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At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1991

Spinal cord damage with diving injuries. Considerations for nursing care.

Complications involving the neurologic, pulmonary, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and integumentary systems can be minimized with a vigilant and systematic nursing approach to the quadriplegic patient. This care encompasses both the patient and the significant others. A nurse-coordinated team effort provides for patient and family trust, continuity of care, and better outcomes from these devastating injuries.

Diving↗
PubMed1990

Congenitally missing maxillary first permanent molars: a case report.

Congenitally absent maxillary first permanent molars is a rare clinical finding. It usually occurs with severe oligodontia in association with other abnormalities of the integumentary system. This article presents the case of bilateral absent maxillary permanent molars with severe oligodontia and no other abnormalities.

Anodontia↗
PubMed1986

Gallium nitrate: the second metal with clinical activity.

Gallium nitrate is the anhydrate salt of the naturally occurring heavy metal. It has demonstrated antitumor activity in a variety of murine tumor models, including Walker carcinosarcoma 256, fibrosarcoma M-89, leukemia K-1964, adenocarcinoma 755, mammary carcinoma YMC, reticulum cell sarcoma A-RCS, lymphoma P1798, and osteosarcoma 124F. Preclinical studies performed in rats, rabbits, dogs, and monkeys showed the dose-limiting toxicity to be renal. The hepatic, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, hematologic, and integumentary systems were also involved. The major route of elimination is the kidneys, with 35%-71% of the infused dose excreted within 24 hours. Three phase I studies suggested the following phase II doses: 700-750 mg/m2 by short infusion, once every 2-3 weeks; 300 mg/m2/day by short infusion for 3 consecutive days, to be repeated every 2 weeks; and 300 mg/m2/day by continuous infusion for 7 consecutive days, to be repeated every 3-5 weeks. The major organ toxicity reported was renal; however, this can be adequately controlled either by hydration and osmotic diuresis or by use of continuous schedule. (Either maneuver appears to allow delivery of the recommended phase II dose with a less than 30% risk of change in serum creatinine.) In limited phase II evaluation, the drug has shown antitumor activity in patients with either refractory lymphomas or small cell lung carcinoma, with total objective response rates of 28% and 11%, respectively. In addition, it has been effective in the treatment of patients with cancer-related hypercalcemia by having an inhibitory effect on calcium reabsorption from bone. Single-agent phase II studies are planned in all major tumor types. Some are already ongoing in patients with genitourinary malignancies (renal, bladder, prostate, testicular), small cell lung carcinoma, and multiple myeloma. Metabolic studies are in progress at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center to further elucidate the mechanism or mechanisms of the hypocalcemic effects.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Assessment and evaluation of pressure sores.

Pressure sore prevention is the desired goal to maintain skin integrity. It is a challenging nursing responsibility. The process of pressure sore prevention requires skilled nursing assessment of the integumentary system and knowledge of risk factors, as well as an ongoing evaluation plan to monitor incidence and the efficacy of nursing care. Pressure sore assessment is greatly aided by the availability of several research-based instruments. Assessment instruments grounded in research are rather unique because few nursing problems, other than pressure sores, have such instruments available. Further testing of the predictive validity of risk factors is needed even though instruments have already proved valuable in delineating high-risk patients. Well-designed programs of process and outcome evaluation can result in lower incidence rates and reduced severity of pressure sores. Assessment and evaluation are essential to quality nursing care.

Humans↗
PubMed1995

Wound healing.

Wound healing is a dynamic biologic process of repairing insults to the integumentary system. It is commonly divided into three phases: inflammatory, proliferative, and maturation. Each phase has unique cellular and substance constituents without which it cannot progress normally. A large variety of factors may influence any part of wound healing, including local factors such as bacteria, oxygen tension, and bleeding, and systemic factors such as the mental and physical health of the patient. There are also extrinsic factors that can be influenced by the caretakers of the wound to enhance wound healing. Areas of intervention include using antiseptic technique when one is dealing with the wound, using good surgical technique, choosing the appropriate wounding method and repair for the individual patient, and using antibiotics and special wound dressings. Modern science and technology are giving us new insights into wound healing and leading us to exciting new ways of influencing it, including the topical use of growth factors, artificial skins, cultured epithelium with and without dermal components, and electrical stimulation. The future of wound healing holds a better understanding of the complexities of the physiologic events that occur and a translation of that into a biologically active and interactive wound care.

Cell Division↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Basal cell carcinoma in a blue-fronted amazon parrot (Amazona aestiva).

Tumors of the integumentary system are relatively common in companion birds. Dermal tumors in pet birds can be epithelial, mesenchymal, or vascular in origin. Basal cell carcinomas appear to be extremely rare in birds. An adult female blue-fronted Amazon parrot was examined because it exhibited bilateral cervical masses that extended from the base of the skull to the ingluvial region. The tumors were removed by surgical excision. Microscopic examination of the masses revealed neoplastic epithelial cells that extended to all borders of the sections; scattered vessels with neoplastic cells within their lumens were also found. The histopathologic diagnosis was basal cell carcinoma. Six weeks postoperatively, the masses recurred and the bird was euthanatized. This report suggests that basal cell carcinomas should be considered as a differential for avian dermal tumors. This neoplastic condition can be aggressive and has the potential to metastasize.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Horse hooves and bird feathers: Two model systems for studying the structure and development of highly adapted integumentary accessory organs--the role of the dermo-epidermal interface for the micro-architecture of complex epidermal structures.

Accessory organs of the integument are locally modified parts of the potentially feather-bearing skin in birds (e.g., the rhamphotheca, claws, or scales), and of the potentially hairy skin in mammals (e.g., the rhinarium, nails, claws, or hooves). These special parts of the integument are characterised by a modified structure of their epidermal, dermal and subcutaneous layers. The developmental processes of these various integumentary structures in birds and mammals show both similarities and differences. For example, the development of the specialised epidermal structures of both feathers and the hoof capsule is influenced by the local three-dimensional configuration of the dermis. However, in feathers, in contrast to hooves, the arrangement of the corneous cells is only partially a direct result of the particular arrangement and shape of the dermal surface of the papillary body. Whereas the diameter of the feather papilla, as well as the number, length, and width of dermal ridges on the surface of the feather papilla influence the three-dimensional architecture of the feather rami, there is no apparent direct correlation between the dermo-epidermal interface and the development of the highly ordered architecture of the radii and hamuli in the feather vane. In order to elucidate this morphogenic problem and the problem of locally different processes of keratinisation and cornification, the structure and development of feathers in birds are compared to those of the hoof capsule in horses. The equine hoof is the most complex mammalian integumentary structure, which is determined directly by the dermal surface of the papillary body. Perspectives for further research on the development of modified integumentary structures, such as the role of the dermal microangioarchitecture and the selective adhesion and various differentiation pathways of epidermal cells, are discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Histology of selected tissues of the leopard seal and implications for functional adaptations to an aquatic lifestyle.

The microscopic anatomy of the cardio-respiratory system, digestive system, kidney, lymphatic system and integument was investigated in the leopard seal, Hydrurga leptonyx, by examining histological sections of tissues collected from leopard seals in Antarctica and New South Wales, Australia. The majority of the tissues had similar histological features to those described in terrestrial mammals and other pinniped species, particularly phocid seals. Differences noted included readily identifiable Purkinje cells within the endocardium, muscular rather than cartilaginous reinforcement of the smaller airways, a single capillary layer within the alveolar septa, limited and variable keratinization of the oesophageal epithelium, few lymphoid follicles within the lamina propria of the gastrointestinal tract, and an absence of a sporta perimedullaris musculosa described in the kidney of cetaceans and some pinniped species. Adaptations of the lung, spleen and integument, similar to those described in other pinnipeds, including reinforcement of the pulmonary terminal airways, prominent pulmonary interlobular septa, ample smooth muscle in the capsule and trabeculae of the spleen, increased thickness of the epidermis, well-developed dermal sebaceous glands, and a thick blubber layer, appear to confer upon the leopard seal advantages related to its aquatic lifestyle.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed2002

Regenerative biology: the emerging field of tissue repair and restoration.

Regenerative biology has now been recognized as a new field with certain aims and goals. One direction of this new field is to understand the basic mechanisms by which tissues can be repaired and restored. The other direction examines the possibility of using this basic knowledge to apply it to medicine with the goal to clinically repair damaged tissues. Regeneration of tissues can occur by the differentiation of stem cells (local or non-local) or by the transdifferentiation of local terminally differentiated cells. While the transdifferentiation aspects are old, during the past few years many data have accumulated regarding the existence of stem cells and their participation in tissue renewal. This review will present an overview of the potential of all vertebrate organs to regenerate and of the basic mechanisms involved.

Adrenal Glands↗
PubMed2003

Bisphenol A suppresses osteoclastic and osteoblastic activities in the cultured scales of goldfish.

The direct effect of bisphenol A on osteoclasts and osteoblasts was examined using a culture system of goldfish scales. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were used as markers of osteoclasts and osteoblasts, respectively. Bisphenol A (10(5) M) significantly suppressed both TRAP and ALP activities. These data were reproduced in an in vivo experiment. From an analysis of a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in the in vitro-cultured scales, it was demonstrated that the insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 mRNA expression decreased by a bisphenol A treatment. On the other hand, 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) stimulated both TRAP and ALP activities and did not change IGF-1 mRNA expression, suggesting that bisphenol A has a different effect from E(2) on bone metabolism. This study is the first to demonstrate that bisphenol A functions to suppress directly osteoblasts and osteoclasts among vertebrates, which strongly suggests that this scale in an in vitro assay system can be utilized for the evaluation of the effects of endocrine disrupters on bone cells.

Acid Phosphatase↗
PubMed2004

The cytoskeleton and motor proteins of human schistosomes and their roles in surface maintenance and host-parasite interactions.

Schistosomes are parasitic blood flukes, responsible for significant human disease in tropical and developing nations. Here we review information on the organization of the cytoskeleton and associated motor proteins of schistosomes, with particular reference to the organization of the syncytial tegument, a unique cellular adaptation of these and other neodermatan flatworms. Extensive EST databases show that the molecular constituents of the cytoskeleton and associated molecular systems are likely to be similar to those of other eukaryotes, although there are potentially some molecules unique to schistosomes and platyhelminths. The biology of some components, particular those contributing to host-parasite interactions as well as chemotherapy and immunotherapy are discussed. Unresolved questions in relation to the structure and function of the tegument relate to dynamic organization of the syncytial layer.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Do feathered dinosaurs exist? Testing the hypothesis on neontological and paleontological evidence.

The origin of birds and avian flight from within the archosaurian radiation has been among the most contentious issues in paleobiology. Although there is general agreement that birds are related to theropod dinosaurs at some level, debate centers on whether birds are derived directly from highly derived theropods, the current dogma, or from an earlier common ancestor lacking suites of derived anatomical characters. Recent discoveries from the Early Cretaceous of China have highlighted the debate, with claims of the discovery of all stages of feather evolution and ancestral birds (theropod dinosaurs), although the deposits are at least 25 million years younger than those containing the earliest known bird Archaeopteryx. In the first part of the study we examine the fossil evidence relating to alleged feather progenitors, commonly referred to as protofeathers, in these putative ancestors of birds. Our findings show no evidence for the existence of protofeathers and consequently no evidence in support of the follicular theory of the morphogenesis of the feather. Rather, based on histological studies of the integument of modern reptiles, which show complex patterns of the collagen fibers of the dermis, we conclude that "protofeathers" are probably the remains of collagenous fiber "meshworks" that reinforced the dinosaur integument. These "meshworks" of the skin frequently formed aberrant patterns resembling feathers as a consequence of decomposition. Our findings also draw support from new paleontological evidence. We describe integumental structures, very similar to "protofeathers," preserved within the rib area of a Psittacosaurus specimen from Nanjing, China, an ornithopod dinosaur unconnected with the ancestry of birds. These integumental structures show a strong resemblance to the collagenous fiber systems in the dermis of many animals. We also report the presence of scales in the forearm of the theropod ornithomimid (bird mimic) dinosaur, Pelecanimimus, from Spain. In the second part of the study we examine evidence relating to the most critical character thought to link birds to derived theropods, a tridactyl hand composed of digits 1-2-3. We maintain the evidence supports interpretation of bird wing digit identity as 2,3,4, which appears different from that in theropod dinosaurs. The phylogenetic significance of Chinese microraptors is also discussed, with respect to bird origins and flight origins. We suggest that a possible solution to the disparate data is that Aves plus bird-like maniraptoran theropods (e.g., microraptors and others) may be a separate clade, distinctive from the main lineage of Theropoda, a remnant of the early avian radiation, exhibiting all stages of flight and flightlessness.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Local mechanical properties of the head articulation cuticle in the beetle Pachnoda marginata (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae).

Insect exoskeleton (cuticle) has a broad range of mechanical properties depending on the function of a particular structure of the skeleton. Structure and mechanical properties of the specialised cuticle of insect joints remain largely unknown to date. We used scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to obtain information about the material structure of the gula plate, the head part of the head-to-neck articulation system in the beetle Pachnoda marginata. The surface of this cuticle appears rather smooth in SEM. The fibers of the exocuticle are partly oriented almost perpendicular to the surface, which is rather unusual for arthropod cuticle. Nanoindentation experiments were performed to determine the local mechanical properties (hardness and elastic modulus) of the gula material. To understand the effect of desiccation and the influence of an outer wax layer on the mechanical behavior of the material, the samples were tested in fresh, dry and chemically treated (lipid extraction in organic solvents) conditions. Nanoindentation results were found to be strongly influenced by desiccation but only slightly by lipid extraction. Decreasing water content ( approximately 15-20% of the cuticle mass) led to an increase in hardness (from 0.1 to 0.49 GPa) and elastic modulus (from 1.5 to 7.5 GPa). The lipid extraction caused a slight further hardening (to 0.52 GPa) as well as stiffening (to 7.7 GPa) of the material. The results are discussed in relation to the mechanical function of the gula plate.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Retroactive, a membrane-anchored extracellular protein related to vertebrate snake neurotoxin-like proteins, is required for cuticle organization in the larva of Drosophila melanogaster.

Mutations in the rtv gene cause disarrangement of chitin fibers in the cuticle of the Drosophila larva, and occasionally the cuticle detaches from the epidermis. We have identified the rtv gene, and using the new HHpred homology detection method, we show that the Rtv protein defines a new family of disulfide-rich proteins in insects that are related to vertebrate snake neurotoxin-like proteins, including CD59 and transforming growth factor-beta type II receptors. Rtv is an extracellular membrane-anchored protein exposing six aromatic residues that may mediate binding to chitin. We propose that this binding function of Rtv may assist the organization of chitin fibers at the epidermal cell surface during cuticle assembly.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2005

Early post-larval development of the endoparasitic platyhelminth Mesocestoides corti: trypsin provokes reversible tegumental damage leading to serum-induced cell proliferation and growth.

Mesocestoides corti is a suitable in vitro model for studying the development of human endoparasitic platyhelminthes. Treatment with trypsin, supplemented with fetal bovine serum (FBS), induces M. corti development from larvae (tetrathyridia) to segmented adult worm; however, the role of this protease and of FBS in post-larval development induction remains unknown. To characterize the participation of trypsin enzymatic activity and of FBS in the induction of tetrathyridia growth and development, both stimuli were added to the larvae either together or sequentially. Additionally, specific inhibition of trypsin activity was also monitored. Finally, the effect of the enzyme on the parasite tegument as well as the proliferative activity and location of proliferating cells after induction of tetrathyridia development were also studied. We conclude that trypsin-induced tetrathyridia development to adult worm is FBS-dependent and that the effect of serum factors is dependent upon a previous trypsin-induced reversible damage to the larva tegument. In dividing and non-dividing tetrathyridia, proliferative activity of cells is mainly located within the apical massif in the anterior region and nerve cords of larvae, respectively. In tetrathyridia stimulated to develop to adult worms, an intense proliferative activity is evident along the nerve cords. Our results suggest that in natural infections the tetrathyridia tegument is temporally made permeable to growth factors by proteolytic enzyme activity in the intestine juice of the definitive host, thus leading to development to adult worms.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Effects of controlled pH on organic and inorganic composition in haemolymph, epidermal tissue and cuticle of mud crab Scylla serrata.

Analysis of organic and inorganic compounds in plasma, epidermal tissue and cuticle were accomplished in the intermolt (C3 stage) of crab Scylla serrata incubated in different pH media. Significant changes with similar trends for protein, carbohydrates, glycosaminoglycans (GAG), sulphur, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and copper in the plasma suggested higher dissolution in an acidic medium while the deposition increased in alkaline medium. Similar decreases in protein, carbohydrate and GAG in the epidermal compartment were observed from pH 4 to pH 12. However, significantly higher contents of sodium, chloride, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, sulphur and copper were measured at pH 7.5 with a symmetrical decrease profile in both acidic and alkaline media, resulting from synergistic effects in the osmotic regulation. Clear changes in calcium concentrations were observed with a sharp increase from lower contents at pH 7.5 to higher at pH 12. In the cuticle, the acidic condition induced a significant dissolution of HCl-protein, GAG, calcium and magnesium contents. On the other hand, the alkaline condition induced a significant decrease in carbohydrate, calcium, chloride, sulphur and potassium. A reduction trend is seen for NaOH and H(2)O-protein contents in the cuticle. These observations suggest that GAG and HCl-protein might constitute the most soluble fraction with high affinity for calcium binding and easily removed in acidic conditions. Additionally, it is possible to speculate that the carbohydrates associated with the NaOH and H(2)O-proteins may form an interface between the soluble matrix fraction and the chitin framework. Sulphur groups seem to present a strong linkage role in this interface fraction, maybe only broken by a specific enzyme in extreme alkaline conditions with subsequent release of significant calcium from the shell.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Development and evolution of the amniote integument: current landscape and future horizon.

This special issue on the development and evolution of the amniote integument begins with a discussion of the adaptations to terrestrial conditions, the acquisition of water-impermeability of the reptilian integument, and the initial formation of filamentous integumentary appendages that prepare the way towards avian flight. Recent feather fossils are reviewed, and a definition of feathers is developed. Hierarchical models are proposed for the formation of complex structures, such as feathers. Molecular signals that alter the phenotype of integumentary appendages at different levels of the hierarchy are presented. Tissue interactions and the roles of keratins in evolution are discussed and linked to their bio-mechanical properties. The role of mechanical forces on patterning is explored. Elaborate extant feather variants are introduced. The regeneration/gene mis-expression protocol for the chicken feather is established as a testable model for the study of biological structures. The adaptations of the mammalian distal limb end organs to terrestrial, arboreal and aquatic conditions are discussed. The development and cycling of hair are reviewed from a molecular perspective. These contributions reveal that the structure and function of diverse integumentary appendages are variations that are superimposed on a common theme, and that their formation is modular, hierarchical and cyclical. They further reveal that these mechanisms can be understood at the molecular level, and that an integrative and organismal approach to studying integumentary appendages is called for. We propose that future research should foster interdisciplinary approaches, pursue understanding at the cellular and molecular level, analyze interactions between the environment and genome, and recognize the contributions of variation in morphogenesis and evolution.

Animals↗