Post-laparotomy heterotopic ossification of the xiphoid process: A case report

BACKGROUND

Heterotopic ossification (HO) represents all types of extraskeletal ossification in the body. It occurs in various areas, including the skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscle, and joints. Surgical excision is recommended for symptomatic HO. Postoperative radiotherapy, oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and topical sealants, such as bone wax, have been recommended as preventive measures. As HO is rare in occurrence, these recommendations are based on personal experiences, and there is a lack of information on individualized treatments depending on its location.

CASE SUMMARY

A 62-year-old male was admitted for symptomatic HO along a laparotomy scar. Surgical excision was performed for an 11 cm-sized ossification originating from the xiphoid process, and bone wax was applied to the excisional margin. However, the surgical wound failed to heal. After several weeks of saline-soaked gauze dressing, delayed wound closure was performed. The patient was finally discharged eight weeks after the excision. Because HO can occur in various areas of the body, a treatment strategy that may be effective for some may not be for others. Bone wax has been used as a topical sealant over excisional margins in the shoulder, elbow, and temporomandibular joints. However, in our case, its application on an abdominal surgical wound delayed its primary healing intention. The valuable lesson was that, when choosing a treatment method for HO based on available research data, its location must be considered.

CONCLUSION

Complete excision should be the priority treatment option for symptomatic HO along the laparotomy scar. Bone wax application is not recommended.

Biochemical and morphological features of the uropygial gland of the Chilean Flamingo and their functional implications

Flamingos inhabit specialized habitats and breed in large colonies, building their nests on islands that limit the access of terrestrial predators. Many aspects of their uropygial gland are still unknown. The uropygial gland, a sebaceous organ exclusive to birds, shares some histological features among species such as the presence of a capsule, adenomers with stratified epithelium and secondary and primary chambers. We found that the uropygial gland of the Chilean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis) displays most of these characteristics but lacks a primary storage chamber. This absence may be an adaptation to their aquatic environment. The uropygial secretion of this species has a variety of glycoconjugates while its lipid moiety is largely dominated by waxes and minor amounts of triacylglycerols and fatty acids. Mass spectrometry analysis of the preen wax showed branched fatty acids of varied chain length and unbranched fatty alcohols, resulting in a complex mixture of wax esters and no differences between sexes were observed. The glycoconjugates present in the preen secretion could play a role as antimicrobial molecules, as suggested for other bird species, while the absence of diester waxes in flamingos might be related with their nesting habits and limited exposure to predation. Our results were evaluated according to physiological and ecological aspects of the flamingo's biology.

Raman imaging reveals in-situ microchemistry of cuticle and epidermis of spruce needles

BACKGROUND

The cuticle is a protective layer playing an important role in plant defense against biotic and abiotic stresses. So far cuticle structure and chemistry was mainly studied by electron microscopy and chemical extraction. Thus, analysing composition involved sample destruction and the link between chemistry and microstructure remained unclear. In the last decade, Raman imaging showed high potential to link plant anatomical structure with microchemistry and to give insights into orientation of molecules. In this study, we use Raman imaging and polarization experiments to study the native cuticle and epidermal layer of needles of Norway spruce, one of the economically most important trees in Europe. The acquired hyperspectral dataset is the basis to image the chemical heterogeneity using univariate (band integration) as well as multivariate data analysis (cluster analysis and non-negative matrix factorization).

RESULTS

Confocal Raman microscopy probes the cuticle together with the underlying epidermis in the native state and tracks aromatics, lipids, carbohydrates and minerals with a spatial resolution of 300 nm. All three data analysis approaches distinguish a waxy, crystalline layer on top, in which aliphatic chains and coumaric acid are aligned perpendicular to the surface. Also in the lipidic amorphous cuticle beneath, strong signals of coumaric acid and flavonoids are detected. Even the unmixing algorithm results in mixed endmember spectra and confirms that lipids co-locate with aromatics. The underlying epidermal cell walls are devoid of lipids but show strong aromatic Raman bands. Especially the upper periclinal thicker cell wall is impregnated with aromatics. At the interface between epidermis and cuticle Calcium oxalate crystals are detected in a layer-like fashion. Non-negative matrix factorization gives the purest component spectra, thus the best match with reference spectra and by this promotes band assignments and interpretation of the visualized chemical heterogeneity.

CONCLUSIONS

Results sharpen our view about the cuticle as the outermost layer of plants and highlight the aromatic impregnation throughout. In the future, developmental studies tracking lipid and aromatic pathways might give new insights into cuticle formation and comparative studies might deepen our understanding why some trees and their needle and leaf surfaces are more resistant to biotic and abiotic stresses than others.

Cuticular waxes-A shield of barley mutant in CBP20 (Cap-Binding Protein 20) gene when struggling with drought stress

CBP20 (Cap-Binding Protein 20) encodes a small subunit of nuclear Cap-Binding Complex (nCBC) that together with CBP80 binds mRNA cap. We previously described barley hvcbp20.ab mutant that demonstrated higher leaf water content and faster stomatal closure than the WT after drought stress. Hence, we presumed that the better water-saving mechanism in hvcbp20.ab may result from the lower permeability of epidermis that together with stomata action limit the water evaporation under drought stress. We asked whether hvcbp20.ab exhibited any differences in wax load on the leaf surface when subjected to drought in comparison to WT cv. 'Sebastian'. To address this question, we investigated epicuticular wax structure and chemical composition under drought stress in hvcbp20.ab mutant and its WT. We showed that hvcbp20.ab mutant exhibited the increased deposition of cuticular wax. Moreover, our gene expression results suggested a role of HvCBP20 as a negative regulator of both, the biosynthesis of waxes at the level of alkane-forming, and waxes transportation. Interestingly, we also observed increased wax deposition in Arabidopsis cbp20 mutant exposed to drought, which allowed us to describe the CBP20-regulated epicuticular wax accumulation under drought stress in a wider evolutionarily context.

Effect of irradiation and canopy position on anatomical and physiological features of Fagus sylvatica and Quercus petraea leaves

Growing conditions at different tree canopy positions may significantly vary and lead to foliar changes even within the same tree. An assessment of foliar anatomy, including also epidermal features, can help us understand how plants respond to environmental factors. Working with two model tree species (i.e., Quercus petraea and Fagus sylvatica) grown at their southernmost European distribution area in Central Spain, the influence of irradiation and canopy height was examined by sampling lower canopy leaves and comparing them with fully irradiated, top canopy leaves and shaded top canopy leaves grown for months within a bag made of shade netting fabric before they sprouted. At the end of the summer, samples were collected, and several parameters were analysed. The results indicate that SLA (specific leaf area) differences are significant both between species and groups. Leaf and cuticle thickness differed significantly between groups while stomatal densities only between species. Regarding mineral concentrations, differences between species were significant for K, Mn, N and N: P ratios. It is concluded that leaf responses to environmental conditions may be variable both within the same tree and between species.

Validation of the Gel & Wax Boluses and Comparison of their Dosimetric Performance with Virtual Bolus

Background

In general, radiotherapy treatment planning is performed using the virtual bolus. It is necessary to investigate physical bolus in comparison to virtual one.

Objectives

In the present study, first, radiological properties of superflab Gel bolus and Paraffin wax bolus was investigated in terms of their relative electron density. Then, dosimetric performance of both the bolus (i.e. Gel and Parafin wax) was compared with Virtual bolus.

Material and Methods

In This experimental study, the radiological property of Wax and Gel boluses was investigated using two methods. In one, the relative electron density of both the Gel and Wax boluses was calculated by measuring their linear attenuation coefficient where in another method relative electron density was calculated by recording their CT No directly from their CT scan. Later CT scan of solid water slab phantom (dimension 30x30x15 cm³), with physical boluses (i.e. Gel and Wax bolus) of appropriate thicknesses required to deliver a dose of 200 cGy at D_max using 4 MV, 6 MV and 15 MV photon beams, was taken. These CT data sets were retrieved to TPS. A plan was done to deliver a dose of 200 cGy at D_max using Single 4 MV, 6 MV and 15 MV photon beams. Dose at depths D_max, 1 cm, 2 cm, 3 cm, 4 cm and 5 cm was recorded. Using this similar method, doses at depths viz D_max, 1 cm, 2 cm, 3 cm, 4 cm and 5 cm was recorded for the Gel and Wax boluses. The differences in dose of gel and wax bolus from virtual bolus were recorded for comparison of their dosimetric performance.

Results

The measured (calculated) relative electron density of wax and Gel bolus was found to be 0.958 (0.926) and 0.923 (0.907), respectively. Variation in dosimetric performance of Gel and Wax with reference to Virtual bolus was studied. However, on average, Gel bolus was more consistent with virtual bolus.

Conclusion

To avoid any dose difference between, delivered (using physical bolus) and planned (using virtual bolus), the physical boluses should be investigated for their dosimetric performance in comparison to virtual bolus. The results obtained and methodology used in this study can be applied in routine radiotherapy practices.

Bee wax coated water-soluble fraction of bee venom improved altered glucose homeostasis in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the anti-diabetic efficacy of orally administered bee wax coated water-soluble fraction of bee venom (BWCBVA) drug over orally administered bee wax (BW) and intraperitoneally administered whole bee venom (BV) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.

METHODS

Diabetes induced by intraperitoneal administration of 60 mg/kg STZ was treated with BWCBVA, BW, and BV for 21 d. The biochemical, protein and histological changes, and physical characteristics of BWCBVA were then analyzed.

RESULTS

The BWCBVA group shows significantly decreased blood glucose level as compared to the BW and intraperitoneally administered whole BV treated group. Moreover, BWCBVA significantly normalizes the serum biochemical parameters and increases the body weight. Also, administration of BWCBVA significantly reverses the altered liver expression of phosphatidylinositide 3-kinases-p85 and liver glucokinase. Histological analysis of the pancreas an increase in the islet cell numbers and decrease in β-cell damage. Co-administering BWCBVA 0.25 mg/kg with nifedipine (6.8 mg/kg) and nicorandil (13.8 mg/kg) to the diabetic rats results in insulin secretion through enhanced calcium ion influx. High performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography was performed to identify the pharmacologically important compounds present in BWCBVA.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that BWCBVA, an orally administered colon specific drug delivery system, can be effective in treating diabetes mellitus.

Partitioning of mesophyll conductance for CO2 into intercellular and cellular components using carbon isotope composition of cuticles from opposite leaf sides

We suggest a new technique for estimating the relative drawdown of CO₂ concentration (c) in the intercellular air space (IAS) across hypostomatous leaves (expressed as the ratio c_d/c_b, where the indexes d and b denote the adaxial and abaxial edges, respectively, of IAS), based on the carbon isotope composition (δ¹³C) of leaf cuticular membranes (CMs), cuticular waxes (WXs) or epicuticular waxes (EWXs) isolated from opposite leaf sides. The relative drawdown in the intracellular liquid phase (i.e., the ratio c_c/c_bd, where c_c and c_bd stand for mean CO₂ concentrations in chloroplasts and in the IAS), the fraction of intercellular resistance in the total mesophyll resistance (r_IAS/r_m), leaf thickness, and leaf mass per area (LMA) were also assessed. We show in a conceptual model that the upper (adaxial) side of a hypostomatous leaf should be enriched in ¹³C compared to the lower (abaxial) side. CM, WX, and/or EWX isolated from 40 hypostomatous C₃ species were ¹³C depleted relative to bulk leaf tissue by 2.01-2.85‰. The difference in δ¹³C between the abaxial and adaxial leaf sides (δ¹³C_AB - ¹³C_AD, Δ_b-d), ranged from - 2.22 to + 0.71‰ (- 0.09 ± 0.54‰, mean ± SD) in CM and from - 7.95 to 0.89‰ (- 1.17 ± 1.40‰) in WX. In contrast, two tested amphistomatous species showed no significant Δ_b-d difference in WX. Δ_b-d correlated negatively with LMA and leaf thickness of hypostomatous leaves, which indicates that the mesophyll air space imposes a non-negligible resistance to CO₂ diffusion. δ¹³C of EWX and 30-C aldehyde in WX reveal a stronger CO₂ drawdown than bulk WX or CM. Mean values of c_d/c_b and c_c/c_bd were 0.90 ± 0.12 and 0.66 ± 0.11, respectively, across 14 investigated species in which wax was isolated and analyzed. The diffusion resistance of IAS contributed 20 ± 14% to total mesophyll resistance and reflects species-specific and environmentally-induced differences in leaf functional anatomy.

Membrane Lipids, Waxes and Oxylipins in the Moss Model Organism Physcomitrella patens

The moss Physcomitrella patens receives increased scientific interest since its genome was sequenced a decade ago. As a bryophyte, it represents the first group of plants that evolved in a terrestrial habitat still without a vascular system that developed later in tracheophytes. It is easily transformable via homologous recombination, which enables the formation of targeted loss-of-function mutants. Even though genetics, development and life cycle in Physcomitrella are well studied nowadays, research on lipids in Physcomitrella is still underdeveloped. This review aims on presenting an overview on the state of the art of lipid research with a focus on membrane lipids, surface lipids and oxylipins. We discuss in this review that Physcomitrella possesses very interesting features regarding its membrane lipids. Here, the presence of very-long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (VLC-PUFA) still shows a closer similarity to marine microalgae than to vascular plants. Unlike algae, Physcomitrella has a cuticle comparable to vascular plants composed of cutin and waxes. The presence of VLC-PUFA in Physcomitrella also leads to a greater variability of signaling lipids even though the phytohormone jasmonic acid is not present in this organism, which is different to vascular plants. In summary, the research on lipids in Physcomitrella is still in its infancy, especially considering membrane lipids. We hope that this review will help to promote the further advancement of lipid research in this important model organism in the future, so we can better understand how lipids are involved in the evolution of land plants.

Seed coats as an alternative molecular factory: thinking outside the box

Seed coats as commodities. Seed coats play important roles in the protection of the embryo from biological attack and physical damage by the environment as well as dispersion strategies. A significant part of the energy devoted by the mother plant to seed production is channeled into the production of the cell layers and metabolites that surround the embryo. Nevertheless, in crop species these are often discarded post-harvest and are a wasted resource that could be processed to yield co-products. The production of novel compounds from existing metabolites is also a possibility. A number of macromolecules are already accumulated in these maternal layers that could be exploited in industrial applications either directly or via green chemistry, notably flavonoids, lignin, lignan, polysaccharides, lipid polyesters and waxes. Here, we summarize our knowledge of the in planta biosynthesis pathways of these macromolecules and their molecular regulation as well as potential applications. We also outline recent work aimed at providing further tools for increasing yields of existing molecules or the development of novel biotech approaches, as well as trial studies aimed at exploiting this underused resource.

Characterisation of minor components in vegetable oil by comprehensive gas chromatography with dual detection

The profile of minor compounds, such as alcohols, sterols, free and alkyl fatty acids, waxes, etc., was investigated in different vegetable oils by a comprehensive gas chromatographic system, coupled with a simultaneous dual detection (flame ionisation detector and mass spectrometer) for quantitative and qualitative purposes. Such a system generated a unique two-dimensional chromatogram to be used as a chemical fingerprint. Multi-level information, due not only to a more "comprehensive" preparation technique, but also thanks to the exploitation of a more powerful and sensitive analytical determination allowed the extrapolation of diagnostic information from the minor components profile of different vegetable oils, along with their characteristic profile. Furthermore, an admixture of an extra virgin olive oil with a low amount of sunflower and palm oils was evaluated, attesting to the powerful diagnostic information provided by the proposed approach.

Air-borne xylene degradation by Bougainvillea buttiana and the role of epiphytic bacteria in the degradation

The efficiency of xylene removal from contaminated air by thirteen perennial plants was studied. The results showed that Bougainvillea buttiana had the highest xylene removal efficiency. Different parts of B. buttiana such as stems, epicuticular waxes, and plant stomata (including microorganism-associated plant leaves) can uptake xylene 53.1±1.9%, 32.3±0.9, and 14.6±0.0%, respectively. Metabolite products found in treated plants may result from stress or defense compounds triggered by exposure to xylene. Moreover, possible degradation products in B. buttiana stems were analyzed after treatment with xylene at 100 ppm. Various metabolites in B. buttiana stems such as 2,6-dimethoxyphenol, 4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxy benzoic acid, 1-isopropyl-4-methylbenzene, p-tolualdehyde, 2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylbenzaldehyde, 2,4-dihydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furanone, 3-methyl-2-butenal, dihydroxy acetone, propanedial, and many organic acids are related to the xylene degradation pathway. In addition, microorganism-associated B. buttiana leaves especially Enterobacter cloacae LSRC11, Staphylococcus sp. A1 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa enhanced the plant resulting in quicker xylene removal.

Regulation of cuticle formation during fruit development and ripening in 'Newhall' navel orange (Citrus sinensis Osbeck) revealed by transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling

Fruit cuticle, which is composed of cutin and wax and biosynthesized during fruit development, plays important roles in the prevention of water loss and the resistance to pathogen infection during fruit development and postharvest storage. However, the key factors and mechanisms regarding the cuticle biosynthesis in citrus fruits are still unclear. Here, fruit cuticle of 'Newhall' navel orange (Citrus sinensis Osbeck) was studied from the stage of fruit expansion to postharvest storage from the perspectives of morphology, transcription and metabolism. The results demonstrated that cutin accumulation is synchronous with fruit expansion, while wax synthesis is synchronous with fruit maturation. Metabolic profile of fruits peel revealed that transition of metabolism of fruit peel occurred from 120 to 150 DAF and ABA was predicted to regulate citrus wax synthesis during the development of Newhall fruits. RNA-seq analysis of the peel from the above two stages manifested that the genes involved in photosynthesis were repressed, while the genes involved in the biosynthesis of wax, cutin and lignin were significantly induced at later stages. Further real-time PCR predicted that MYB transcription factor GL1-like regulates citrus fruits wax synthesis. These results are valuable for improving the fruit quality during development and storage.

Plant Surface Lipids and Epidermis Development

The epidermis has a strategic position at the interface between the plant and the environment. In order to control exchanges with the environment as well as to protect the plant from external threats, the epidermis synthesises and secretes surface lipids to form a continuous, transparent and hydrophobic layer known as the cuticle. Cuticle formation is a strictly epidermal property in plants and all aerial epidermal cells produce some sort of cuticle on their surface. Conversely, all cuticularized plant surfaces are of epidermal origin. This seemingly anodyne observation has surprisingly profound implications in terms of understanding the function of the plant cuticle, since it underlies in part, the difficultly of functionally separating epidermal cell fate specification from cuticle biogenesis.

Optimized rinsing procedures for enhancing removal of residues of highly viscous and colored substances in the Bovine Corneal Opacity and Permeability (BCOP) assay

Two modifications of the rinsing procedure within the BCOP assay were proposed. Their ability to enhance the removal efficiency of highly viscous and colored samples was compared with an unmodified BCOP procedure (TG OECD 437). The first modification consisted of three-step washing of the applied chemicals from the cornea using Eagle's Minimum Essential Medium (EMEM), olive oil and EMEM, while the classical OECD TG 437 procedure prescribes only EMEM. Within the second modification, mechanical removal of the tested sample from the cornea surface prior to the two step washing procedure was performed. The in vitro irritation score (IVIS) exceeded the value of 55 for 9 out of 20 samples when a non-modified rinsing procedure was used. The first modification with the olive oil resulted in a decrease in IVIS for numerous samples, while an IVIS score drop below the threshold value of 55 was only observed for two of them. Mechanical removal of sample residua resulted in a further decline in the measured IVIS. Only the three samples treated by means of this procedure revealed an IVIS above 55. The decreases in IVIS observed during both modifications were mainly related to the reduced opacity, whereas the permeability mostly remained unaffected.

Extracellular lipids of Camelina sativa: characterization of chloroform-extractable waxes from aerial and subterranean surfaces

Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz is an emerging low input, stress tolerant crop with seed oil composition suitable for biofuel and bioproduct production. The chemical compositions and ultrastructural features of surface waxes from C. sativa aerial cuticles, seeds, and roots were analyzed using gas chromatography and microscopy. Alkanes, primary fatty alcohols, and free fatty acids were common components of all analyzed organs. A particular feature of leaf waxes was the presence of alkyl esters of long-chain fatty acids and very long-chain fatty alcohols, ranging from C38 to C50 and dominated by C42, C44 and C46 homologues. Stem waxes were mainly composed of non-sterol pentacyclic triterpenes. Flowers accumulated significant amounts of methyl-branched iso-alkanes (C29 and C31 total carbon number) in addition to straight-chain alkanes. Seed waxes were mostly primary fatty alcohols of up to 32 carbons in length and unbranched C29 and C31 alkanes. The total amount of identified wax components extracted by rapid chloroform dipping of roots was 280μgg(-1) (fresh weight), and included alkyl hydroxycinnamates, predominantly alkyl coumarates and alkyl caffeates. This study provides qualitative and quantitative information on the waxes of C. sativa root, shoot, and seed boundary tissues, allowing the relative activities of wax biosynthetic pathways in each respective plant organ to be assessed. This detailed description of the protective surface waxes of C. sativa may provide insights into its drought-tolerant and pathogen-resistant properties, and also identifies C. sativa as a potential source of renewable high-value natural products.

Phytoremediation of particulate matter from indoor air by Chlorophytum comosum L. plants

Higher plants, including spider plants, are able to take up and degrade/detoxify various pollutants in the air. Although nearly 120 plant species have been tested for indoor air phytoremediation, to the best of the authors' knowledge, data on particulate matter (PM) phytoremediation from indoor air are not yet available in literature. This work determined the ability of spider plants to take up PM, one of the most harmful pollutants to man, in the indoor air of five rooms housing different activities (a dental clinic, a perfume-bottling room, a suburban house, an apartment and an office). It was found that spider plants accumulate PM of both categories (water washable and trapped in waxes) and in all three size fractions determined and that the amount differed depending on the type of activity taking place in the particular rooms ranging from 13.62 to 19.79 μg/cm2. The amount of wax deposited on the leaves of plants grown in these rooms also differed (34.46-72.97 μg/cm2). The results of this study also demonstrated that the amount of PM accumulated on aluminium plates was always significantly lower than that accumulated on the plants' leaves, showing that more than simply gravity forces are involved in PM accumulation on leaf blades.