Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “layer”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,603 records · Page 89Linked to original sources

Unstirred water layers in rabbit intestine: effects of pectin.

Pectins have been shown to affect the absorption of several different nutrients in clinical studies; however, the mechanisms for decreased absorption have not been defined. A possibility not studied with regards to pectin, but previously demonstrated to be important in absorption, is the effect of change in the unstirred water layer. As the unstirred water layer increases in thickness, the rate of absorption decreases for certain nutrients. The effect of pectin on the unstirred water layer in the lumen of rabbit jejunum was examined by previously described techniques. It was observed that: (1) increases in pectin concentration resulted in an increased thickness of the unstirred water layer; (2) for any stir rate, the addition of pectin increased the thickness of the unstirred water layer; and (3) stir rate is inversely related to the thickness of the unstirred water layer. It was concluded from these results that pectin increases the thickness of the unstirred water layer in rabbit jejunum. This mechanism may explain, in part, the reduction of the rate of absorption of certain nutrients seen following pectin ingestion.

Animals↗

The shape of Bowman's layer in the human cornea.

PURPOSE: The aim of this investigation was to derive a mathematical model for Bowman's layer, the interface between the epithelium and stroma, in the human cornea. METHODS: The central epithelial thickness distribution within 14 normal human corneas was measured in vivo using high frequency ultrasonic digital signal processing with a measurement precision of 2 microns. The results per eye were averaged and incorporated into existing algorithms for the estimation of the shape of the anterior surface of Bowman's layer using terminology in accordance with Baker's equation. RESULTS: The average radius of Bowman's layer was 7.34 mm (SE +/- 0.17 mm). Descriptions of this boundary ranged from a steepening or prolate ellipse to a hyperbola. However, the typical Bowman's layer is hyperbolic with a shape factor, p = -0.22 (SE +/- 1.81). CONCLUSION: The results support previous cadaver studies where Bowman's layer was found to be steeper than the anterior corneal surface but disagree with the concept that the average Bowman's layer is akin to a prolate ellipse. The hyperbolic nature of the average Bowman's layer has the potential to influence the optical performance of the eye.

Basement Membrane↗

Retinal nerve fiber layer changes after LASIK evaluated with optical coherence tomography.

PURPOSE: To determine whether the increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) during LASIK suction can induce a decrease in retinal nerve fiber layer thickness assessed by optical coherence tomography (OCT). METHODS: Nineteen patients (38 eyes) were enrolled in the study. Intraocular pressure was normal at all pre- and postoperative examinations. Retinal nerve fiber layer thickness was measured using OCT-3 Stratus prior to and 1 week and 3 months after LASIK. Laser in situ keratomileusis was performed using the Bausch & Lomb Hansatome microkeratome and the NIDEK EC-5000 excimer laser. Optical coherence tomography mean retinal nerve fiber layer thickness values before and after LASIK were compared using the Student paired t test. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 27.8 years (range: 18 to 33 years). Mean preoperative spherical equivalent refractive error was -4.9 diopters (D) (range: -2.0 to -8.5 D). Mean time of microkeratome suction was 30 seconds (range: 20 to 50 seconds). Preoperatively, the mean retinal nerve fiber layer thickness obtained by OCT was 104.2+/-9.0 microm; at 1 week postoperatively the mean thickness was 101.9+/-6.9 microm, and 106.7+/-6.1 microm at 3 months postoperatively. Mean retinal nerve fiber layer thicknesses obtained by OCT were not significantly different between preoperative and 1 week and 3 months after LASIK (P > or = .05). CONCLUSIONS: Laser in situ keratomileusis performed on young myopic patients does not have a significant effect on retinal nerve fiber layer thickness determined by OCT. Further studies are required to reveal the risk of possible optic nerve or retinal nerve fiber layer damage by elevated IOP during LASIK.

Adolescent↗

Improvement of bond strength in metal-ceramic systems using a gold intermediate layer.

The mechanism of bonding between metal and ceramic in systems using the functionally graded method with pure gold and gold mixture as a primer was examined. Four types of samples, porcelain, porcelain-gold, porcelain-metal and porcelain-gold-metal were prepared. The gold intermediate layer was fired at 1000 degrees C. For porcelain and metal, low-fusing opaque, body porcelain and palladium alloy were used. The intermediate layer was composed of three layers; pure gold, gold-palladium and gold-porcelain layer. During the bending test of each sample, the porcelain peeled away from the porcelain-metal system, while porcelain with the gold intermediate layer remained on the metal surface even after maximal loading. The bond strength of the porcelain-gold-metal system was much higher than that of the porcelain-metal system, and the toughness of the former was much greater than that of the latter. Laser microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed a smooth interface between the intermediate layer and the metal which suggested proper chemical bonding, and no gap was observed. At the interface between the porcelain and the gold intermediate alloy, a good mechanical anchor lock was observed. Electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) showed a clear distribution of each element (e.g. Si, Au and Pd) in the porcelain, gold intermediate layer and metal frame.

Dental Bonding↗

Formation of inhibition layers with a newly developed fluoride-releasing all-in-one adhesive.

This study evaluated the capability of a novel fluoride-releasing, all-in-one adhesive system on forming inhibition layer (radio-opaque layer) as compared with other adhesive systems. Dentin surface was treated with Imperva bond (IB), FL-BOND (FB), Reactmer bond (RE), or FL-BOND S-1 (FS) (which is a novel system). Untreated specimens were categorized as nonbonding group (NB). After storing for 10 days in de-ionized water, the specimens were cut into halves perpendicularly to the pulp chamber and immersed in a buffered demineralizing solution for four days. Longitudinal sections were cut and microradiographed. The width of inhibition layers adjacent to the adhesive surface--at a depth of 50 microm under the demineralization surface--was analyzed. Microradiography revealed distinct inhibition layers adjacent to the experimental surfaces of FB, RE, and FS. No inhibition layers were observed in NB and IB. In particular, the width of the inhibition layer of FS (12.5 microm) was significantly greater than those of FB and RE. These results indicated that a newly developed all-in-one adhesive system, FS, may have a superior ability of forming inhibition layers adjacent to cavity walls, and that it may also protect dentin against further demineralization in case of secondary marginal caries.

Adhesives↗

[Investigation for bone fixation effect of thin HA coated layer on Ti implants].

In 1995, the author reported the development of unique cementless total hip joints applying hydroxyapatite (HA) flame coating onto a porous titanium surface which is arc-sprayed with pure titanium material in argon gas at atmospheric pressure. The surface roughness of the porous layer was 360 microm Rmax, and the layer was more resistant to blast erosion than the conventional low pressure plasma sprayed porous layers. The thickness of the HA layer was between 20 and 40 microns considering the balance of bone conduction effect of HA and the risk of mechanical detachment of the layers from the porous titanium. Short-term animal tests showed excellent results. At that time a specific question was raised as to whether or not the coated HA layers would remain in the living bone for a long time. The results obtained from observation of retrieved specimens show that the thickness of the HA coating layer is sufficient for new bone formation after implantation, and HA would be absorbed in the body within a few years, after contributing to the new bone formation.

Absorption↗

[Comparison of plasma thyroxin and insulin concentrations between 10-day old layer and broiler chickens].

In this study both sexes of 10 day old layer and broiler chickens were used to investigate plasma circulating concentrations of 3,3'-5-triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and insulin by using the radioimmunoassay (RIA) methods. The results were as follows: serum T3 concentration was higher in broilers than that in layers (P < 0.01), especially a significant difference between male strains was seen in this experiment (P < 0.001), and the levels of plasma insulin was significantly higher in male broilers than that in male layers (P < 0.001), however, no clear differences in plasma T4 was seen between strains and sexes (P > 0.05). In addition, there were sex differences in T3 and insulin levels in layers, that is to say, those in the female layers was higher than those in the male layers, but no clear deifference was seen between sexes in broilers. A significant positive correlation between T3, insulin and their weight gained (P < 0.05). The results suggest that the levels of serum T3 and Insulin may influence the various growth rate during early posthatch development in layers and broilers.

Animals↗

Neurogenesis and identification of developing layers in the visual cortex of the wallaby (Macropus eugenii).

Birthdates of the neurons that comprise the layers of the mature visual cortex in the wallaby (Macropus eugenii) have been determined with the aid of tritiated thymidine autoradiography. The laminar positions of cells, identified by their birthdates, have then been followed at early stages during development and compared with previously published data on the distribution of thalamocortical afferents and corticothalamic projecting cells (Sheng et al. [1991] J. Comp. Neurol. 307:17-38). Neurons are born in a deep to superficial sequence typical of other mammals. The loosely packed zone of cells, which develops at the base of the thin compact zone of cells at the superficial margin of the cortical plate early in development, was identified as being part of the cortical plate. Afferents did not wait below this zone but grew into the developing cortical layers immediately after the cells that form these layers began accumulating in the loosely packed zone, starting with layer 6 on postnatal day 22 (P22). The genesis of layer 4 did not begin until P32, and these cells reached the superficial cortical plate at P54 and entered the loosely packed zone by P65. Cells of layers 5 and 6 formed the initial projection to the thalamus. Despite the protracted development of the wallaby and the large discrepancy between the time of thalamic ingrowth and genesis of layer 4, there was no extended waiting period for afferents in the subplate.

Afferent Pathways↗

Morphological and electrophysiological characteristics of layer V neurons of the rat medial entorhinal cortex.

This study aimed to characterize the morphological and electrophysiological properties of neurons in layer V of the entorhinal cortex in the rat brain. Using the in vitro slice preparation and sharp electrode techniques, we recorded from layer V neurons located in the medial entorhinal cortex. Recorded cells were also labeled with biocytin. Based on morphological criteria, layer V of the entorhinal cortex is comprised of three categories of neurons: pyramidal cells, horizontal cells, and polymorphic cells. Horizontal cells could be easily distinguished from the pyramidal cells because the bulk of their dendritic plexus extended horizontally within layer V. Polymorphic cells vary in size and shape. Interestingly, they typically do not have apical dendrites, and some of them have dendrites that extend into the subiculum. Based on electrophysiological criteria alone, it was not possible to unequivocally distinguish the morphological cell types because they were somewhat heterogeneous with respect to several parameters including inward rectification, spike-frequency adaptation, and intrinsic oscillations. Nevertheless, although most horizontal cells displayed time-dependent inward rectification, most pyramidal cells displayed fast inward rectification exclusively. None of the entorhinal cortex layer V cells displayed oscillatory activity like that of neocortical layer V "bursting" cells, although neurons from all groups displayed rhythmic subthreshold membrane potential oscillations. In summary, we have found that layer V of the rat medial entorhinal cortex consists of three morphologically distinct neuronal subtypes that cannot be clearly distinguished from each other by traditional electrophysiological measures.

Animals↗

A case of intra-articular fracture of the knee joint with three layers within lipohemarthrosis by ultrasonography and computed tomography.

We report a case of intra-articular fracture of the knee joint showing three layers within lipohemarthrosis. Sagittal ultrasonography showed three layers (double fluid-fluid level): a superior hyperechoic layer of fat, an intermediate anechoic layer of serum, and an inferior hypoechoic layer of red blood cells. Horizontal computed tomography imaging demonstrated the same three layers. This is the first case of lipohemarthrosis in which three layers of joint effusion were confirmed by both ultrasonography and computed tomography.

Aged↗

[Structural features of the smooth muscle cells in the medial layer of the bifurcation of fetal cerebral arteries].

OBJECTIVE: To study the structural and histogenetic features of the smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in the medial layer of the bifurcation of human cerebral arteries in fetus. METHOD: Segments of the cerebral arteries from the circle of Willis including the bifurcations of normal human fetuses were sectioned in 1 of the 3 orthogonal planes, wherein the three- dimensional medial layer structure composed of SMCs was observed with light microscope. RESULT: Microscopic observation identified 1.1 to 9.0 SMC layers in the medial layer of the cerebral arteries from the circle of Willis in the fetuses at different weeks before birth, and 30.3% of the specimens were found to have focal defects of the medial SMC layers at the bifurcation of the developing arteries. CONCLUSION: The number of SMC layers consisted in the medial layers of the cerebral arteries develops with the fetal growth, and the identification of congenital anomaly of the medial SMCs may help verify the hypothetical pathogenesis for cerebral saccular aneurysms.

Cerebral Arteries↗

Honeycomb-like mosaic at the border of layers 1 and 2 in the cerebral cortex.

In this report, we present evidence of a small-scale modularity (<100 microm) at the border of layers 1 and 2 in neocortical areas. The modularity is best seen in tangential sections, with double-labeling immunohistochemistry to reveal overlapping or complementary relationships of different markers. The pattern is overall like a reticulum or mosaic but is described as a "honeycomb," in which the walls and hollows are composed of distinct afferent and dendritic systems. We demonstrate the main components of the honeycomb in rat visual cortex. These are as follows: (1) zinc-enriched, corticocortical terminations in the walls, and in the hollows, thalamocortical terminations (labeled by antibody against vesicular glutamate transporter 2 and by cytochrome oxidase); (2) parvalbumin-dense neuropil in the walls that partly colocalizes with elevated levels of glutamate receptors 2/3, NMDAR receptor 1, and calbindin; and (3) dendritic subpopulations preferentially situated within the walls (dendrites of layer 2 neurons) or hollows (dendrites of deeper neurons in layers 3 and 5). Because the micromodularity is restricted to layers 2 and 1b, without extending into layer 3, this may be another indication of a laminar-specific substructure at different spatial scales within cortical columns. The suggestion is that corticocortical and thalamocortical terminations constitute parallel circuits at the level of layer 2, where they are segregated in association with distinct dendritic systems. Results from parvalbumin staining show that the honeycomb mosaic is not limited to rat visual cortex but can be recognized at the layer 1-2 border in other areas and species.

Animals↗

Decline of the critical period of visual plasticity is concurrent with the reduction of NR2B subunit of the synaptic NMDA receptor in layer 4.

The specific composition of NMDA receptor subunits is thought to underlie the developmental plasticity of the cortex revealed by unbalanced binocular stimulation. However, evidence that NR2 subunits change in correlation with the critical period at locations that are relevant to visual plasticity has been missing. Using preembedding and postembedding immunostaining, as well as electron microscopy, we quantified the volumetric densities of NR1-, NR2A-, and NR2B-containing synapses in layers 4 and 2/3 of the ferret visual cortex at different postnatal ages. Before eye opening, NR2A is encountered infrequently at postsynaptic sites in layer 4, but it increases sharply by postnatal day 34. In the subsequent weeks, postsynaptic NR2A labeling increases gradually in both layers 4 and 2/3 to become the most prevalent subunit in the adult animal. The NR2B subunit is the more prevalent subunit at the onset of the critical period of cortical plasticity. However, it displays different developmental patterns in layers 4 and 2/3. Although no change occurs in synaptic NR2B density in layer 2/3, in layer 4, NR2B maintains its high levels through the peak of the critical period and then becomes significantly reduced by the end of the peak of the critical period. This low level is maintained throughout adulthood. Our results demonstrate a correlation between the loss of NR2B subunits from layer 4 synaptic sites and the decline of the critical period, suggesting that the presence of NR2B subunits at synaptic sites could be a permissive factor regulating the ocular dominance plasticity of the developing cortex.

Age Factors↗

Non-dysplastic and dysplastic Barrett's mucosa and adenocarcinoma lack a subepithelial myofibroblastic cell layer.

A subepitheal myofibroblastic (SMF) cell layer has been described in the colon, and referred to as pericryptal myofibroblastic cell layer. SMF cells have been shown to produce basement membrane proteins, including type IV collagen and laminin. The aim of this work was to determine the status of the SMF cell layer in Barrett's metaplasia (BM), with and without dysplasia, and compare that to the previously reported distribution of SMF in normal colon and colonic adenomas and carcinoma. Sections of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded biopsies from 6 colonic adenomas and 5 colonic adenocarcinomas, as well as 4 cases of BM without dysplasia, 4 with low grade dysplasia, 4 high grade dysplasia and 4 with invasive adenocarcinoma were immunohistochemically stained for alpha smooth muscle actin using the immunoperoxidase method. A continuous layer of SMF cells was present in all normal colonic tissue and adenomas but was absent in all colorectal adenocarcinomas. Surprisingly, none of the cases of BM with or without dysplasia or carcinoma showed an organized SMF cell layer. Unlike the colon, the SMF cell layer is absent in BM even without dysplasia. We hypothesize that lack of the SMF cell layer in BM may contribute to the quick progression to esophageal adenocarcinoma, which, unlike that in the colon, occurs before an exophytic lesion becomes evident.

Actins↗

Characterization, self-assembly and reattachment of S layer from Clostridium botulinum type E saroma.

S layer of Clostridium botulinum type E Saroma and its subunits were isolated and characterized for their chemical and morphological properties. The S layer was composed of a number of subunits with apparent molecular weights ranging from about 10 to 150 kDa. The isolated S layer subunits possess the ability to assemble into recrystallized flat sheets in the absence of any supporting layer and to reattach to the cell wall from which they have been removed. Immunoblot analysis using an antiserum against whole cells of the organism showed that 60 kDa and 90 kDa subunits of the S layer were major somatic antigens of the organism. Immunogold-labeling using monospecific antiserum raised to the individual 60 and 90 kDa proteins revealed that both subunits were exposed evenly over the entire cell surface. The amino acid compositions of both subunits showed that aspartate and glutamate were predominant whereas cystine and methionine were poor. The amino acid composition and acidic property of the two subunits of the S layer agree well with the results obtained from the S layers of other bacterial species as well as other pathogenic clostridia.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Fate mapping the neural plate and the intraembryonic mesoblast in the upper layer of the chicken blastoderm with xenografting and time-lapse videography.

The disposition of the Anlage fields of the neural plate and the intraembryonic mesoblast in the upper layer of the chicken blastoderm was studied at the primitive streak stage prior to the regression of Hensen's node (stages 5V to 6V, L. Vakaet (1970) Arch. Biol. 81, 387-426). Chicken blastoderms were cultured by New's technique on a mixture of thin egg white and agar. The anterior half of the deep layer was reflected with a tungsten needle. A circular fragment of the upper layer was punched out with a pulled out Pasteur pipette and discarded. It was replaced with an isotopic and isopolar piece of quail upper layer that was punched out with the same pipette. The deep layer was replaced and the chimeras were reincubated for 24 hours. The xenografts were followed with time-lapse videography. After fixation, the quail cells were located using Le Douarin's quail nucleolar marker technique. Integrating the observations with time-lapse videography and the results of Feulgen stained sections, we have drawn a new fate map of the disposition of the Anlage fields in the upper layer of the chicken blastoderm at stages prior to the regression of Hensen's node (stages 5V to 6V). The disposition of the neural plate and of the notochord, somites, nephrotome and lateral plates was therefore determined before the Anlage fields are morphologically discernible. The pathway of the fields in the upper layer towards their disposition was documented with time-lapse videography in chimeric chicken blastoderms that developed normally.

Animals↗

Increased GABAA receptor binding in superficial layers of cingulate cortex in schizophrenics.

Recent investigations of postmortem brain from schizophrenic patients have revealed reduced numbers of neurons in several different corticolimbic brain regions. In the prefrontal and anterior cingulate cortices, more specific decreases in the numbers of interneurons, but not pyramidal cells, have been reported to occur preferentially in layer II. Based on this latter finding, a loss of inhibitory basket cells leading to a compensatory upregulation of the GABAA receptor has been hypothesized to occur in schizophrenic patients and to be a contributory factor in the pathophysiology of this disorder. We now report the results of a high-resolution quantitation of GABAA receptor binding in anterior cingulate cortex of postmortem specimens from normal and schizophrenic cases. The results indicate a preferential increase in bicuculline-sensitive 3H-muscimol binding on neuronal cell bodies of layers II and III, but not layers V and VI, of the schizophrenic cases. There was no difference in the size of neurons in any of the layers examined when the control and schizophrenic groups were compared. The neuropil of layer I also showed significantly greater GABAA binding in schizophrenics. The differences seen in the schizophrenic group did not appear to be the result of exposure to antipsychotic medication because one patient who was medication naive and a second who had received minimal exposure to antipsychotic drugs also showed elevated GABAA receptor binding. Since information processing depends on corticocortical integration in outer layers I-III, a disturbance of inhibitory activity in these superficial layers of limbic cortex may contribute to the defective associative function seen in schizophrenia.

Adult↗

Modeling hospital information systems. Part 1: The revised three-layer graph-based meta model 3LGM2.

OBJECTIVES: Not only architects but also information managers need models and modeling tools for their subject of work. Especially for supporting strategic information management in hospitals, the meta model 3LGM2 is presented as an ontological basis for modeling the comprehensive information system of a hospital (HIS). METHODS: In a case study, requirements for modeling HIS have been deduced. Accordingly 3LGM2 has been designed to describe HIS by concepts on three layers. The domain layer consists of enterprise functions and entity types, the logical tool layer focuses on application components and the physical tool layer describes physical data processing components. In contrast to other approaches a lot of inter-layer-relationships exist. 3LGM2 is defined using the Unified Modeling Language (UML). RESULTS: Models of HIS can be created which comprise not only technical and semantic aspects but also computer-based and paper-based information processing. A software tool supporting the creation of 3LGM2 compliant models in a graphical way has been developed. The tool supports in detecting those shortcomings at the logical or the physical tool layers which make it impossible to satisfy the information needs at the domain layer. 3LGM2 can also be used as an ontology for describing HIS in natural language. CONCLUSIONS: Strategic information management even in large hospitals should be and can be supported by dedicated methods and tools. Although there have been good experiences with 3LGM2 concerning digital document archiving at the Leipzig University Hospital, which are presented in part 2, the benefit of the proposed method and tool has to be further evaluated.

Hospital Information Systems↗