to provide new, more targeted treatment strategies. In particular, in addition to in vitro and in vivo experimental models, organotypic, ex vivo retinal explants may be useful in this direction.

scholarly journals The Role of Immunohistochemical Markers for the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Adrenocortical Neoplasms

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 208
Author(s):  
Anna Angelousi ◽  
Georgios Kyriakopoulos ◽  
Fani Athanasouli ◽  
Anastasia Dimitriadi ◽  
Eva Kassi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transcriptome Analysis ◽  
Cox Regression ◽  
P53 Protein ◽  
Immunohistochemical Analysis ◽  
Ki 67 ◽  
Diagnosis And Prognosis ◽  
Immunohistochemical Markers ◽  
Small Series ◽  
Morphological Criteria ◽  
Survival And Development

Adrenal cortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare cancer with poor prognosis that needs to be distinguished from adrenocortical adenomas (ACAs). Although, the recently developed transcriptome analysis seems to be a reliable tool for the differential diagnosis of adrenocortical neoplasms, it is not widely available in clinical practice. We aim to evaluate histological and immunohistochemical markers for the distinction of ACCs from ACAs along with assessing their prognostic role. Clinical data were retrospectively analyzed from 37 patients; 24 archived, formalin-fixed, and paraffin-embedded ACC samples underwent histochemical analysis of reticulin and immunohistochemical analysis of p27, p53, Ki-67 markers and were compared with 13 ACA samples. Weiss and Helsinki scores were also considered. Kaplan−Meier and univariate Cox regression methods were implemented to identify prognostic effects. Altered reticulin pattern, Ki-67% labelling index and overexpression of p53 protein were found to be useful histopathological markers for distinguishing ACAs from ACCs. Among the studied markers, only pathological p53 nuclear protein expression was found to reach statistically significant association with poor survival and development of metastases, although in a small series of patients. In conclusion, altered reticulin pattern and p53/Ki-67 expression are useful markers for distinguishing ACCs from ACAs. Immunohistopathology alone cannot discriminate ACCs with different prognosis and it should be combined with morphological criteria and transcriptome analysis.

scholarly journals When a Ciliate Meets a Flagellate: A Rare Case of Colpoda spp. and Colpodella spp. Isolated from the Urine of a Human Patient. Case Report and Brief Review of Literature

Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 476
Author(s):  
Vlad S. Neculicioiu ◽  
Ioana A. Colosi ◽  
Dan A. Toc ◽  
Andrei Lesan ◽  
Carmen Costache
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Insufficiency ◽  
Combined Treatment ◽  
Primary Care Clinic ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Heart Association ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Human Patient ◽  
Care Clinic ◽  
Morphological Criteria ◽  
Patient Reported

An often-overlooked side of the population aging process and the steady rise of non-communicable diseases reflects the emergence of novel infectious pathogens on the background of an altered host immune response. The aim of this article was to present the first record of a ciliate and flagellate protozoa recovered from the urine of an elderly patient and to review the existing medical literature involving these parasites. A 70-year-old female patient was admitted for breathing difficulties on the basis of an acute exacerbation of COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) with respiratory insufficiency. The patient reported a long history of multiple comorbidities including COPD Gold II, chronic respiratory insufficiency, chronic heart failure NYHA III (New York Heart Association Functional Classification), type 2 diabetes and morbid obesity. During routine examinations, we ascertained the presence of two unusual protozoa, a ciliate and a flagellate, in the patient’s urine samples, identified on morphological criteria to be most likely Colpoda spp. and Colpodella spp., with similarities to C. steinii and C. gonderi. The presence of these parasites was not associated with any clinical signs of urinary disease. Following a combined treatment with ceftriaxone and metronidazole, we observed the disappearance of these pathogens upon discharge from the primary care clinic. This study highlights the importance of including unusual pathogens in the differential diagnosis of cases which involve immunosuppression.

Non-compaction cardiomyopathy: genetic and clinical features, 5-years outcomes

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
T Vaikhanskaya ◽  
L.N Sivitskaya ◽  
A.D Liaudanski ◽  
N.G Danilenko ◽  
O.G Davydenko
Keyword(s):  
Predictive Model ◽  
Myocardial Fibrosis ◽  
Systolic Dysfunction ◽  
Ventricular Tachyarrhythmia ◽  
Neuromuscular Disorder ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Successful Resuscitation ◽  
Morphological Criteria

Abstract   Presence of morphological sign as a left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC) only, without supporting clinical criteria, does not determine diagnosis of non-compaction cardiomyopathy (NCCM). Objective To study of the spectrum of NCCM-associated genes, analysis of phenotype-genotype correlations and predictors of life-threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmia (ltVTA), myocardial fibrosis, and adverse outcome. Methods Of 93 pts with identified (Echo/MRI) morphological criteria for LVNC (follow-up median 5,1 years), 60 unrelated pts were included in the study (aged 38.5±13.8 years; 33/55% male; LVEF 42.1±12.9%) with clinical confirmed NCCM (presence any one obligate criteria): family history, neuromuscular disorder, abnormal 12-lead ECG, arrhythmia, HF or thromboembolism (Figure). Genetic testing by NGS (174 genes) was performed; all variants considered as pathogenic (PV) and likely pathogenic (LPV) were confirmed by a Sanger sequencing. Baseline and follow-up data (ECG, HM, Echo, MRI, device interrogation) were collected. Combined adverse outcomes (HF death; SCD; LVAD; HTx; and ltVTA: VT/VF, successful resuscitation, ICD shock) were accepted as composite endpoint. Results PV and LPV were detected in 33 (55%) pts. The most common variants were identified in sarcomere genes – TTNtv, MYBPC3, and MYH7 (47.4%); ion channel genes – 18.2%; digenic mutations were found in 21.6% pts. Gene positivity was associated with systolic dysfunction (LVEF≤49%); the highest risk of low LVEF revealed for digenic carriers (OR 38; 95% CI 4.74–305; p=0.0001). According to CATREG analysis, predictive model was built (R=0,80; R2=0,65; F=10,1; p=0,0001); the presence of disease-causing PV/LPV (β=0.46; F=15.2; p=0,0001) along with low LVEF (β=−0.28; F= 5.96; p=0,018), fibrosis (β=0.21; F= 3.05; p=0,037), wide QRS (β=0.22; F= 4.11; p=0,011) were identified as independent predictors of adverse outcomes. As a result of ROC analysis, independent predictors of ltVTA were determined: fibrosis (nLGE≥2: AUC 0.824; 95% CI: 0.716–0.931; p=0.0001; sen 69%, spe 79%), systolic dysfunction (LVEF≤39%: AUC 0.832; 95% CI: 0.720–0.943; p=0.0001; sen 85%, spe 70%) and nsVT (HR≥150 bmp: AUC 0.829; 95% CI: 0.719–0.940; p=0.0001; sen 76%, spe 83%). According to ROC curves analysis, independent markers of myocardial fibrosis (LGE) were found: nsVT (HR≥150 bpm: AUC 0.766; 95% CI: 0.635–0.897; sen 80%, spe 77%); QRS fragmentation (nQRSfr≥4 leads ECG: AUC 0.822; 95% CI: 0.706–0.938; sen 76%, spe 92%); QTc duration (QTc≥450 ms: AUC 0.828; 95% CI: 0.722–0.935; sen 80%, spe 72%) and native MRI T1-relaxation (T1≥1086 ms: AUC 0.752; 95% CI: 0.626–0.879; sen 70%, spe 70%). Conclusion This results show a basically genetic causing NCCM with predominant mutations in sarcomere genes. As per predictive model, the strongest predictor of poor outcome was gene positivity. Identifying the genetic cause allows risk stratification and management optimization with counseling NCCM pts and their relatives. Study design Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

scholarly journals P54 Development of ocular toxoplasmosis and panuveitis in a patient receiving infliximab for psoriatic arthritis

Rheumatology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 59 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariam Malik ◽  
Himashi Anver ◽  
Ernest Wong
Keyword(s):  
Psoriatic Arthritis ◽  
Past History ◽  
Acute Infection ◽  
Immunosuppressive Treatment ◽  
Ocular Toxoplasmosis ◽  
Close Monitoring ◽  
Horse Riding ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
History Of ◽  
Acute Toxoplasmosis

Abstract Background Toxoplasma gondii is thought to infect up to a third of world’s population. Incidence rate of 0.4/100,000 has been calculated in Britain, culminating in a life-time risk of 18/100,000. Cats are primary hosts, but humans and warm-blooded animals can be infected by consumption of contaminated food/water. Although in most patients, it’s self-limiting, it can be devastating in immunosuppressed patients and may cause eye manifestations, cerebral abscesses or disseminated infection. Immunosuppressive therapies including treatment with biologics increases the risk and may also cause toxoplasmosis reactivation. Methods This is case of 57 year old lady with psoriatic arthritis. She has past history of congenital vision impairment in the left eye and is HLA B27 negative. She enjoyed horse-riding and had a pet dog. Initially she was started on methotrexate. Sulfasalazine was added later. Due to ongoing active disease, etanercept was used for 6 months, before being switched to cetrolizumab due to ineffectiveness. She had this for 5 months and then switched to infliximab, 3mg/kg, 8 weekly. In May 2019, she was seen by Ophthalmology for 2 weeks history of blurred vision and floaters in right eye. She was diagnosed to have panuveitis and had positive IgM for toxoplasma. Bloods revealed negative TB screen, HIV, Hep B&C, syphilis, lyme and anti-streptolysin antibody tests were negative. Infliximab levels were sub-therapeutic. She was commenced on 30mg prednisolone for possible inflammatory process secondary to seronegative arthropathy, but acute toxoplasmosis could not be excluded. Hence, she was started on azithromycin and had vitreous biopsy. Toxoplasma was detected in the sample, confirming acute infection. Methotrexate and infliximab were stopped. MRI head ruled out intracranial involvement. Following treatment of acute toxoplasmosis, adalimumab is now being considered for management of her inflammatory disease, with close monitoring by local infectious-disease team and specialist ophthalmology unit. Results This lady developed ocular toxoplasmosis and panuveitis, whilst on immunosuppression for psoriatic arthritis. She was a horse-rider and had exposure to dogs. Diagnosing toxoplasma in immunocompromised can be difficult. Isolation of T. gondii in tissue usually confirms diagnosis. Some forms of immunosuppressive treatment may be associated with increased risk of reactivation of toxoplasmosis but there is not much evidence to assess the relative risk of various therapies. Conclusion Ocular toxoplasmosis needs to be considered in patients receiving immunosupression and presenting with inflammatory eye symptoms. Management requires specialist input and close monitoring. Further research into diagnostic techniques, possibility of using prophylaxis in high-risk patients and management guidelines would be helpful. Disclosures M. Malik None. H. Anver None. E. Wong None.

Suppression of cell proliferation and programmed cell death by dexamethasone during postnatal lung development

2002 ◽  
Vol 282 (3) ◽  
pp. L477-L483 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cédric Luyet ◽  
Peter H. Burri ◽  
Johannes C. Schittny
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Cell Death ◽  
Programmed Cell Death ◽  
Lung Development ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Tissue Transglutaminase ◽  
Lung Parenchyma ◽  
Lung Maturation ◽  
Morphological Criteria ◽  
Postnatal Lung Development

Prematurely born babies are often treated with glucocorticoids. We studied the consequences of an early postnatal and short dexamethasone treatment (0.1–0.01 μg/g, days 1–4) on lung development in rats, focusing on its influence on peaks of cell proliferation around day 4 and of programmed cell death at days 19–21. By morphological criteria, we observed a dexamethasone-induced premature maturation of the septa ( day 4), followed by a transient septal immatureness and delayed alveolarization leading to complete rescue of the structural changes. The numbers of proliferating (anti-Ki67) and dying cells (TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling) were determined and compared with controls. In dexamethasone-treated animals, both the peak of cell proliferation and the peak of programmed cell death were reduced to baseline, whereas the expression of tissue transglutaminase (transglutaminase-C), another marker for postnatal lung maturation, was not significantly altered. We hypothesize that a short neonatal course of dexamethasone leads to severe but transient structural changes of the lung parenchyma and influences the balance between cell proliferation and cell death even in later stages of lung maturation.

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