Connective Tissue Fibers Research Articles

Morphological Changes of the Ureter in Patients with Ureterolithiasis Depending on the Duration of Clinical Manifestations

Urolithiasis (URL) is a common urological disease that often appears in the population, has a high recurrent rate and a significant impact on the social status of the population. Almost half of patients with URL disease are people with ureteric stones, 95% of which have secondary genesis. The main methods of treatment of such patients are extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and ureterolithotripsy (URS). It is important in these cases to determine morphological changes (inflammation, edema, sclerosis, necrosis, etc.) that appear in the ureter in the placement of the stone and may reduce the effectiveness of minimally invasive treatment or/and removal of fragments during URS. The objective: studying morphological changes of the ureter wall in patients with ureterolithiasis in the zone of the calculus in dependence of the duration of clinical manifestations. Materials and methods. We have studied histological changes of the ureter wall in the location of the stone in patients with ureterolithiasis. We explored the ureter wall in patients depending on duration of typical manifestations of ureterolithiasis, which were 7-en days long, 30 days, and more than 2 months. Results. If the stone in the ureter is up to 7 days, it does not cause significant microscopic changes of the ureter wall. If the stone been in the ureter during 1 month, more significant morphological changes are determined with desquamation of the urothelium, edema and inflammatory changes in the submucosal membrane. In case of the duration of the calculi in the ureter is more than 2 months, we noted the exfoliation of the urothelium with the denudation of the basement membrane. In the submucosal layer there is an edema, diffuse disorganization of connective tissue fibers, fragments of growth of granulation tissue and dense connective tissue in the form of separate layers. Conclusion. With increasing duration of the disease in the wall of the ureter increases the manifestations of inflammatory, sclerotic and necrotic changes. Such changes have a direct impact on the quality of visualization of the calculus during endoscopic interventions, the rate of fragmentation and extraction (elimination) of fragments, as a consequence, increase the overall duration of the operation and the risk of intra- and postoperative complications.

TONSILOGENIC AMYLOIDOSIS

In connection with the report that amyloid is a functional antimicrobial substance, possibly a part of innate immunity, we suggested that amyloid may form in the palatine tonsils in chronic tonsillitis. Thirty-two patients aged 19 to 52 years underwent surgical treatment for clinically proven chronic tonsillitis. The aim of the study was to detect the fact of amyloid tonsillar lesions formation in chronic tonsillitis. We performed histological examination of tonsillo-ectomized material fixed in 10% formalin solution and filled in paraffin on 4-micron histological sections: 1) according to the conventional technique, stained with hematoxylin-eosin, 2) Congo red staining and 3) using our own original trichromatic method (two-hour incubation of paraffin sections in acidin-pepsin, sequential staining with picro-fuchsin according to Van Gieson, Сaracсi hematoxylin, Congo red according to H. H. Benhold, picro-indigocarmine). All 32 patients showed a clinical presentation of chronic tonsillitis without exacerbation with stroma sclerosis and atrophy of the lymphatic glandular system. Local amyloidosis of the tonsils was detected in 10 out of 32 cases. As a result of trichromatic staining, unchanged connective tissue fibers stained green, changed tissues (hyalinosis or amyloidosis) stained in various shades from yellow, yellow-orange to red, in addition, lymphocytes, neutrophils and mast cells were clearly detected in the tissues of the amygdala. For comparison, a section of the palatine tonsil was taken from a 49-year-old man who committed suicide by hanging, who had no chronic tonsillitis. Forensic diagnosis: mechanical asphyxia by hanging. Macroscopically: the tonsils are not enlarged, folded, the size of one of them together with the soft tissues was 2.5×1.5×1 cm. Nevertheless, a Congo-positive substance was found in the sections of the suicider's tonsils. It is concluded that a significant number of amyloidosis cases that did not lead to severe damage to the vital organs remain unaccounted for due to the lack of specialists' awareness and, as a result, recommendations for screening for the presence of amyloidosis. At least 30% of patients with chronic tonsillitis are observed to have at least local tonsillar amyloidosis. Amyloid damage to the tonsils can be seen even in clinically unchanged tonsils.

Scanning Electron Microscopic Studies on the Auricular and Atrio-ventricular Valvular Architecture of Pre-natal Non-descript Sheep

Background: Being the vital organ of circulatory system, the development of the heart before birth must be studied to safeguard the animal from the incidence of various developmental anomalies. The ultrastructural details of auricular and atrio-ventricular valvular architecture of heart especially in pre-natal sheep has not yet been reported. Methods: The collected foeti of sheep were divided into three age groups viz. early prenatal (up to 50 days), mid prenatal (51-100 days) and late prenatal (101 to 150 days). The samples of auricle, bicuspid and tricuspid valves were processed for scanning electron microscopic study (Scanning Electron Microscope, Make: Hitachi and Model: S-3400N) and subsequently, the samples were viewed and the photographs were taken in the facility available at Central Instrumentation Facility (CIF), OUAT, Bhubaneswar. The measurements of various parameters of auricles and valves were also taken at the ultrastructural level by the inbuilt software programming system. The recorded data were subjected to routine statistical analysis.Result: It was revealed that the endocardium was the inner layer of the auricles of heart. The endothelial surface of the auricles was occupied by the simple squamous epithelium. The endothelial cells were elongated in shape in all the age groups. The subendothelial layer was consisted of connective tissue fibers and conducting fibers. The pectinate muscles covered the inner side of the right and left atria and were interconnected having a network like appearance except in mid prenatal stage, i.e. at 96 days of gestation, where they were arranged linearly. There was presence of pores among the pectinate muscles in both the atria in all the age groups under study. The endothelial surface of the bicuspid or mitral and tricuspid valves was lined by simple squamous endothelium that projected into the lumen of the valve. There was presence of pores among the endothelial cells of the valves. Further, the subendothelial layer was present just below the endothelium and comprised of connective tissue fibers and conducting fibers in both the valves. The width of the fibers in bicuspid valve was not uniform and was further categorized into thick and thin fibers especially in the mid prenatal stage, i.e. at 96 days of gestation. There was presence of clusters of pores among the endothelial cells of the tricuspid valve in the heart especially in the late prenatal stage, i.e. at 120 days of gestation period.

Advanced Fiber Type-Specific Protein Profiles Derived from Adult Murine Skeletal Muscle.

Skeletal muscle is a heterogeneous tissue consisting of blood vessels, connective tissue, and muscle fibers. The last are highly adaptive and can change their molecular composition depending on external and internal factors, such as exercise, age, and disease. Thus, examination of the skeletal muscles at the fiber type level is essential to detect potential alterations. Therefore, we established a protocol in which myosin heavy chain isoform immunolabeled muscle fibers were laser microdissected and separately investigated by mass spectrometry to develop advanced proteomic profiles of all murine skeletal muscle fiber types. All data are available via ProteomeXchange with the identifier PXD025359. Our in-depth mass spectrometric analysis revealed unique fiber type protein profiles, confirming fiber type-specific metabolic properties and revealing a more versatile function of type IIx fibers. Furthermore, we found that multiple myopathy-associated proteins were enriched in type I and IIa fibers. To further optimize the assignment of fiber types based on the protein profile, we developed a hypothesis-free machine-learning approach, identified a discriminative peptide panel, and confirmed our panel using a public data set.

Scanning Electron Microscopic Studies on the Ventricular Architecture of Pre-natal Non-descript Sheep

Background: Heart is the principal organ of circulatory system that pumps blood into the blood vessels and performs many vital functions. Studies on its development before birth of utmost important to safeguard the animal from the occurrence and consequences of various developmental anomalies. The ultrastructural details of ventricular architecture of heart especially in pre-natal sheep has not yet been reported. Methods: The collected foeti of sheep were divided into three age groups viz. early prenatal (up to 50 days), mid prenatal (51-100 days) and late prenatal (101 to 150 days). The samples from ventricles were processed for scanning electron microscopic study and subsequently, the samples were viewed and the photographs were taken in the facility available at Central Instrumentation Facility (CIF), OUAT, Bhubaneswar. The measurements of various parameters of ventricles were also taken at the ultrastructural level. The recorded data were subjected to routine statistical analysis. Result: It was observed that the endocardium of the ventricles consisted of a simple squamous epithelium. The endothelial cells were elongated in shape and arranged linearly on the surface of ventricles in 33 days prenatal non-descript sheep. The boundaries among the endothelial cells were indistinct in this age group. There was presence of pores among the endothelial cells on the surface of the ventricles. In late prenatal period, the endothelial cells of the ventricles became elongated in shape. The subendocardial layer consisted of connective tissue fibers and conducting purkinje fibers, which were quite predominant in the late prenatal period, i.e. at the age of 120 days of gestation. The endocardial fibers were distinctly coiled around the endothelial cells of the ventricles in this age group. The myocardium comprised of cylindrical and highly branched cardiac muscle fibers with pores all over the surface of the myocardium of the ventricles. Each muscle bundle in the myocardium consisted of muscle fibers extending parallel to each other longitudinally and that these fibers made collateral connections with each other in some regions. The papillary muscles were ridge like structures projecting into the lumen of the ventricles of heart. The chordae tendinae connected the papillary muscles and the bicuspid and tricuspid valves. The endothelial surface of the chordae tendinae consisted of elongated endothelial cells with pores among them. The pores of various sizes were arranged linearly in patches on the endothelial surface of the chordae tendinae of the ventricles especially in the late prenatal period, i.e. at about 105 days of gestation.

Existence and features of the myodural bridge in Gentoo penguins: A morphological study.

Recent studies have evidenced that the anatomical structure now known as the myodural bridge (MDB) connects the suboccipital musculature to the cervical spinal dura mater (SDM). In humans, the MDB passes through both the posterior atlanto-occipital and the posterior atlanto-axial interspaces. The existence of the MDB in various mammals, including flying birds (Rock pigeons and Gallus domesticus) has been previously validated. Gentoo penguins are marine birds, able to make 450 dives per day, reaching depths of up to 660 feet. While foraging, this penguin is able to reach speeds of up to 22 miles per hour. Gentoo penguins are also the world's fastest diving birds. The present study was therefore carried out to investigate the existence and characteristics of the MDB in Gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua), a non-flying, marine bird that can dive. For this study, six Gentoo penguin specimens were dissected to observe the existence and composition of their MDB. Histological staining was also performed to analyze the anatomic relationships and characteristic of the MDB in the Gentoo penguin. In this study, it was found that the suboccipital musculature in the Gentoo penguin consists of the rectus capitis dorsalis minor (RCDmi) muscle and rectus capitis dorsalis major (RCDma) muscle. Dense connective tissue fibers were observed connecting these two suboccipital muscles to the spinal dura mater (SDM). This dense connective tissue bridge consists of primarily type I collagen fibers. Thus, this penguin's MDB appears to be analogous to the MDB previously observed in humans. The present study evidences that the MDB not only exists in penguins but it also has unique features that distinguishes it from that of flying birds. Thus, this study advances the understanding of the morphological characteristics of the MDB in flightless, marine birds.

Spontaneous perforation of the stomach and duodenum in children with Ehlers‑Danlos syndrome

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is based on hereditary systemic dysfunction of the connective tissue caused by impaired collagen synthesis. Depending on the individual mutation, the clinical manifestations of the syndrome can range from mild to life-threatening. The result of a violation of collagen synthesis is the proliferation of elastic fibers, loss of compactness and disorientation of collagen fibers, fragility of the vessel wall and expansion of their lumen. And, given that connective tissue fibers are present in almost every organ, the manifestations of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome are polymorphic and generalized, which often complicates the verification of this disease. The most clinically important is the Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome IV (vascular) type, which occurs as a result of mutations in the COL3A1 and COL1A1 genes and manifests itself in a tendency to spontaneous rupture of large arteries and hollow organs (intestinal perforation, strokes, rupture of the spleen, etc.), poor wound healing, fragility soft tissues, impaired hemostasis. The article describes our own experience of treating 4 patients with spontaneous ruptures of internal organs, including those of a recurrent nature.

Anatomical, histoarchitectural and topological studies on the olfactory organ of freshwater garfish, Xenentodon cancila (Hamilton, 1822)

The olfactory structure of Xenentodon cancila (Hamilton, 1822) were explored by advancement in microtomy, staining and ultrastructural practices. The unique feature of the olfactory system was that the olfactory cavity, an open groove with an obtruding sole lamella, no rosette like organization. The lamella was constituted of the central core, lined on both sides by well-organized epithelium. The central core usually consisted of connective tissue fibres and blood capillaries. The epithelium exhibited compact cellular distribution and made up of receptor cells, supporting cells, lymphatic cells, inner most basal cells and almost never mucous cells. Morphologically specific two types of receptor neurons were recognizable: ciliated and microvillous, comprising sensory terminals. The cellular constitution of olfactory mucosa was explained with olfactory sensitivity of the fish necessitated.

Zinc metalloprotease ProA of Legionella pneumophila increases alveolar septal thickness in human lung tissue explants by collagen IV degradation.

ProA is a secreted zinc metalloprotease of Legionella pneumophila causing lung damage in animal models of Legionnaires' disease. Here we demonstrate that ProA promotes infection of human lung tissue explants (HLTEs) and dissect the contribution to cell type specific replication and extracellular virulence mechanisms. For the first time, we reveal that co-incubation of HLTEs with purified ProA causes a significant increase of the alveolar septal thickness. This destruction of connective tissue fibres was further substantiated by collagen IV degradation assays. The moderate attenuation of a proA-negative mutant in A549 epithelial cells and THP-1 macrophages suggests that effects of ProA in tissue mainly result from extracellular activity. Correspondingly, ProA contributes to dissemination and serum resistance of the pathogen, which further expands the versatile substrate spectrum of this thermolysin-like protease. The crystal structure of ProA at 1.48 Å resolution showed high congruence to pseudolysin of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, but revealed deviations in flexible loops, the substrate binding pocket S1 ' and the repertoire of cofactors, by which ProA can be distinguished from respective homologues. In sum, this work specified virulence features of ProA at different organisational levels by zooming in from histopathological effects in human lung tissue to atomic details of the protease substrate determination.

Tenderness and Structure of Chicken Meats with Papaya Extract Immersion (Carica papaya)

The egg-laying chicken has a coarse texture with large fiber bonds, so it is classified as tough meat. The level of toughness of the meat can be improved by applying the compression technology using enzyme extracts such as papaya extract. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the level of use of papaya extract (Carica papaya) on the tenderness and structure of the rejected laying hens. The research material used was 4.500 g of egg rejected chicken meat and half-cooked papaya fruit extract. Meat tenderness testing is done by the Shear Press method, while observing the meat structure is done by microtechnical methods using binocular and digital microscopes. Data analysis of meat tenderness analysis with analysis of variance based on the Completely Randomized Design (CRD) of Unidirectional pattern with 4 treatments (P1= control, P2= 15%, P3= 30% dan P4= 45%) with 3 replications, while the meat structure was analyzed by calculating the average size of connective tissue and meat fibers in the form of millimicron units (µm). The results showed that soaking papaya meat extract with different concentrations significantly affected (P<0.05) on the tenderness of laying hens. The tenderness of meat indicated by the value of meat breaking was ranges from 0.90 kg/cm2-1.36 kg/cm2. Observation of meat structure shows that the higher the concentration of papaya extract used to soak the meat, the connective tissue narrows and the muscle fibers widen.

TUMORS AND TUMOR-LIKE LESIONS OF THE SALIVARY GLANDS: MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SURGICAL MATERIAL

The aim is to give a morphological characteristic of tumors and tumor-like lesions of the salivary glands in the course of a comprehensive analysis of the surgical material. Materials and methods: The study used surgical material from 67 patients with various pathologies of the salivary glands. The patients were treated at Kyiv City Clinical Hospital No. 12 (Ukraine, Kiev) from 2014 to 2018. The resulting material was fixed in a 10% solution of neutral formalin (pH 7.4) for 24-48 hours, carried out according to the generally accepted technique and embedded in paraffin. Serial sections 2 μm thick were made from paraffin blocks and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Microspecimens were studied, using Olympus BX-41 microscope (Japan). Results: A comprehensive morphological study of the surgical material of patients with salivary gland pathology undergoing treatment at Kyiv City Clinical Hospital No. 12 (Ukraine, Kiev) for the period from 2014 to 2018 revealed benign tumors and tumor-like lesions of these glands. Pleomorphic adenomas and adenolymphomas represented benign tumors of the salivary glands, while cysts represented tumor-like lesions. Different ratios of parenchymal and stromal components characterized pleomorphic adenomas of the salivary glands. On this basis, we identified three tumor variants (mesenchymal (15 cases, 50.0 %); mixed or classic (10 cases, 33.3 %); epithelial (5 cases, 16.7 %)). A characteristic microscopic feature of salivary gland adenolymphomas was a pronounced predominance of the parenchyma over the stroma. A well-defined wall, represented by connective tissue fibers and epithelial lining, characterized the cysts of the salivary glands. The connective tissue capsule separating the tumor tissue from the intact tissue of the salivary gland was clearly pronounced in adenolymphomas, and in pleomorphic adenomas it could be clearly expressed, intact, with tumor invasion or absent. In mesenchymal and mixed variants of pleomorphic adenomas, in comparison with the epithelial variant, there was a frequent tumor invasion of the capsule, thinning of the capsule or its absence. Conclusions: Morphological examination of the surgical material allows us to diagnose tumors (pleomorphic adenomas and adenolymphomas) and non-tumor lesions (cysts) of the salivary glands. This, of course, is of great therapeutic, diagnostic and prognostic value. Among the identified pathology of the salivary glands, pleomorphic adenomas cause certain difficulties in morphological diagnosis due to their structural diversity and heterogeneity, sometimes requiring morphometric, immunohistochemical or genetic research.

Histomorphometric comparison of the corpus cavernosum of rats submitted to euthanasia with ketamine and xylazine or isoflurane.

ABSTRACTPurpose:To compare the penile histoarchitecture of rats euthanized with isoflurane or with ketamine and xylazine.Methods:Fourteen male rats were divided into two groups: ISO, with animals euthanized with isoflurane; and K+X, with animals euthanized with ketamine (150 mg/kg) associated with xylazine (15 mg/kg). Immediately after the death, the penises were dissected, fixed in a 4% buffered formalin solution, and processed for histomorphometric analysis. The surface densities (Sv) of the corpus cavernosum structures (connective tissue, smooth muscle, sinusoidal space, and elastic fibers) were evaluated using Image J software. The distribution of collagen types I and III was qualitatively assessed. Statistical analyses were performed using the Student’s t test for data comparison, considering it statistically significant when p < 0.05.Results:Regarding the Sv of connective tissue, smooth muscle and sinusoidal space, there were no differences between animals in both groups. On the other hand, the animals euthanized with the association of ketamine and xylazine showed the Sv of elastic fibers 24.8% higher in relation to animals euthanized with isoflurane.Conclusions:The euthanasia method affected one of the morphological parameters of the rat penises. The choice of euthanasia method must be standardized to reduce bias and to obtain reliable and reproducible results.

MORPHOLOGICAL FEATURES OF THE UTERUS IN WOMEN AT DIFFERENT TIME INTERVALS OF THE POSTMORTEM PERIOD AS DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA FOR ESTABLISHING THE POSTMORTEM INTERVAL

The aim is to identify the morphological features of the uterus layers in women at different time intervals of the postmortem period as diagnostic criteria for establishing the postmortem interval. Materials and methods: In the study we used surgical and autopsy material - uterine tissue fragments. All materials were divided into two groups. The 1st group (G 1) included surgical material from women (n=6) who underwent removal of the uterus, or uterus with the appendages due to leiomyoma, uterine prolapse. The 2nd group (G 2) included autopsy material from 42 women with known causes of death and postmortem period (from 24 to 48 hours - 6 cases, from 49 to 72 hours - 7 cases, from 73 to 96 hours - 8 cases, from 97 to 120 hours - 6 cases, from 121 to 144 hours - 8 cases, more than 144 hours - 7 cases). Histological and immunohistochemical study methods were used. Results: A comprehensive morphological study of the women uterus revealed a time-dependent increase of postmortem changes in this organ linked with the increase of postmortem period. In cases of postmortem period duration up to 144 hours, the structural elements of the uterine layers were identified. In cases where the duration of the postmortem period was more than 145 hours, microscopically the uterus was represented by eosinophilic fibrous or dusty masses, the histogenesis of which could not be determined. The processes of autolysis occurred more intensely and faster in the mucous membrane of the uterus, in comparison with the muscular and serous membranes, and in the vessels - in their inner membrane, in comparison with the middle and outer membranes. Autolytic changes in the muscular membrane of the uterus and vascular walls occurred more intensely in muscle fibers compared to connective tissue fibers. Conclusions: The histological and immunohistochemical features of the women uterus at different postmortem periods have a certain forensic medical significance and can be used for establishing the postmortem interval.

ANATOMICAL BASIS OF BIOMECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF SUPERFICIAL TISSUES OF THE ANTERIOR ABDOMINAL WALL

Biomechanics is a science that studies the mechanical properties of tissues, individual organs and systems and the body as a whole. The unique mechanical properties of the skin provide the function of support and protection of internal organs through the skin mobility and elasticity. This feature of the skin is determined by its microstructural organization and arrangement of connective tissue fibres. The mechanical properties of the skin are mainly determined by the collagen-rich dermis. The mechanics of the dermis, in turn, depends on the structure, density and direction of collagen fibres. Each biological tissue is able to acquire deformation properties i.e. stretching or contraction. At each stage of deformation in the tissues of different topographic and anatomical areas there are changes in histoarchitectonics (within the plastic characteristics, and outside these parameters). Different structural interactions are expressed by different mechanical factors, which are adequate to the magnitude and direction of tensile forces (deformation vectors), form the typical features of the connective tissue matrix of abdominal wall tissues. Normalization of the direction of tissue stress vectors, uniform distribution of the direction and force of deformation prevent microstructural rearrangement of the surface tissues of the abdominal wall. Dynamic changes in the histological structure and biomechanical behaviour of the skin are closely related to the aging process, hormonal background, mechanical factors: physiological stretching of the skin during rapid growth in adolescence, pregnancy, overweight (or rapid weight loss), under the influence of physical load and wound healing. All these factors lead to connective tissue remodelling. Thus, the skin has a complex three-dimensional morphological structure; it is subjected to prolonged exposure to internal and external factors that determines its mechanical properties.

Morphological Characteristics of Changes in the Duodenal Wall Within 14-56 Days of the Development of Streptozotocin-Induced Experimental Diabetes Mellitus

The objective of the research was to determine the morphological features of the duodenal wall of animals within 14-56 days of developing streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus using light optical microscopy. Materials and Methods. The research was carried out on 40 white nonlinear adult male rats. Diabetes mellitus was simulated by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (Sigma, USA) at a dose of 60 mg/kg body weight. The material was taken from the duodenum on the 14th, 28th and the 56th days after the onset of experimental diabetes mellitus. For histological study, the preparations were made using the conventional method, which included the staining of sections with hematoxylin and eosin. Results. Streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus was experimentally found to lead to dystrophic changes in the epithelial components of the duodenal mucosa from the 14th day of developing. There were observed a shortening of the villi of the mucous membrane and a lack of distinctness of striated border contours on the apical surface of epitheliocytes. Between the connective-tissue fibers of the lamina propria of the mucosa and thin-walled vessels, the cellular elements, including mainly macrophages, lymphocytes, were found. There was a shortening of the villi, edema and histiolymphocytic infiltration of the villous stroma 28 days after developing experimental diabetes mellitus. The epithelium covering was discontinuous; numerous areas of desquamation were found at the apex of the villi. Fifty-six days after developing experimental diabetes mellitus, the destruction and desquamation of the epithelium of the villi and crypts were observed. The surface of the duodenal mucosa smoothed down due to the shortening and flattening of the villi (indicating their atrophy), while the crypts elongated and their depth increased. Conclusions. Histological study of the duodenal wall of diabetic animals showed pronounced desquamation at the apex of the villi, destructive and dystrophic changes in the surface epithelium, edema and increased cellular infiltration of the lamina propria of the mucosa. Thus, in diabetes mellitus, structural changes in the duodenal wall of rats are characterized by the dystrophic processes, which can be considered as the morphological reflection of enteropathy.

Comparison of the structural and ultrastructural characteristics of the female prostate between pregnant and non-pregnant plains viscacha (Lagostomus maximus)

Some years ago, our group reported the presence of the female prostate in all the studied females of the plains viscacha (Lagostomus maximus). The goal of the present study was to characterize and compare the female prostate gland between adult pregnant and non-pregnant plains viscacha using histochemical, lectin-histochemical and immunohistochemical techniques, as well as optic and electron microscopy. Structurally, alveoli are lined by a simple epithelium formed by different cell types: basal cells, secretory cells in different stages of the secretory cycle and cells of clear cytoplasm. Secretory cells are the most abundant cell type, differing between them depending on the quantity and electron-density of their granules. The basal cells are less abundant and are responsible for the renewal of the alveolar epithelium. Likewise, other cells with secretory morphology were found in all the studied females; these have a clear cytoplasm, few granules and mitochondria. It could be considered that they are degranulated secretory cells or that they have partially released their granules. The stroma of the organ is formed by connective tissue and smooth muscle fibers, which are immunohistochemically evidenced against desmin. Histochemical and lectin-histochemical analysis revealed the presence of different glucidic residues in the different cell types. No structural, histochemical, lectin-histochemical, and ultrastructural differences were observed between pregnant and non-pregnant females of plain viscachas, except for the expression of some lectins. The paraurethral gland of Lagostomus maximus can be used as a model for studying the gland in other species since its structural and ultrastructural characteristics do not depend on the hormonal status of the female.

О. Schmidt. Ist die progressive Paralyse ans der mikroskopischen Befunden an der Grosshirnrinde pathologisch-anatomisch diagnosticirbar? Eine literarische und anatomische Studie. Allg. Zeitschr. für Psychiatrie, Bd. 54

The work embraces all the literature on this issue and visually compares the changes found in the vascular system, connective and basic tissue, melin and other fibers. The author comes to the following conclusions.

On the fit of skins with a particular focus on the biomechanics of loose skins of hagfishes

There is a considerable diversity in how skins fit. Here, we review the function of both tight and loose skins and note that the latter are poorly understood. Analysis of loose skin examples suggest five functional categories: (I) freedom of movement, (II) surface area enhancement, (III) increased structural extensibility, (IV) lubrication, and (V) maladaptive examples arising through sexual or artificial selection. We investigate the skins of hagfishes as a model for understanding loose skin function by examining its structure using histology, standardized puncture resistance testing using the ASTM F1306 protocol, and the effect of internal pressure using a simple inflated balloon model. Skins of hagfishes are composed of multiple layers of cross-helically wound connective tissue fibers of a 45° angle to the longitudinal axis, resulting in a skin that functions as fabric cut “on the bias”. Hagfish skins are relatively yielding; however, skin looseness adds a “structural extensibility” that may allow hagfishes to compensate for low puncture resistance. Physical balloon models, with stiff cores that limit length changes, show that only low pressures allow short loop radii without local buckling. Hagfishes represent ideal organisms for studying loose skin function because their skins seem to fit in all functionally adaptive categories.

What are the drivers of beef sensory quality using metadata of intramuscular connective tissue, fatty acids and muscle fiber characteristics?

The aim of this integrative study was to investigate the relationships between biochemical traits (total, insoluble and soluble collagens (TCol, ICol, SCol), cross-links (CLs), proteoglycans (TPGs), proportion of fiber types, total lipids (TLips), main fatty acids (FAs) families, the n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated FA (n-6/n-3PUFA) ratio and the sensory attributes scores (tenderness, juiciness, flavor) of two muscles from beef: Rectus abdominis (RA) and Longissimus thoracis (LT). For robust analysis, a database was prepared using samples from three studies from animals raised under different production systems. The analyses were performed either on each study separately or on pooled data per muscle after removing as many experimental effects as possible in each study. The CLs (across the muscles and studies) and, to a lower extent, type IIA muscle fibers (mainly for RA muscles), saturated FAs (SFAs), monounsaturated FAs (MUFAs) (for the LT muscles) were the components the most frequently associated with tenderness. The CLs, type IIA muscle fibers (mainly for the RA muscles), TLips, SFAs, MUFAs, conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) and n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio (mainly for the LT muscles) were the components the most associated with juiciness. The TLips and CLAs (across the muscles and studies), SFAs, MUFAs (mainly for the LT muscles), CLs (mainly for the RA muscles) and TPGs (mainly for the LT muscles) were the components the most associated with flavor liking. The CLs, CLAs, TLips, SFAs, MUFAs, n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio, type IIA and I muscle fibers were the components the most frequently associated with the 3 sensory scores taken together. The SCol, TPGs and type IIX+B muscle fibers were little associated with the sensory scores taken together. The TCol, ICol and PUFAs were components the least associated with sensory scores. The data of this integrative study highlighted for the first time that the CLs were negatively involved in the determination of the three sensory traits mainly in the RA muscle. The muscle fibers in this integrative study had a weak impact on the variations in beef sensory traits. The type IIA and IIX+B muscle fibers were respectively negatively and positively associated with tenderness, negatively associated with juiciness and flavor. The type I muscle fibers were overall positively associated with juiciness and flavor and negatively or positively with tenderness and these associations were muscle and study-dependent. Overall, the TLips and FAs were positively associated with the sensory scores and the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio was negatively associated with them.

THE ROLE OF DISORGANIZATION OF CONNECTIVE TISSUE AND BASEMENT MEMBRANE OF RENAL TUBULAR EPITHELIUM IN THE PATHOGENESIS OF UROLITHIASIS

According to a number of researchers, pathological changes in the structures of the renal papilla play a key role in the pathogenesis of urolithiasis. According to the results of existing studies, destructive processes in collagen are characterized by a change in the length, thickness of the fibers and their orientation in space. Collagen disorganization has enzymatic and non-enzymatic mechanisms. The aim of the study was to study the frequency and features of localization of Randall's plaques and morphological study of the state of connective tissue and the basement membrane of the epithelium of the renal tubules of different levels in urolithiasis. Microscopically studied preparations of 29 biopsies of renal tissue obtained from patients with fibro-uretero-pyeloscopy (11), percutaneous nephrolitholapaxy (18) and preparations obtained at 20 autopsies in cases without visible renal pathology. Histological preparations were stained with hematoxylin and eosin to determine the state of connective tissue fibers using Van Gieson, Mallory, Schiff-reagent, alcian blue, and Kos for calcifications. The results of the study show that the morphological signs of mucoid swelling of the connective tissue and basement membrane of the epithelium of the renal tubules of different levels in combination with the formation of microcalcifications require further study of the possible role of disorganization of the connective tissue of the renal stroma in the initiation of stone formation in the kidneys.