Cumulative effects of mutation accumulation on mitochondrial function and fitness.

The impact of mutations on the mitochondria deserves specific interest due to the crucial role played by these organelles on numerous cellular functions. This study examines the effects of repeated bottlenecks on mitochondrial function and fitness. Daphnia pulex mutation accumulation lines (MA) lines were maintained for over 120 generations under copper and no copper conditions.

Under pressure-exploring partner changes, physiological responses and telomere dynamics in northern gannets across varying breeding conditions.

Background: Life history theory predicts trade-offs between reproduction and survival in species like the northern gannet (). During breeding, demanding foraging conditions lead them to expand their foraging range and diversify their diet, increasing the risk of reproductive failure. Changing partners may enhance breeding success but lead to more physiological costs.

Controlling the interaction of light with polymer semiconductors.

In this study, a generally applicable strategy is described to manipulate the optical properties of a wide range of polymer semiconductors in the solid state. Blending these materials with a non-conjugated, polar polymer matrix is found to be the processing key to a drastic change and red-shift of the absorption characteristics.

Low hydrogen peroxide production in mitochondria of the long-lived Arctica islandica: underlying mechanisms for slow aging.

The observation of an inverse relationship between lifespan and mitochondrial H₂O₂ production rate would represent strong evidence for the disputed oxidative stress theory of aging. Studies on this subject using invertebrates are surprisingly lacking, despite their significance in both taxonomic richness and biomass. Bivalve mollusks represent an interesting taxonomic group to challenge this relationship.

Charge separation in semicrystalline polymeric semiconductors by photoexcitation: is the mechanism intrinsic or extrinsic?

We probe charge photogeneration and subsequent recombination dynamics in neat regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene) films over six decades in time by means of time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy. Exciton dissociation at 10 K occurs extrinsically at interfaces between molecularly ordered and disordered domains. Polaron pairs thus produced recombine by tunneling with distributed rates governed by the distribution of electron-hole radii.

Diffuse metastatic involvement of the breast.

Metastases to the breast are not very common and, according to the recent literature, usually present as nodules, most often single but sometimes multiple, generally without retraction or thickening of the skin. The authors reviewed 21 such cases from the last 15 years. In six patients the metastatic infiltration presented as diffuse thickening of the skin and increased density of the breast, as can be seen in inflammatory diseases or after radiotherapy.

DNA alterations at proto-oncogene loci and their clinical significance in operable non-small cell lung cancer.

DNA from tumor samples of 54 patients with operable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was analyzed to determine whether proto-oncogene alterations could be correlated with the clinical behavior of lung cancer. Among seven proto-oncogenes tested, changes in the copy number of Ha-ras, c-myc and c-raf-1 were found in only seven tumors. Most of them were epidermoid carcinomas without lymph node involvement (N0).

Thickening of the renal collecting system: a nonspecific finding at US.

The records of 22 patients in whom wall thickening of the renal collecting system was seen at ultrasound (US) were retrospectively reviewed. Wall thickening was found in 15 patients with renal transplants and seven with native kidneys. Severe thickening occurred with transplant rejection, but thickening also occurred with urinary tract infection, reflux, or chronic obstruction in both transplanted and native kidneys.

Hemolytic uremic syndrome in renal allografted patients treated with cyclosporin.

The classical triad of hemolytic uremic syndrome (microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, severe thrombopenia, and renal failure) developed de novo in three of our renal transplanted patients under cyclosporin A treatment. The predominant morphologic findings in the grafts consisted of glomerular and arteriolar thrombosis as well as arteriolonecrosis, all features of the syndrome. In one instance, ischemic bowel disease supervened after graft removal and was associated with persistent low grade microangiopathic process.

Partial lipodystrophy associated with a type 3 form of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis.

Partial lipodystrophy can be associated with a glomerulonephritis, most commonly a membranoproliferative form, of either the classic type 1 or the type 2 (dense deposit) disease in 50% of cases. We describe a woman affected by partial lipodystrophy associated with a type 3 form of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case in the English-language literature.

[Small-cell carcinoma ("oat cell" carcinoma) of the esophagus, a rare lesion: report of 2 new cases].

Small cell ("oat cell") carcinoma of the esophagus is a rare disease: only seventy-four patients have been reported in the world literature. We add two new patients, one of whom was studied radiologically. Since oat cell carcinoma originates from the neuro-ectoderm, it is not surprising to see such examples arising outside the lung and in particular from the digestive tract.

Malakoplakia of testis.

Two cases of malakoplakia of the testis are reported. Ultrastructural studies were performed in both cases and confirmed the histiocytic nature of the large cells seen in this granulomatous process. Characteristic Michaelis-Gutmann bodies are identified in those macrophages and seem to originate from altered lysosomes.

Macular coccidioidomycosis.

A 26-year-old woman had an enlarging dense macular lesion in the right eye. The funduscopic and angiographic findings were distinctly different from those in macular histoplasmosis. She was found to have a coccidioidomycotic granuloma in the left lung and was treated with amphotericin B.

Inverted papilloma of urinary tract.

The inverted papilloma of the urinary tract is a rare tumor; few urologists and pathologists are aware of its existence. Even if the histogenesis of the lesion is unknown, the correct diagnosis is essential, since its behavior appears totally benign, contrary to transitional cell carcinoma. We report 3 new cases, one originating in the renal pelvis, and one in an eighteen-year-old woman.