Norepinephrine-containing neurons: changes in spontaneous discharge patterns during sleeping and waking

Norepinephrine-containing neurons of the locus coeruleus of the cat were recorded with microelectrodes during unrestrained sleeping and waking. The recorded neurons were subsequently defined by combined fluorescence histochemistry of catecholamines and production of microlesions at recording sites. These pontine units show homogeneous changes in discharge patterns with respect to sleep stages, firing slowly during drowsy periods and slow wave sleep and firing in rapid bursts during paradoxical sleep. These data provide a direct correlation between the activity of defined catecholamine-containing neurons and the spontaneous occurrence of sleep stages.     

Adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate is localized in cerebellar neurons: immunofluorescence evidence

Adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate is localized in specific cerebellar neurons, as shown by fluorescence immunocytochemistry with a specific rabbit immunoglobulin. Positive staining is exhibited by Purkinje neurons and granule cells. The increase in concentration of cyclic adenosine monophosphate in the cerebellum, which is known to follow decapitation, is represented by greatly increased fluorescence of Purkinje neurons only. These immunofluorescence data provide the first evidence for localization of cyclic adenosine monophosphate in specific neurons and may permit further exploration into the role of this cyclic nucleotide in neuronal function.     

Endodontic decisions based on clinical appearance.

Too often, endodontically compromised teeth are ignored because they are not accurately identified, nor their significance realized. By systematically evaluating each potentially affected tooth, a practitioner can correctly diagnose endodontic cases and plan therapy accordingly. Endodontic pathology, with non-vital pulps and subsequent abscessation, can affect not only the tooth but also the rest of the patient. Physical examination, both external and oral, can be combined with tactile and transillumination assessment. Radiographic appraisal is essential in determining periapical health, both to determine the vitality of the tooth and to ascertain if endodontic therapy is appropriate, of if extraction is the best choice. This report aims to provide the reader with a clearer understanding of diagnosing endodontic cases to facilitate selection of the appropriate treatment.     

Assessment of a sequential extraction procedure for fractionation of soil arsenic in contaminated soils

A sequential fractionation scheme, based on a soil phosphorous fractionation, was developed to assess the chemical nature, and thus the potential bioavailability and mobility of As, at the sites. Soil As was separated into five fractions with (i) anion exchange resin, (ii) NaHCO₃, (iii) NaOH, (iv) HCl, (v) residual. Most sites contained relatively low concentrations of As in the two most labile fractions. The bulk of the contaminant As at the sites seemed to be associated with soil amorphous Fe and Al minerals and the dominant clay minerals which help in As sorption are montmorillonite and mica. Resin-extractable As in particular might provide a good index of potential As bioavailability and mobility.     

Defining protective responses to pathogens: cytokine profiles in leprosy lesions

The immunological mechanisms required to engender resistance have been defined in few infectious diseases of man, and the role of specific cytokines is unclear. Leprosy presents clinically as a spectrum in which resistance correlates with cell-mediated immunity to the pathogen. To assess in situ cytokine patterns, messenger RNA extracted from leprosy skin biopsy specimens was amplified by the polymerase chain reaction with 14 cytokine-specific primers. In lesions of the resistant form of the disease, messenger RNAs coding for interleukin-2 and interferon-gamma were most evident. In contrast, messenger RNAs for interleukin-4, interleukin-5, and interleukin-10 predominated in the multibacillary form. Thus, resistance and susceptibility were correlated with distinct patterns of cytokine production.     

The Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope discovers the pulsar in the young galactic supernova remnant CTA 1

Energetic young pulsars and expanding blast waves [supernova remnants (SNRs)] are the most visible remains after massive stars, ending their lives, explode in core-collapse supernovae. The Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope has unveiled a radio quiet pulsar located near the center of the compact synchrotron nebula inside the supernova remnant CTA 1. The pulsar, discovered through its gamma-ray pulsations, has a period of 316.86 milliseconds and a period derivative of 3.614 x 10(-13) seconds per second. Its characteristic age of 10(4) years is comparable to that estimated for the SNR. We speculate that most unidentified Galactic gamma-ray sources associated with star-forming regions and SNRs are such young pulsars.     

Gastrocnemius Tendon Strain in a Dog Treated With Autologous Mesenchymal Stem Cells and a Custom Orthosis

Objective

To report clinical findings and outcome in a dog with gastrocnemius tendon strain treated with autologous mesenchymal stem cells and a custom orthosis.

Study Design

Clinical report.

Animal

A 4‐year‐old spayed female Border Collie.

Methods

Bone‐marrow derived, autologous mesenchymal stem cells were transplanted into the tendon core lesion. A custom, progressive, dynamic orthosis was fit to the tarsus. Serial orthopedic examinations and ultrasonography as well as long‐term force‐plate gait analysis were utilized for follow up.

Results

Lameness subjectively resolved and peak vertical force increased from 43% to 92% of the contralateral pelvic limb. Serial ultrasonographic examinations revealed improved but incomplete restoration of normal linear fiber pattern of the gastrocnemius tendon.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that autologous mesenchymal stem cell transplantation with custom, progressive, dynamic orthosis may be a viable, minimally invasive technique for treatment of calcaneal tendon injuries in dogs.     

Oocyte viability and cortical activation under different salt solutions in Prochilodus lineatus (Teleostei: Prochilodontidae)

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of five salt solutions in the maintenance of morphological features of cortical alveolus, hydration and fertilization capacity of Prochilodus lineatus oocytes. For this purpose, five saline solutions were tested: Ringer's solution, Ringer's lactate solution, Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS), Hank's balanced salt solution without calcium (HBSS without calcium) and solution for salmonid eggs. Oocytes were maintained for 2 hr in saline solution with controlled temperature subsequently evaluated for hydration, cortical activation and fertilization ability. In the evaluation of the fertilization ability, two controls were used: C1—fertilized oocytes after extrusion—and C2—oocytes kept in ovarian fluid and fertilized after 2 hr. There was a significant reduction in the viability of oocytes C2 (28.8% ± 12.9%) compared to C1 (65.3% ± 26.7%), and no significant differences were found between treatments HBSS and HBSS without calcium and C2. Only HBSS and HBSS without calcium maintained the non‐activated state of the gametes, with a fertilization rate of 16.4% ± 6.7% and 5.6% ± 2.3%, respectively; however, they did not extend the viability of oocytes, such that they continued to undergo degradation during the storage period, similar to oocytes retained only in ovarian fluid.