High-Density Geometric Morphometric Analysis of Intraspecific Cranial Integration in the Barred Grass Snake (Natrix helvetica) and Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis)

How do phenotypic associations intrinsic to an organism, such as developmental and mechanical processes, direct morphological evolution? Comparisons of intraspecific and clade-wide patterns of phenotypic covariation could inform how population-level trends ultimately dictate macroevolutionary changes. However, most studies have focused on analyzing integration and modularity either at macroevolutionary or intraspecific levels, without a shared analytical framework unifying these temporal scales. In this study, we investigate the intraspecific patterns of cranial integration in two squamate species: Natrix helvetica and Anolis carolinensis. We analyze their cranial integration patterns using the same high-density three-dimensional geometric morphometric approach used in a prior squamate-wide evolutionary study. Our results indicate that Natrix and Anolis exhibit shared intraspecific cranial integration patterns, with some differences, including a more integrated rostrum in the latter. Notably, these differences in intraspecific patterns correspond to their respective interspecific patterns in snakes and lizards, with few exceptions. These results suggest that interspecific patterns of cranial integration reflect intraspecific patterns. Hence, our study suggests that the phenotypic associations that direct morphological variation within species extend across micro- and macroevolutionary levels, bridging these two scales.

Multi-centre Raman spectral mapping of oesophageal cancer tissues: a study to assess system transferability

The potential for Raman spectroscopy to provide early and improved diagnosis on a wide range of tissue and biopsy samples in situ is well documented. The standard histopathology diagnostic methods of reviewing H&E and/or immunohistochemical (IHC) stained tissue sections provides valuable clinical information, but requires both logistics (review, analysis and interpretation by an expert) and costly processing and reagents. Vibrational spectroscopy offers a complimentary diagnostic tool providing specific and multiplexed information relating to molecular structure and composition, but is not yet used to a significant extent in a clinical setting. One of the challenges for clinical implementation is that each Raman spectrometer system will have different characteristics and therefore spectra are not readily compatible between systems. This is essential for clinical implementation where classification models are used to compare measured biochemical or tissue spectra against a library training dataset. In this study, we demonstrate the development and validation of a classification model to discriminate between adenocarcinoma (AC) and non-cancerous intraepithelial metaplasia (IM) oesophageal tissue samples, measured on three different Raman instruments across three different locations. Spectra were corrected using system transfer spectral correction algorithms including wavenumber shift (offset) correction, instrument response correction and baseline removal. The results from this study indicate that the combined correction methods do minimize the instrument and sample quality variations within and between the instrument sites. However, more tissue samples of varying pathology states and greater tissue area coverage (per sample) are needed to properly assess the ability of Raman spectroscopy and system transferability algorithms over multiple instrument sites.

Monitoring of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Scottish Deepwater environments

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were measured in environmental samples (sponges, fish and sediment) collected in 2014 and 2016 from the Faroe-Shetland Channel and Rosemary Bank Seamount. These data could be used to provide a baseline against which any changes can be assessed in the event of an oil spill and contribute to any environmental impact assessment. Concentrations in all samples were low, often below the detection limits, and were typical of reference sites. Sponges can be used as an alternative indicator species to mussels for monitoring PAHs in the marine environment as they can accumulate PAHs from both the dissolved and particulate phase. PAH concentrations in marine sponges from Scottish waters have not previously been reported. Concentrations were low, but contained a higher proportion of heavier 4- to 6-ring PAHs compared to the fish samples.

Prognostic markers for colorectal cancer: estimating ploidy and stroma

Background

We report here the prognostic value of ploidy and digital tumour-stromal morphometric analyses using material from 2624 patients with early stage colorectal cancer (CRC).

Patients and methods

DNA content (ploidy) and stroma-tumour fraction were estimated using automated digital imaging systems and DNA was extracted from sections of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue for analysis of microsatellite instability. Samples were available from 1092 patients recruited to the QUASAR 2 trial and two large observational series (Gloucester, n = 954; Oslo University Hospital, n = 578). Resultant biomarkers were analysed for prognostic impact using 5-year cancer-specific survival (CSS) as the clinical end point.

Results

Ploidy and stroma-tumour fraction were significantly prognostic in a multivariate model adjusted for age, adjuvant treatment, and pathological T-stage in stage II patients, and the combination of ploidy and stroma-tumour fraction was found to stratify these patients into three clinically useful groups; 5-year CSS 90% versus 83% versus 73% [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.77 (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.13-2.77) and HR = 2.95 (95% CI: 1.73-5.03), P < 0.001].

Conclusion

A novel biomarker, combining estimates of ploidy and stroma-tumour fraction, sampled from FFPE tissue, identifies stage II CRC patients with low, intermediate or high risk of CRC disease specific death, and can reliably stratify clinically relevant patient sub-populations with differential risks of tumour recurrence and may support choice of adjuvant therapy for these individuals.

Evaluation of a confocal Raman probe for pathological diagnosis during colonoscopy

AIM

Raman spectroscopy of human tissue can provide a unique biochemical 'fingerprint' that alters with disease progression. Light incident on tissue is scattered and may be altered in wavelength, which can be represented as a Raman spectrum. A confocal fibreoptic Raman probe designed to fit down the accessory channel of a colonoscope has been constructed. This in-vitro study evaluated the accuracy of pathological diagnosis in the colon using probe-based Raman spectroscopy.

METHOD

Biopsy samples were collected at colonoscopy, snap frozen and stored at -80 °C. Raman spectra with 10-s and 1-s acquisition periods were measured with the probe tip in contact with the mucosal surface of thawed specimens. Mathematical modelling using principal component analysis followed by linear discriminant analysis was used to correlate Raman spectra with histopathological diagnoses.

RESULTS

Three-hundred and seventy-five Raman spectra were measured from a total of 356 colon biopsies (81 of normal colon mucosa, 79 of hyperplastic polyps, 92 of adenomatous polyps, 64 of adenocarcinoma and 40 of ulcerative colitis) from 177 patients. Spectral classification accuracies comparing pathology pairs ranged from 72.1 to 95.9% for 10-s acquisitions and from 61.5 to 95.1% for 1-s acquisitions. For a three-group model of normal, adenomatous and adenocarcinoma tissue, accuracies were 74.1% for 10-s acquisitions and 63.5% for 1-s acquisitions.

CONCLUSION

The confocal Raman probe system can distinguish between different colorectal pathologies. The probe has potential to establish Raman spectroscopy as a clinical tool for instant diagnosis at colonoscopy.

An unusual case of mesenteric ischaemia

We describe an unusual cause of diarrhoea and segmental colitis in a previous well adult man. Mesenteric inflammatory veno-occlusive disease is a rare cause of gastrointestinal tract ischaemia of unknown aetiology. We review the literature of this condition and other mesenteric venous pathologies.

In vivo spectral domain optical coherence tomography volumetric imaging and spectral Doppler velocimetry of early stage embryonic chicken heart development

Progress toward understanding embryonic heart development has been hampered by the inability to image embryonic heart structure and simultaneously measure blood flow dynamics in vivo. We have developed a spectral domain optical coherence tomography system for in vivo volumetric imaging of the chicken embryo heart. We have also developed a technique called spectral Doppler velocimetry (SDV) for quantitative measurement of blood flow dynamics. We present in vivo volume images of the embryonic heart from initial tube formation to development of endocardial cushions of the same embryo over several stages of development. SDV measurements reveal the influence of heart tube structure on blood flow dynamics.

Raman spectroscopy: elucidation of biochemical changes in carcinogenesis of oesophagus

Several techniques are under development to diagnose oesophageal adenocarcinoma at an earlier stage. We have demonstrated the potential of Raman spectroscopy, an optical diagnostic technique, for the identification and classification of malignant changes. However, there is no clear recognition of the biochemical changes that distinguish between the different stages of disease. Our aim is to understand these changes through Raman mapping studies. Raman spectral mapping was used to analyse 20-microm sections of tissue from 29 snap-frozen oesophageal biopsies. Contiguous haematoxylin and eosin sections were reviewed by a consultant pathologist. Principal component analysis was used to identify the major differences between the spectra across each map. Pseudocolour score maps were generated and the peaks of corresponding loads identified enabling visualisation of the biochemical changes associated with malignancy. Changes were noted in the distribution of DNA, glycogen, lipids and proteins. The mean spectra obtained from selected regions demonstrate increased levels of glycogen in the squamous area compared with increased DNA levels in the abnormal region. Raman spectroscopy is a highly sensitive and specific technique for demonstration of biochemical changes in the carcinogenesis of Barrett's oesophagus. There is potential for in vivo application for real-time endoscopic optical diagnosis.

Cytoplasmic RNA Polymerase in Escherichia coli

To obtain an estimate for the concentration of free functional RNA polymerase in the bacterial cytoplasm, the content of RNA polymerase beta and beta' subunits in DNA-free minicells from the minicell-producing Escherichia coli strain chi925 was determined. In bacteria grown in Luria-Bertani medium at 2.5 doublings/h, 1.0% of the total protein was RNA polymerase. The concentration of cytoplasmic RNA polymerase beta and beta' subunits in minicells produced by this strain corresponded to about 17% (or 2.5 microM) of the value found in whole cells. Literature data suggest that a similar portion of cytoplasmic RNA polymerase subunits is in RNA polymerase assembly intermediates and imply that free functional RNA polymerase can form a small percentage of the total functional enzyme in the cell. On infection with bacteriophage T7, 20% of the minicells produced progeny phage, whereas infection in 80% of the cells was abortive. RNA polymerase subunits in lysozyme-freeze-thaw lysates of minicells were associated with minicell envelopes and were without detectable activity in an in vitro transcription assay. Together, these results suggest that most functional RNA polymerase is associated with the DNA and that little if any segregates into DNA-free minicells.

Defective hMSH2/hMLH1 protein expression is seen infrequently in ulcerative colitis associated colorectal cancers

BACKGROUND

Ulcerative colitis is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer above that of the normal population. The relative risk correlates with the extent and duration of the disease but the genetic basis of ulcerative colitis associated cancer risk is not known.

AIMS

To assess the prevalence of microsatellite instability and mismatch repair gene abnormalities in ulcerative colitis associated colorectal cancer.

PATIENTS

Forty six patients with colorectal cancer, with a previous histological diagnosis of ulcerative colitis.

METHODS

The frequency of microsatellite instability and/or immunohistochemical expression of hMSH2 and hMLH1 was assessed. Thirty three cases were investigated using both approaches.

RESULTS

Although 6/41 (14.6%) cases showed microsatellite instability at one or more markers, only one case (2. 4%) exhibited high level instability (at least two markers affected). Of 38 cases which were assessed using antibodies against hMSH2 and hMLH1, only one case (2.6%) showed loss of expression. This case, which showed loss of hMSH2 expression, was the same case which exhibited high level microsatellite instability. The 33 cases which were investigated using both approaches showed that loss of expression of either hMSH2 or hMLH1 was not seen in any case which exhibited microsatellite instability in no more than one marker.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that both high level microsatellite instability and loss of expression of hMSH2/hMLH1 are infrequent events in ulcerative colitis associated colorectal cancers. Low level microsatellite instability was not associated with loss of expression of either hMSH2 or hMLH1.

Photodynamic therapy using 5-aminolaevulinic acid for oesophageal adenocarcinoma associated with Barrett's metaplasia

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a novel technique for local endoscopic treatment of gastrointestinal neoplasia. Current photosensitisers for PDT may cause prolonged skin phototoxicity. 5-Aminolaevulinic acid (ALA), a precursor of the photosensitiser protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), is more acceptable because of its short half-life and preferential accumulation in mucosa and mucosal tumour. We have treated 12 patients, median age 73 years (range 55-88) with oesophageal adenocarcinoma arising from Barrett's metaplasia (two carcinomas-in-situ, grade 0; 10 carcinomas, grade 1-11A based on endoluminal ultrasound in two and CT scanning in 10 patients). ALA (60 and 75 mg/kg body weight) was given orally in two or five equally divided doses. The PpIX distribution in stomach, normal oesophagus, Barrett's mucosa and carcinoma was measured by quantitative fluorescence photometry. PDT was performed using laser light (630 nm) delivered via a cylindrical diffuser 4-6 h after the first dose of ALA. The patients received one to four sessions of PDT. PpIX accumulation in the mucosa was two to three times that in the lamina propria. The differential distribution between carcinomatous and normal oesophageal mucosa was less marked (carcinoma:normal mucosa ratio = 1.4). Higher doses of ALA increased PpIX accumulation in all tissues but did not increase the differential PpIX distribution between tumour and normal oesophageal mucosa. After PDT using ALA (ALA/PDT), all mucosa showed superficial white necrotic changes and the histology confirmed fibrinoid necrosis. One patient with carcinoma-in-situ had the tumour eradicated after one treatment with no recurrence at 28 months. Another patient with a small T1 tumour required four ALA/PDT treatments, and died of other disease after 36 months. There was no evidence of recurrence. The tumour bulk in the other carcinomas was not significantly reduced. ALA/PDT has a potential for the eradication of small tumours but careful patient selection with endoluminal ultrasound is needed when using ALA/PDT to treat oesophageal cancer.

Ionic diffusion in transverse tubules of cardiac ventricular myocytes

We have estimated the rate of diffusion of calcium ions in the transverse tubules of isolated cardiocytes by recording changes in peak calcium current (ICa) caused by rapid changes of the extracellular calcium concentration ([Ca]o) at various intervals just preceding activation of ICa. Isolated ventricular cells of guinea pig heart and atrial cells from rabbit heart were voltage-clamped (whole cell patch), superfused at a high flow rate, and stimulated continuously with depolarizing pulses (0.5 Hz, 200- or 20-ms pulses from a holding potential of -45 or -75 mV to 0 mV). In ventricular cells, the change in peak ICa following a sudden change of [Ca]o increased rapidly as the delay between the solution change and depolarization was increased, up to a delay of approximately 75 ms [time constant (tau) approximately 20 ms, 30-40% of total current change), and then increased more slowly (tau approximately 200 ms, 60-70% of total current change); 400-500 ms were needed to achieve 90% of the total current increase. In atrial cells, a clear separation into two phases was not possible and 90% of the current change occurred within 85 ms. The slow phase of current change, which was unique to the ventricular cells, presumably reflects the slow equilibration of ions between the bulk perfusate and the lumina of the transverse tubules. If the lengths of the transverse tubules were equal to the cell thickness, the slow rate of change of current would be consistent with an apparent diffusion coefficient for calcium ions of 0.95 x 10(-6) cm2/s, considerably smaller than the value in bulk solution (7.9 x 10(-6) cm2/s). Most likely, this discrepancy is due to a high degree of tortuosity in the transverse tubular system in guinea pig ventricular cells or possibly to ion binding sites within the tubular membranes and glycocalyx.

Altered cadherin and catenin complexes in the Barrett's esophagus-dysplasia-adenocarcinoma sequence: correlation with disease progression and dedifferentiation

The maintenance of adult tissue architecture is largely dependent on the function of cadherins. E-cadherin is expressed in most epithelia, although it may be co-expressed with P-cadherin in basal layers of stratified epithelia. Adhesive function of cadherins relies on interactions with catenins. Many reports have characterized reduced expression of cadherins and catenins in tumors, including those of the gastrointestinal tract. This study aimed to characterize expression of E- and P-cadherins, and the catenins, in the progression of Barrett's esophagus to adenocarcinoma. Immunohistochemical analysis and Western blotting were performed on paraffin-embedded and fresh-frozen tissue using antisera to the selected cadherins and catenins. The results of this study have shown inappropriate expression of cadherins and catenins in neoplastic Barrett's mucosa. There was a significant reduction of E-cadherin expression as the Barrett's metaplasia-dysplasia-adenocarcinoma sequence progressed (P < 0.01). In contrast, P-cadherin, expressed in basal layers of squamous esophagus, was usually absent from Barrett's and dysplasia but was expressed in 17 of 24 carcinomas, especially at the advancing tumor edge. Reduced expression of catenins was also seen, but in some specimens, immunoreactivity was observed in neoplastic nuclei, suggesting mediation of a nuclear function such as transcriptional regulation.

Cadherin and catenin biology represent a global mechanism for epithelial cancer progression

The cell undergoes a diverse range of stimulations including growth factor activation and signal transduction from adhesion receptors, such as cadherins. In the absence of a mitogenic signal from outside the cell, beta catenin is sequestered in complexes with the product of the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene and a serine threonine glycogen kinase (GSK 3 beta) enabling degradation of free beta catenin. Residual catenins hold cells together by binding to cadherins both at adherens junctions and the actin cytoskeleton. When a mitotic signal is delivered by the wnt pathway, GSK 3 beta is antagonised so that beta catenin can no longer be degraded. Cytosolic concentrations rise and binding to other newly synthesised proteins occurs, especially transcription factors that are transported to the nucleus, such as lymphocyte enhancing factor and T cell factor. This article discusses the signalling between mitogenic and adhesion pathways and suggests that it is a global mechanism for development, differentiation, and disease. These changes in catenin and APC biology may not be sufficient alone to transform cells fully but they appear to be a necessary final common pathway for several cancers of the mucous secreting crypts (including Barrett's oesophageal lesions and colorectal cancer) or stratified secreting epithelium (melanoma) before invasion.

Restitution of contractility in single ventricular myocytes of guinea pig heart

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to assess the extent to which changes in intracellular Ca2+ stores contribute to mechanical restitution in heart muscle.

METHODS

Single, isolated guinea pig ventricular cells were voltage clamped at -45 mV and stimulated continuously at 0.5 or 2 Hz with 200 ms depolarizing pulses (35 degrees C). The recoveries of the peak of contraction force (Fp) and the calcium current (ICa) between beats were measured in contractions interpolated at various intervals (td) after a conditioning twitch. Recovery of SR Ca2+ load was inferred from the peak magnitude (Cp) of similarly interpolated contractures, induced by rapid application of 5 mM caffeine.

RESULTS

For a conditioning stimulus rate of 0.5 Hz, both Fp and ICa were very small for small td and recovered along similar time courses with a t1/2 of about 50 ms. Cp was maximal at as early a time after a previous contraction as could be measured, at which time Fp was 56% of maximal. Cp declined throughout the stimulus interval to about 50% of its maximal value. Similar results were obtained for a conditioning stimulus rate of 2 Hz, at which rate both Fp and Cp were increased by a factor of 2.

CONCLUSIONS

The time course of mechanical restitution is coincident with the recovery of ICa from inactivation. Caffeine-releasable intracellular calcium stores are fully recovered soon after a contraction and well before mechanical restitution is complete.

Interobserver variation in the reporting of the histopathological grading of anal intraepithelial neoplasia

AIM

To assess the consistency in the histological reporting of anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) among experienced histopathologists.

METHOD

One hundred anal biopsy specimens were retrieved from archival material at St Mark's Hospital, London and graded by five histopathologists according to criteria outlined by Fenger (six point scale, ranging from normal to invasive carcinoma).

RESULTS

There was only moderate agreement among the pathologists, with unweighted k scores ranging from 0.09 to 0.48, and weighted k scores of 0.17 to 0.60.

CONCLUSIONS

There is considerable interobserver variation in the reporting of AIN. A simplified system of grading may help to abolish this.

Tension-voltage relations of single myocytes reflect Ca release triggered by Na/Ca exchange at 35 degrees C but not 23 degrees C

Contractile tension in response to 200-ms voltage-clamp pulses was measured in isolated guinea pig ventricular cells conditioned to constant Ca load. At 23 degrees C, the tension-voltage relation was bell shaped, decaying from a maximum at +20 mV to zero at +100 mV, but at 35 degrees C it was sigmoidal, with similar twitch tensions at +20 and +100 mV. Tension at 35 degrees C and +100 mV was reduced by ryanodine or caffeine and abolished by removal of Ca just before the test pulse. At 35 degrees C and +100 mV, twitch tension increased markedly as the Na concentration in the patch pipette ([Na]p) was varied between 0 and 20 mM. Cd (300 microM) blocked tension at all potentials at 23 degrees C, but tension remained in the presence of Cd at 35 degrees C (29% of control at +2 mV and 100% of control at +100 mV). Cd-resistant tension began to relax during the clamp pulse at all potentials (80 +/- 10 ms at +2 mV and 140 +/- 12 ms at +100 mV). Ni (3.6 mM) both reduced and slowed tension transients at all potentials. The results suggest that fast contractions due to sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca release can be triggered by Ca influx through either Ca current (ICa) or Na/Ca exchange and that those triggered through exchange are much more temperature sensitive than those triggered by ICa.

Device tracking: user facility responsibilities

The purpose of FDA's device tracking regulations is to ensure that tracked devices can be traced from the device manufacturing facility to the person who receives the benefit of the device, that is, the patient. Although the manufacturer has the responsibility for establishing and monitoring the tracking program for their devices, the user facility has a key responsibility in assuring its success. The FDA initially identified 21 devices that require tracking and recently added two more to the list. This paper discusses the tracking system and the responsibilities of the manufacturer and the user facility. Information on each of the initial 21 devices to be tracked is presented, including device nomenclature, description, potential health risks, panel classification and regulation number, risk class, ECRI number, and references.

Assessment of the accuracy of cytology in women referred for colposcopy and biopsy: the results of a 1 year audit

The results of weekly colposcopy review meetings have been audited for 1 year and cases where there was a discrepancy between the referral cervical smear and the initial colposcopy biopsy have been analysed. New referrals (n = 476) for colposcopy were studied. In the final outcome 80% of 326 women referred for moderate or severe dyskaryosis were found to have cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade II or III or invasive carcinoma. Three women found to have invasive carcinoma had been referred for severely dyskaryotic smears. Twenty women were referred for smears with cell changes suggesting glandular neoplasia: five were found to have adenocarcinoma in situ, whereas eight had CIN and seven had negative biopsies. The results justify the referral policy and demonstrate the need for further investigation when initial colposcopic biopsies are negative.

Cadmium block of isometric contractions of isolated bullfrog atrial cells

We studied the effect of cadmium, verapamil, and quinacrine on the force of contraction (Fp) of isolated, single, field-stimulated bullfrog atrial cells. All agents were applied or removed rapidly (t1/2 approximately 15 ms) to minimize intracellular concentration changes other than intracellular calcium concentration. Two components of twitch force were observed, one blocked by micromolar Cd2+ and the other by millimolar Cd2+. The two contributed about equally to the activation of the twitch. The "cadmium-sensitive" portion of force (that affected by [Cd] less than or equal to 100 microM) had a K1/2 approximately 1 microM, was identical in magnitude to, and not additive with, a "verapamil-sensitive" (10 microM) component of force, was most strongly affected by 50-ms pulses of Cd2+ when they were applied in the mechanical latent period, and was potentiated by catecholamines. The cadmium-insensitive portion of force was abolished by the removal of extracellular calcium and was greatly potentiated by quinacrine (3 or 10 microM), a blocker of Na-Ca exchange. The results are consistent with the idea that activating calcium enters the cell via both an inactivating cadmium-sensitive L-type channel and a noninactivating cadmium-insensitive mechanism that is not Na-Ca exchange and leaves the cell via Na-Ca exchange.

Combined force and voltage measurement in rapidly superfused guinea pig heart cells

We describe the construction and use of a setup that allows the rapid exchange of the solution surrounding an isolated guinea pig heart cell while simultaneously measuring the isometric force and membrane potential (Em). Cells were stably attached, by means of poly-L-lysine, to a force transducer which was adapted from one previously used for a study of frog atrial cells [N. Shepherd and F. Kavaler.Am. J. Physiol. 251 (Cell Physiol. 20): C653-C661, 1986]. The modified transducer is simple to construct and use and can be readily added to existing patch-clamp setups. The strength of attachment of a cell to the transducer exceeded the strength of the gigaseal in all of the experiments. The membrane potential was measured by means of patch electrodes and a high-impedance voltage follower. Rapidly changing extracellular K concentration [( K]o) from 5.4 to 10.8 mM caused a positive change of Em by 16.5 +/- 1.4 mV with a half-time (t1/2) of 27 +/- 4 ms. Replacing calcium in the perfusate by magnesium instantly abolished the contraction and shortened the action potential. Twitch tension returned stepwise to the control value on return of calcium to the perfusate. Our initial observations show that the patch electrode can be used successfully in conjunction with the isometric force transducer and rapid extracellular solution changes for studies of excitation and contraction coupling in isolated mammalian heart cells.

Force measurements from voltage-clamped guinea pig ventricular myocytes

We describe the first observations of isolated mammalian guinea pig ventricular myocytes that combine measurements of contractile force with the voltage-clamp method. The myocytes were attached by poly-L-lysine to the beveled ends of a pair of thin glass rods having a compliance of 0.76 m/N. The contractile force of a cell caused a 1- to 3-microm displacement of the rods; the motion of which was converted to an output voltage by phototransistors. By the use of the whole cell patch-clamp technique, the cells were depolarized at 1 Hz with 200-ms-long clamp pulses from -45 to +5 mV (35 degrees C, 3.6 mM CaCl2). Isometric force began after a latency of 7 +/- 2 ms, peaked at 93 +/- 21 ms, and relaxed (90%) at 235 +/- 63 ms. The time course of force was always faster than that of isotonic shortening (time to peak 154 +/- 18 ms). With 400-ms-long depolarizations, a tonic component was recorded as either sustained force or sustained shortening that decayed on repolarization. Substitution of Ca by Sr in the bath increased the inward current through Ca channels but slowed down the time course of force development. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that activator calcium derives mainly from internal stores and that Ca release needs Ca entry through channels.

The occurrence of pancreastatin in tumours of the diffuse neuroendocrine system

We have reported previously the localization of the 49 amino acid peptide pancreastatin to all identifiable endocrine cells of porcine gut, pancreas and adrenal, thyroid and pituitary glands. In this study, we have investigated the occurrence of pancreastatin in a series of human neuroendocrine tumours using an antibody to whole synthetic porcine pancreastatin. The most consistent immunostaining for pancreastatin was found in carcinoid tumours of ileum (four out of six), rectum (four out of six), ovary (two out of two) and lung (nine out of 10). Radioimmunoassay of tumour extracts showed that the concentrations of pancreastatin in ileal carcinoids were very high (mean 71.6, range 31.0-184.0 pmol g-1). The high rate of positivity in lung carcinoids contrasted sharply with the results of 10 pulmonary small cell carcinomas which displayed no immunoreactivity and contained minimal concentrations of pancreastatin (mean 2.0, range 0-6.0 pmol g-1). Extra-adrenal paragangliomas also contained pancreastatin (seven out of 10), but although radioimmunoassay detected peptide in phaeochromocytomas (mean 29.8, range 8.0-69.0 pmol g-1), immunocytochemistry did not. Porcine pancreastatin shows structural homology with bovine chromogranin A, an observation which has led to suggestions that chromogranin is a precursor for the peptide. More recently, a sequence homologous to porcine pancreastatin has been identified in the human chromogranin A molecule. In this study, immunostaining with an antiserum to human chromogranin gave positive results in most cases of each tumour type except the small cell carcinomas. The lack of consistent relationships between chromogranin and pancreastatin immunoreactivities may reflect the fact that the antiserum to pancreastatin was raised against the porcine peptide. When antibodies to human pancreastatin become available, the peptide may prove to be a more consistent marker for neuroendocrine tumours.

Home Ranges of Sympatric Red Kangaroos Macropus-Rufus, and Western Grey Kangaroos Macropus-Fuliginosus, in Western New-South-Wales

Home ranges of sympatric red kangaroos, Macropus rufus, and western grey kangaroos, M. fuliginosus, were determined by radiotracking 48 individuals over 20 months. More than 90% of individuals of each species remained within home ranges of less than 10 km2 (mean � SE, 7.74 � 0.90, reds; 6.92 � 0.77, western greys). At no time did any individual disperse far, the longest movement being 13 km. Based on diurnal locations (resting sites) only, home ranges of red kangaroos were larger than those of western greys (P<O.001), and those of kangaroos on Kinchega National Park smaller than those on the adjacent pastoral leasehold (P<O.05). Home ranges calculated from nocturnal and diurnal locations (feeding sites and resting sites) were no different in size for either species, sex or location, but reds, males, and kangaroos on Tandou sometimes moved further between nights and between seasons than did western greys, females, and kangaroos on Kinchega, respectively. Size of quarterly home ranges of red kangaroos changed over time, being positively correlated with minimum temperature (r=0.96; P<O.O5), solar radiation (r=0.99; P<0.05) and evaporation (r=0.99; P<O.O5). Home-range size for western greys did not change significantly over the duration of the study.

Movements of Sympatric Red Kangaroos, Macropus-Rufus, and Western Grey Kangaroos, Macropus-Fuliginosus, in Western New-South-Wales

Between July 1979 and November 1980 a total of 261 red kangaroos, Macropus rufus, (216F; 45 M) and 170 western grey kangaroos, M. fuliginosus, (136F;34M) were caught and tagged with individually recognisable collars. Between July 1979 and January 1986, 1751 sightings of tagged individuals were recorded. Information gained from these sightings was used to assess how far each kangaroo ranged. More than 90% of individuals of either species did not range far (<9 km for reds; <6 km for western greys) even when local pastures were severely depleted during drought. A few individuals dispersed much further-up to 323 km. On average, red kangaroos ranged further than western greys. Kangaroos on Kinchega National Park ranged no less or no further than those on an adjacent pastoral leasehold. At least 17 tagged individuals crossed the macropod-deterrent fence surrounding Kinchega; several crossed repeatedly. Dispersal of kangaroos from Kinchega was slight, supporting the hypothesis of Bayliss (1985) that dispersal has no significant impact on population dynamics.

Carcinoid tumours of the rectum and anus

Carcinoid tumours of the anorectum comprise only 0.1 per cent of all rectal tumours. Their behaviour and treatment are still debatable. We identified 35 cases from the records of St Mark's Hospital; 31 were benign and 4 were malignant. Benign tumours were of three distinct histopathological patterns. All benign tumours were cured by local treatment. Malignant tumours can be identified clinically; the only consistent microscopic feature was invasion of the muscularis propria. All patients with malignant tumours died, despite radical surgical treatment; lymph node metastases were invariably present in the operation specimens. Because radical treatment for malignant carcinoid tumours of the anorectum is largely unsuccessful, a flexible surgical approach is advocated.

Influence of transposable elements on the structure and function of the A1 gene of Zea mays

The structure of the A1 gene of Zea mays was determined by sequencing cDNA and genomic clones. The gene is composed of four exons and three short introns. The 40.1-kd A1 protein is an NADPH-dependent reductase. Germinal derivatives of the mutable a1-m1 allele with either recessive or wild-type phenotype have been isolated. Sequence analysis of these revertant alleles indicates that frame-shift mutations abolish A1 gene function, whereas one additional amino acid within the protein sequence still allows wild-type gene expression. The presence of a second, promoter-like structure, upstream of the functional A1 gene promoter is discussed with respect to its possible involvement in differential expression of the A1 gene. The structure of the a1-m2 8004, 3456 and 4412 alleles, featuring distinguishable phenotypes in the presence of Spm(En), was also determined. In all alleles the 1080-bp-long inhibitor (I) element is located 15 bp upstream of the CAAT box of the A1 gene promoter. The unusual response of a1-m2 alleles to trans-active signals of the Spm(En) element is discussed with respect to the position of the I inserts. Also presented are data on the structure and insertion sites of transposable elements determined by cloning and sequencing of the mutable a1 alleles a1-mpapu, a1-mr 102 and a1-ml.

Direct control of contraction force of single frog atrial cells by extracellular ions

We describe a method by which the ionic surround of an isolated frog heart cell can be changed within a small fraction of a contraction cycle while continuously measuring contraction force. With this method, we have investigated the effect on force development of changing the extracellular concentrations of Ca [( Ca]o) and Na [( Na]o) in the period between electrically driven contractions and during the rising phase of a contraction. Raising or lowering either [Ca]o or [Na]o more than 300 ms prior to a stimulus caused peak force of the next contraction to be changed 100% of the way to the steady-state value characteristic of the new ionic concentrations. Similar maneuvers at later times relative to the stimulus caused progressively smaller changes. Lowering [Ca]o from 2 to 1 mM or raising [Na]o from 78 to 110 mM 100 ms after stimulation brought twitch force 35 and 67% of the way to the new steady states, respectively. We conclude that extracellular Ca is the source of activator Ca in these cells and that extracellular Na plays a role in regulation of the intracellular Ca concentration early in the contraction cycle.

Submaximal sodium-lack contractures in rapidly perfused frog ventricular strips

Rapid perfusion of strips of frog ventricular muscle (width less than or equal to 8 mm) by sodium-free Ringer yielded contractures with very fast rates of rise (half time approximately equal to 2 s) and flat plateaus. Tension in lithium Ringer was 0.64 (0.38-0.77) of the maximal tension the muscle could produce [i.e., for an extracellular potassium concentration ([K]o) of 160 mM, and an [Na]o of 0 mM at less than 15 degrees C], showing that intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca]i) in zero [Na]o and normal [K]o was insufficient to saturate the myofilaments. Tension was related to [Ca]o in an S-shaped manner (apparent Km = 1.3 microM), was rapidly increased by electrical depolarization, high potassium, or low temperature, but was unaffected by up to 10(-5) M dihydroouabain. From these data was derived the working hypothesis that the value of [Ca]i during the contracture plateau is a steady-state value due to influx through a sodium-dependent mechanism and calcium uptake or efflux via a sodium-independent mechanism. Also, 1 microM dihydroouabain increased peak twitch tension by 60% but did not potentiate tension during the plateaus of contractures obtained by partial replacement of Nao. This result supports the working hypothesis and suggests that the potentiating effect of raising Nai may depend on the membrane potential (D. A. Eisner, W. J. Ledener, and R. D. Vaughan-Jones. J. Physiol. Lond. 335: 723-743, 1983).

Necrotising granulomata in prostatic resection specimens--a sequel to previous operation

Six cases, in which necrotising granulomata were discovered in transurethral resection specimens of prostate gland, are described. In four of these cases, granulomata of foreign body type were also present. None of the patients had clinical, microbiological or histological evidence of tuberculosis, past or present. All had had at least one previous prostatectomy. The necrotising granulomata had characteristic microscopic appearances. They were almost certainly caused by operative trauma.

Evidence that the velocity of sarcomere shortening in single frog atrial cardiac cells is load dependent

Recent experiments using laser diffraction techniques to determine the time course and extent of sarcomere shortening in thin bundles of cardial tissue have given results which suggest that the velocity of sarcomere shortening in cardiac muscle is independent of the developed force (Nassar et al., 1974; Krueger and Pollack, 1975). However, the anatomical complexity of the intact tissue precludes a definite interpretation of the data, since the exact relationship between the force being borne by the total tissue to the force being borne by any observed group of sarcomeres is uncertain. The single frog atrial cell provides a simple cardiac preparation in which the relationship between sarcomere velocity and sarcomere force is well defined, since these cells are only 1-2 myofibrils wide. The purpose of the present investigation was to determine if sarcomere velocity in the single frog atrial cell is dependent on force by measuring the time course of sarcomere shortening in single cells under conditions in which the cell developed markedly different forces. The results presented in this paper give direct evidence that the velocity of sarcomere shortening in the single cardiac cell depends on the force being developed by the sarcomeres. Thus, cardiac sarcomeres have a type of force-velocity relationship, although the exact nature of this relationship could not be determined in these experiments.

Synthesis and function of ribonucleic acid polymerase and ribosomes in Escherichia coli B/r after a nutritional shift-up

The syntheses of stable ribosomal ribonucleic acid (RNA) and transfer RNA in bacteria depend on the concentration and activity of RNA polymerase and on the fraction of active RNA polymerase synthesizing stable RNA. These parameters were measured in Escherichia coli B/r after a nutritional shift-up from succinate-minimal to glucose-amino acids medium and were found to change in complex patterns during a 1- to 2-h period after the shift-up before reaching a final steady-state level characteristic for the postshift growth medium. The combined effect of these changes was an immediate, one-step increase in the exponential rate of stable RNA synthesis and thus of ribosome synthesis. This suggests that the distribution of transcribing RNA polymerase over ribosomal and nonribosomal genes and the polymerase activity are continuously adjusted during postshift growth to some growth-limiting reaction whose rate increases exponentially. It is proposed that this reaction is the production of amino-acylated transfer RNA and that is exponentially increasing rate results in part from a gradually increasing concentration of aminoacyl transfer RNA synthetases after a shift-up. This idea was tested and is supported by a computer simulation of a nutritional shift-up.

Sarcomere length-resting tension relation in single frog atrial cardiac cells

It generally has been thought that the relatively high resting tension characteristic of cardiac tissue resides in structures (collagen, elastin) external to the individual cardiac cells, but the evidence to support this conclusion has been indirect, since the resting tension of intact single cardiac cells has not been determined previously. The purpose of the present investigation was to determine the resting tension (stress)-sarcomere length relationships of single intact frog atrial cells. For tension determinations, a single cell was attached between two poly-L-lysine coated glass beams; one beam served as a compliant calibrated cantilevered force beam, and length changes were imposed on the cell by movement of the other beam. Coventional bright-field light microscope techniques were used to view the cell, the sarcomere pattern within the cell, and the position of the force beam. The resting tension of the intact cell increased from a value of about 10 nN at a sarcomere length of 2.35 microns to a value of about 130 nN at a sarcomere length of 3.45 microns. Lagrangian and Eulerian resting stress-sarcomere length relationships were computed from the resting tension-sarcomere length relationships. The Lagrangian stress increased from a value of about 0.6 mN/mm2 at a sarcomere length of 2.35 microns to a value of about 7 mN/mm2 at a sarcomere length of 3.45 microns. These values of stress are about 8- to 30-fold less than those previously reported for intact frog atrial tissue and indicate that the resting tension of intact frog atrial preparations resides primarily in structures external to the individual cardiac cell.

Ameloblastic fibroma: report of case

A 3-year-old girl had a large, painless, radiolucent lesion that involved the right side of the mandible. The lesion extended from the canine region to the condyle and coronoid process. A microscopic diagnosis of ameloblastoma was made by the hospital pathologist. Because it is unusual to find an ameloblastoma in a 3-year-old child and because the extensive surgical procedure that would be necessary to remove an ameloblastoma of this size, further consultation was required. As a result, the lesion was diagnosed as an ameloblastic fibroma and a more conservative surgical procedure was performed. Sixteen months after surgery, radiographic evidence showed complete resolution of the bony surgical defect, with no evidence of recurrence. This case once again points out the necessity for exact diagnosis of similar histologic lesions that may require a different approach in treatment.