Background-Thinning of the tunica media and rarefaction of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) characterize aneurysmal aortas. Apoptosis determines the cellularity and morphogenesis of tissue. Macrophages and T lymphocytes infiltrate the wall of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) and produce death-promoting proteins (perforin, Fas, and FasL). This study investigated whether apoptosis occurs in association with the expression of these proteins. Methods and Results-We examined signs of apoptosis and expression of death-promoting mediators in segments of AAAs from patients undergoing elective repair (nϭ20). Anti-␣-actin immunostaining showed a reduced number of SMCs in AAAs. In situ terminal transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) showed higher levels of DNA fragmentation in AAAs than in controls (nϭ5). The AAA walls contained more cells bearing markers of apoptosis than normal aorta (PϽ0.05, Student's t test). Double immunostaining identified SMCs and macrophages as the principal cell types displaying fragmented DNA. Immunohistochemistry revealed that AAAs but not normal aorta contained CD4

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Whether or not adults receive a prescription for any antibiotic during a 12 month period does not appear to influence the antimicrobial resistance of perineal flora. However, the temporal and dose-response relationships found may be suggestive of a causative association and should be the focus of further research.

Objective measurement of the built environment in inpatient psychiatric settings is feasible and can be used to identify features that increase user satisfaction.

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