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Spatial distribution and histogenesis of colorectal Paneth cell metaplasia in idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Colorectal Paneth cell metaplasia (PCM) is known to be a sign of idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), although its distribution and histogenesis are not fully understood. Objectives of this research were to investigate the spatial distribution of PCM in IBD and other forms of colitis (non-IBD), and to find stimuli causing PCM. METHODS: We studied multiple biopsy specimens from 181 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), 159 with Crohn's disease (CD), 448 with non-IBD, and 78 normal controls. Paneth cell metaplasia frequency, at each colorectal site, was evaluated to find possible differences among diseases, phases of activity, and extents of disease. RESULTS: In non-IBD and controls, PCM was rarely (0-1.9%) seen at distal sites, but frequently (up to 48.7%) found at the ascending colon and cecum (P < 0.001). Paneth cell metaplasia frequency was significantly higher in IBD than in non-IBD patients and controls at distal sites (P < 0.001), but did not differ significantly between UC and CD, or among active, resolving, and quiescent phases. In UC, proctitis and left-sided colitis rarely displayed PCM at unaffected sites. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that PCM was positively associated with crypt distortion and mononuclear cell infiltration (P < 0.005), but negatively or not significantly associated with crypt atrophy, mucin depletion, acute inflammation, or phase of activity. CONCLUSIONS: Paneth cell metaplasia is a non-specific phenomenon in the proximal colon, but distal PCM, which occurs exclusively in affected mucosa, is a useful marker indicating IBD, even in the inactive phase. Regression analysis suggests that repair and regeneration may be the most potent stimuli causing PCM.

Adult↗

The spatial distribution of attention during covert visual orienting.

Many studies of covert orienting of visual attention in response to informative pre-cues have focused on the spatial distribution of improved or impaired performance. One can find at least four different models in the literature, each describing a different distribution: the fixed gradient spotlight; the zoom lens spotlight; the hemifield activation hypothesis; and the flexible allocation of resources model. In previous work examining procedural details that might have led to the formulation of the hemifield activation hypothesis, it was postulated (Klein and McCormick 1989) that under conditions of uncertainty about which of two locations to attend, an observer may focus attention on a visual channel (i.e., midlocation placement of a fixed gradient spotlight) that is spatially intermediate. The present experiment was designed to distinguish among the four models of attentional distribution, and to test the midlocation placement strategy. Our findings show support for midlocation placement, demonstrate evidence against flexible allocation and hemifield activation, but could not differentiate between fixed gradient and zoom lens variants of the spotlight model.

Attention↗

Raman spectroscopic study of spatial distribution of propolis in comb of Apis mellifera carnica (Pollm.).

Micro-Raman spectroscopy and Raman mapping are applied to investigate the spatial distribution and chemical composition of wax and propolis in the comb of Apis mellifera carnica (Pollm). A thick layer of propolis at the rim of some cells is identified by Raman spectroscopy. Raman mapping is applied to resolve the distribution of propolis and wax on a micron scale. Both components are connected at the rim of the cell with a mixture of wax and propolis. A layer of almost pure propolis is found on top of the mixture. It appears that even in the mixture, where both components come into close contact, the propolis and the wax remain separated and keep their chemical identity.

Animals↗

The spatial distribution of cavitation induced acoustic emission, sonoluminescence and cell lysis in the field of a shock wave lithotripter.

This study examines the spatial distribution of various properties attributed to the cavitation field generated by a shock wave lithotripter. These properties include acoustic emission and sonoluminescence, which result from violent bubble collapse, and the degree of cell lysis in vitro, which appears to be related to cavitation. The acoustic emission detected with a 1 MHz, 12 cm diameter focused hydrophone occurs in two distinct bursts. The immediate signal is emitted from a small region contained within the 4 MPa peak negative pressure contour. A second, delayed, burst is emitted from a region extending further along the beam axis. The delay between these two bursts has also been mapped, and the longest delay occurs at positions close to the regions of maximum peak negative pressure. Sonoluminescence from both single and multiple shocks occurs in a broader region than the acoustic emission but the measurement technique does not allow time resolution of the signal. Cell lysis occurs in a relatively small region that correlates closely with the immediate acoustic emission for a shock propagating in a gelatine solution.

Acoustics↗

Spatial Distribution, Structure, Biomass, and Physiology of Microbial Assemblages across the Southern Ocean Frontal Zones during the Late Austral Winter.

We examined the spatial distributions of picoplankton, nanoplankton, and microplankton biomass and physiological state relative to the hydrography of the Southern Ocean along 90 degrees W longitude and across the Drake Passage in the late austral winter. The eastern South Pacific Ocean showed some large-scale biogeographical differences and size class variability. Microbial ATP biomass was greatest in euphotic surface waters. The horizontal distributions of microbial biomass and physiological state (adenylate energy charge ratio) coincided with internal currents (fronts) of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. In the Drake Passage, the biological scales in the euphotic and aphotic zones were complex, and ATP, total adenylate, and adenylate energy charge ratio isopleths were compressed due to the extension of the sea ice from Antarctica and constriction of the Circumpolar Current through the narrow passage. The physiological state of microbial assemblages and biomass were much higher in the Drake Passage than in the eastern South Pacific Ocean. The temperature of Antarctic waters, not dissolved organic carbon, was the major variable controlling picoplankton growth. Estimates of picoplankton production based on ATP increments with time suggest that production under reduced predation pressure was 1 to 10 mug of carbon per liter per day. Our results demonstrate the influence of large-scale hydrographic processes on the distribution and structure of microplankton, nanoplankton, and picoplankton across the Southern Ocean.

Journal Article↗

Spatial distribution and morphological characteristics of the trunk lateral line neuromasts of the sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax, L.; Teleostei, Serranidae).

The morphology and spatial distribution of the different types of neuromasts encountered on the trunk lateral line of the sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) were examined using scanning electron microscopy. The sea bass trunk lateral line exhibits a complete straight pattern. In their basic features, the two types of neuromasts present, canal and superficial, resemble what has been described in other fishes. They are similar in their general cellular organization but differ in sizes, and shapes, as well as in the densities and lengths of their hair bundles. However, the sea bass trunk lateral line distinguishes itself in several ways. For instance, the pores of the canal segments are partially obstructed due to the overlap of scales throughout the trunk. Moreover, based on the density and length of the hair bundles, two distinct areas, central and peripheral, could be distinguished within the maculae of canal neuromasts. Their cupulae are also peculiar as they possess two wing-like extensions and that their central core appears to be organized in layers instead of columns. In addition, the superficial neuromasts, up to 6 per scale, are either round or elliptical and seem to be distributed serendipitously. Finally, within the maculae of both types of neuromasts, a significant number of hair bundles do not follow the two-directional polarity pattern usually described. Although some hypotheses are proposed, the influence of these characteristics in terms of signal encoding and fish behavior is yet to be understood.

Animals↗

Species composition and spatial distribution of a stream fish assemblage in the east coast of Brazil: comparison of two field study methodologies.

The species composition and spatial distribution of a fish assemblage were studied in three reaches of a river in the east coast of Brazil: a section of rapids (upper), another of water flowing on plain terrain (lowland) and the other of a mangrove environment. Two methods were employed with the purpose of estimating their effectiveness in naturalistic studies of tropical fish assemblages. One method consisted of underwater observations and the other was characterized by catches using gears such as fish traps, sieves and fishing rods. Both methods showed that their effectiveness is dependent upon the characteristics of the environment and the biology of the species. In areas of high water transparency and flow speed rocky substrate and no submerged marginal vegetation (upper reach), the employment of the traditional gears was quite inefficient, despite the excellent conditions for underwater observations. In areas of clear water and high flow speed with abundant submerged marginal vegetation (lowland and mangrove), the gears were rather efficient yielding excellent results when coupled with direct observation methods. Since the abiotic characteristics of a stream change longitudinally, it is appropriate to employ different methods in the study of the ichthyofauna composition and distribution in order to reduce the constraints imposed by sampling methods in running waters.

Analysis of Variance↗

Dose dependency of canthaxanthin crystals in monkey retina and spatial distribution of its metabolites.

PURPOSE: To establish the threshold level of canthaxanthin crystals in the retina of cynomolgus monkeys. To correlate the spatial distribution of all-trans canthaxanthin and its metabolites with the grade of crystals. METHODS: Monkeys were orally administered 0, 0.2, 0.6, 1.8, 5.4, 16.2, and 48.6 mg/kg body wt canthaxanthin daily for 2.5 to 3 years. A second group of monkeys were administered 200 and 500 mg/kg body wt/d for 5 years. Ophthalmoscopy, electroretinography (ERG), retina and carotenoid analysis were performed as previously reported. RESULTS: Crystals in the retina periphery were observed by ophthalmoscopy preterminally only in the extreme high doses of 200 to 500 mg/kg body wt/d. There were no adverse effects on visual functions as measured by ERG. Crystals in the peripheral retina, and/or in the macula, were detected microscopically in all canthaxanthin treated groups except at the lowest dose of 0.2 mg/kg body wt/d. The grade of crystals increased up to a dose of 16.2 mg/kg body wt/d. Dose-dependent increases in canthaxanthin content also were noted in the retina, the liver, and in plasma. All-trans canthaxanthin was the major compound in the peripheral and paracentral retina of very highly dosed animals, where its concentration correlated largely with the grade of inclusions. In the macula, 4'-OH-echinenone was the dominant canthaxanthin metabolite. CONCLUSIONS: The grade of crystals in monkey retinas was dose dependent with a threshold level at 0.6 mg canthaxanthin/kg body wt/d. It correlated in the retinal periphery with the concentrations of all-trans-canthaxanthin and in the macula with its metabolites.

Administration, Oral↗

Spatial distribution of disease: three case studies.

Maps transformed so as to have constant density of residential population were used to analyze the spatial distribution of disease in three specific areas. Each area had received recent attention because of suspected environmental pollution. The area adjacent to the Rocky Flats Facility (CO) was examined to identify any association between possible plutonium releases and increases in lung cancer or leukemia incidence. The industrial area of northern Contra Costa County (CA) was studied to explore a relationship between petrochemical industrial emissions and histologic-specific lung cancers. Finally, a suspected increase in the risk of congenital cardiac defects possibly related to pollution of the Santa Clara County (CA) water supply was investigated. No evidence of elevated risk of disease was found to be associated with either the Rocky Flats Facility or the polluted water of Santa Clara County. An increase in lung cancer, found by other investigators in earlier years, was shown to persist in association with industrial emissions in Contra Costa County.

Adult↗

Spatial distribution of potential in a flat cell. Application to the catfish horizontal cell layers.

An analytical solution is obtained for the three-dimensional spatial distribution of potential inside a flat cell, such as the layer of horizontal cells, as a function of its geometry and resistivity characteristics. It was found that, within a very large range of parameter values, the potential is given by [Formula: see text] where r = rho/rho(0), z = z/rho(0), rho = (R(i)/R(m)).rho(0), delta = h/rho(0); K is a constant; J is the assumed synaptic current; rho, z are cylindrical coordinates; rho(0) is the radius of the synaptic area of excitation; h is the cell thickness; and R(i), R(m) are the intracellular and membrane resistivities, respectively. Formula A closely fits data for the spatial decay of potential which were obtained from the catfish internal and external horizontal cells. It predicts a decay which is exponential down to about 40% of the maximum potential but is much slower than exponential below that level, a characteristic also exhibited by the data. Such a feature in the decay mode allows signal integration over the large retinal areas which have been observed experimentally both at the horizontal and ganglion cell stages. The behavior of the potential distribution as a function of the flat cell parameters is investigated, and it is found that for the range of the horizontal cell thicknesses (10-50 mu) the decay rate depends solely on the ratio R(m)/R(i). Data obtained from both types of horizontal cells by varying the diameter of the stimulating spot and for three widely different intensity levels were closely fitted by equation A. In the case of the external horizontal cell, the fit for different intensities was obtained by varying the ratio R(m)/R(i); in the case of the internal horizontal cell it was found necessary, in order to fit the data for different intensities, to vary the assumed synaptic current J.

Animals↗

Spatial distribution of platelet deposition in stented arterial models under physiologic flow.

This paper presents dynamic flow experiments with fluorescently labeled platelets to allow for spatial observation of wall attachment in inter-strut spacings, to investigate their relationship to flow patterns. Human blood with fluorescently labeled platelets was circulated through an in vitro system that produced physiologic pulsatile flow in a parallel plate flow chamber that contained three different stent designs that feature completely recirculating flow, partially recirculating flow (intermediate strut spacing), and completely reattached flow. Highly resolved spatial distribution of platelets was obtained by imaging fluorescently labeled platelets between the struts. Platelet deposition was higher in areas where flow is directed towards the wall, and lower in areas where flow is directed away from the wall. Flow detachment and reattachment points exhibited very low platelet deposition. Platelet deposition within intermediate strut spacing continued to increase throughout the experimental period, indicating that the deposition rate had not plateaued unlike other strut spacings. The spatial uniformity and temporal increase in platelet deposition for the intermediate strut spacing confirms and helps explain our previous finding that platelet deposition was highest with this strut spacing. Further experimental investigations will include more complex three-dimensional geometries.

Arteries↗

Spatial distribution and initial changes of SSEA-1 and other cell adhesion-related molecules on mouse embryonic stem cells before and during differentiation.

We examined the distribution of cell adhesion-related molecules (CAMs) among mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells and the spatial distribution on cell surfaces before and during differentiation. The cell-cell heterogeneity of SSEA-1, PECAM-1, and ICAM-1 among the undifferentiated cells in the ES cell colonies was evident by immunohistochemistry and immuno-SEM, supporting the flow cytometry findings. In contrast, most undifferentiated ES cells strongly expressed CD9. SSEA-1 was located preferentially on the edge of low protuberances and microvilli and formed clusters or linear arrays of 3-20 particles. PECAM-1 and ICAM-1 were randomly localized on the free cell surfaces, whereas CD9 was preferentially localized on the microvilli or protuberances, especially in the cell periphery. Both the SSEA-1(+) fraction and the SSEA-1(-) fraction of magnetic cell sorting (MACS) formed undifferentiated colonies after plating. Flow cytometry showed that these populations reverted separately again to a culture with a mixed phenotype. Differentiation induced by retinoic acid downregulated the expression of all CAMs. Immuno-SEM showed decreases of SSEA-1 in the differentiated ES cells, although some clustering still remained. Our findings help to elucidate the significance of these molecules in ES cell maintenance and differentiation and suggest that cell surface antigens may be useful for defining the phenotype of undifferentiated and differentiated ES cells.

Animals↗

Spatial distribution of sperm-derived chromatin in zygotes determined by fluorescence in situ hybridization.

Fluorescence in situ hybridization was used to determine the spatial distribution of chromatin in zygote pronuclei. A hybrid system involving golden hamster eggs and individual human sperm permitted use of DNA probes specific for the entire human chromosome 4, for the heterochromatic region on the long arm of the human Y chromosome and for unique DNA sequences on human chromosome 19. Chromosome 4 occupied a circumscribed domain in the pronuclei, similar to findings in somatic interphases. Unlike the situation in somatic interphases, the Y heterochromatin was extended throughout the first cell cycle. Pronuclear chromatin was extended 3- to 4-fold compared to somatic interphase chromatin. The extended pronuclear chromatin conformation is likely to affect a zygote's susceptibility to environmental hazards.

Animals↗

Spatial distribution of gymnamoebae (Rhizopoda, Lobosea) in brackish-water sediments at the scale of centimeters and millimeters.

In order to study micro-spatial distribution of amoebae, an intact slice of sandy sediment from the brackish-water Nivå Bay (Baltic Sea, The Sound), 40 x 24 mm in size and 2 mm in thickness was gently sectioned into cubes, 2 x 2 x 2 mm in size. Each cube was inoculated into enrichment media to reveal the biodiversity of amoebae. Seventeen species of amoebae were recovered. The 2-D map of amoebae species distribution in the slice, consisting of 240 2 x 2 mm cells was drawn and analyzed. Results show heterogeneous distribution of amoebae at the scale of centimeters and millimeters and confirm the idea of the presence of microhabitats, selectively occupied by amoebae species. Three types of distribution patterns were found: random, aggregated and equally spaced. Microelectrode studies indicated that amoebae distribution was not related to the dissolved oxygen content in the sediment. The studied slice of sediment contained several pronounced "hotspots" of amoebae biodiversity, where up to four species co-occur in the same area. Seven species of amoebae numbered 1-4 specimens in the studied slice (i.e. there was 0.5-2 cell ml(-1)). Analysis of the amoebae distribution map shows the high probability of undersampling rare amoebae species during faunistic studies.

Animals↗

Temporal and spatial distribution of Ixodes pacificus and Dermacentor occidentalis (Acari: Ixodidae) and prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi in Contra Costa County, California.

The seasonal activity and spatial distribution of adult and immature Ixodes pacificus Cooley & Kohls and Dermacentor occidentalis Marx were determined along trails and on hillsides in two parks in Contra Costa County, CA. I. pacificus and D. occidentalis adults were most numerous in January and May, respectively. Adult ticks were significantly more abundant along heavily vegetated trails than on open grassy hillsides, and on the uphill versus the downhill side of trails. Five species of rodents were captured, and numbers of I. pacificus and D. occidentalis larvae per rodent were highest in May-June and July, respectively. Few nymphs were recovered either by flagging or from captured rodents. An average of 2.2 and 2.8% of the I. pacificus adults collected from the two parks were infected with the Lyme disease spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi Johnson, Schmid, Hyde, Steigerwalt & Brenner. The greatest risk of contracting Lyme disease from adult I. pacificus in these two Contra Costa County parks is during the winter months, especially while hiking near the uphill side of trails.

Acari↗

Spatial distribution of nutritive and nonnutritive vascular routes in perfused rat hindlimb muscle using microspheres.

Skeletal muscle appears to have two vascular flow routes, nutritive and nonnutritive, where the balance of flow is controlled by vasoconstrictors. In the present study, spatial distributions of the two flow routes in muscles of the perfused rat hindlimb were attempted using fluorescent microspheres (15 microm in diameter). Microspheres were injected during steady-state perfusion with norepinephrine (proposed recruiter of nutritive flow), serotonin (proposed recruiter of nonnutritive flow), or vehicle. The three-dimensional location of individual microspheres in representative muscles was determined using a Fluorescent Imaging CryoMicrotome. Norepinephrine and serotonin each increased perfusion pressure (P < 0.05) but stimulated and inhibited oxygen consumption (P < 0.05), respectively. The distribution of microspheres lodged in muscle was independent of the agent used. Spatial perfusion indices for norepinephrine, serotonin, and vehicle did not differ from each other. Similarly, there was no difference in these indices for a theoretical distribution where microspheres were deliberately positioned in muscle bundle capillaries or interfibrillar connective tissue vessels. We conclude that the nutritive and nonnutritive flow routes are distributed throughout muscle sections consistent with their locations in muscle bundle capillaries and interfibrillar connective tissue, respectively.

Animals↗

Relation between spatial distribution of late potentials and location of origin of premature ventricular complexes on body surface map in patients with postinfarction ventricular tachycardia.

We studied the relationship between the spatial distribution of late potentials (LPs) and the origin of premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) using body surface maps in 55 patients with postinfarction sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT). Body surface maps were recorded from 87 leads to construct departure maps during sinus rhythm and signal-averaged ECGs were recorded from 32 unipolar leads to construct a LP map. The root-mean-square values during 40 ms intervals behind the QRS end were computed as LPs. The PVC map was recorded simultaneously in 14 patients presenting PVC with similar morphology to VT during LP detection. The origin of PVC was localized at the site of isopotential minimum when the potential exceeded -0.5 mV during the early QRS period. The LP area and the departure area showed a similar distribution. However, the PVC origin was closer to the site of LP maximum than the departure minimum in 11 (79%) patients, and the spatial correlation between the LP maximum and the PVC origin was good in 12 (86%) patients. LP and PVC mapping from the body surface is feasible and of worth to predict noninvasively the site of origin of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with remote myocardial infarction and sustained VT.

Adult↗

Frequency and spatial distribution of environmental Campylobacter spp.

Humans are exposed to Campylobacter spp. in a range of sources via both food and environmental pathways. For this study, we explored the frequency and distribution of thermophilic Campylobacter spp. in a 10- by 10-km square rural area of Cheshire, United Kingdom. The area contains approximately 70, mainly dairy, farms and is used extensively for outdoor recreational activities. Campylobacter spp. were isolated from a range of environmental samples by use of a systematic sampling grid. Livestock (mainly cattle) and wildlife feces and environmental water and soil samples were cultured, and isolates were presumptively identified by standard techniques. These isolates were further characterized by PCR. Campylobacter jejuni was the most prevalent species in all animal samples, ranging from 11% in samples from nonavian wildlife to 36% in cattle feces, and was isolated from 15% of water samples. Campylobacter coli was commonly found in water (17%) and sheep (21%) samples, but rarely in other samples. Campylobacter lari was recovered from all sample types, with the exception of sheep feces, and was found in moderate numbers in birds (7%) and water (5%). Campylobacter hyointestinalis was only recovered from cattle (7%) and birds (1%). The spatial distribution and determinants of C. jejuni in cattle feces were examined by the use of model-based spatial statistics. The distribution was consistent with very localized within-farm or within-field transmission and showed little evidence of any larger-scale spatial dependence. We concluded that there is a potentially high risk of human exposure to Campylobacter spp., particularly C. jejuni, in the environment of our study area. The prevalence and likely risk posed by C. jejuni-positive cattle feces in the environment diminished as the fecal material aged. After we took into account the age of the fecal material, the absence or presence of rain, and the presence of bird feces, there was evidence of significant variation in the prevalence of C. jejuni-positive cattle feces between grazing fields but no evidence of spatial clustering beyond this resolution. The spatial pattern of C. jejuni is therefore consistent with that for an organism that is ubiquitous in areas contaminated with cattle feces, with a short-scale variation in infection intensity that cannot be explained solely by variations in the age of the fecal material. The observed pattern is not consistent with large-scale transmission attributable to watercourses, wildlife territories, or other geographical features that transcend field and farm boundaries.

Animals↗