Disturbance response indicators of Impatiens walleriana exposed to benzene and chromium.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the remediation potential and disturbance response indicators of Impatiens walleriana exposed to benzene and chromium. Numerous studies over the years have found abundant evidence of the carcinogenicity of benzene and chromium (VI) in humans. Benzene and chromium are two toxic industrial chemicals commonly found together at contaminated sites, and one of the most common management strategies employed in the recovery of sites contaminated by petroleum products and trace metals is in situ remediation. Given that increasing interest has focused on the use of plants as depollution agents, direct injection tests and benzene misting were performed on I. walleriana to evaluate the remediation potential of this species. I. walleriana accumulated hexavalent chromium, mainly in the root system (164.23 mg kg-1), to the detriment of the aerial part (39.72 mg kg-1), and presented visible damage only at the highest concentration (30 mg L-1). Unlike chromium (VI), chromium (III) was retained almost entirely by the soil, leaving it available for removal by phytotechnology. However, after the contamination stopped, I. walleriana responded positively to the detoxification process, recovering its stem stiffness and leaf color. I. walleriana showed visible changes such as leaf chlorosis during the ten days of benzene contamination. When benzene is absorbed by the roots, it is translocated to and accumulated in the plant's aerial part. This mechanism the plant uses ensures its tolerance to the organic compound, enabling the species to survive and reproduce after treatment with benzene. Although I. walleriana accumulates minor amounts of hexavalent chromium in the aerial part, this amount suffices to induce greater oxidative stress and to increase the amount of hydrogen peroxide when compared to that of benzene. It was therefore concluded that I. walleriana is a species that possesses desirable characteristics for phytotechnology.

Does anti-hepatitis B virus vaccine make any difference in long-term number of liver transplantation?

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Chronic hepatitis B infection is associated with an increased risk of cirrhosis, hepatic decompensation, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Our aim is to analyze, through a mathematical model, the potential impact of anti-HBV vaccine in the long-term (that is, decades after vaccination) number of LT. METHODS: The model simulated that the prevalence of HBV infection was 0.5% and that approximately 20% of all the liver transplantation carried out in the state of São Paulo are due to HBV infection. RESULTS: The theoretical model suggests that a vaccination program that would cover 80% of the target population would reach a maximum of about 14% reduction in the LT program. CONCLUSION: Increasing the vaccination coverage against HBV in the state of São Paulo would have a relatively low impact on the number of liver transplantation. In addition, this impact would take several decades to materialize due to the long incubation period of liver failure due to HBV.

Solid waste from aluminum recycling process: characterization and reuse of its economically valuable constituents.

Due to economic advantages, many companies in Brazil recover Al from the process of crushing and water-leaching of secondary aluminum dross. Wastes from this process (non-metallic products and salts) are usually landfilled or disposed without treatment, causing many environmental damages. The purpose of this work is to investigate, in a recycling company sited in Sao Paulo metropolitan area (Brazil), the potential use of the non-metallic product (NMP) in the production of concrete blocks and to evaluate the presence of important chemical compounds that may be useful for other applications. Chemical and mineralogical analyses revealed that NMP is composed of refractory and abrasive oxides (alpha-Al2O3, MgAl2O4, SiO2) and an important source of transition alumina: alpha-Al(OH)3. Concrete blocks were made by adding two parts of NMP to one part of cement and four parts of sand. The blocks were tested according to the Brazilian standard (NBR7173/1982) and they passed dimension, humidity and absorption tests but not compressive strength tests. However, particular NMP constituents have accelerated the strength rate development of the blocks, thus decreasing working time. The commercial use of NMP can reduce the amount of discarded wastes contributing to environmental preservation.

Complement-fixing activity of anticardiolipin antibodies in patients with and without thrombosis.

We have analysed in vitro the complement-fixing activity of anticardiolipin antibodies (C-fix aCL) from patients with persistent and moderate/high titres IgG aCL antibodies: 21 with thrombosis and 11 without thrombosis. Titre and C-fix ability of aCL were measured by ELISA. APS and non-APS patients were similar with regard to mean levels of IgG aCL (46 +/- 24 versus 51 +/- 30 GPL, P = 0.7), frequency of IgM aCL (P = 0.7) and a comparable predominance of IgG2 aCL reactivity on ELISA (95% versus 100%, respectively, P = 1.0). Remarkably, a high frequency of C-fix aCL (71% versus 92%, P = 0.35) was observed in both groups. Similarly, no difference was observed in the mean level of C-fix aCL in APS and non-APS patients (7 +/- 6 versus 9 +/- 8 SDunits, P = 0.3). Analysis of 10 primary and 11 secondary APS also revealed a comparable IgG aCL mean titre (57 +/- 29 versus 37 +/- 11, P = 0.06), frequency of IgM aCL (P = 0.6) and of C-fix aCL (70% versus 73%, P = 0.99). Among APS patients six had exclusive arterial events and seven exclusive venous events. The IgG aCL mean titre (36 +/- 10 versus 36 +/- 11 GPL, P = 0.9) and the frequency of IgM aCL antibodies (P = 0.56) in these subgroups of patients were comparable. There was a trend of higher frequency of C-fix aCL in patients with exclusive venous events (100%) compared to 50% of those with exclusive arterial events (p = 0.07). Importantly, C-fix aCL titre was higher in the former group compared to the later one (8 +/- 5 SDunits versus 2 +/- 2 SDunits, P = 0.016). Our data support the notion of a high frequency of C-fix aCL in APS. Although it does not discriminate those patients without thrombotic events with persistent moderate/high levels of aCL, this property seems to be more relevant in venous events and may provide the basis for further understanding the distinct pathogenic mechanisms underlying arterial and venous occlusive disorders of APS.

Immunological cell situation in the skin of atopic model mice.

BACKGROUND: We observed nishikinezumi, cinnamon-coloured (NC)/Fujita (F) mice aged between 5 and 28 weeks. These NC mice have skin eruptions that resemble human atopic dermatitis (AD) under conventional circumstances. OBJECT: We investigated the skin of eruptive and non-eruptive lesions in NC/F mice by using haematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining, toluidine blue staining and immunohistopathological study with immunoglobulin (Ig)EepsilonRI, CD23, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, interferon (INF)-gamma and Ia antigen. RESULTS: Histological examination of the eruptive lesions revealed the perivascular infiltration of many lymphocytes and mast cells into the upper dermis. Intracellular oedema of the epidermis, lymphocyte infiltration into the epidermis and liquefaction degeneration of the basal layer were also observed. The numbers of IL-4 and IL-5 positive cells in the eruptive lesions were larger than those of the non-eruptive lesions. IL-4 and IL-5 positive cells in the eruptive lesions increased weekly. Some IFN-gamma positive cells were observed in the eruptive lesions after 21 weeks. IFN-gamma positive cells were scarce in the skin of both the non-eruptive and eruptive lesions before 21 weeks. Serum IgE increased from 7 weeks to 21 weeks. DISCUSSION: We confirmed that these findings indicated that T helper (Th)2-dominant immunological activation transformed to a Th1-dominant situation. Many IgEepsilonRI positive cells were recognized in the dermis of the eruptive lesions by the time IgE had decreased. We assumed that the dermatitis before 21 weeks was an IgE-mediated allergy. We have previously reported that older NC/F mice had positive patch-test reactions to mites. Because serum IgE decreased after 21 weeks, dermatitis after 21 weeks might be associated more with cell-mediated delayed hypersensitivity than with IgE-mediated immediate allergy.

Paracortical hyperplasia of superficial lymph nodes in a new mutant strain of hairless rats (ISh): a lesion similar to human dermatopathic lymphadenopathy.

The dermal histology and the regional draining superficial lymph node of a new mutant strain of hairless rats (ISh) were investigated. The homozygote ISh rat was characterized as having naked and wrinkled skin. The comedo-like cysts in the skin resembled human acne and vulgaris. Histopathologically, many Langerhans' cells positive for anti-protein kinase C type II antibody (PKC-II) were recognized in the epidermis. The superficial lymph nodes were significantly larger than those of the heterozygote. The paracortex of these lymph nodes was expanded and the number of Langerhans' cells mainly increased in these areas. These lymph node lesions were similar to those of human dermatopathic lymphadenopathy. The ISh rats should be a very useful animal model for studying dermatopathic lymphadenopathy in humans. Furthermore, they may be a valuable animal model for investigating the mechanisms of not only maturation, movement and migration of Langerhans' cells, but also of their function for antigen presentation.

Eye disease in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis.

We report the case of a 40-year-old woman with diffuse uveitis, sensorineural hearing loss and cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis as features of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome who developed symmetric polyarthritis and stiffness of small and large joints, in addition to rheumatoid arthritis. Although their target tissues are distinct, both diseases have a possible autoimmune origin strongly associated with HLA-DRB4.

Do epidermal Langerhans cells, migrating from skin lesions, induce the paracortical hyperplasia of dermatopathic lymphadenopathy?

In the present study, immunohistochemical and immuno-electron microscopic techniques were used to differentiate Langerhans cells (LC) from interdigitating cells (IDC) in the lymph nodes (LN) of dermatopathic lymphadenopathy. The majority of the dendritic cells that existed in the LN of dermatopathic lymphadenopathy were positive for OKT-6 (CD 1a) antibody. It was concluded that these dendritic cells were not IDC, but LC. Electron microscopically, LC in these LN contained a few Birbeck granules (BG). In order to prove the fact that these dendritic cells were LC, the existence of BG was investigated ultrastructurally by examining serial sections, and immunoelectron microscopically for CD 1a positive cells. Most of the LC in the lymph nodes we examined were negative for the anti-proliferating nuclear antigen (PCNA) antibody. This finding may mean that LC in the LN are fully developed cells and do not divide in the LN. Langerhans cells may migrate from the skin lesions to the paracortical areas in the LN, which then may become enlarged.

Studies on intranuclear inclusions and nuclear grooves in papillary thyroid cancer by light, scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy.

OBJECTIVE: To successively examine intranuclear inclusions and nuclear grooves in the same papillary thyroid cancer specimens using a light microscope (LM), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). STUDY DESIGN: We stained cells by the Papanicolaou method after fixation in 1.25% glutaraldehyde for LM and then attempted to observe them successively by SEM-TEM after fixation in 2% paraformaldehyde and 2% osmium tetroxide. RESULTS: On SEM, intranuclear inclusions were observed as elevated parts, like hills, and nuclear grooves were observed as deep fissures or shallow cracks, sometimes with a few in one cell. On TEM, both intranuclear inclusions and nuclear grooves seemed formed by the nuclear membranes. Intranuclear inclusions also possessed cytoplasm and/or cytoplasmic organelles within some expanded areas in the nuclear grooves. CONCLUSION: It was evident from our three-step technique that intranuclear inclusions and nuclear grooves were essentially the same structures.

Differentiation of Langerhans cells from interdigitating cells using CD1a and S-100 protein antibodies.

The present study shows that Langerhans cells can be differentiated from interdigitating cells at the light microscopic level. Superficial lymph nodes and skin taken from necropsies and the lymph nodes of dermatopathic lymphadenopathy (DPL) were used for this experiment. Sections of lymph node and skin were embedded using the acetone, methyl benzoate and xylene (AMeX) method and dendritic cells were immunostained with anti S-100 protein antibody (S-100, and OKT-6 (CD1a) using the restaining method. Langerhans cells in the skin were positive for both CD1a and S-100. Dendritic cells positive for both CD1a and S-100, and dendritic cells positive for S-100, but not for CD1a were observed in superficial lymph nodes. In normal superficial lymph nodes, there were more interdigitating cells than Langerhans cells. The majority of the dendritic cells in the DPL were Langerhans cells. We conclude that the S-100 and CD1a positive cells are Langerhans cells, and the S-100 positive-CD1a negative cells are interdigitating cells.

A comparative study on Langerhans cells in lymph nodes with dermatopathic lymphadenopathy and histiocytosis X cells.

It was elucidated that the majority of DC were LC which were positive for CD 1a, but negative for PCNA, and possessed BG in the lymph nodes with DPL. On the other hand, HCX cells were almost always positive for PCNA. From this point of view, it can be speculated that LC in the lymph nodes of the DPL are non dividing mature cells and migrate from the skin lesion. HCX cells which were positive for CD 4 may be more immature cells than LC in DPL, and may be pathological cells which can divide in the foci.

Comparative studies of the same adenocarcinoma cells, macrophages, and mesothelial cells by light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy.

The identification of cells in body cavities of cancer patients is sometimes difficult to make. In order to make a definite cytological diagnosis, we observed the same cells by using light microscopy (LM)-scanning electron microscopy (SEM)-transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In this study we first stained cells by the Papanicolaou method after fixation in 1% glutaraldehyde for LM, and then attempted to observe them successively by SEM-TEM after fixation in 1% paraformaldehyde and 1.25% OsO4. Our method and procedures in examining successively one and the same cells in body cavity fluids by using LM, SEM, and TEM ensured accurate discrimination among adenocarcinoma cells, mesothelial cells, and macrophages. The results of this study suggest that LM-SEM-TEM may be of diagnostic value in distinguishing among mesothelial cells, macrophages, and adenocarcinoma cells. This method also succeeded in disclosing differences between the ultrastructure of the cell surfaces, and those of the cytoplasm, and of the nuclei. It is desirable that LM-SEM-TEM observation can be introduced into various aspects in order to obtain an improvement in the diagnosis by cytologic examination, the judgment of therapeutical effects, drug selection, and prognostic presumption.

Migration and maturation of Langerhans cells in squamous metaplasia of the rat trachea induced by vitamin A deficiency.

The migration and maturation of Langerhans cells (LCs) in rat tracheal squamous metaplasia due to vitamin A deficiency were investigated immunohistochemically and electron microscopically. In the early stage of metaplasia, i.e. basal cell hyperplasia, no LCs with Birbeck granules (BGs) could be found, but there were desmosome-free cells which had the morphological characteristic of immature LCs. They were clearly different from inflammatory cells such as macrophages and lymphocytes, and were, therefore, considered to be precursors of LCs. In the stage of stratification, small numbers of Ia- and protein kinase C type II (PKCII)-positive cells were recognized. Ultrastructurally they were immature LCs with ovoid nuclei, many free ribosomes and few dendrites. The cytoplasm was dark and a few BGs and atypical granules (AGs) could be seen in the Golgi area. In the early stage of cornification, LCs with partially intended nuclei, prominent nucleoli and well-developed Golgi complexes were found. There were many BGs and AGs and structures transitional between them in the Golgi areas. In epithelium showing mature squamous metaplasia, many Ia- and PKCII-positive dendritic cells could be seen. Most of these were typical mature LCs with lobulated nuclei, clear cytoplasm and prominent dendritic processes. The number of BGs and AGs were fewer than in the LCs found in the early stage of cornification, and these granules were distributed throughout the cytoplasm. In the final stage, where the basal cells had differentiated into a flatter epithelium, few LCs could be seen.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Comparison of Langerhans cells and interdigitating reticulum cells.

Double immunostaining for OKT-6 and S-100 protein antibodies was carried out. However, it was impossible to stain using two antibodies at the same time, or using one antibody prior to another. We first stained using FITC labeled OKT-6 antibody, and secondary stained for S-100 protein by the ABC method, after taking photographs and removing OKT-6 reaction products. The exact same cells could be stained by both OKT-6 and S-100 protein antibodies. It has been elucidated that both OKT-6 and S-100 protein positive cells are LCs, and only S-100 protein positive, but OKT-6 negative cells are IDCs. LCs only exist in the superficial and hilar lymph nodes. However IDCs exist not only in these lymph nodes, but also in the mesenteric lymph nodes and spleens.

Studies on Langerhans cells in the tracheal squamous metaplasia of vitamin A deficient rats.

LCs in the tracheal squamous metaplasia of vitamin A deficient rats were studied. The first appearance of LCs with Birbeck granules (BGs) was in the stage of stratification. The number of LCs increased along with the development of metaplasia, but decreased in number in the later stage, where basal cells also differentiate into flattened epithelium. In the area where only basal cells differentiated into flatter epithelium, without a cornified layer, LCs with BGs could also be found. These findings suggest that LCs which originate in bone marrow mature in squamous epithelium. The distribution and morphology of LCs are dependent on the state of keratinocytes, but not the presence of a cornified layer.

Caries experience in subjects 18-22 years of age after 13 years' discontinued water fluoridation in Okinawa.

The purpose of this study is to compare the state of teeth in young adults who had consumed fluoridated water from birth to 5-8 yr of age with the subjects who had non-fluoridated water. The sample consisted of 117 18-22-yr-old female nursing school students. The data obtained in dental examinations were sorted according to their place of residence, and then divided into groups depending on whether their place of residence had been supplied with fluoridated water or not. The fluoride concentration in the water had been 0.7-1.0 ppm in the six water supply systems which were under the control of the US military base. In the subjects who had fluoridated water, the following differences were found when compared to the control subjects: missing teeth and highly progressed caries occurred less frequently; significantly lower caries prevalence was present on free smooth and approximal surfaces; the overall DMFT differences in favor of the fluoridated subjects were small and non-significant.

Langerhans cells in the lymph node: mirror section and immunoelectron microscopic studies.

Cells immunostained with antibodies against both OKT-6 and S-100 protein were observed only in superficial and hilar lymph nodes draining tissues with predominantly squamous epithelia. In contrast, in mesenteric lymph nodes and the spleen, only S-100 protein-positive, but OKT-6-negative cells were found. We suspect that the S-100 and OKT-6-positive cells might be Langerhans cells (LC) and the S-100-positive, OKT-6-negative cells, interdigitating reticulum cells (IDC). We further postulate that the LC in superficial and hilar lymph nodes might migrate from squamous epithelia, with which contact is required for the formation of Birbeck granules.