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At least 487 records · Page 27Linked to original sources
PubMed1987

Growth response, reproductive activity, and serum growth hormone in fine-wool ewe lambs treated with triiodothyronine.

Forty-four 6-mo-old, fine-wool ewe lambs were randomly allotted to one of three triiodothyronine (T(3)) treatment groups (14 or 15 ewe lambs/group). Treatments (0, 200, and 400 mug T(3)) were administered daily by subcutaneous injection during a 30-d treatment period in September. Following the treatments, ewe lambs were allowed to mate with Debouillet rams during a 34-d breeding season. Animal weights did not differ (P > 0.10) among treatment groups throughout the study. However, ewe lambs receiving 400 mug T(3)/d gained less (P < 0.05) during the treatment period than did those receiving 200 mug T(3)/d or controls. Grease fleece weights (6-mo clip) were similar (P > 0.10) among treatment groups. Serum growth hormone (GH) values in blood samples collected on Days 7 and 28 of the 30-d treatment were similar (P > 0.10) before treatments were administered and on Day 7 after treatments were administered. However, on Day 28 after treatments were administered, serum GH was lower (P < 0.01) in ewe lambs receiving 400 mug T(3)/d (1.5 ng/ml) than in those receiving 200 mug/d (2.1 ng/ml) or controls (2.2 ng/ml). Ovarian cyclicity was determined by monitoring serum progesterone. Forty percent of control ewe lambs were determined to have cycled during treatment compared with 20% of those receiving 200 mug T(3)/day and none of those receiving 400 mug T(3)/d (P < 0.10). Pregnancy rates were lower (P < 0.10) in ewe lambs receiving 400 mug T(3)/d (29%) compared with those receiving 200 mug T(3)/d (60%) or controls (66.7%). Day of conception, lambs born/ewe exposed, lambs born/ewe lambing, and lambs weaned/ewe lambing did not differ (P > 0.10) among treatments. Preweaning performance of offspring was not altered by maternal treatment with 200 or 400 mug T(3)/d (P > 0.10). These data indicate that 200 and 400 mug T(3)/d will not enhance GH production or improve reproductive performance of ewe lambs.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1987

Semen characteristics, scrotal circumference and bacterial isolates of fine wool range rams.

During 1983, 887 fine wool rams were subjected to breeding soundness evaluation to determine effects of age and scrotal circumference on semen characteristics. Of rams evaluated, 94.4, 84.8, and 81.9% of young (</=1.5 yr), mature (2 to 5 yr), and old (>6 yr), respectively, were rated as satis-factory. Old rams had fewer (P < 0.05) motile cells and more (P < 0.05) abnormal cells than young rams. Among older rams there was a higher percentage (P < 0.05) with testicular lesions than among young or mature rams. Scrotal circumference was positively correlated (P < 0.01) with semen volume and percentage of motile normal cells. Motility was negatively correlated (P < 0.01) with percentage of abnormal cells. Mature and old rams with large (>/=36.7 cm) testis had more (P < 0.10) abnormal cells than those in the same age groups with smaller testis. Scrotal circumference was positively correlated (P < 0.10) to volume and motility in mature and old rams, while motility was negatively correlated (P < 0.01) to percentage of abnormal cells in all age groups. Previous semen testing reduced (P < 0.05) the percentage of mature rams with leucocytes. Vaccination against epididymitis reduced (P < 0.05) the incidence of mature rams with leucocytes and testicular lesions. Brucella ovis was recovered from 54 (67.5%) of 80 ejaculates cultured. Among rams infected with B . ovis , only three (5.6%) were vaccinated against B . ovis and had their semen tested previously.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2006

In vivo histology of cotton-wool spots using high-resolution optical coherence tomography.

PURPOSE: To provide optical characteristics of cotton-wool spots (CWS) on optical coherence tomography (OCT) and scan the retina after CWS have ophthalmoscopically disappeared. DESIGN: Observational case reports. METHODS: We studied four eyes of four patients with retinopathy due to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hypertension. The StratusOCT Model 3000 in single-line mode was used for imaging of acute and resolved CWS and adjacent normal retina. The fundus photography served as a template for OCT scanning in localization of CWS. Retinal tissue reflectivity images were compared. RESULTS: There were differences in reflectivity of normal retina, the retina in the area of active CWS, and the retina in the same area after CWS has resolved. Most striking was that the OCT documented a persistent focal area of hyper-reflectivity in the area of the resolved CWS, indicative of retinal gliosis that could be imaged. CONCLUSIONS: CWS show a hyper-reflective pattern on OCT that persists even after they become ophthalmoscopically invisible.

Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological↗
PubMed2004

NMR Wool Tube: a novel method for NMR solution analysis of derivatized glass surfaces.

Glass wool was placed within an NMR tube as a solid support for the covalent attachment of a molecule to allow for a simple one-dimensional 1H FT NMR solution analysis. This novel procedure avoids the use of expensive sample tubes or platforms, as required for magic angle or fast spinning, exotic pulse sequences, isotopic labeling or the use of a large number of scans to provide the ability to analyze the structure, mobility, ligand binding, and solvent interactions of the surface bound molecule.

Glass↗
PubMed2001

Two-step negative enrichment of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from murine spleen via nylon wool adherence and an optimized antibody cocktail.

We developed a method to highly purify CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from murine spleen by negative enrichment strategy. Single-cell suspensions of spleen cells were depleted from erythrocytes by ammonium chloride-mediated lysis. The obtained cell suspension contained approximately 28% CD4+ cells and 14% CD8+ cells. Passing of these cells over a nylon wool column removed up to 75% of all cells, leading to a suspension containing approximately 50% CD4+ and 23% CD8+ cells. These cells were further purified by a single immunomagnetic depletion step using a panel of eight antibodies in combination with MACS magnetic beads and an autoMACS machine. After purification, cells were viable and mostly non-activated based on the expression of activation markers and did not or only minimally respond to polyclonal stimuli such as soluble anti-CD3 antibodies or Concanavalin A. With this method, 19-38% of all CD4 cells and 10-29% of all CD8 cells in a spleen cell suspension were recovered at the mentioned purity. The whole procedure is fast (<4 h of preparation), simple and cost effective, as all antibodies and the magnetic beads have been titrated to the minimal concentration needed for purification. The method is highly reproducible, routinely leading to CD4+ cells with >97% purity (range 97.4-99%) and CD8+ cells with >96% purity (range 95.6-96.7%). The described protocol should facilitate studies aiming at the physiology of "untouched" murine T cells.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Decolorization and biodegradability of photocatalytic treated azo dyes and wool textile wastewater.

The photodegradation and biodegradability have been investigated for four non-biodegradable commercial azo dyes, Reactive YellowKD-3G, Reactive Red 15, Reactive Red 24, Cationic Blue X-GRL, an indicator. Methyl Orange, and one industrial wool textile wastewater, using TiO2 suspensions irradiated with a medium pressure mercury lamp. The color removal of dyes solution and dyeing wastewater reached to above 90% within 20-30 min. of photocatalytic treatment. Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) was found to increase, while chemical oxygen demand (COD), total organic carbon (TOC) decreased, so that the ratio of BOD5/COD of the wastewater increased from original zero up to 0.75. The result implies that photocatalytic oxidation enhanced the biodegradability of the dye-containing wastewater and therefore relationship between decolorization and biodegradability exists. When the color disappeared completely, the wastewater biodegraded normally and could be discharged for further treatment. The experimental results demonstrate that it is possible to combine photocatalysis with conventional biological treatment for the remedy of wastewater containing generally non-biodegradable azo dyes.

Azo Compounds↗
PubMed1997

A study on the Cr(VI) removal from aqueous solutions by steel wool.

The reduction of Cr(VI) by steel wool and the precipitation of reduced chromium by CaCO(3) powder and NaOH solution were investigated in continuous and batch systems, respectively. The effects of acid and initial Cr(VI) concentrations, volumetric rate and temperature of solution on Cr(VI) reduction were studied. The results showed that the reduction of Cr(VI), to a large extent, depended on, and increased with, acid concentration. The Cr(III) and iron ions in the reduced solution were completely precipitated by using NaOH solution at appropriate alkaline conditions. It was concluded that CaCO(3) powder could be used as a cheap precipitant for Cr(III) ions. But the iron ions in the reduced solution could not be fully removed by using this precipitant.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2003

Fiber glass and rock/slag wool exposure of professional and do-it-yourself installers.

The fiber glass (FG) and rock/slag wool (RSW) manufacturers have developed a Health and Safety Partnership Program (HSPP) with the participation and oversight of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Among its many provisions the HSPP includes the continuing study of FG and RSW workplace concentrations in manufacturing facilities operated by FG/RSW producers and among their customers and end users. This analysis estimates the probable cumulative lifetime exposure (fiber-months/cubic centimeter [f-months/cc]) to those who install FG and RSW insulation in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings in Canada and the United States. Both professional and do-it-yourself (DIY) cohorts are studied and the estimated working lifetime exposures are compared with benchmark values derived from an analysis of the epidemiological studies of FG and RSW manufacturing cohorts. The key finding of this analysis is that both of these end-user cohorts are likely to have substantially lower cumulative lifetime exposures than the manufacturing cohorts. As the most recent updates of the epidemiological studies concluded that there was no significant increase in respiratory system cancer among the manufacturing cohorts, there is likely to be even less risk for the installer cohorts. This analysis also underscores the wisdom of stewardship activities in the HSPP, particularly those directed at measuring and controlling exposure.

Cohort Studies↗
PubMed2003

Cyclooxygenase-2 in the hippocampus is up-regulated in Alzheimer's disease but not in variant Alzheimer's disease with cotton wool plaques in humans.

We examined neuronal expression of cyclooxygenase-2, a pro-inflammatory protein, and neuron densities in the CA1-4 of the hippocampus in three cases of Alzheimer's disease with cotton wool plaques (CWP-AD), 17 cases of typical Alzheimer's disease without CWPs (tAD), and 26 normal controls. Cyclooxygenase-2 expression was significantly increased in all of the CA1-4 in tAD, but not in any subdivision in CWP-AD, compared with controls. Cyclooxygenase-2 expression in tAD was also significantly up-regulated compared with that in CWP-AD in all subdivisions. Furthermore, neuron density in the hippocampus was not significantly reduced in CWP-AD cases compared with controls despite remarkable intra- and extraneuronal Abeta deposition. These findings suggest that unknown factors besides Abeta deposition are necessary for the cyclooxygenase-2 up-regulation and neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

Immobilization of antibodies onto glass wool.

The immobilization of antibodies onto solid phases in an efficient and activity-retaining form is an important goal for both research and industry. Methods have been developed for the site-directed attachment of antibodies to agarose by oxidation of the carbohydrate moieties in their Fc region. Similar attachment to silianized supports have not been as successful. Here we describe a novel combination protocol for the site-directed attachment of periodate oxidized, goat polyclonal antibodies to glass wool fibers activated with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane. The study demonstrates that this procedure results in effective immobilization of polyclonal antibodies that retain their antigen-binding capacity. This protocol should prove useful in the development of more efficient and effective glass-based immunosupports.

Antibodies↗
PubMed2000

Follicle characteristics, seasonal changes in fibre cross-sectional area and ellipticity in Australasian specialty carpet wool sheep, Romneys and Merinos.

Data was collected on secondary:primary follicle ratio, relative follicle density, and seasonal changes in fibre cross-sectional area and fibre ellipticity (ratio of major-to-minor fibre cross-sectional axis) in the Australasian specialty carpet wool breeds (Carpetmaster, Drysdale, Elliottdale, Tukidale), Romneys and Merinos. Merinos had a higher secondary:primary follicle ratio (p<0.001), relative primary follicle density (p<0.05), relative secondary and relative total follicle density (p<0.01) than the other breeds. Both breed and follicle type (primary or secondary) had a significant effect on fibre cross-sectional area (p<0.05). While both fibre types (primary and secondary) showed changes in cross-sectional area during the experiment, a more distinct seasonal pattern was seen in the secondary fibres with summer maxima and winter minima in all breeds. Relative change in fibre diameter was higher in secondary fibres than in primary fibres. Changes in fibre ellipticity were also noted throughout the duration of the experiment. It is apparent that there are differences between primary and secondary follicle populations in the way the fibres produced contribute to seasonal changes in average fibre diameter of fleeces. The changes suggest there are separate control mechanisms for each follicle type and that the number, size and arrangement of the cells in each type of fibre vary independently of one another throughout the year, bringing about dynamic changes in fibre growth and form. Further work is required to examine the influence of feed quality on these factors and to determine the mechanisms through which these changes in fibre structure are brought about.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2005

Amino-terminally truncated Abeta peptide species are the main component of cotton wool plaques.

Cotton wool plaques (CWPs) are round lesions that lack a central amyloid core. CWPs have been observed in individuals affected by early-onset familial Alzheimer disease (FAD) associated with mutations in the presenilin 1 (PSEN1) gene. Here we present the characterization of the amyloid-beta (Abeta) peptides deposited in the brain of an individual affected by FAD carrying the novel missense (V261I) mutation in the PSEN1 gene. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry was used to determine the Abeta peptide species present in the cerebral and cerebellar cortices, in leptomeningeal vessels, and in CWPs isolated by laser microdissection (LMD). Our results indicate that amino-terminally truncated Abeta peptide species ending at residues 42 and 43 are the main Abeta peptides deposited in brain parenchyma and LMD-CWPs in association with the PSEN1 V261I mutation. Full-length Abeta1-42 and Abeta1-43 peptide species were underrepresented. CWPs were not found to be associated with vessels and did not contain Abeta1-40 peptides, the main component of the vascular deposits. Although Abeta deposits were present mostly in the form of CWPs in the cerebral cortex and as diffuse deposits in the cerebellar cortex, a similar array of amino-terminally truncated Abeta peptide species was seen in both cases. The biochemical data support the concept that parenchymal and vascular amyloid deposits are associated with a different array of Abeta peptide species. The generation and parenchymal deposition of highly insoluble amino-terminally truncated Abeta peptides may play an important role in the pathogenesis of AD and must be taken into consideration in developing new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Alzheimer Disease↗
PubMed1998

Lung cancer mortality among European rock/slag wool workers: exposure-response analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose was to analyze the relationship between semi-quantitative indices of exposure to manmade vitreous fibers and lung cancer mortality among European rock/slag wool (RSW) workers. METHODS: The study population comprised 9,603 male workers employed in RSW production in seven factories in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Germany, followed up for mortality as of 1990-91. Estimates of past exposure to respirable fibers were used to calculate cumulative exposure with a 15-year lag and maximum annual exposure based on employment history up to 1977. Rate ratios were estimated via multivariate Poisson regression, adjusting for country, age, calendar year, time since first employment, and employment status. RESULTS: A total of 159 lung cancer deaths were included in the analysis of which 97 among workers with more than one year of employment. We found nonstatistically significant trends in lung cancer risk according to cumulative exposure. Relative risks (RR) in the four quartiles were 1.0 (reference), 1.3 (95 percent confidence interval [CI] = 0.8-2.4), 1.2 (CI = 0.7-2.1), and 1.5 (CI = 0.7-3.0, P test for trend = 0.4). When workers with less than one year of employment were excluded, there was no increased risk; the RRs in the four quartiles were 1.0, 0.9 (CI = 0.4-2.0), 0.8 (CI = 0.3-1.9), and 1.0 (CI = 0.4-2.7). No trend was present according to maximum annual exposure. The results were not consistent among countries. CONCLUSIONS: We found a positive association between exposure to respirable fibers and lung cancer mortality. However, the lack of statistical significance, the dependence of the results on inclusion of short-term workers, the lack of consistency among countries, and the possible correlation between exposure to respirable fibers and to other agents reduce the weight of such evidence.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Cases of Alzheimer's disease due to deletion of exon 9 of the presenilin-1 gene show an unusual but characteristic beta-amyloid pathology known as 'cotton wool' plaques.

The pattern of deposition of amyloid beta protein (Abeta) was investigated, using the monoclonal antibodies BA27 and BC05 detecting the C-terminal species Abeta40 and Abeta42(43), in six cases of Alzheimer's disease (AD) due to deletions in exon 9 of PS-1 gene. These cases are characterized histologically by the presence of very large rounded plaques within the frontal cortex, known as 'cotton wool' plaques, composed of both Abeta40 and Abeta42(43) that are relatively free from neuritic changes and glial cell components, and usually devoid of a compact amyloid core. In the cerebellum the plaques are almost entirely of a compact type, again composed of Abeta40 and Abeta42(43), with only few diffuse Abeta42(43) containing plaques. The area fraction of Abeta40, and the ratio between Abeta40 and Abeta42(43), in frontal cortex was significantly higher than that seen in other cases of AD due to different PS-1 mutations, or in cases of sporadic AD, all of similar APO E genotype. The area fractions of Abeta42(43), however, did not significantly differ between these three groups. The unusual nature of the Abeta deposition in these cases may reflect the uniqueness of the mutation, which results in a failure to constitutively cleave the PS-1 holoprotein into its active form, and the effect this might have on APP trafficking and catabolism.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

The relationship between AIDS retinal cotton wool spots and neuropsychological impairment in HIV-positive individuals in the pre-highly active antiretroviral therapy era.

PURPOSE: To determine the relationship between AIDS retinal cotton wool spots (CWS) and neuropsychological impairment in HIV-positive individuals in the pre-HAART (highly active anti-retroviral therapy) era and the association between AIDS-related retinal CWS and neuropsychological impairment in HIV-positive patients not treated with HAART. METHODS: A case-control analysis of prospectively acquired data in HIV-infected individuals who underwent prospective and longitudinal evaluations of retinal findings as well as neuropsychological testing was performed. Individuals underwent prospective retinal ophthalmic examinations with fundus photography of any retinal lesions. They also underwent periodic neuropsychological testing. The occurrence of retinal CWS was analyzed in relationship to neuropsychological impairment. RESULTS: Thirty individuals with CWS were compared to 6o matched control AIDS patients. There was no association between either global clinical neuropsychological impairment or impairment in any of the five major domains tested and retinal CWS. There was an association between beta-2 microglobulin and CWS as well as an association between low CD4 T-cell count and the presence of retinal CWS. CONCLUSIONS: We found no association between retinovascular disease and neurocognitive impairment in this case-control study. Retinal CWS in HIV disease are related to higher serum beta-2 microglobulin levels and lower CD4 T-cell counts, suggesting that these lesions are related to HIV disease progression but may be caused by a pathological process independent of CNS disease.

AIDS Dementia Complex↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Sperm processing: glass wool column filtration.

The cervical mucus selectively allows only progressively motile sperm of normal shape and size to penetrate and migrate through the cervix. The glass wool column filtration (GWCF) method for sperm processing, proposed in 1977 and later modified and standardized in 1986, selects such a sperm population in vitro. Sperm recovered from GWCF is significantly higher in quality than the original ejaculate. GWCF processing is reliable and highly repeatable, and when compared to other sperm processing techniques, GWCF yields significantly higher sperm quality. Sperm penetration into denuded hamster oocytes improves significantly with GWCF, while binding to human zona pellucida also occurs in higher numbers. IVF outcome also increases as compared to other processing techniques. GWCF, based on proven clinical success, is therefore invaluable for sperm processing.

Cell Separation↗
PubMed2003

Comparative cytotoxicity study of rock wool and chrysotile by cell magnetometric evaluation.

Rock wool (RW), a type of man-made mineral fiber (MMMF), is a building material used as an asbestos substitute for heat insulation, fire resistance, and reinforcement. RW is included in group 3 of the IARC classification. In the present study, the cytotoxicity of RW was investigated by cell magnetometry, enzyme assay, DNA ladder detection, and electron microscopic morphological evaluation in comparison with chrysotile fibers (CF). Specimens were prepared by 18-h incubation of Fischer rat alveolar macrophages in the presence of RW fibers as the study material, CF as positive control, and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) as negative control, together with a relaxation indicator, Fe3O4, except for morphological evaluation, followed by additional procedures of external magnetization and subsequent 20-min remanent magnetic field measurement for magnetometric evaluation, and macrophage DNA extraction for evaluating possible apoptosis by DNA ladder detection. In magnetometry, relaxation, a marker of cytotoxicity, was rapid in both the RW- and PBS-treated groups, while it was delayed in both the long and short CF-treated groups. Differences in percent lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release between the RW-treated group and PBS-treated group were not significant, but those between the RW-treated group and short CF-treated group were statistically significant. A DNA ladder was not detected in any of the study groups. Electron micrographs showed that RW did not cause any change, but CF caused changes in macrophages. Thus, magnetometric measurements suggested no cytotoxicity of RW. We plan, in the future, to evaluate the safety of RW by magnetometric measurement and morphological observation of the lungs in in vivo inhalation experiments.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Use of stone wool by-products in the construction of sanitary landfills and tailing dams.

The delay of the introduction of a used item or residual material in the "waste circuit" is a key factor of an effective and environmentally sound waste management policy. This principle has been fully adopted by the European legislation and consequently, in most of the member countries. In the same time, re-use of low cost materials or, even better, by-products in environment protection works (sanitary landfills, mineral processing residues dams, etc.) could make easier the effective implementation of an environmentally sound waste management policy, especially in developing countries. However, the assessment of the recovery options has to be performed on the basis of proper technical specifications concerning the kind of reuse proposed and of an accurate investigation on the technical and environmental properties of the residue. The present article reports the results of a research programme aiming at evaluating the feasibility of use of stone wool by-products, usually directly disposed in landfills, as construction materials for sanitary landfills and tailing dams.

Conservation of Natural Resources↗