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Biomedical subjects

J Wüest

Publications and source records attributed to J Wüest.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

Mycobacterium smegmatis infection in a healthy woman following a facelift: case report and review of the literature.

In a 35-year-old female HIV-negative patient a facelift was followed by a Pseudomonas aeruginosa wound infection. The infection persisted despite treatment with ciprofloxacin, and an additional bacteriological wound examination revealed Mycobacterium smegmatis as the causative agent. Combination therapy with ciprofloxacin, doxycycline and amikacin led to a slow healing process without the need for further surgical intervention. A relapse 6 months after initial therapy was successfully treated with local measures. Infection with M. smegmatis might have come about by contaminated intraoperative liquids or the application of lipid creams to the open wound. However, microbiological examination of potential sources remained negative. Infection caused by M. smegmatis following plastic surgery should be considered in patients with spontaneous ulceration and violaceous discoloration of the skin adjacent to the surgical wound. Prolonged antibiotic therapy and possibly repeat surgical interventions may become necessary to treat this rare infection.

Adult↗

Origin of the Mesozoa inferred from 18S rRNA gene sequences.

The phylum Mesozoa comprises small, simply organized wormlike parasites of marine invertebrates and is composed of two classes, the Rhombozoa and the Orthonectida. The origin of Mesozoa is uncertain; they are classically considered either as degenerate turbellarians or as primitive multicellular animals related to ciliated protists. In order to precisely determine the phylogenetic position of this group we sequenced the complete 18S rRNA gene of one rhombozoid, Dicyema sp., and one orthonectid, Rhopalura ophiocomae. The sequence analysis shows that the Mesozoa branch early in the animal evolution, closely to nematodes and myxozoans. Our data indicate probably separate origins of rhombozoids and orthonectids, suggesting that their placement in the same phylum needs to be revised.

Animals↗

Histological and cytological studies on the fat body of the cockroach Nauphoeta cinerea during the first reproductive cycle.

The central fat body of the ovoviviparous cockroach Nauphoeta cinerea was studied during the first reproductive cycle of the female by means of light microscopy, autoradiography and electron microscopy. Comparative studies in larval stages were also undertaken. The fat body of Nauphoeta contains a large amount of lipid droplets and the remaining cytoplasm is very scarce. The cytological cyclicity of the fat body is consistent with the known biochemical rhythms of vitellogenin production. The proteosynthetic apparatus appears about 3 days after imaginal ecdysis, along with vitellogenin. The ribosomal endoplasmic reticulum (RER) shows a tremendous increase by the 7th day of the first cycle. The most active period of vitellogenin production lasts from day 7 to 12. The proteosynthetic apparatus then returns to an inactive stage and disappears. This inactive condition lasts to the end of the gestation period. The autoradiographic results are consistent with the cytological features.

Adipose Tissue↗

Morphology of the spermatid and spermatozoon of Amblyomma hebraeum Koch (Acarina; Ixodidae).

Spermatids and spermatozoa of Amblyomma hebraeum were examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy as well as by freeze-etch and freeze-fracture techniques. The external surface of the spermatid is smooth except for a rim of two parallel grooves near the anterior apex. This rim probably marks the level at which a cap detaches, permitting extrusion of the inner cord during spermatozoon maturation. Both ends of the spermatid are closed, the anterior part being slightly thicker than the posterior. The spermatozoon is clavate anteriorly and tail-like posteriorly. The tip of the anterior part is a hemispherical structures carrying numerous bulbous expansions. Apart from the hemispherical structure, the entire spermatozoon surface is covered with parallel longitudinal cellular processes. Waves of constrictions on the tail-like part of the spermatozoon and undulations of the cellular processes are considered to be involved in sperm motility.

Animals↗