Context. Debris discs are a consequence of the planet formation process and constitute the fingerprints of planetesimal systems. Their solar system counterparts are the asteroid and Edgeworth-Kuiper belts. Aims. The DUNES survey aims at detecting extra-solar analogues to the Edgeworth-Kuiper belt around solar-type stars, putting in this way the solar system into context. The survey allows us to...

The spontaneous resolution of herniated cervical discs has not been previously well documented. The authors analysed four cases who underwent spontaneous resolution of herniated cervical discs, and all other cases reported in the literature. A complex physiopathologic mechanism that includes the release of basic fibroblast grow factors, endothelial cell proliferation, chemotaxis of inflammatory...

PURPOSE To determine whether nonglaucomatous optic disc cupping in children violates the ISNT rule (which states that for normal optic discs the neuroretinal rim width is greatest in the order inferior >or= superior >or= nasal >or= temporal). METHODS Digital ocular fundus photographs from a random cohort of children with large optic disc cups of nonglaucomatous origin were analyzed in masked ...

We attempted to correlate the findings of MRI and discography in patients with low back pain, examining 108 lumbar intervertebral discs in 33 consecutive patients. MRI results were assessed from the intensity and shape of the signal obtained from the central part of the disc. Discography was classified according to the pattern of contrast material, the pressure accepted and the pain reproduced....

PURPOSE With the significance of stable adhesion of alveolar bone and peri-implant soft tissue on the surface of titanium for successful dental implantation procedure, the purpose of this study was to apply microgrooves on the titanium surface and investigate their effects on peri-implant cells and tissues. METHODS Three types of commercially pure titanium discs were prepared; machined-surfac...

Tubers of Solanum tuberosum L. var. Russet Burbank, Kennebec, and Targhee were stored at 95% relative humidity and at 1.7, 4.4, 5.8, 7.2 or 10 C. Rates of O(2) consumption were measured periodically by removing individual tubers from storage, excising discs of pith parenchyma tissue, and incubating the discs in a Gilson respirometer at 30 C. With all three varieties, data suggest a greater invo...

Plectin is a versatile linker protein which is associated with various types of cytoskeletal components and/or filaments including intermediate filaments, and its deficiency causes the disruption of myofibrils, or muscular dystrophy. To better understand the functional role of plectin in skeletal muscle fibers, we have examined the topological and structural relationships of plectin to intermed...

A significant portion of post-embryonic development in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, takes place within a set of sac-like structures called imaginal discs. These discs give rise to a high percentage of adult structures that are found within the adult fly. Here we describe a protocol that has been optimized to recover these discs and prepare them for analysis with antibodies, transcrip...

STUDY DESIGN A new rabbit model was developed that produces disc degeneration through the application of controlled and quantified axial mechanical load. OBJECTIVES To characterize the changes associated with disc degeneration, and to evaluate the feasibility of local transfer of agents to the compressed discs to stimulate disc regeneration. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Studies have shown tha...