Research on the effect of an androgenic hormone product on the functional status of common sebaceous glands in dogs

Nowadays, a high incidence of cutaneous tumors is observed in domestic carnivorous in pet clinic, the sebaceous glands being the starting point for the development of these tumors. The hormonal imbalances are considered to be the most common etiology for these tumors, so the current research is based on the effects of an androgenic like hormonal drug on the functionality of the sebaceous glands in dogs. For this purpose, 32 dogs were distributed in 4 groups: control group 1 (8 dogs - females), control group 2 (8 dogs - males), experimental group 1 (8 dogs - females) and experimental group 2 (8 dogs - males). The investigation targeted the pH of skin and the rate of sebum's secretion. The animals from the experimental groups were treated with Anabolin forte for 2 days at a dose of 1 mg/kg body weight/day, intramuscular. The obtained results revealed that administration of Anabolin forte in males induced a significantly distinct intensification (with 10.66%) of sebum's secretion and a significant decrease of pH of the skin (with 17.1%) compared to the animals from the control group. The administration of Anabolin forte in females induced a significantly distinct intensification (with 17.47%) of sebum's secretion and a significant decrease of the pH of the skin (with 14.32%) compared to the animals from the control group.

Mucous non-goblet cells in the small intestine of guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus): a histological and histochemical study

BACKGROUND

The covering and glandular epithelium of the small intestine in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) include some mucus-secreting cells. Goblet cells are specific cells for mucus secretion with a distinctive cup-like appearance due to the accumulation of mucin in the apical pole. The deep crypt secretory (DCS) cells were identified in a limited array of species and only recently were noticed in the large intestine in mice, guinea pigs, humans, monkeys, and pigs. Our study focuses on the microscopical and histochemical features of the DCS cells in the small intestine of guinea pigs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The samples from the small intestine were collected from five fully grown guinea pigs that were presented to the Hospital of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca (Romania) with severe lesions resulted from domestic activities. The collected tissue samples underwent fixation in 10% buffered formalin and were later processed by standard paraffin technique. Mucous substances were detected using the Periodic Acid-Schiff and Alcian-Blue histochemical stain methods.

RESULTS

The intestinal samples of the guinea pigs assessed had a standard microanatomical structure. As regards the mucous-secreting cells from the small intestine, two cell types were identified, i.e. the goblet cells and DCS cells. DCS cells were only detected in the deep parts of the Lieberkühn glands from the jejunum and ileum, and were different morphologically and histochemically from the regular goblet cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study managed to describe for the first time in guinea pigs, the existence of DCS cells in the jejunum and ileum of the small intestine, but not in the duodenum.

The evolution of some blood parameters in hypovolemia conditions in rabbits

The shock is a general, non-specific pathological process, caused by the sudden action of very brutal pathogens, a situation for which the body has no reserves for qualitative and quantitative compensation-adaptation. The objective of our experiment was to make an evaluation of the changes in some hematological and biochemical parameters of the blood, during some hypovolemic evolutions, in the rabbits. Twenty New Zealand White rabbits we used. An IDEXX ProCyte Dx Hematology Analyzer was applied to perform hematological determinations. An IDEXX VetTest Chemistry Analyzer was used to perform blood biochemistry determinations. The data obtained were statistically analyzed, calculating the Media and Standard Deviation (SD), using the Microsoft Excel application. At the same time, the statistical significance of the differences between the batches was calculated based on the t test (Student) using the Microsoft Excel application. The study revealed a decrease in the number of red blood cells and leukocytes per unit volume of blood (p⟨0.05) in the case of group 2 and an increase in glucose, triglycerides (p⟨0.05). Experimental hypovolemia induced in the conditions of our experiment determined: an obvious posthemorrhagic anemia, a significant leukopenia mainly 6 hours after the production of hypovolemic shock and a significant hyperglycemia, manifested mainly 12 hours after the induction of hypovolemia.

Vascular comorbidity is associated with lower brain volumes and lower neuroperformance in a large multiple sclerosis cohort

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to assess the association between vascular comorbidity burden with clinical and imaging features of disease burden in a large population of people with multiple sclerosis (MS).

METHODS

We included participants from the MS Partners Advancing Technology Health Solutions (MS PATHS) cohort. We evaluated if vascular comorbidities (diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia) or a composite sum of comorbidities was associated with MS characteristics, including objective neurologic function assessments and quantitative brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements in propensity score-weighted models.

RESULTS

In total, 11,506 participants (6409 (55%) with brain MRI) were included. Individuals with 2+ vascular comorbidities had slower walking speed (standard deviation (SD) = -0.49; 95% confidence interval (CI) = -0.78, -0.19; p = 0.001), slower manual dexterity (SD = -0.41; 95% CI = -0.57, -0.26; p < 0.0001), and fewer correct scores on cognitive processing speed (SD = -0.11; 95% CI = -0.20, -0.02; p = 0.02) versus those with no comorbidities. Those with 2+ had lower brain parenchymal (-0.41%, 95% CI = -0.64, -0.17) and gray matter fractions (-0.30%, 95% CI = -0.49, -0.10), including reduced cortical (-10.10 mL, 95% CI = -15.42, -4.78) and deep (-0.44 mL, 95% CI = -0.84, -0.04) gray matter volumes versus those with no comorbidity.

CONCLUSION

Increased vascular comorbidity burden was associated with clinical and imaging markers of neurologic dysfunction and neurodegeneration in MS. Strategies to optimize comorbidity management in people with MS are warranted.

Some segmental morphological and morphometrical features of the intima and media of the aortic wall in Chinchilla lanigera

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to describe the morphology, morphometry and ultrastructure of segments of the thoracic and abdominal aorta portions in Chinchilla lanigera. Thickness measurements of the tunica intima and media complex of the aorta were taken.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In all observed specimens, the thickness values for the tunica intima and media complex of the cranial thoracic aorta were significantly higher (mean: 702.19 μm) when compared to the values of other analysed aortic segments (means: 354.18 μm; 243.55 μm). Complex statistical methods were used to assess the differences between various aortic segments.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The components of the vessel walls show variations in structure and thickness, presumably due to an adaptation to functional demand.

Electrochemical de-alloying in two dimensions: role of the local atomic environment

We investigate by in situ scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) the potential dependence of the electrochemical dealloying of NiPd monoatomic layers electrodeposited on Au(111). The dealloying process is achieved by Ni selective dissolution and was studied as a function of NiPd composition: for an alloy with a Ni content ≥70%, quasi-complete Ni dissolution is achieved at a potential of -0.9 VMSE whereas for a Ni content <70%, Ni dissolution at the same potential drastically slows down after the removal of small amounts of Ni. The alloy morphology at this "passivation state" is characterized by the presence of holes in the alloy monolayer with evidence for the Pd enrichment at the hole edges. These findings are confirmed by Monte Carlo simulations. Further Ni dissolution at passivation was achieved by applying more positive potentials which depend on the alloy composition. These results allowed us to determine the correlation between the Ni dissolution onset potential and the local Pd content.

Equine Embryo Sexing and Ultrasonographic Foetal Sexing - Interests and Applicability

The ability to choose the sex of the offspring is of upmost economic importance for horse breeders. Unlike other species, horses present several reproductive peculiarities that interfere with assisted reproductive technologies used in other large animals (such as bovine) and make them difficult to apply. Thus, there is a great interest to determine the sex of the offspring as soon as possible. This has led to the development of several technologies to serve this purpose, which can be classified into two categories. One is equine embryo sexing by either non-invasive biotechnological methods, such as monitoring of X-linked enzymes before X chromosome inactivation and detection of sex-specific antigen, or by invasive biotechnological methods, such as cytogenetic analysis and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The other one is equine foetus sexing using ultrasound scanning in different stages of its development (early, mid or late), by different approaches (transrectally or transabdominally). This can be performed with classic B-mode ultrasound machines or using 3D-mode and Doppler-mode scanners. This review article offers a comprehensive overview of the current status of these procedures as well as an assessment of their interests and applicability.

Autonomic function, as self-reported on the SCOPA-autonomic questionnaire, is normal in essential tremor but not in Parkinson's disease

OBJECTIVE

To compare autonomic function of subjects with Parkinson's disease (PD) and essential tremor (ET) relative to controls.

BACKGROUND

It has been reported that patients with PD have autonomic dysfunction while no literature exists regarding autonomic function in ET.

METHODS

Subjects with PD, ET, and controls had autonomic function measured using the SCOPA-Autonomic questionnaire, with the total and domain scores transformed to a scale of 0-100 points.

RESULTS

62 subjects with PD, 84 with ET, and 291 controls were included. Women were more prevalent in control (69%) compared to PD (44%) and ET (44%) groups, and mean age was significantly younger in PD (73 yrs) and older in ET (83) compared to controls (81). The mean SCOPA-Aut Total score in PD was significantly higher than controls, with no difference in ET. No autonomic dysfunction was found in any domain in ET but in PD there were significant abnormalities in gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, urinary, and thermoregulatory domains. Individual question data revealed a significantly higher percentage of subjects with dysfunction on 11/23 questions in the PD group but only 1 question (sialorrhea) in the ET group compared with controls.

CONCLUSION

Autonomic scores, particularly gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, urinary, and thermoregulatory were increased in patients with PD, as assessed by SCOPA-Aut. Patients with ET did not exhibit autonomic dysfunction, with the exception of sialorrhea.

Selective growth and dissolution of Ni on a PdAu bimetallic surface by in situ STM: determining the relative adsorbate-substrate interaction energy

By studying the electrochemical growth and dissolution of a Ni monolayer on a PdAu bimetallic surface with in situ STM, we demonstrate that Ni grows preferentially on Au(111) in a wide potential range. In contrast, a Ni monolayer covering the entire bimetallic surface can be selectively dissolved from Pd islands. We show that the Ni-substrate interactions play a key role in this selectivity, and we estimate the binding energy of Ni to Pd to be 80 meV smaller than that of Ni to Au.

[Malignant mesothelioma (MM) in women: findings of the Mesothelioma Register of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region]

During the period 2000-2003, the Mesothelioma Register of the Friuli Venezia Giulia identified 248 cases of MM, 44 of which (18%) were female. In 36 cases the diagnosis was "certain" and in 8 "probable" or "possible". Mean age at diagnosis was 72.8 years (SD = 12.7), and the site of the disease was the pleura in 93% of cases. Information about previous exposure to asbestos was collected in accordance with the guidelines of the National Mesothelioma Register Occupational exposure to asbestos was documented in only 8 cases and family exposure in 6 others. In the remaining cases the source of exposure was "unknown" because of insufficient data, or there were no data at all. The study highlights the role played by extra-occupational exposure to asbestos among women and the need for careful investigation into previous asbestos exposure in all females with MM. In order to improve our knowledge of the part played by factors other than occupational exposure to asbestos in triggering the disease, it is crucial to reduce he number of cases with no information or "unknown" exposure to this dangerous substance.

[Respiratory function and smoking habit among shipyard and dock workers]

The aim of the study is to compare the loss of lung function in a group of 196 male workers employed in shipbuilding/repairing and port activities ("cases") with a group of 109 healthcare workers ("controls"). "Cases" were grouped by radiological examination (chest X-ray/HRCT) depending on the presence or absence of pleural plaques. Smoking habit was assessed in all subjects. Lung function assessment included two measures of VC, FEV1 and TLC (the latter for "cases" only). The mean interval between the two examinations was five years; changes in spirometric results (value at second examination minus value at first) were expressed as ml/year. The results showed that there was no difference in loss of lung function in the three groups over the follow-up period, even when differences in smoking habit were taken into account. The results suggest that radiological findings of pleural plaques had no bearing on deterioration in lung function. Lung function testing is widely accepted as an integral part of medical surveillance of occupational lung diseases, but the high inter and intra-subjects variability of spirometric data underlines the difficulties and limitations of lung function follow-up studies.

Assessment of contaminant diffusivities in building materials from porosimetry tests

Recent studies have shown that surface and gaseous contaminant interactions may play an important role in indoor air quality. Modeling is an important tool to improve our knowledge about the phenomena involved and define appropriate ventilation strategies. However, data for sorption isotherms and diffusion in building materials remain woefully lacking. This paper deals with the latter point. It aims at investigating a methodology based on an analysis of the material porosity first and then the application of Carniglia's mathematical model to determine the effective diffusivity of gaseous species in building materials. This methodology, whose main principles are presented in the first part of the paper, was applied to seven commonly found materials. Mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) tests, and the calculations using Carniglia's model, reveal typical total porosities and tortuosity factors for these materials. The analysis of pore size distributions (PSDs) also draws one's attention to the possible differences in the pore structures that may exist between two samples of the same type of material and the differences in the effective diffusivities of contaminants that may result from them. The computed effective diffusivities were subsequently compared to data from experiments carried out in the frame of the EC project MATHIS. An agreement was obtained, thus validating Carniglia's methodology - a methodology that offers many practical advantages compared to diffusion-cell methods.

[Urban research in Mexico, 1980-1990]

"The purpose of this paper is to assess urban research in Mexico during the 1980s.... The study is divided into three sections: 1) continuing themes; 2) new themes on urban issues; [and] 3) state policies regarding urban issues. The author notes that in the 1980s, research was conducted for the purpose of analyzing urban realities more explicitly.... She also offers a description of studies that attempt to link state policies, the actors involved, and their impact (or lack of it) on urbanization processes, and discusses the regulatory functions carried out by the state." (SUMMARY IN ENG)

Protein content and thyroid hormone release in vitro by differentiated thyroid cancer cells in the presence of estradiol, dehydroepiandrosterone, polypeptidic hormones and pesticides

The reactivity of thyroid cancer cells treated with estradiol (E) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA) in the presence of other hormones (TSH, STH, insulin), myopeptide and some pesticides (aminotriazole--ATA, atrazine--ATZ, prometryne--P and ATC) proved to be active in the culture medium. Protein synthesis in sclerosing folliculo-papillary cancer cells under the treatment applied is more markedly inhibited by DHA than by E in the culture medium is compared to the control lots. Tg1 and T3 release into the culture medium under the action of T4 and TSH decreases progressively going from the control to the treated lots, in the presence of E and DHA. STH inhibits Tg1 and T3 secretion in thyroid follicular carcinoma, whether or not E or DHA are present in the culture medium.

Dermatoglyphics in thyroid cancer

Digito-palmar dermatoglyphics in 93 subjects with thyroid cancer (34 males, 59 females) of which 87.1% had folliculo-papillar adenocarcinoma were studied qualitatively and quantitatively. The findings were compared to the dermatoglyphics of 100 males and 100 females from the clinically healthy autochthonous population. The thyroid cancer subjects had a lower total digital ridge count (TDRC) and a reduced number of papillar ridges between the a-d triradii, than the control subjects. The A line showed a more marked transversality in cancer males and a more marked obliquity in cancer females. Qualitative examination showed more patterns in the second interdigital area and a higher incidence of typical and atypical form of sulcus transversus in the cancer group as against the controls. Qualitative and quantitative variations in dermatoglyphics were found with respect to the relation between the anatomo-pathologic form and the A, B, or O blood group. However, this variation is not conclusive enough to support the hypothesis of an association between dermatoglyphics and the blood groups in the A, B, O system on the one hand, and dermatoglyphics and the anatomo-pathologic form of thyroid cancer, on the other.

Primary hyperparathyroidism. Report of a clinical case without bone lesions

A 26-year-old woman was admitted to the Institute of Endocrinology in Bucharest for evaluation of primary hyperparathyroidism (P-HPT). Anamnesis revealed a 10-year history of nephrolithiasis; peptic ulcer, chronic pancreatitis, cholelithiasis. Eight months previously, she had given birth to a child who had neonatal hypocalcaemic tetany. Investigations revealed the presence of moderate hypercalcaemia, hypercalciuria, hypo-phosphoremia; serum chloride level was above 100 mEq/1, and the chloride phosphate ratio was greater than 33. X-ray films of the abdomen revealed the presence of nephrolithiasis and right nephrocalcinosis. Selenium methyonine scanning, ultrasonography and computerized tomography were negative. On surgical exploration a 2-3 cm parathyroid adenoma was removed from between the trachea and the esophagus.

Reactivity of cold thyroid nodule under hormonal influences: study on cell cultures

The authors have studied the reactivity of cold thyroid nodule cells (CN) by comparison with the reactivity of normal thyroid cells (Ty), hot nodules cells (N), Graves' disease cells (G) and cells from the area proximal to cold nodules (TyC), under the influence of increased amounts of T3, TSH, STH, insulin, estradiol and KI present in the culture medium. The experiment lasted for 9-10 days. The study was carried out on monolayer cultures of cells obtained by tripsinization and on organocultures. Proteic synthesis, cytochemical and cytoenzymatic activities in the culture under the influence of the above substances were examined comparatively. After interruption of the treatment, the monolayer cultures were stained with Giemsa and examined by light microscopy. Proteic synthesis and release of Tg, T3 and T4 into the culture medium, were also examined. The organocultures were used in evaluating 125I uptake from the medium under the influence of the treatment. The results showed variation in relation to the tissue and hormone dose applied. It was especially found that TSH and estradiol cause enlargement of CN cell nuclei and an increased number of mitoses and polyploidia which might be premises for possible malignization.

Primary hyperparathyroidism associated with galactophorous ducts calcification

A 49-year-old woman at recent climacterium was admitted to our hospital for a dyspeptic-type symptomatology, weight loss, bone pain, moderate polyuric-polydipsic syndrome and in a marked astheno-depressive state. Paraclinical explorations revealed constant hypercalcemia with hypophosphoremia, calciuria, chronic renal failure in the polyuric phase with retention of nitric bases. X-ray films showed diffuse osteoporosis, right nephrocalcinosis and diffuse calcifications of the galactophorous ducts in both breasts. Computerized tomography revealed and surgery confirmed the presence of tumoral tissues on the anterior aspect of the trachea. Histopathologic examination revealed a parathyroid adenoma.

Considerations on some anatomo-clinical phenomena of thyroid cancer. Treatment and prognosis. Personal experience with 1515 operated cases

The authors present a retrospective study on 1515 histologically confirmed cases of thyroid cancer encountered along a period of 30 years of activity. These cases were found among 15,200 patients operated on for thyroid disorders. Of these 1515 cases, 1310 were differentiated carcinomas of the follicular, papillary or trabecular type, 156 nondifferentiated carcinomas and 49 medullary carcinomas. The treatment for all these forms of cancer was a complex one, depending on the clinical stage and the anatomo-pathologic form. The authors advocate total or quasi-total thyroidectomy in all the forms of differentiated cancer, followed by administration of radioactive iodine and hormones. Under these conditions, the prognosis is extremely favourable. For nondifferentiated and medullary cancer the authors propose a wide resection followed by application of X-ray or cobalt and hormonal substitution therapy. The prognosis of these cases is poor.

Surgical indications in endemic goiter. Pre- and postoperative care

The authors express their opinion with respect to anatomo-clinical forms of endemic goiter. First they suggest preoperative thyroid re-equilibration to avoid postoperative complications such as hypothyroidism or recurrence. Then operative indications for endocrine goiter, especially in an endemic area are discussed. Opinions are also expressed with respect to diffuse parenchymatous (endemic) goiter, nodular and polynodular goiter together with the various forms that may have a nodular or polynodular aspect both anatomically and as localization. Extemporaneous examination is viewed by the authors as compulsory in all such goiters, whereas preoperative thyroid puncture is counterindicated. Surgical care of mixed endemic goiter (diffuse hyperplasia with nodules imbedded in the hyperplasia) is also reviewed. It is recommended that each operation be preceded by an adequate preoperative treatment, for which therapeutic schemes are indicated as well as postoperative care directions taking into account the anatomo-clinical form. The surgical approach recommended is subtotal thyroidectomy. The paper also provides some statistical figures concerning surgery in the Institute of Endocrinology in Bucharest.

The thyroglobulin variations during the thyroid surgery for polynodular goiter, hyperthyroidism and cancer

A radioimmunoassay (RIA) double antibody system for human thyroglobulin (Tgl) was developed with a sensitivity of 2.5 ng/ml T3 and T4 did not interfere in the antibody Tgl binding. The blood was collected pre-, intra- and 24 hrs post-thyroidectomy from 50 females and 4 males diagnosed as polynodular goiter, hyperthyroidism, chronic thyroiditis and thyroid cancer. The ratios of the intra- and post-operatory values versus pre-operatory values were calculated. The basal values in the patients having thyroid troubles varied within very large limits (two orders of magnitude) and these values could not be clearly correlated to the thyroid pathology, However, in untreated hyperthyroid patients the basal values exceeded 100 ng/ml, while in medullary carcinoma they were near the sensitivity limit of the technique. The intra-operatory values varied within the percentual area (thyroid carcinoma), multiplicative area (polynodular goiter and some cases of hyperthyroidism) and the order of magnitude area (hyperthyroid patients and some of the polynodular goiters). The value of the RIA measurement of the Tgl in the serum as an adjuvant in the post-treatment follow up of thyroid patients is discussed.

[Surgical treatment of cancer of the thyroid (author's transl)]

The authors report their experience with cancer of the thyroid. Using statistical data from 760 operated cases and present day concept, they consider the difficulties of the diagnosis, the stage of evolution and the treatment in the form of a collaboration between surgery, clinic and nuclear medicine.

Gonadal dysgenesis with a familial character

The Authors report on a case of congenital anorchidism, confirmed by laparatomy, with negative sexual chromatin and an XY karyotype. One of his two sisters, with primary amenorrhea, presented marked hypoplasia of the genital tract, positive sexual chromatin and in 3% of the cells with 2 chromatine corpuscles, XO/XX/XXX karyotype. The presence in the same family of two cases of gonadal dysgenesis appears to have occurred by mere chance.