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PubMed1989

Effects of exogenous ovine growth hormone on reproduction, serum hormone profiles and milk characteristics in early-postpartum fine-wool ewes nursing single or twin offspring.

After parturition (Day 0), 31 mature spring-lambing, fine-wool ewes were randomly allotted to one of six groups. Treatments were lambs suckled (one or two) and ovine growth hormone (oGH; 0, 5 or 10 mg). Growth hormone was administered subcutaneously daily from Days 6 to 25. Milk characteristics were determined on Day 26. Ewes were observed for estrus beginning on Day 27. Serum insulin did not differ (P > 0.10) between suckling intensity before or after oGH treatment on Days 6, 15 or 25. Likewise, no difference (P > 0.10) in serum insulin was detected among ewes receiving 0, 5 or 10 mg oGH. Ewes suckling twins had higher (P < 0.05) serum growth hormone on Day 6 (before beginning oGH treatment) than ewes suckling single lambs. In ewes receiving 0, 5 and 10 mg oGH, serum growth hormone differed (P < 0.01) in a linear fashion 1 h after treatment was initiated on Day 6 and continued through Hour 6. Serum growth hormone on Days 15 and 25 differed among groups both before and after oGH was administered (P < 0.01). Suckling intensity did not affect (P > 0.10) milk or milk protein and fat yields; however, oGH increased (linear, P < 0.05) fat but did not affect milk or protein yields. Interval from parturition to estrus did not differ (P > 0.20) in ewes suckling single or twin offspring. Likewise, no differences (P > 0.20) in interval length were noted in ewes receiving 0, 5 or 10 mg oGH. Suckling intensity and oGH administration for 20 d had little effect on postpartum interval or milk characteristics during the first 30 d after lambing in fine-wool ewes.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1983

T-lymphocyte and B-lymphocyte dichotomy in anuran amphibians: I. T-lymphocyte proportions, distribution and ontogeny, as measured by E-rosetting, nylon wool adherence, postmetamorphic thymectomy, and non-specific esterase staining.

We used sheep erythrocyte (SRBC) E-rosetting, nylon wool fractionation thymectomy and nonspecific esterase staining to assess T-lymphocyte characteristics in Rana pipiens during various developmental stages. T-lymphocytes appear in the spleens of premetamorphic tadpoles. We found significant levels of lymphocytes classifiable as T-cells in the peripheral blood of adults, but fewer numbers of T-cells in the thymus, jugular bodies, spleen, pronephros, mesonephros, liver and bone marrow. In addition, thymectomized Xenopus laevis showed a sharp decrease in T-cells as evidenced by E-rosetting, ANAE stain and nylon wool fractionation. The presence of T-lymphocytes in anuran amphibians and the existence of a receptor for SRBC on a population of these cells, suggest conservation of T-cells during evolution.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1988

Complete sequence of a type-I microfibrillar wool keratin gene.

We have isolated and sequenced the gene encoding a type-I microfibrillar wool keratin (47.6 kDa) together with about 500 bp of flanking DNA at each end. The primary transcript is 5180 bp in length, with seven exons. The positions of the introns are highly conserved in regions of the gene coding for the alpha-helical protein domains common to all intermediate filaments. The 5'-flanking region contains sequences similar to published consensus sequences from a variety of other keratins, including the high-sulfur wool matrix proteins. Further upstream, this region also contains artiodactyl-specific middle-repetitive DNA of the 'C-A3' family and intron II displays regions similar to a recently described sequence known as an Art2 element.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1994

Examining equipment for wound care: the use of forceps and cotton wool in dressing packs.

Wound care experts have, over recent years, questioned the routine use of forceps and cotton wool balls in packs used for cleansing and dressing wounds. Despite relevant research supporting this view, these items still appear in wound care packs in some hospitals and the basis for this practice, at times, does not seem to have been questioned. A project to explore the effect of introducing a new pack (substituting gloves and non-woven gauze for cotton wool and forceps) was undertaken at St James's University Hospital in the summer of 1993. Nurses' opinions regarding satisfaction with the new pack were explored along with whether they would prefer to use forceps. Results showed that the majority of nurses were satisfied with the new packs and found them an appropriate, acceptable alternative. The Accident and Emergency findings are reported with a discussion of the implications for practice.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMed1981

Effect of glass wool filtration on ultrastructure of human spermatozoa.

The results of this study strongly suggest that filtration by glass wool can induce damage to the membrane and acrosome of the heads of some spermatozoa in a population. It is possible that the potential fertilizing capacity of a population of human spermatozoa may be reduced as a consequence of these alterations, especially those to the acrosome. The results suggest that sufficient clinical applications of glass wool filtration in artificial insemination is the only way to evaluate both the potential benefits of this process and the potential drawbacks to efficiency that may be caused by a degree of ultrastructural damage.

Acrosome↗
PubMed2002

Systematic characterisation of long-chain aliphatic esters of wool wax by gas chromatography-electron impact ionisation mass spectrometry.

A detailed structural characterisation of the aliphatic high-molecular-mass esters extracted from raw wool based on high-temperature gas chromatography-electron impact ionisation mass spectrometry is described. The raw wool esters extracted are in the range of C37 to C54 (i.e., molecular mass 550-788). The selected ion chromatogram exhibited four isomers for the esters with an odd number of carbon atoms (i:a, i:n, a:n and n:n) and five for those with an even number of carbon atoms (i:i, a:a, i:n, a:n and n:n). Isomeric structural elucidation is discussed with respect to the long-chain fatty acid and long-chain fatty alcohol structures, on the basis of chromatographic retention behaviour and mass spectral information.

Esters↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Isolated cotton-wool spots in a 67-year-old woman.

An elderly woman presented for evaluation of the recent onset of a fixed, blurry circle in the right eye. Visual acuity was 20/20 OU. Funduscopic examination revealed a newly-noticed isolated cotton-wool spot in each eye. Amsler grid testing revealed an arcuate shady area in the inferior nasal field. A thorough systemic and laboratory evaluation led to the diagnosis of multiple myeloma. The evaluation of an isolated cotton-wool spot found on funduscopic examination in the absence of diabetes and hypertension is discussed.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

Atomic force microscopy analysis of wool fibre surfaces in air and under water

Wool fibre surfaces have been treated by solvent cleaning which leaves the native covalently bound surface lipid layer intact, and by alcoholic alkali which removes the lipid layer. The resultant surfaces have been analysed by atomic force microscopy (AFM), with particular emphasis on force-distance (F-d) methods. Methodologies were developed for investigation in situ in water of both the surface topography and the characteristics of the lipid layer. Longitudinal surface texturing was resolved in images of wool fibre surfaces in air; the texturing remained prominent after exposure to water. High resolution F-d curves revealed features associated with the lipid layer. A simple formalism was used to show that the layer had a thickness of a few nm, and an effective stiffness of some 0. 12+/-0.01N/m. Strong adhesive interactions, equivalent to a pressure of 0.1MPa, acted on the tip at the tip-to-substrate interface. The methodology and formalism are likely to be relevant in the broad field of thin-film analysis and for fibre technology.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2004

Photodegradation chemistry of the insecticide phosmet in lipid models and in the presence of wool wax, employing a 15N-labeled compound.

The organophosphorus insecticide phosmet is commonly used for plant protection as well as against pests on animals. Phosmet features numerous degradation pathways induced by UV irradiation. In this study, we focused on the reaction possibilities of phosmet in the presence of lipophilic substances with olefinic structure elements, as they are frequently found in animal fur lipids, especially in wool wax. In the first step, simple models were employed to characterize the structural types of formed photoaddition products. On irradiation in the presence of cyclohexene, three photoaddition products were identified, a (4pi + 2pi) cycloaddition product of phosmet and cyclohexene and two diastereoisomer carbinols. Likewise, in more sophisticated models employing fatty acid methyl esters for irradiation experiments, phosmet was readily photodegraded. In the presence of methyl oleate, also 1:1 photoaddition products could easily be identified by means of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, using a stable isotope-labeled phosmet (15N-phosmet, 50 at. %) for the photolysis experiments. To converge from models to the more complex natural environment of animal skin lipids, irradiation experiments of phosmet in the presence of wool wax were performed. After 24 h of irradiation, only a remnant of 1.4% of the initial phosmet was detectable. Phosmet-oxon was detected in concentrations up to 27.3 mol %.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗
PubMed1999

Identification of differentially expressed genes during a wool follicle growth cycle induced by prolactin.

The wool follicles of New Zealand Wiltshire sheep can be induced to undergo growth cycles by manipulating circulating prolactin levels. Altered patterns of gene expression through this cycle were examined using differential display, and nine sequence tags for differentially expressed genes were isolated. Four of these tags were identified as fragments of known genes, encoding a wool keratin, KRTAP3.2, a desmosome component, desmoglein 1, an epithelial cell marker, stratifin, and a protein kinase, Clk3. All four genes were shown to be downregulated in telogen skin compared with anagen. In situ hybridization showed that all had localization patterns which included cells that are absent in telogen. The stratifin tag was used to clone a cDNA that incorporated a complete open-reading frame for ovine stratifin. Ovine stratifin is similar to the human form, showing only six single residue differences in the predicted amino acid sequence. Stratifin probably acts as a regulator of other proteins involved in trichocyte cell cycling and differentiation. Clk3 is involved in regulating RNA splicing. KRTAP3.2 and Dsg1 both play structural roles in hair follicles. The other five tags, including two representing genes that were upregulated during catagen, could not be identified by homology. Differential display is an effective means of identifying genes involved in follicle function and, potentially, of genes controlling the growth cycle.

14-3-3 Proteins↗
PubMed1983

Morphological changes in the skin and wool fibres of Merino sheep infused with mouse epidermal growth factor.

Intravenous infusion of 4.5-4.7 mg of mouse epidermal growth factor (mEGF) into nine castrated male Merino sheep for 26 h resulted in complete casting of the fleeces 6-8 days later. The morphological changes which occurred in the skin were studied in skin samples taken before infusion and at intervals between 1 h and 42 days after the infusion had begun. Wool fibres from the shed fleeces were examined with the scanning electron microscope. Increased cell proliferation occurred in the epidermis and sebaceous glands, whereas the wool follicles regressed. Transient dermal haemorrhages occurred during the first 3 h of infusion. The fibre and inner root sheath in the keratogenous zone of 30-40% of the follicles were partially disrupted within the first 6 h of mEGF infusion; catagen began in all follicle bulbs within 24 h. Fibre and inner root sheath production, although markedly reduced, continued in about 60% of follicles which had partially regressed, but production ceased in the remainder in which tapered ends formed on the fibres prior to shedding. Follicles began to regenerate asynchronously 4-8 days after the beginning of infusion and completed their development during the next 3 weeks. The follicle regression and fleece casting induced by mEGF infusion, and subsequent follicle regeneration were completed more rapidly than observed previously with other depilatory agents, and, except for prolonged epidermal thickening, there was no lasting cutaneous abnormality.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

An immunocytochemical method for studying patterns of cell proliferation in the wool follicle.

The identification of cell proliferation sites in the wool follicle bulbs of the skin of New Zealand Romney sheep was investigated with two immunocytochemical techniques. These methods were based on the in vivo labelling of DNA synthesising follicle matrix cells with the thymidine analogue 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) and a surgical preparation of the skin on the lateral abdominal flank of the sheep. Using a monoclonal antibody to BrdU, an indirect immunoenzyme method and a biotin-streptavidin method were compared for specificity and sensitivity in detecting replicating bulb matrix cells which had incorporated infused BrdU during the S-phase of the cell cycle. The immunocytochemical results for both methods showed a black-brown staining reaction of cell nuclei entering mitosis. The biotin-streptavidin method proved to be more highly specific and sensitive than the immunoenzyme technique. The immunocytochemical detection of cell cycle S-phase is highly suited for studying cell proliferation sites and cytokinetics in wool follicle bulbs and in other mitotically active tissues. Immunocytochemical detection of mitotically active cells has the advantages of high specificity, cost efficiency and rapidity and may be an alternative to methods employing metaphase arresting agents like colchicine or autoradiography.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Chronic inhalation studies of two types of stone wool fibers in rats.

A summary is given of the pathology results after long-term inhalation in rats of insulation wool representing the new biosoluble types. The pathology results are compared with previously conducted long-term inhalation study with MMVF21 (traditional stone wool). The biosoluble fiber MMVF34/HT (HT) is characterized by a relatively high content of aluminum and a relatively low content of silica compared to the older MMVF21. HT has a high in vitro dissolution rate at pH 4.5, and a relatively low dissolution rate at pH 7.5. Male Fischer 344 rats were exposed at one exposure level of 30 mg/m(3) by nose-only inhalation of a well-characterized fiber test atmosphere. The fibers had been size selected to be largely rat respirable. The negative control group was exposed to filtered air. The exposure duration was 6 h/day, 5 days/wk for 104 wk, with a subsequent nonexposure period lasting until approximately 20% survival in the air control group. Interim sacrifices were performed at wk 13, 26, 52, 78, and 104 to monitor the progression of pulmonary change and fiber numbers. Effectively the main protocol for the previously conducted chronic study with MMVF21 was the same, except that there were three concentration levels (3, 16, and 30 mg/m(3)). In addition to the endpoints measured in the previous study, slides from both studies were evaluated for collagen deposition using a quantitative morphometric method. The results of the comparative study clearly showed a marked difference in the pulmonary pathogenicity of the MMVF21 and HT in terms of their fibrogenic potential. MMVF21 caused pulmonary fibrosis, but the HT fiber did not. The incidence of tumors for both the HT and the MMVF21 fiber was comparable to the control groups.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2002

Carcinogenicity studies after intraperitoneal injection of two types of stone wool fibres in rats.

A summary is given of the pathology results after intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection in rats of insulation wool HT, representing the new biosoluble types. The pathology results are compared with a previously conducted i.p. study with traditional stone wool D6 (with similar chemical composition to MMVF21). The HT fibre is characterized by a relatively high content of aluminium and a relatively low content of silica compared to MMVF21. HT has a high in vitro dissolution rate at pH 4.5, a relatively low dissolution rate at pH 7.5 and is less biopersistent than the MMVF21 fibre. Female Wistar rats received a dose of 2 x 10(9) WHO HT fibres by i.p. injection. The fibres had been size-selected to be largely rat respirable. The negative control group was exposed to saline. Following exposure, the animals were maintained until survival in one group fell below 20%. At this time, all animals were killed. All animals were subjected to a necropsy examination; any gross abnormalities observed at necropsy were subjected to histopathological examination. In addition, histopathology was carried out on a predefined list of tissues. The incidences of lesions and survival in the control and fibre dosed animals were compared using appropriate statistical methods to determine whether the dosed animals showed adverse effects on survival or a positive carcinogenic response. The main protocol for the previously conducted study with D6 (MMVF21) was similar, but the animals were maintained as long as they survived, and the WHO fibre dose was lower. The results of the comparative study showed a marked difference in the i.p. pathogenicity of D6 (MMVF21) and HT in terms of their carcinogenic potential. D6 (MMVF21) caused a statistically significant increase of mesotheliomas in the peritoneal cavity compared to the negative control, but the HT fibre did not cause any mesotheliomas or any increase in other tumour types.

Abdominal Neoplasms↗
PubMed1975

A comparison in vivo dacron wool (Swank) and polyester mesh (Pall) micropore blood transfusion filters in the prevention of pulmonary microembolism associated with massive transfusion.

Experiments were performed to compare the effectiveness in vivo of the two most widely used micropore blood transfusion filters in preventing detrimental physiologic changes associated with transfusion of microaggregate-containing blood. Exchange transfusion with stored blood having an elevated screen filtration pressure (SFP) through polyester mesh (Pall) filters (Group PM) was followed by decreases in arterial blood pH and O2 consumption, increases in arterial blood pyruvate and lactate concentrations, and a decrease in pulmonary DO2. The lungs of 5 of 6 animals revealed emboli far out in the pulmonary microcirculation. These changes did not occur in animals transfused through dacron wool (Swank) filters (Group DW). Even though an increase after transfusion in pulmonary Qs/Qt in Group PM did not achieve statistical significance when compared to pretransfusion Qs/Qt, it was significantly higher than that in animals in Group DW. Both filters removed considerable quantities of microaggregates; however, the polyester mesh (Pall) filters permitted passage of small microaggregates and development of ditrimental physiologic changes. Dacron wool (Swank) filters completely removed measurable microaggregates and detrimental changes did not occur.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Lung cancer among rock and slag wool production workers.

BACKGROUND: Previous cohort studies have found an elevated risk of lung cancer among rock and slag wool (RSW) production workers. The aim of the present study was to investigate the risk of lung cancer associated with exposure to RSW while controlling for other occupational exposures and tobacco smoking. METHODS: Since 1971, a total of 196 lung cancer cases occurred among men who worked in seven plants in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Germany, with start of production between 1937 and 1950. We obtained information on occupational history and extra-occupational factors from either the subject or the next of kin for 133 cases and 513 matched controls. We assessed occupational exposure on the basis of interview data combined with information from expert panels set up in each factory. RESULTS: For cumulative exposure to RSW assessed with a 15-year lag, the smoking-adjusted odds ratios in the second, third, and fourth quartiles of exposure were 1.3 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.7-2.3), 1.0 (CI = 0.5-1.9), and 0.7 (CI = 0.3-1.3). Similar results were obtained when we included only those workers employed for more than 1 year, when we included other indicators of RSW exposure, and after control for co-exposures. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides no evidence of a carcinogenic effect on the lung of rock and slag wool under exposure circumstances in the production industry during the last four to five decades.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Cotton-wool exudates not observed in recipients of renal transplants treated with cyclosporine.

Retinal cotton-wool patches, not previously observed in bone marrow recipients, have been reported in three patients who received Sandimmun (cyclosporine) as prophylaxis for graft-versus-host-disease after bone marrow transplantation. These patients all had acute lymphoblastic leukemia and had received, in addition to the standard conditioning regimen, central nervous system irradiation before transplantation. We were thus prompted to examine 55 renal transplant recipients (15 of them prospectively) who were receiving cyclosporine for evidence of similar fundal changes. No cotton-wool patches were found in any of the renal transplant recipients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

"Steel wool keratopathy": a clinical sign of chronic inflammation.

PURPOSE: To introduce into the clinical nomenclature a sign frequently observed in our patients with persistent corneal inflammation associated with herpetic stromal keratitis. METHODS: Case reports and review of the literature. RESULTS: Four representative patients with herpesvirus stromal keratitis are presented. Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) was confirmed by culture in 1 case and by polymerase chain reaction in a second case. In the remaining 2 cases, the diagnosis was made based on characteristic clinical findings for herpes simplex virus and varicella zoster virus (VZV). On clinical examination, all 4 representative cases of stromal keratitis revealed a well-defined, localized region of intertwined, metallic-like, polychromatic material in the corneal stroma, a sign we have termed steel wool keratopathy. We have only rarely observed this finding in patients with stromal keratitis not caused by a herpesvirus. CONCLUSION: Steel wool keratopathy seems to represent a focal region of stromal degeneration or deposition associated with chronic inflammation. Although we most often observe this finding in patients with stromal keratitis secondary to HSV or VZV, we cannot exclude the possibility that this sign represents the sequelae of chronic/recurrent inflammation rather than a specific pathologic response to herpetic antigens.

Acyclovir↗