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PubMed1978

The cells of the rat gastric groove and cardia. An ultrastructural and carbohydrate histochemical study, with special reference to the fibrillovesicular cells.

The distal wall of the groove between the rat forestomach and glandular stomach is lined with a special type of columnar cells (CCGG) and with fibrillovesicular cells (FVC). The cardiac glands contain cardiac mucosa (CMC) and serous cells (CSC). The CCGG contain small mucous granules and special vesicles and tubules. The CMC are filled with large mucous granules and resemble mucous neck cells. The CSC are filled with large proteinaceous granules. The FVC are characterized by long microvilli, apical bundles of microfilaments and a complex "tubulovesicular system". The pattern of 3H-thymidine incorporation and the presence of immature and transitional forms indicate a possible origin of all the cell types concerned from a common undifferentiated precursor. The membranes of the tubulovesicular system of FVC as well as the apical cell membrane were reactive to Thiéry's carbohydrate stain. However, lanthanum tracing of the extracellular space and ultrastructural stereoscopy did not reveal a permanent continuity between both membrane systems. The absence of 3H-thymidine label showed that FVC were not proliferative. The structural characteristics of FVC do not account for a secretory, resorptive or receptive function. The special arrangement of microfilaments and the tubulovesicular system suggests an ability to fast changes in surface area.

Animals↗
PubMed1979

Membrane specializations in the peripheral retina of the housefly Musca domestica L.

Membrane specializations of the peripheral retina of the housefly (Musca domestica) are revealed in thin sections and freeze fracture/etch replicas. Septate junctions are abundant in corner areas of the pseudocone enclosure bonding: between homologous corneal pigment cells (CPC); between homologous large pigment cells (LPC); between CPC-LPC; between Semper cells (SC); between SC-CPC. Spot desmosomes are present between Semper cells. It is likely that septate junctions function as strengthening adhesions in this area. A new membrane specialization similar to a continuous junction was observed between retinular cells of the same or adjacent ommatidium. This junction has indistinct septa in the 115 A intermembrane cleft and is intermittent in character. When this junction is absent, the apposed cells gape apart. In freeze fracture studies, this junction is characterized by bridges composed of fused membrane particles and randomly arranged particles on the P face, and noncorresponding grooves on the E face. The ridges are elongate and roughly parallel and sometimes they form enclosures. Mitochondria line up along these junctions, often within 90 A of the unit membrane. This membrane specialization has characteristics of tight and continuous junctions. In line with previous findings, we suggest that this junction assists in retinular cell orientation, possibly in enforcing the ommatidial twist and in maintaining localized ionic concentration gradients between retinular cells.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

Morphogenesis of the special circular muscle layer and of the interstitial cells of Cajal related to the plexus muscularis profundus of mouse intestinal muscle coat. An E.M. study.

The morphogenesis of the special layer and the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) related to the plexus muscularis profundus (PMP) of mouse intestinal muscle coat has been studied in foetuses at term, neonates not yet fed, suckling animals, weaning animals and adult animals. In foetuses at term, the special layer is absent, but presumed myoblasts of this layer are recognized in the tela submucosa facing the developing circular layer. The ICC, too, are not differentiated and presumed ICC-blasts are tentatively identified in submucosal cells related to nerve fibers. These nerve fibers are considered to belong to the developing PMP. In neonates, the special layer, ICC and PMP are recognizable, but are made up of poorly differentiated elements. In suckling animals, these three structures develop but become almost fully differentiated only at the end of the weaning period, whereas the other components of the muscular coat are already developed.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

The assessment of analogical thinking modifiability among regular, special education, disadvantaged, and mentally retarded children.

The objectives of the current study were (a) to develop a measure of children's analogical thinking modifiability (CATM) based on the Feuerstein, Rand, and Hoffman (1979) theory of dynamic assessment of cognitive modifiability, (b) to compare the performance of groups assumed to be differentially modified by intervention, (c) to compare CATM performance with performance on a conventional test, and (d) to study qualitative changes after a learning process. Subjects were disadvantaged, regular, and special education kindergarten children (N = 140), and mentally retarded children (N = 20). The CATM was administered together with the Ravens Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM) in a balanced order. Disadvantaged and regular children achieved higher gain scores than other groups in both none-or-all and partial credit methods (p less than .01). The MR and the special education groups showed small gains according to the none-or-all credit method; however, according to the partial credit method, the MR group showed high gains and the special education group a performance decrease. Performance scores on the CATM were higher than on the RCPM, especially in comparison to the B8-B12 items--differences reach a peak of 61% and 67% for the disadvantaged and regular groups, respectively. Qualitative analysis indicated that form mistakes were most resistant to change, whereas color mistakes were most easy to modify. Results were explained within Feuerstein's theoretical framework of cognitive modifiability. Impaired cognitive functions as well as analytic versus synthetic processes were suggested to explain group differences.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1980

Membrane specializations in the first optic neuropil of the housefly, Musca domestica L. II. Junctions between glial cells.

Membrane specializations between the three types of glial cells in the first optic neuropil (lamina ganglionaris) of the housefly were determined from thin sections and freeze-fracture replicas. Three strata of glia cells are present in the lamina. A relatively thin layer of satellite glia covers the distal (perikaryal) rind of the lamina and these cells wrap retinular axons that enter the lamina. The central synaptic fields of the lamina neurons are enclosed by epithelial glia, while the proximal surface of the lamina is capped by marginal glial cells. Satellite glia bond to each other via desmosomes, septate and gap junctions. Freeze-fracture replicas show gap junctions as aggregations of E face particles and P face pits on the intramembranous surfaces. Parallel rows of P face particles are indicative of septate junctions. Angulated, intersecting, P face particle ridges are arranged in circumferential bands around retinular axons at the glia-axon interface. Thin section correlates of these junctions are presented. Epithelial glia are characterized by elaborate series of parallel membranes which appear to be suspended in the cytoplasm but may be the invaginated plasma membranes of a neighbouring glial cell. An intermembranous cleft of 40-50 A is noted and this area has an appreciable electron density which give the appearance of a gap junction. When cleaved, these membranes show plaques of particles on the P face. The marginal glial cells are relatively large and are joined by a newly discovered junction which is characterized (from freeze-fracture data) by numerous, undulating, uninterrupted, parallel P face ridges which sometimes become circular and form enclosures. In thin section, electron-dense material fills the membrane appositional areas and in tangential sections faint diffuse parallel striae are seen. This specialized cell contact may be a variant of a continuous junction although, based on fracture replicas, there are obvious similarities to tight junctions. These membranes specializations are related, in the three dimensions of the optic cartridges, to functions in a possible blood-eye barrier system.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

The syndrome of the central L-3-herniated disc with special emphasis on motor involvement.

Literature about the clinical characteristics of herniation of the lumbar intervertebral disc is profuse. Due to their predominant frequency, attention was almost entirely devoted to the L-4 and L-5 prolapses. As clinical accuracy still remains a very important target, specially in departments where myelography is not used for the diagnosis of this entity, the authors thought it of interest to describe the clinical picture of the L-3-herniated disc. Special stress is placed on the motor involvement. Fourteen cases form this series. They were all central soft herniations. Cases of spondylotic narrow spinal canal were excluded. The special features were their predominance in people above 50 years old and the compromise of the hip abductors and internal rotator muscle groups making it impossible for the patient to stand on the affected limb (Trendelenburg sign). An abnormal knee jerk was a frequent accompaniment. Contrary to common knowledge the quadriceps muscle strength was almost unaffected. Sensory disturbances were not useful for location. The L-3 section of the lower lumbar spine is the narrowest explaining the reason why 3/4 of the patients had a more or less complete cauda equina syndrome. It was therefore a very dangerous herniation that crippled quickly, needing usually an emergency operation with all the risks involved in this older age group of patients.

Female↗
PubMed1975

Special role and role expectation of black administrators of neighborhood mental health programs.

This paper attempts to portray the role conflict and ambiguity of black administrators in community mental health programs. The paper is not about mental health programs themselves but rather focuses on the problems of blacks in leadership positions in such programs. The implication of this paper is that blacks cannot escape being black despite their professional position or training. They are regarded by their superiors, colleagues, staff, and the community as performing what Hughes called a "racial function." This function presents an interesting dilemma. On the one hand, the black administrators are recruited and employed out of the needs expressed by the black community. On the other hand, their white superiors determine whether they remain in those positions. To offend either group risks the loss of their position. The black community and white employer sometimes make conflicting demands on these black administrators. The result is that blacks find themselves unable to please either. Blacks have reacted by withdrawal from the black community or resignation from the organization. This paper attempts to explain these conflicts. Although the problems of black administrators are called special cases it does not mean that other ethnic groups have not experienced any or all of these problems. It is called a special case because the black community is undergoing a special and unique kind of socioeconomical transition. Black administrators in other types of public organizations will recognize some of the conflicts described in this paper.

Administrative Personnel↗
PubMed1997

Are special investigations of value in the management of patients with fecal incontinence?

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine whether special investigations significantly alter either the diagnosis or the management plan of patients with fecal incontinence assessed on the basis of a structured history and physical examination alone. METHODS: Fifty consecutive patients with fecal incontinence were prospectively studied in a tertiary referral clinic. Each patient was assessed by two clinicians who independently formulated a diagnosis and treatment plan based on the history and physical examination. The resulting 100 patient assessments were then compared with the final diagnosis and treatment plan formulated on completion of endoanal ultrasound, anal manometry, external sphincter electromyography, and defecating proctography. RESULTS: In the assessment of fecal incontinence, the addition of special investigations altered the diagnosis of the cause of incontinence based on history and examination alone in 19 percent of cases. The management plan was altered in 16 percent of cases. Special investigations were most useful in separating neuropathy from rectal wall disorders and in demonstrating the unexpected presence of internal sphincter defects and neuropathy. CONCLUSIONS: Even experienced colorectal surgeons will misdiagnose up to one-fifth of patients presenting with fecal incontinence if assessment is based on the history and physical examination alone. However surgically correctable causes of incontinence are rarely missed on clinical assessment.

Anal Canal↗
PubMed1993

Assessing quality in nursing home dementia special care units: a pilot test of the Joint Commission protocol.

Dementia is a serious and growing public health problem in the United States. Nearly 60% of nursing home residents are estimated to be cognitively impaired. Currently about 10% of nursing homes have special care units for residents with serious dementia including Alzheimer's disease. This research evaluates a protocol developed by the Joint Commission on Accrediation of Healthcare Organizations to assess the capability of special care units to provide quality care. The protocol was pilot tested through the use of two separate evaluations of diverse special care units in metropolitan Chicago. In comparing the two separate surveys from each site, data analysis revealed a high rate of correlation between these two evaluations at three distinct levels. The standards used, their intent, and the survey process were considered sound by those who tested the protocol and by those who were evaluated by it.

Accreditation↗
PubMed1989

Special precautions reduce oropharyngeal contamination in bronchoalveolar lavage for bacteriologic studies.

Despite the use of quantitative culture, oropharyngeal contamination of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) specimens is still a factor that limits the usefulness of this technique in the diagnosis of lower respiratory tract infection. To investigate whether special precautions could reduce contamination, 20 noninfected patients undergoing diagnostic bronchoscopy were randomized into 2 groups of 10 patients: BAL was performed routinely in group R and with special precautions in group P. These precautions consisted of giving topical lidocaine by inhalation rather than by bolus injection, and passing the bronchoscope used for BAL through a previously inserted endotracheal tube. Quantitative culture of BAL specimens showed that 5 patients in group R (50%), but none of the patients in group P (0%), had at least 1 organism recovered in concentrations greater than or equal to 10(4) colony-forming units CFU/ml (p = 0.016). Fifteen of 39 isolates (38.5%) in group R and none of 18 isolates in group P (0%) were present in concentration greater than or equal to 10(4) CFU/ml (p = 0.001). We conclude that oropharyngeal contamination of BAL specimens can be minimized by adopting special precautions during the procedure and by using quantitative culture with 10(4) CFU/ml as the cut-off point. This may increase the specificity of the technique in the diagnosis of lower respiratory tract infection without reducing its sensitivity.

Bacteriological Techniques↗
PubMed1985

Neutron microscopy. The low-damage imaging of specialized organic materials.

It is shown that, insofar as radiation damage is concerned, transmission neutron microscopy using neutrons in the energy range approximately 0.0001-1.0 eV is extremely attractive for the imaging of specialized organic materials. By "specialized organic materials" is meant organic specimens composed entirely of specific isotopes that have been selected on the basis of their favorable properties with regard to radiation damage. In connection with such specimens, it is demonstrated that at a resolution of, for example, 100 A, neutrons will have an advantage over soft X-rays in terms of radiation damage, provided that the inherent (neutron) bright field image contrast turns out to be greater than 10(-5). Suggestions relating to (a) the comprehensive calculation of the radiation damage sustained by specialized organic specimens under slow neutron irradiation, (b) the construction of a theory of image formation in the neutron microscope, (c) the development of neutron lenses/focusing devices, and (d) the development of a brighter neutron source (essential for neutron microscopy) are outlined in some detail. The paper concludes with two appendices, which provide important background material.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

[Special manufactured shoes for prevention of recurrent ulcer in diabetic foot syndrome].

BACKGROUND: Special bespoke footwear, according to F. I. Tovey, can prevent foot ulceration in patients with diabetic neuropathy. Its main features are: extra depth, shock-absorbing insole, and no toe-cap. Such medical footwear may also be produced industrially for feet without major deformities. However, its clinical efficacy needs to be demonstrated to get the approval by the European Community. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A follow-up study was set up in 57 diabetic patients with a history of neuropathic foot ulceration, to investigate the efficacy of the industrially produced special "Diabeticus" shoe (Thanner GmbH, Höchstädt/Germany). RESULTS: After a mean of 12 (SD 6) months, 26 ulcer relapses were noted. Of these, 8 occurred to 30 patients wearing the protective shoes > 8 hours/day, and 18 occurred to 27 patients wearing normal shoes > 8 hours/day (p < 0.02, Log rank). The relapse rate was unrelated to the appreciably high frequency of podiatry in both groups (median 36 vs 45 days; n.s.). CONCLUSION: The special shoes under study during a 12-month period proved to protect against neuropathic diabetic foot ulcer relapses, when worn more than 8 hours per day.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Consumption of special diet among Finnish adolescents in 1979-2001: repeated national cross-sectional surveys.

OBJECTIVE: To study consumption of special diet (disease-related and non disease-related) among Finnish adolescents during 1979-2001. METHODS: Self-administered questionnaires were mailed to nationally representative samples of 12- (except in 1979), 14-, 16-, and 18-year-olds in 1979, 1993, 1997, 1999 and 2001. RESULTS: The total number of respondents was 33998. The response rate declined from 78% in 1979 to 70% in 2001. Consumption of special diet increased from 1979 to 2001: in 14-year-old girls from 4% to 24%, boys from 1% to 12%; 16-year-old girls from 5% to 29%, boys from 3% to 11%; and 18-year-old girls from 9% to 30%, boys from 3% to 16%. An increase was observed both in the consumption of disease-related diets (diabetic, lactose intolerance, allergies), and in non disease-related diets (weight reducing, sports and body-building, vegetarianism, other). CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to special diet is partly explained by an increased prevalence of certain diseases (lactose intolerance, allergies, diabetes). Increase in vegetarianisms and diets related to body weight or shape are most likely explained by fads, ideals created by media, and by growing ecological awareness.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Specialization of the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema scapterisci with its mutualistic Xenorhabdus symbiont.

The level of specialization of the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema scapterisci with its native Xenorhabdus symbiont was investigated by testing (1) the influence of non-native bacterial strains on nematode fitness within an insect-host (Galleria mellonella) and (2) specificity of the association between the nematode infective juveniles and non-native bacteria. All non-native Xenorhabdus spp. or Photorhabdus spp. strains tested were mutualistically associated with other entomopathogenic nematodes in nature. We showed that most of the Xenorhabdus spp. strains tested led to an insignificant difference of the nematode's fitness compared to the one obtained with the native bacterium. Conversely, Photorhabdus spp. strains almost entirely abolished nematode reproduction. The phylogenetic analysis of bacterial strains tested, showed that there was a negative correlation between S. scapterisci's reproduction rate with a bacterial strain and the genetic distance of this bacterial strain from the native one. We also showed that the native bacterium was the only one which was transmitted by S. scapterisci's infective juveniles. All these results, suggested a specialization between S. scapterisci and its native Xenorhabdus. As the same phenomenon was already demonstrated in the association between S. carpocapsae and X. nematophila, specialization between partners would not be an exception in entomopathogenic nematode-bacteria interactions. Nevertheless, S. scapterisci showed a dramatically higher compatibility with non-native Xenorhabdus spp. strains than did S. carpocapsae, suggesting differences in the co-evolutionary processes between nematodes and bacteria in these two model systems.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

[Recommendation for organization of special stroke departments (stroke units). 1997 implementation].

Stroke units are hospital-based special wards aiming at optimal care by a specialized team with an integrated concept for patients with acute strokes. Following the initial neurological and neuroradiological evaluation, early treatment will be initiated based on the assumed pathophysiology of the stroke. Acute management includes monitoring of physiological, parameters, care by specialized nurses, and early implementation of physiotherapists, speech therapy and occupational therapy. Despite the increased initial costs, the long-term burden for the health system is decreased by shorter hospital stay and reduced morbidity and disability.

Cerebrovascular Disorders↗
PubMed2007

Special anoscope for easy purse-string suture application in stapled hemorrhoidopexy.

BACKGROUND: Internal hemorrhoids and loose rectal mucosa may block exposure during the purse-string suturing in stapled hemorrhoidopexy, and this may lead to complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To retract the prolapsing rectal mucosa, we modified the purse-string anoscope of the PPH01 kit (Ethicon-Endosurgery, Cincinnati, OH, USA) and produced a special anoscope. The open part of the purse-string suture anoscope is covered by transparent acrylic (Orthoacryl, Dentaurum, Pforzheim, Germany). The covering had completely cylindrical outer and inner surfaces and was thin enough to let the anoscope easily rotate in the anal dilator and to let the 26 mm curved, round-bodied needle of the 2/0 polypropylene suture move in the anoscope. A window, 3 cm long and 3-4 mm wide, was opened at the angled part of the anoscope 2 cm to the tip. This special anoscope was used for the purse-string suture during the stapled hemorrhoidopexy procedure in five patients. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: No postoperative complications, early or late, were encountered, and we propose that stapled hemorrhoidopexy procedure can be applied more easily by using this special anoscope.

Equipment Design↗
PubMed2002

Both shared and specialized spinal circuitry for scratching and swimming in turtles.

In principle, nervous systems could generate a behavior either via neurons that are relatively specialized for producing one behavior or via multifunctional neurons that are shared among multiple, diverse behaviors. I recorded extracellularly from individual turtle spinal cord neurons while evoking hindlimb scratching, swimming, and withdrawal motor patterns. The majority of spinal neurons recorded were activated during both scratching and swimming motor patterns, consistent with the existence of shared circuitry for these types of limb movements. These neurons tended to have a similar degree of rhythmic modulation of their firing rate and a similar phase preference within the hip flexor activity cycle during scratching and swimming motor patterns. In addition, a substantial minority of neurons were activated during scratching motor patterns but silenced during swimming motor patterns. This raises the possibility that inhibitory interactions between some scratching and swimming neural circuitry play a role in motor pattern selection. These scratch-specialized neurons were also less likely than the putative shared neurons to be activated during withdrawal motor patterns. Thus, these neurons may represent two separate classes, one of which is used generally for hindlimb motor control and the other of which is relatively specialized for a subset of hindlimb movement types.

Action Potentials↗
PubMed2000

Behavioral evidence of the role of lumbosacral anatomical specializations in pigeons in maintaining balance during terrestrial locomotion.

In birds there are anatomical specializations in the lumbosacral vertebrae and spinal cord. These include segmentally organized bony canals which are related to accessory lobes of the spinal cord. Both structures are connected by cerebrospinal fluid. To test whether these specializations function as a sense organ of equilibrium the effect of opening the fluid space was studied in pigeons. Locomotory behaviors on the ground (landing on a perch, keeping balance on a rotating perch, walking) but not flight were significantly impaired after lesion. These results support the assumption that the lumbosacral specializations are involved in the control of locomotion on the ground.

Animals↗