Coelomic Research Articles

Nanoparticle biocoating to create ATP-powered swimmers capable of repairing proteins on the fly

One of the most attractive futuristic challenges in nanomedicine is to create self-propelled nanorobots to scan and repair living tissues at the nano/microscale. Ideally, these devices should navigate using local, inexhaustible biomolecules as energy sources, while performing different functions, such as delivering drugs or repairing tissues.In this study, we combine nanotechnology and biotechnology to design a biocompatible propulsion system based on the molecular chaperone Hsp90, a heat-shock protein (Hsp) that, in the presence of adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP), undergoes nanoscale conformational changes while trapping and renaturing other proteins. We show how, subjected to ATP availability in the medium, Hsp90-functionalized particles significantly enhance their diffusion motion, being able to achieve ballistic motion, while keeping the ability to restore the activity of surrounding heat-inactivated proteins. This biomechanics-based propulsion mechanism represents a promising strategy for the design of self-propelled nanodevices capable of performing sophisticated tasks in live biological contexts that include sensing the environment, recognizing and capturing, folding, and restoring defective proteins on the fly. In the short term, Hsp90-driven nanodevices could be applied to improve industrial processes that require enzymatic catalysis and high temperatures. But in the medium to long term, this bioactive coating could be used in the design of nanomachines that, like mini-robots, navigate the complex body cavities of biological tissues, deliver therapies and/or remove misfolded proteins in disorders such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease.

Evaluation of double acoustic tagging techniques to track American shad Alosa sapidissima movements at multiple spatial scales

Enhancements to acoustic telemetry technology now allow for tracking aquatic animal movements at multiple spatial and temporal scales. While large acoustic arrays allow for broad-scale tracking of movement and migrations at scales of thousands of km across multiple years, more focused smaller arrays offer the potential to quantify fine-scale movement across shorter time frames. Investigators seeking to quantify movement at multiple scales may require a double-tagging approach if their telemetry systems and tag capabilities are different (e.g., 69 kHz for broad-scale, and 307 kHz for sub-meter fine-scale). We tested multiple double-tagging approaches (InnovaSea-Vemco V9 and HTI-495LY tags) for American shad Alosa sapidissima during three individual tank survival experiments including: 1) two free-floating acoustic tags and a dart tag, 2) two acoustic tags attached to one another and a dart tag, and 3) two acoustic tags attached to one another with no dart tag and revised handling and tagging techniques to reduce stress. In each experiment, we used a mixed effects Cox’s proportional hazard model to test for differences in relative survival between groups (double acoustic tagged and control fish). At the completion of each experiment, all fish were X-rayed to evaluate tag placement in the body cavity. During the first experiment, American shad that received two free-floating tags and a dart tag had significantly lower relative survival compared to control fish after three weeks. The second experiment with treatment fish receiving two attached tags and a dart tag still had lower survival compared to control fish, but the magnitude of survival differences between treatment and control was lower compared to experiment one. In the third experiment, when two attached tags were used, dart tags were eliminated, and changes to fish handling and tagging techniques were implemented (new tagging apparatus, addition of lubricant, and different fish orientation) survival was equal among treatment and control fish. X-ray images showed distinct differences in post-mortem tag positioning between the first experiment (misaligned tags) compared to the second and third experiments (tags horizontally aligned within intestinal tract). American shad are generally difficult to study experimentally and sensitive to collection, handling, and surgical implantation. Our study showed strong evidence that attaching two acoustic tags to one another to create a single, larger tag improved survival and reduced internal tag misalignment. Fine- and broad-scale acoustic telemetry studies can be achieved with aquatic animals, but care must be taken with all species, and particularly those susceptible to handing stress to minimize tagging effects (e.g., mortality, altered movement behaviors, and tag burden).

Intravenous-Therapy-Associated Circulatory Overload: A Retrospective Study of Forensic Cases

Background and Objective: Intravenous therapy is widely used in clinics to deliver medications and fluids to patients, and overuse may cause intravenous-infusion-associated circulatory overload (IACO) and death. However, forensic data on deaths from the overuse of intravenous therapy are limited. We performed a retrospective study to identify whether causes of death in forensic practice were associated with IACO. Methods: A total of 572 medical-related cases with a history of intravenous infusion who suffered from injuries or illnesses and died after treatment in hospitals were recruited from two centers of forensic medicine between 2002 and 2018. Results: The results demonstrated that 6.47% of cases (37/572) were exposed to an infusion overdose that resulted in deaths related to IACO, and 43.24% of cases (16/37) had a net fluid retention ranging from 3.0 L/d to 13.8 L/d. The highest case was administered 1.4 L blood products and 13.6 L fluids within 25 h. We observed significant decreases in red blood cells, hematocrit, hemoglobin, and platelets from the time of “on admission” to “before death”, except for white blood cells. Autopsy findings of 16 cases revealed some organ or tissue pathological alterations related to IACO, including pale-yellow liquid overflow under the abdominal epidermis, much transudate in body cavities, and lung edema with a high tissue density and no obvious slurry deposition in the alveolar lumen. Another 21 cases died after a rapid infusion rate ranging from 111 to 293 drops/min, which resulted from viral myocarditis on autopsy. Conclusions: Our data on excessive or irrational use of intravenous therapy indicate a severe circulatory overload, which may eventually result in lethal outcomes. Therefore, the use of improper intravenous therapy should be reduced to ameliorate adverse health consequences during clinical treatment.

Application of Polymer Hydrogels in the Prevention of Postoperative Adhesion: A Review

Postoperative adhesion is a common post-surgery complication formed between the surface of the body cavity, ranging from a layer of connective tissue to a fibrous bridge containing blood vessels and nerve tissue. Despite achieving a lot of progress, the mechanisms of adhesion formation still need to be further studied. In addition, few current treatments are consistently effective in the prevention of postoperative adhesion. Hydrogel is a kind of water-expanding crosslinked hydrophilic polymer network generated by a simple reaction of one or more monomers. Due to the porous structure, hydrogels can load different drugs and control the drug release kinetics. Evidence from existing studies has confirmed the feasibility and superiority of using hydrogels to counter postoperative adhesions, primarily due to their outstanding antifouling ability. In this review, the current research status of hydrogels as anti-adhesion barriers is summarized, the character of hydrogels in the prevention of postoperative adhesion is briefly introduced, and future research directions are discussed.

Primary Effusion Lymphoma: A Rare and Challenging Diagnosis for Recurrent Pleural Effusion.

Primary Effusion Lymphoma is an extremely rare and aggressive subtype of B-cell lymphoma, accounting for only <1% of all cases of this neoplasm. It has a unique clinical presentation because it has a predilection for appearing in body cavities, such as the pleural space, pericardium and peritoneum. It mainly affects immunocompromised individuals and may also affect individuals in the Mediterranean region and in areas endemic for human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8). Herein, we report the case of an 83-year-old immunocompetent male complaining of coughing, fever and progressive dyspnea for 3 days. His past medical history revealed a recurrent pleural effusion for the last three years, as well as losing weight and malaise. A subsequent investigation revealed a PEL diagnosis of the pleura.

Mouse Tissue-Resident Peritoneal Macrophages in Homeostasis, Repair, Infection, and Tumor Metastasis.

Large peritoneal macrophages (LPMs) are long-lived, tissue-resident macrophages, formed during embryonic life, developmentally and functionally confined to the peritoneal cavity. LPMs provide the first line of defense against life-threatening pathologies of the peritoneal cavity, such as abdominal sepsis, peritoneal metastatic tumor growth, or peritoneal injuries caused by trauma, or abdominal surgery. Apart from their primary phagocytic function, reminiscent of primitive defense mechanisms sustained by coelomocytes in the coelomic cavity of invertebrates, LPMs fulfill an essential homeostatic function by achieving an efficient clearance of apoptotic, that is crucial for the maintenance of self-tolerance. Research performed over the last few years, in mice, has unveiled the mechanisms by which LPMs fulfill a crucial role in repairing peritoneal injuries and controlling microbial and parasitic infections, reflecting that the GATA6-driven LPM transcriptional program can be modulated by extracellular signals associated with pathological conditions. In contrast, recent experimental evidence supports that peritoneal tumors can subvert LPM metabolism and function, leading to the acquisition of a tumor-promoting potential. The remarkable functional plasticity of LPMs can be nevertheless exploited to revert tumor-induced LPM protumor potential, providing the basis for the development of novel immunotherapeutic approaches against peritoneal tumor metastasis based on macrophage reprogramming.

Contrast-enhanced computed tomography and cross-sectional anatomy of the trunk in the brownbanded bamboo shark (Chiloscyllium punctatum).

Computed tomography (CT) is used in veterinary medicine for the diagnosis of bones and soft tissue diseases in various species. In addition, CT has recently been used to diagnose aquatic animals, including Selachimorpha, which are difficult to diagnose out of water. However, because Selachimorpha do not have adipose tissue in the coelomic cavity, the coelomic organs cannot be fully identified using non-contrast CT (NCCT). The aim of this study is to present the anatomical features of the cadaver, NCCT, and contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) as well as the change in CT values of the coelomic organs and musculature of the brownbanded bamboo shark. NCCT scans were performed under anaesthesia in one male and one female shark. CECT was performed 30 min after iopamidol was administered intravenously. The sharks were euthanized, frozen at -20°C, and sliced in the same position in which they were scanned. Using electric band saw, 10-mm transversal sections were obtained. The anatomical structures of both males and females were identified by transversal sections, and CT images homologous to transversal sections were then selected. Sagittal and coronal CECT images were also obtained to facilitate understanding of the location and size of coelomic organs. Although bone structure and air in organs could be sufficiently discriminated on NCCT image, the coelomic organs were almost indistinguishable. On the other hand, CECT images obtained sufficient contrast to identify most coelomic organs in addition to bone and air. The results provide an atlas of a cross-sectional anatomy and CECT images, which is useful information for the medical diagnosis of coelomic organs in live Selachimorpha.

Ultrasonographic sex determination of the flathead grey mullet (Mugil cephalus).

Determination of sex in fish without external sexual dimorphism is important. Sex determination of the flathead grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) in the culture system and spawn-producing and fish reproduction system is very important. Currently, there are several methods to determine the sex of fish; however, they are time-consuming, expensive and sometimes dangerous for the fish. The purpose of this study was the sex determination of flathead grey mullet by ultrasonography as a safe and accurate method. In this regard, 30 flathead grey mullets (early in their maturation) from a farm in Gomishan-Golestan province, Iran were examined using a portable ultrasound machine with a 6-12MHz waterproof linear transducer. Scanning was performed on the ventral body surface in the sagittal and transverse planes, between ventral and anal fins. Differences in shape, qualitative size, echogenicity and the wall layers of the ovary and testis were evaluated for sex determination. Results of ultrasonography were confirmed immediately at necropsy. Ultrasonographic accuracy for sex determination was 100%. The speed of the procedure was around 30s per fish. Overall, the sex determination of flathead grey mullet by ultrasonography was high in accuracy and speed, non-invasive and safe for fish and consumers, and may be considered a priority. Place of the organs in the M. cephalus coelomic cavity and the obtained experience showed that for rapid and easy sex identification, the best place to put the transducer is on the ventral surface of the fish in the caudal part of the coelomic cavity for taking transverse and sagittal ultrasonograms.

Secretion of extracellular vesicles during ontogeny of the tapeworm Schistocephalus solidus

We provide the first ultrastructural evidence of the secretion of extracellular vesicles (EVs) across all parasitic stages of the tapeworm Schistocephalus solidus (Müller, 1776) (Cestoda: Diphyllobothriidea) using a laboratory life cycle model. We confirmed the presence of EV-like bodies in all stages examined, including the hexacanth, procercoids in the copepod, Macrocyclops albidus (Jurine, 1820), plerocercoids from the body cavity of the three-spined stickleback, Gasterosteus aculeatus Linnaeus, and adults cultivated in artificial medium. In addition, we provide description of novel tegumental structures potentially involved in EV biogenesis and the presence of unique elongated EVs similar to those previously described only in Fasciola hepatica Linnaeus, 1758 (Trematoda), Hymenolepis diminuta (Rudolphi, 1819) (Cestoda), and Trypanosoma brucei Plimmer et Bradford, 1899 (Kinetoplastida).

Abstract A040: In vivo imaging of ovarian and non-small cell lung cancer models hosted in the Sprague-Dawley Rag2 null Il2rgamma null SRG rat (OncoRat®)

Abstract Human cancer xenografts are a vital tool for understanding tumor biology. While in vivo studies are traditionally done in immunocompromised mice, we have created the SRG OncoRat® that is an excellent host for human xenografts. In vivo luminescent imaging is routinely used in mouse models, and it is particularly useful for studying orthotopic xenografts or metastatic models. In this study, we validated the SRG rat as a model that can effectively be used for in vivo imaging of human cancers. For the current study, we assessed two tumor models. OV81.2-luc is a luciferase positive cell line that was generated from ascites collection from a grade IIIC serous ovarian carcinoma. Tumors were established by inoculating OV81.2-luc cells IP into female SRG rats and female NSG mice, then treated with vehicle or cisplatin for 28 days. Human non-small cell lung cancer line H358-luc is luciferase positive and metastasizes to lung when injected subcutaneously into the hind flank of SRG rats. Tumors were measured thrice weekly with calipers. For both studies, we performed weekly in vivo luciferase imaging using Spectral Instruments AMI-HT. Tumors established rapidly for both OV81.2-luc and H358-luc in both SRG rats and NSG mice, with luciferin positive signal starting one week post inoculation. In OV81.2-luc hosting animals, upon necropsy, tumors were found on multiple abdominal organs including the peritoneum, ovary, mesentery, intestines, kidneys, liver, and body cavity wall. Metastatic events outside the abdominal cavity were not evident in OV81.2-luc hosting animals. In H358-luc tumor bearing rats, a high metastatic tumor burden was found in the lungs. These data confirm that the SRG rat is an excellent host for studying human cancer when compared to commonly used immunodeficient mouse models. Data demonstrate that the SRG rat has a high utility for studies using both in vivo imaging, such as orthotopic tumor implantation, and studies on metastasis. As the most immunodeficient rat commercially available, the SRG rat retains the ability to establish human tumors while possessing size, physiology, and metabolism-based advantages when compared to mice. Citation Format: Diane Begemann, Nicolas Johnston, Marissa O’Callaghan, Grace Walton, Valeriya Steffey, Fallon Noto. In vivo imaging of ovarian and non-small cell lung cancer models hosted in the Sprague-Dawley Rag2 null Il2rgamma null SRG rat (OncoRat®) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Cancer Metastasis; 2022 Nov 14-17; Portland, OR. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;83(2 Suppl_2):Abstract nr A040.

Radiologic features of radiolucent foreign bodies ingestion in common mynah (Acridotheres tristis).

In mynahs with foreign body ingestion, delayed diagnosis increases the risk of poor outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate various radiologic features on plain and contrast radiographs in mynahs for assessing the presence of ingested foreign bodies. In our cross-sectional study, a total of 41 mynahs were included. The diagnosis was made by history, surgery, excision by forceps or excretion in the faeces. Overall, 21 mynahs were considered not to have a foreign body in their gastrointestinal tract. Plain and post-contrast [oral administration of bariumsulphate colloidal suspension of 25% weight/volume (20mg/kg)] lateral and ventrodorsal radiographs from the cervical and coelomic cavity were taken.Different parameters including oesophageal, proventricular, and small intestinal diameters and opacities were assessed. Image evaluation was performed by two national board-certified radiologists blinded to the final diagnoses. The inter- and intra-observer reliabilities of the diagnostic features were significant (p < 0.001). The diagnosis of the foreign body was highly accurate [90.2% (95% CI: 76.9%, 92.3%)] with the sensitivity, specificity, and area under the representative characteristic curve of 90.0%, 90.5%, and 0.93%, respectively for plain radiographs. The size and opacity of the oesophagus, proventriculus, and intestinal loops as well as serosal details were significantly different between mynahs with and without foreign body intake (p < 0.05). Lateral and ventrodorsal plain radiographs are highly reliable for diagnosing the presence of non-opaque obstructing objects in the gastrointestinal tract of mynahs. Attention should be paid to the size and opacity of the oesophagus, extension, and opacity of the proventriculus, segmental opacity of intestinal loops, and decrease in serosal details.

Static Stability and Swim Bladder Volume in the Bluegill Sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus).

Static stability is a property inherent to every organism. More stable bodies benefit from a lower energy cost associated with maintaining a desired orientation, while less stable bodies can be more maneuverable. The static stability of a fish is determined by the relative locations of its center of mass (COM) and center of buoyancy (COB), which may change with changes in swim bladder volume. We hypothesized, however, that fish would benefit from consistent static stability, and predicted that changes in swim bladder volume would not alter the overall pattern of COM and COB locations. We used micro-computed tomography to estimate the locations of the COM and COB in bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus). Using this technique, we were able to find a small but significant difference between the location of the COM and COB for a given orientation. We found that the swim bladder can change shape within the body cavity, changing relative locations of the COM and COB. At one extreme, the COB is located 0.441±0.007 BL from the snout and 0.190±0.010 BL from the ventral surface of the pelvic girdle, and that the COM is 0.0030±0.0020 BL posterior and 0.0006±0.0005 BL ventral to the COB, a pattern that causes a nose-up pitching torque. At the other extreme, the COM is anterior and dorsal to the COB, a pattern that causes the opposite torque. These changes in location seems to be caused by changes in the shape and centroid location of the swim bladder within the body: The centroid of the swim bladder is located significantly more posteriorly in fish oriented head-down. The air in the bladder "rises" while heavier tissues "sink," driving a change in tissue distribution and changing the location of the COM relative to the COB. Supporting our hypothesis, we found no correlation between swim bladder volume and the distance between the COM and COB. We conclude that bluegill are statically unstable, requiring them to expend energy constantly to maintain their normal orientation, but that the pitch angle of the body could alter the relative locations of COM and COB, changing their static stability.

Combined exploratory laparotomy, transpsoas, and thoracic approach to resection of a giant spinal ganglioneuroma: illustrative case.

Ganglioneuromas are rare peripheral nervous system tumors of neural crest origin. Most are often asymptomatic and incidentally found, but large tumors can cause mass effect. Herein, the authors report a case of a giant ganglioneuroma that arose from the lumbar foramina into the retroperitoneal and thoracic cavities. A 62-year-old female presented with low back pain, left lower extremity swelling, and increased sensation of an abdominal mass. Surgical treatment options were reviewed with the patient and coordinated care was planned by surgical oncological specialists. The patient opted for multistage exploratory laparotomy for abdominal mobilization, diaphragm resection, and en bloc resection with neuromonitoring. After surgery, the patient experienced significant improvement in symptoms. A combined surgical exposure involving gastrointestinal, thoracic, and neurological surgeons can be important in the safe resection of ganglioneuromas that span multiple body cavities. Hence, a thorough preoperative assessment could help plan surgery accordingly.

A mesothelium divides the subarachnoid space into functional compartments

The central nervous system is lined by meninges, classically known as dura, arachnoid, and pia mater. We show the existence of a fourth meningeal layer that compartmentalizes the subarachnoid space in the mouse and human brain, designated the subarachnoid lymphatic-like membrane (SLYM). SLYM is morpho- and immunophenotypically similar to the mesothelial membrane lining of peripheral organs and body cavities, and it encases blood vessels and harbors immune cells. Functionally, the close apposition of SLYM with the endothelial lining of the meningeal venous sinus permits direct exchange of small solutes between cerebrospinal fluid and venous blood, thus representing the mouse equivalent of the arachnoid granulations. The functional characterization of SLYM provides fundamental insights into brain immune barriers and fluid transport.

First Report of Spirometra Procercoid Parasitism in Cyclops from Tanzania

A survey was carried out on natural infection of Spirometra procercoids in Cyclops from water ponds in Tarangire National Park, Tanzania. Cyclops collected from ponds in Tarangire National Park were examined for the presence of procercoids in their body cavities. The Cyclops were anaesthetized with carbonated water and examined under compound microscope. Spirometra procercoids were found in the body cavity of naturally infected Cyclops. The procercoids was elongate, had calcareous corpuscles and mean measurements were 101.7µm in length and 71.7 µm in width. The procercoids seems to concur with S. erinacei procercoid. This is a first record of Spirometra procercoid in Cyclops from Tanzania.

Urothelial carcinoma in a Russian tortoise (Testudohorsfieldii)

An adult female Russian tortoise (Testudo horsfieldii) was admitted to a veterinary clinic with a 1-week history of anorexia and lethargy. Physical examination revealed significant dehydration and generalized dysecdysis. Blood parameters were all within species-reported limits. Radiography revealed an increased amount of soft tissue opacity within the coelomic cavity and a distinct loss of serosal detail. A large cavitated mass was detected ultrasonographically in the right coelom and a tentative diagnosis of kidney pathology was made. Using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, a partly mineralized heterogeneous mass was seen in the right coelom. After stabilization, a transplastron coeliotomy was performed. A 7×5cm mass, including associated cysts, was removed. The tortoise died 8h postoperatively and post-mortem examination revealed a urothelial carcinoma arising from the renal pelvis. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report in a tortoise of urothelial carcinoma, which has rarely been reported in reptiles.

Infectious Salpingitis in an Ornamental Frizzle Hen: A Case Report, Diagnosis and Treatment

Salpingitis is a common inflammatory complication in ornamental chickens that occurs due to infectious and non-infectious agents. This disease can cause symptoms such as depression, halted egg laying, swelling of the abdominal area, and breathing difficulities. This report investigates a 3-year-old Frizzle hen presenting with severe anorexia, halted egg laying, decreased activity, depression, and difficulty breathing. Ultrasound examinations and hematology tests were conducted for further differential diagnosis, confirming an inflammatory lesion in the oviduct. The tests were additionally utilized to assess the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy as a treatment measure. This report details the diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation of its effectiveness in a domestic ornamental chicken exhibiting clinical signs indicative of possible lesions in the reproductive system or the presence of free fluids in the coelomic cavity. Following initial examinations, ultrasonography, and hematology tests, salpingitis was confirmed with active involvement of an infectious agent, and the likelihood of ascites due to liver issues was ruled out.. Due to the bird owner's preference against surgical intervention, a broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment utilizing gentamicin and lincospectin was selected. The clinical condition of the bird improved significantly after five days of treatment, and the ultrasonography and hematology tests were repeated, which showed the progression of the lesion from an active infection to a chronic caseous infection. This report emphasizes the importance of using paraclinical tests in diagnosing genital disorders, especially salpingitis, and evaluating the effectiveness of the treatment strategy.

Pericardial and mediastinal fat-associated lymphoid clusters are rapidly activated in an alkane-induced model of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease predominated by auto-antibodies that recognise cellular components. Pleural involvement is the most common SLE-related lung disease. Natural antibodies are rapidly secreted by innate-like B cells following perturbation of homeostasis and are important in the early stages of immune activation. The serous cavities are home to large numbers of innate-like B cells present both within serous fluid and resident within fat-associated lymphoid clusters (FALCs). FALCs are important hubs for B-cell activation and local antibody secretion within the body cavities. Patients with SLE can develop anti-phospholipid antibodies and in rare situations develop alveolar haemorrhage. Utilising delivery of the hydrocarbon oil pristane in C57BL/6 mice as a model of SLE we identify a rapid expansion of pleural cavity B cells as early as day 3 after intra-peritoneal pristane delivery. Following pristane delivery, pericardial B1 B cells are proliferative, express the plasma-cell surface marker CD138, and secrete both innate and class-switched antibodies highlighting that this cavity niche may play an unrecognised role in the initiation of lupus pleuritis.

Hitna medicinska stanja tokom komercijalnih letova avionom - "Ima li lekara u avionu?"

Almost four billion passengers travel aboard commercial airliners every year. Last year In-flight medical emergencies (IMEs) were relatively common and occurred in a complex environment with limited medical resources. More recent data shows that IMEs occur in one passenger for every 604 flights or 24-130 IMEs for every one million passengers, more often in people over 70 years old. Due to the drop in barometric pressure, there are specific conditions in the aircraft passenger cabin that can affect the occurrence of IMEs. Most importantly it is hypobaric hypoxia, which can lead to the development of hypoxia-related symptoms in chronic patients with respiratory, cardiovascular, and hematological diseases. With reduced barometric pressure gases in body cavities and medical equipment can expand by 30%, this can lead to IMEs in recently operated patients (wound dehiscence, bleeding), middle ear and sinus diseases, subocclusions, and lung problems (pulmonary bulla). Other factors that contribute to the occurrence of IMEs are limited movement (deep vein thrombosis), dry and cold air (dehydration), jet lag, turbulence, and psychological stress. IMEs most commonly involve syncope or near-syncope (32.7%), gastrointestinal (14.8%), respiratory (10.1%), and cardiovascular (7.0%) symptoms. Because of ethical, and in some countries also legal responsibilities, doctor-passengers are a great help in the treatment of IMEs. Emergency landing of the aircraft when an IME occurs happens in an estimated 4.4% of cases. Knowing the influence of the specific ambient conditions in the plane on physiological processes in the body is of great importance for determining the absolute and relative contraindications for flying by plane. Doctor-passengers have an important role in the treatment of IMEs. This work aims to introduce us to the specific ambient conditions in the aircraft cabin and their influence on the physiology of the human body, the most common IMEs that occur under the influence of those conditions, the role of the doctorpassenger as well as the absolute and relative contraindications for flying by plane.

Cytomorphological analysis of effusion fluids for detection of malignant cells in a tertiary care hospital in northern India.

All body cavities are lined by monolayered mesothelial cells and contain a minimal amount of fluid for lubrication and for protecting the underlying viscera. The peritoneal, pleural, cerebrospinal, sputum, urine, and pericardial fluids comprise the major chunk of body fluids. The study was conducted in the Department of Pathology of a tertiary care hospital in northern India, over a period of 1 year, from January 2021 to December 2021. A total of 241 samples were included in the study. Out of the 241 samples studied, 99 were peritoneal fluid, 94 were pleural fluids, 29 were CSF, and 18 were sputum samples. Maximum number of patients affected were in the age group of 41-50 years. Female preponderance was seen with male to female ratio of 1:1.7. A total of 143/241 cases (59.33%) were of transudative nature and 98/241 (27.8%) cases were exudative. Out of 241 cases, 43 (17.84%) were neoplastic, 190 (78.83%) were non-neoplastic, four (1.65%) were suspicious for malignancy, and four (1.65%) were where no opinion was possible. Peritoneal fluid was the most frequently encountered fluid accounting for 99 cases (41.07%). Adenocarcinoma was the most common malignancy accounting for 29 cases (67.44%) out of 43 malignant effusions in the present study. Cytological evaluation of body fluids is of significant utility in diagnostic medicine as it allows us to distinguish between benign and malignant etiologies and at the same time offers rapid diagnosis and staging of metastatic disease.