ABSTRACT
Isolation and characterization of the new species Chrysosporium ophiodiicola from a mycotic granuloma of a black rat snake (Elaphe obsoleta obsoleta) are reported. Analysis of the sequences of different fragments of the ribosomal genes demonstrated that this species belongs to the Onygenales and that this species is genetically different from other morphologically similar species of Chrysosporium. This new species is unique in having both narrow and cylindrical-to-slightly clavate conidia and a strong, pungent odor.
Subject(s)
Chrysosporium/classification , Chrysosporium/isolation & purification , Colubridae/microbiology , Granuloma/veterinary , Mycoses/veterinary , Animals , Chrysosporium/cytology , Chrysosporium/genetics , DNA, Fungal/chemistry , DNA, Fungal/genetics , DNA, Ribosomal/chemistry , DNA, Ribosomal/genetics , DNA, Ribosomal Spacer/chemistry , DNA, Ribosomal Spacer/genetics , Genes, rRNA , Granuloma/microbiology , Molecular Sequence Data , Mycoses/diagnosis , Mycoses/microbiology , Phylogeny , RNA, Fungal/genetics , RNA, Ribosomal/genetics , Sequence Analysis, DNAABSTRACT
Contusion injuries of the rat thoracic spinal cord were made using a standardized device developed for the Multicenter Animal Spinal Cord Injury Study (MASCIS). Lesions of different severity were studied for signs of endogenous repair at times up to 6 weeks following injury. Contusion injuries produced a typical picture of secondary damage resulting in the destruction of the cord center and the chronic sparing of a peripheral rim of fibers which varied in amount depending upon the injury magnitude. It was noted that the cavities often developed a dense cellular matrix that became partially filled with nerve fibers and associated Schwann cells. The amount of fiber and Schwann cell ingrowth was inversely related to the severity of injury and amount of peripheral fiber sparing. The source of the ingrowing fibers was not determined, but many of them clearly originated in the dorsal roots. In addition to signs of regeneration, we noted evidence for the proliferation of cells located in the ependymal zone surrounding the central canal at early times following contusion injuries. These cells may contribute to the development of cellular trabeculae that provide a scaffolding within the lesion cavity that provides the substrates for cellular infiltration and regeneration of axons. Together, these observations suggest that the endogenous reparative response to spinal contusion injury is substantial. Understanding the regulation and restrictions on the repair processes might lead to better ways in which to encourage spontaneous recovery after CNS injury.
Subject(s)
Axons/physiology , Nerve Fibers/pathology , Nerve Regeneration , Spinal Cord Injuries/physiopathology , Spinal Cord/pathology , Wound Healing , Wounds, Nonpenetrating/physiopathology , Animals , Astrocytes/pathology , Axons/pathology , Axons/ultrastructure , Cell Division , Female , Macrophages/pathology , Male , Nerve Fibers/physiology , Nerve Fibers, Myelinated/pathology , Nerve Fibers, Myelinated/physiology , Rats , Schwann Cells/pathology , Spinal Cord Injuries/pathology , Thorax , Time Factors , Wounds, Nonpenetrating/pathologyABSTRACT
In this study, three factors appear to influence significantly whether a child in foster care would be returned to the parent. The factors proved to be the number of persons in the parent's home, the number of friends in the neighborhood, and the frequency with which the parent saw those friends.
Subject(s)
Foster Home Care/psychology , Social Environment , Social Support , Adult , Child , Female , Humans , Interpersonal RelationsABSTRACT
Two central forces dominated the conception and development of the Parents and Children Together (PACT) project: the need for provision of an in-home alternative to foster care for abuse and/or neglect families and the prevention of further abuse and/or neglect in the family. Wayne State University in Detroit is the site for Parents and Children Together (PACT) project, a contractual service of the Michigan Department of Social Services (DSS). Graduate students provide in-home services to referred families who, due to child abuse or neglect, would otherwise have their child(ren) removed from the home. This family-based work is a one-year cooperative education experience for students interested in professions in the human services. This report discusses the PACT project as a grant operated through the university, the specification of course work associated, and the attraction of students to graduate study with "hands-on" experience. All of these program attributes, as well as the resource of the project for research, make it an important effort for the university. Further, the university has an additional meaningful role with community residents. Beyond university and student opportunities, the DSS and its clients benefit by having broad-based expertise brought into homes on a weekly basis. Annual success rates of keeping children out of foster care are cited along with cost effectiveness. The university's role in levels of prevention in a highly coordinated community effort is indicated.