Extracellular matrix

Isais Hernandez went through a surgical procedure that involved the insertion of an extracellular matrix, originated from pig’s bladder, into his right thigh. As explained from the chief clinical researcher in Texas, Steven Wolf says, “ECM is a fibrous substance that occupies space between cells and contains powerful proteins that can reawaken the body’s ability to regenerate tissue” ( Piore). The extracellular matrix is known to provide support and regulate intercellular communication. It can…

Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) belongs to the Old World arenavirus family of enveloped viruses (Buchmeier et al., 2007). LCMV in particular has served as model organism from many significant studies in the field of immunology such as the Nobel Prize winning study of the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) by Zinkernagel and Doherty (1975). LCMV’s natural reservoirs are the common household rodents (Traub, 1936). Household mice have shown to attain persistent asymptomatic LCMV…

They shows high tolerance towards many disinfectants used. Although the microbial cells within are vulnerable, they gain protection from the EPS in the matrix which retards penetration of some disinfectants into the biofilms. Some of the cells within also activate the response pathways to the different antimicrobials. The biofilm may also provide different microenvironments that have altered pH and other…

The cell is the basic unit of life and is the smallest structure that can live an independent life. In 1665, Robert Hook was the first person to identify cells and name them. He also noticed that plants were made up of cells and this finding introduced the beginning of cell theory. Cell theory summaries Hook’s findings that cells make up all living organism, can only be produced from pre-existing cells and are the smallest living organism. The size of the cells is due a dependence on diffusion…

Many of the tasks that multi-cellular organisms perform are truly inspiring, from embryogenesis to organogenesis and other developmental processes. Developmental biology covers some of the most interesting procedures of the formation and transformation of living beings. One question in particular that sparked my interest in the vast field is how certain species of animals are able to completely reform a limb after it has been entirely severed. Such a feat is completely and utterly astonishing.…

1.3.2 Papillary dermis The papillary dermis is the smaller of the two layers in the dermis, and is located between the epidermis and the reticular dermis. The papillary dermis is approximately 300-400 µm deep, depending on the age and anatomical location.22 The upper outermost layer of the papillary dermis is arranged into protruding structures called the dermal papillae. The dermal papillae contains microvascular and neural components to support the epidermis. The dermal papillae increase the…

Paracrine Signaling Signals that act locally between cells that are close together are called paracrine signals. Paracrine signals move by diffusion through the extracellular matrix. These types of signals usually elicit quick responses that last only a short amount of time. In order to keep the response localized, paracrine ligand molecules are normally quickly degraded by enzymes or removed by neighboring cells. Removing the signals will reestablish the concentration gradient for the signal,…

Coeliac disease is specific for its disruption in normal nutrition absorption within the mucosa of the small intestine due to the flattening of the villi within the lining of it due to its affects (1). Individuals primarily affected by coeliac disease are generally genetically predisposed to factors which illicit an autoimmune response on the mucosa of the small intestine (4). This causes the improper function of many digestive mechanisms responsible for protein uptake, more specifically in the…

that heating collagen fibers with high intensity light energy leading to their contracture. Moreover, the thermal stimulation of fibroblasts by the higher wavelengths within the IPL spectrum has been shown to result in increased production of extracellular matrix proteins, leading to replacement of the lost dermal volume (plumpness of the skin). Wavelengths in the 1200nm…

Carditis is the inflammation of muscle tissue in the heart. These inflammation are classified into three different categories based on the location of the inflammation. They are known as Endocarditis, Myocarditis, and Pericarditis. All three categories have common diagnosis and same procedures in diagnosing the inflammation. Carditis is to be referred to the inflammation of the muscle of the heart and Pancarditis is to be referred to the inflammation of the entire heart. Endocarditis The…