Morphometric Characteristics and Time to Hatch as Efficacious Indicators for Potential Nanotoxicity Assay in Zebrafish

Although the effects of nano-sized titania (nTiO2) on hatching events (change in hatching time and total hatching) in zebrafish have been reported, additional consequences of nTiO2 exposure (i.e., the effects of nTiO2-induced changes in hatching events and morphometric parameters on embryo-larvae development and survivability) have not been reported. To address this knowledge gap, embryos 4 h postfertilization were exposed to nTiO2 (0, 0.01, 10, and 1000 μg/mL) for 220 h. Hatching rate (58, 82, and 106 h postexposure [hpe]), survival rate (8 times from 34 to 202 hpe), and 21 morphometric characteristics (8 times from 34 to 202 hpe) were recorded. Total hatching (rate at 106 hpe) was significantly and positively correlated to survival rate, but there was no direct association between nTiO2-induced change in hatching time (hatching rate at 58 and 82 hpe) and survival rate. At 58, 82, and 106 hpe, morphometric characteristics were significantly correlated to hatching rate, suggesting that the nTiO2-induced change in hatching time can affect larval development. The morphometric characteristics that were associated with change in hatching time were also significantly correlated to survival rate, suggesting an indirect significant influence of the nTiO2-induced change in hatching time on survivability. These results show a significant influence of nTiO2-induced change in hatching events on zebrafish embryo-larvae development and survivability. They also show that morphometric maldevelopments can predict later-in-life consequences (survivability) of an embryonic exposure to nTiO2. This suggests that zebrafish can be sensitive biological predictors of nTiO2 acute toxicity

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the larynx: A case report

Introduction: Inflammatory myofibroblastic pseudotumors are initially described in the lung and various extrapulmonary sites such as the orbits, palatine tonsils, ears, gingiva, pterygomaxillary space, and periodontal tissues. These tumors rarely involve the larynx and predilection to the glottis occurs in an indolent manner. Case Report: This case describes a laryngeal myofibroblastic tumor in a 46-year-old woman who presented with an aggressive tumor that extended to the floor of the mouth and the base of the tongue. Extended supraglottic laryngectomy was undertaken for the patient. The diagnosis was spindle cell proliferation with dense lymphoplasma cell infiltration compatible with inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (Inflammatory pseudotumor or plasma cell granuloma). Definitive diagnosis was achieved with immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. Conclusion: We believe that further IHC studies are required to define the true nature of these tumors especially for those that behave in an aggressive pattern

Treatment of choronic dystonia with electroconvulsive therapy (A case report)

Dystonia, a serious side effect of antipsychotic drugs, has two kinds of acute and chronic (tardive). The tardive kind has been the focus of attention recently, but a proved therapy has not been found. This kind is more serious and has poorer prognosis than the early onset type. The patient who is presented, is a man with 23 years of age who was hospitalized for the first time in 2002 while having paranoid schizophrenia symptoms. During the same period he has recieved antipsychotic drugs (Rispridon, perphenazin) and after being discharged, just a daily dose of 16 mg perphenazin was used. Since March of 2003 he has been afflicted with progressive neck tilting which was very disturbing and troublesome and was hospitalized with the diagnosis of tardive dystonia. The proposed drugs in psychiatric refrences were not effective finally he received ECT for 6 sessions which showed dramatic improvement. There was no relapse of symptoms after discharging the patient and restarting antipsychotic drug (Clozapin). There has not been any relapse in his dystonia afterward. The purpose of this article was to introduce an effective treatment for tardive dystonia

Spectral narrowing in coherent rayleigh-brillouin scattering

Contains fulltext : 92355.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access

Two‑line atomic fluorescence thermometry in the saturation regime

Two-line atomic fluorescence (TLAF) thermometry is based on the consecutive excitation of two nearby atomic ground states to a common excited state, and ratioing the ensuing fluorescence yields. TLAF is one of the few methods that hold promise for thermometry in sooting environments. We extend the method to the regime of fully saturated excitation and introduce a new seeding system that also allows the method to be used in lean flames. We compare results for saturated TLAF to those of linear TLAF and to thermocouple measurements, and find good correspondence. The saturated version introduced here maximizes fluorescence yields while simultaneously suppressing the dependence on excitation laser irradiance

Is the Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungus Funneliformis mosseae a Suitable Agent to Control Criconematid Populations?

Several studies have shown the potential of using mycorrhizal fungi in increasing the plant yield by simultaneously reducing damages caused by pathogens. Plant parasitic nematodes (PPNs) are among the most feared pathogens for crops. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Funneliformis mosseae as a mycorrhizal fungus on the population abundance of three world widespread species of nematodes from the family Criconematidae: Mesocriconema xenoplax, Mesocriconema antipolitanum, and Criconemides informis. Pure and highly abundant populations of each species were collected from Urmia city in Northwestern Iran, after the identification morphological and morphometric characteristics. The experiments were carried out in greenhouse conditions on three different rhizospheres of alfalfa, sugar beet, and wheat. After five months, the final population of nematodes and fungus, and the root surface on host plants inoculated and noninoculated with the fungus F. mosseae, were evaluated. The results showed that the population of nematodes was increased in the presence of the fungus. It could be assumed that the extension of the host surface level of roots by the fungus resulted in more feeding sites for nematode activity and, consequently, higher population densities. In this study, the fungus did not seem to play a suitable role in controlling ectoparasitic nematode growth. However, since there are still many open questions about mycorrhizal fungi’s role in agriculture, more research should be conducted