Fusion Of Folds Research Articles

Claudin-3 in the non-neural ectoderm is essential for neural fold fusion in chicken embryos

The neural tube, the embryonic precursor to the brain and spinal cord, begins as a flat sheet of epithelial cells, divided into non-neural and neural ectoderm. Proper neural tube closure requires that the edges of the neural ectoderm, the neural folds, to elevate upwards and fuse along the dorsal midline of the embryo. We have previously shown that members of the claudin protein family are required for the early phases of chick neural tube closure. Claudins are transmembrane proteins, localized in apical tight junctions within epithelial cells where they are essential for regulation of paracellular permeability, strongly involved in apical-basal polarity, cell-cell adhesion, and bridging the tight junction to cytoplasmic proteins. Here we explored the role of Claudin-3 (Cldn3), which is specifically expressed in the non-neural ectoderm. We discovered that depletion of Cldn3 causes folic acid-insensitive primarily spinal neural tube defects due to a failure in neural fold fusion. Apical cell surface morphology of Cldn3-depleted non-neural ectodermal cells exhibited increased membrane blebbing and smaller apical surfaces. Although apical-basal polarity was retained, we observed altered Par3 and Pals1 protein localization patterns within the apical domain of the non-neural ectodermal cells in Cldn3-depleted embryos. Furthermore, F-actin signal was reduced at apical junctions. Our data presents a model of spina bifida, and the role that Cldn3 is playing in regulating essential apical cell processes in the non-neural ectoderm required for neural fold fusion.

Aspectos clínicos e cirúrgicos de hipospadia e divertículo uretal em caprinos

Hypospadia is the imperfect closure of the external urethra of the male which results from the incomplete fusion of the urogenital folds and abnormal openings of the penile urethra. The urethral diverticulum is the abnormal dilatation of the urethra, and can be of multifactorial origin and related to genetic, endocrinological and environmental factors. The objective of this article is to report on the clinical and surgical treatment of two cases of hypospadias and one case of urethral diverticulum in goats raised as pets, originated from cross breeding polled pairs. In Case 1 the hypospadias was characterized by two orifices on the ventral portion of the penis, separated by a 2 cm interruption of the urethra, and in Case 2 by an orifice on the ventral portion in the region of the urethra. In both cases there was an accumulation of urine in the middle ventral region of the foreskin, leading to distension of the skin. Both cases were successfully treated by urethrostomy and partial penectomy with fixation of the proximal urethral ostium to the skin. In Case 3, the animal was seen at ten days of age with presence of a diverticulum in the preputial region, however, the animal returned for new care only after four months due to urethral obstruction and died as a result of advanced azotemia. Surgical treatment of hypospadia, when performed before the development of azotemia associated with urinary retention, has been shown to be efficient, and post-operative care is important.

45 years’ experience with early childhood anatomical technique of feminising genitoplasty for 46 XX Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia –observations of vaginal introital anatomy and its relationship to the perineal body

In Manchester, feminising genitoplasty is offered to children with 46XX Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) when there is a single perineal opening and/or enlarged clitoris. Our aims are to describe the anatomical reconstructive technique and present long-term outcomes. Our hypothesis is that 'the common channel (CC) length and distance to the vagina from perineal skin is mostly due to virilisation and hypertrophy of perineal tissue over the almost normally positioned vaginal introitus (V-I) in relation to the perineal body (PB)'. METHOD AND RESULTS: This is a retrospective notes review of all consecutive 46XX CAH operations from 1976 to December 2021. 99 patients, who had feminising genitoplasty and being followed-up, were included. 15 patients who were lost to follow up were excluded. Median age at surgery was 15 months. In 91, midline division of the labia majora, spongiosum, bulbo-spongiosus muscle (BSM) and CC down to PB was performed. This was sufficient to expose the V-I at the same level or within 5mm depth of PB in 88. In 78V-I was adequate taking 10/12fr dilator (Type 1). In 10, CC resembled a male urethra and V-I was narrow (Type 2), requiring widening by 5-10mm incision at 6 o'clock position. Dartos of labia majora was attached to BSM to reduce the distance to V-I from perineal skin and the gap was lined with inner foreskin to create a vestibule. Out of 70 who were post-pubertal, 75% (53/70) had adequate calibre vaginal openings. 5 had introitoplasty and 2 had dilatation under anaesthesia. 10 needed self dilators only. 29 patients, of one of the three surgeons, had measurements of clitoris, CC, urethra and vagina. A hymen was found in 86% (25/29). There was significant strong, inverse correlation between the CC length and the urethral length (r=-0.708, p<0.001, n=27) but not between CC and vaginal lengths. After adjusting for age, the urethral length of Type 2 patients was 3.825mm shorter than those of Type 1 (p=0.017). CONCLUSION: Our data show that 'high' confluence is mostly due to virilisation of genitalia; and the anatomical technique of reversing the fusion of the urethral folds, spongiosum and bulbo-spongiosus muscle could be performed with all degrees of virilisation with success in early childhood with no need of local flaps or mobilisation of the urethro-vaginal complex. About 10% require surgery to treat narrowing of vaginal opening post puberty.

Morphological features of the intestine of the common carp in the winter period

Fasting (short or long term) is an important factor influencing physiological changes in immunity, survival and growth. During starvation, the most important processes in fish are supported by the accumulated nutrients. Structural components of the gastrointestinal tract and associated organs respond differently to food deprivation. We found that fasting had a profound effect on intestinal histology, which ultimately led to malabsorption and transport. In particular, there was hyperplasia of goblet cells, a decrease in the height of prismatic epitheliocytes with degeneration of microvilli on their apical surface. In some situations, fusion of the intestinal folds was detected. It should be noted that this issue has been poorly studied in the available domestic literature.

The effects of NONRATT008453.2 on autophagy in genital tubercle fibroblasts of rats with hypospadias induced by dibutyl phthalate.

BackgroundHypospadias is a common birth defect that might be caused by inadequate fusion of the urethral folds in the process of male external genital development. We intended to discover the crucial long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulating autophagy from the gene expression profile of the genital tubercle (GT) of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) induced hypospadiac rats.MethodsWhole transcriptome resequencing was used to determine the expression of the total RNA in GTs and cultured fibroblasts obtained from GTs of DBP‐induced hypospadiac male rat fetuses. Autophagosomes and autolysosomes were examined under a transmission electron microscope after overexpression of lncRNA NONRATT008453.2 in the fibroblasts by adenovirus transfection. Finally, the protein expression levels of Atg5, Beclin‐1, Atg7, and the LC3A/B‐II:LC3A/B‐I ratio were detected in the fibroblasts by western blotting.ResultsNONRATT008453.2 suppressed autophagy by promoting the expression of Atg7, but inhibited the expressions of Atg5, Beclin‐1, and the LC3A/B‐II:LC3A/B‐I ratio in the GT fibroblasts.ConclusionsNONRATT008453.2 may have an influence on autophagy in the fibroblasts of the GT in DBP‐induced hypospadiac rats.

Surgical reconstruction of abnormally located penis in urorectal septum malformation sequence: report of a case

Urorectal septum malformation sequence (URSM) is a rare congenital anomaly of caudal end of mesoderm. There is usually a single or no opening in the perineum. An infant with dysmorphic facial features, ambiguous genitalia, meningomyelocele, pes equinovarus, left renal agenesis, severe hydronephrosis of the right kidney, and anuria requiring right ureterocutaneostomy during the neonatal period is reported. Initial physical examination revealed fusion of labioscrotal folds forming a single sac without a raphe, and a single gonad on the left side of the sac, less than 1 mm in size. There was no phallus, urethral opening, or any palpable cavernous body. Karyotype analysis from peripheral blood was 46XY. Chromosomal microarray analysis using Agilent 8X60K platform revealed arr [hg19](1-22)x2,(X,Y)x1. DNA sequence analysis for WT1 gene was normal. During inguinal hernia repair, cavernous bodies were detected in the retroperitoneal space under the hernia sac intraoperatively. Penis was reconstructed using two rotational flaps from the midline skin above the pubic bone to cover the cavernous bodies. This report aims to discuss the clinical features as well as surgical options for reconstruction of an abnormally located penis in an infant with partial URSM. Level of evidence: Level V, therapeutic study.

Case Report: Disorder of Sex Development 46, XY with Proximal Hypospadias in a 10-Year-Old Twin Boy: Disorder of Sex Development 46, XY with Proximal Hypospadias

Hypospadias is a congenital defect in which the opening of the urethra is located on the ventral side of the penis proximal to the tip of the glans penis. The cause of hypospadias is still not clear and believed to have several factors. Hypospadias occurs due to disruption of urethral fold fusion at the 8 th – 15 th week in the uterus which is influenced by dihydrotestosterone. Hypospadias can cause a disorder of sex development according to the conditions. A case of proximal hypospadias was reported to occur in a 10-year-old twin boy accompanied by undescended testis causing a disorder of sex development. For this case, various examinations were carried out along with evaluations to establish the diagnosis, the cause, the treatment plan, and the necessary evaluation. Keywords : hypospadias, disorder of sex development, undescended testis DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/80-01 Publication date: September 30 th 2020

Hernia paracecal, reto diagnóstico y quirúrgico: reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura

Introducción. La hernia paracecal es una entidad rara que corresponde al 13 % de todas las hernias internas. Aunque algunas pueden ser adquiridas, la mayoría son congénitas y se originan en los recesos creados durante la adherencia y fusión de los repliegues peritoneales alrededor de la región ileocecal.&#x0D; Caso clínico. Se trata de un hombre de 42 años de edad a quien se le diagnosticó una apendicitis aguda. La intervención quirúrgica se inició con una incisión para apendicectomía localizada; no obstante, por los hallazgos intraoperatorios, se decidió la conversión a laparotomía y se produjo el hallazgo incidental de una hernia paracecal.&#x0D; Resultados. El paciente fue hospitalizado y, en el quinto día postoperatorio, presentó obstrucción intestinal por lo cual fue intervenido nuevamente; se encontró escaso líquido de reacción peritoneal y adherencias. Se le dio el egreso hospitalario cuatro días después de su último procedimiento quirúrgico y continuaba asintomático hasta su segundo control.&#x0D; Discusión. Las hernias paracecales son hernias internas que se describen como la protrusión de una víscera hueca por una apertura mesentérica o peritoneal. Sus manifestaciones clínicas son variadas y se puede presentar sin síntomas, con dolor abdominal localizado o hasta con obstrucción intestinal. El tratamiento quirúrgico se basa en liberar y examinar el segmento intestinal herniado y, de requerirse, proceder a la resección con anastomosis; se debe resecar el saco herniario cuando sea evidente, valorar los vasos mesentéricos y cerrar el defecto herniario.&#x0D; Se trata de una enfermedad poco común y es importante conocer su manejo con la finalidad de evitar complicaciones, ya que continúa siendo un reto diagnóstico para el cirujano.

Meroanencephaly in an English Pointer Neonate

Background: Malformations are structural or functional abnormalities in the organs and structures present at birth. These conditions are rarely described in the newborns of dogs and can lead to their death. Meroanencephaly is a defect of the neural tube closure malformation. This study aims to characterize the clinical-pathological aspects of neonatal meroanencephaly since brain malformations are rare in newborn dogs.Case: A two-day-old English Pointer canine was sent for a necropsy. The newborn belonged to a litter of eight puppies, and only this one had macroscopic cranial alterations. Another puppy that died as a consequence of being trampled by the bitch was also necropsied. The newborn was alive for 48 h until death and presented apathy, crying, sucking reflex and opisthotonus. Macroscopic examination of the baby revealed flattening of the skull, with a slit at the site of bone symphysis fusion, and a slit in the skin of the parietal region, covered by thin, translucent meningeal tissue. The heads of the two animals were examined by radiography to identify the features of anencephaly in one of the animals by visualizing skull bone flattening. Upon removing the skin and exposing the cranial cavity, an irregular reddish mass was revealed, that corresponded microscopically to area cerebrovasculosa, composed of neurons, rudimentary glial tissue, vascular neoformations, as well as hemorrhagic areas.Discussion: Meroanencephaly is a type of anencephaly, a congenital malformation originating from abnormal neurulation, which results from the absence of neural fold fusion during neural tube formation. Live-born anencephalics have some brainstem-driven functions such as spontaneous breathing and some reflex responses, for instance, suction. Several genetic or teratogenic factors, such as viruses, radiation, drugs administered during pregnancy and other pathologies transmitted from bitch to fetus, can lead to this defect. The reports on anatomopathological findings and the presence of area cerebrovasculosa are rare.

Hot spots in fetal human penile and clitoral development

To better understand how the human fetal penis and clitoris grows and remodels, we undertook an investigation to define active areas of cellular proliferation and programmed cell death spatially and temporally during development of human fetal external genitalia from the indifferent stage (8 weeks) to 18 weeks of gestation. Fifty normal human fetal penile and clitoral specimens were examined using macroscopic imaging, scanning electron microscopy and immunohistochemical localization for the cellular proliferation and apoptotic markers, Ki67 and Caspase-3, respectively. A number of hot spots of cellular proliferation characterized by Ki67 localization are present in the penis and clitoris especially early in development, most notably in the corporal body, glans, remodeling glanular urethra, the urethral plate, the roof of the urethral groove and the fully formed penile urethra. The 12-fold increase in penile length over 10 weeks of growth from 8 to 18 weeks of gestation based on Ki67 labelling appears to be driven by cellular proliferation in the corporal body and glans. Throughout all ages in both the developing penis and clitoris Ki67 labeling was consistently elevated in the ventral epidermis and ventral mesenchyme relative to the dorsal counterparts. This finding is consistent with the intense morphogenetic activity/remodeling in the ventral half of the genital tubercle in both sexes involving formation of the urethral/vestibular plates, canalization of the urethral/vestibular plates and fusion of the urethral folds to form the penile urethra. Areas of reduced or absent Ki67 staining include the urethral fold epithelium that fuses to form the penile tubular urethra. In contrast, the urethral fold mesenchyme is positive for Ki67. Apoptosis was rarely noted in the developing penis and clitoris; the only area of minimal Caspase-3 localization was in the epithelium of the ventral epithelial glanular channel remodeling.

Management of Distal Penile Hypospadias by Tubularized Incised Plate Urethroplasty: Study Of 30 Cases

Background: Hypospadias is the result of failure of fusion of the urethral folds on the ventral aspect of the penis.It usually occur 1 in every 300 male children.Reconstruction of urethra in childhood is the only hope of cure. The aim of this study is to find out the out.come of tubularized incised plate urethroplasty for distal penile hypospadias and to -~~ow that this procedure will end up in a better cosmetic appearance.&#x0D; Methods: This prospective study was conducted in a private medical college hospital, Comilla between July 2011 to June 2012 on 30 patients using Snodgrass technique of hypospadlas surgery. All cases were consecutively selected. Data were processed and analysed· using software SPSS (Statistical Package for social Sciences) version 11.5 and the test· statistics used to analyse the data were descriptive statistics and Z-test for proportion. The variables studied were age, socioeconomic condition, post-operative complications, such as infection rate, urethrocutaneous fistula, meatal stenosis, wound dehiscence etc. &amp;cosmatic outcome such as size of the meatus, shape of the glans studied.&#x0D; Results: Satisfactory results were obtained in 21 (70%) patients and only 8 (26.67%) had urethrocutaneous fistula, 1(3.33%) had retrusive meatus and 7 (23.33%) had wound infection. The final outcome was evaluated based on urethrocutaneous fistula and cosmesis. Out of 30 patients, 21(70%) did not have urtethrocutaneous fistula and were cosmetically acceptable. Binomial test based on Z-approximation reveals that observed proportion of patients with satisfactory- outcome was statistically significant (p = 0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: This study concludes that Snodgrass urethroplasty has better cosmetic outcome. Thus we recommended it as the primary treatment for the children with distal hypospadias.&#x0D; Journal of Surgical Sciences (2014) Vol. 18 (1) : 9-14

A loss of estrogen signaling in the aromatase deficient mouse penis results in mild hypospadias

Hypospadias is the abnormal opening of the urethra on the underside of the penis and occurs in approximately 1/125 live male births worldwide. The incidence rate of hypospadias has dramatically increased over the past few decades. This is now attributed, at least in part, to our exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) which alter the hormonal signals required for development of the penis. In humans androgens are the main drivers of fusion of the urethral folds to form the urethra within the shaft of the penis, a process required for termination of the urethra in its normal location at the tip of the penis. However, recent research has suggested that estrogen also plays a role in this process. To better understand how EDCs impact urethral development it is essential that we understand the normal function of hormones during development of the penis. To define the role of estrogen in urethral development we examined development of the penis in the aromatase (Cyp19a1) Knockout (ArKO) mouse strain in which endogenous estrogen production is completely ablated. We found that the ArKO penis had a mild hypospadias phenotype. The developing ArKO postnatal penis displayed an early disruption in preputial development, which likely causes the mild hypospadias observed in adults. Using qPCR, we found altered expression of keratin genes and key urethral patterning genes in response to the disrupted estrogen signaling. The hypospadias phenotype was almost identical to that reported for the estrogen receptor α (ERα) knockout confirming that ERα is the predominant receptor for mediating estrogen action during development of the mouse penis. Our results show that estrogen is required for normal prepucial development and placement of the mature urethral opening at the distal aspect of the penis. We also identified several genes which are potential downstream targets of estrogen during normal urethral closure. With this knowledge, we can now better understand how anti-estrogenic as well as estrogenic EDCs disrupt urethral closure to cause mild hypospadias in both mice and humans.

Development of the urinary system in guinea pig females (Cavia porcellus)

ABSTRACT: Guinea pigs are animal models widely used in research related to developmental biology. The objective of this work was to demonstrate the process of formation and differentiation of urinary organs in females of the species in the prenatal period. Four females were used at 25, 30, 45 and &gt;65 DG (days of gestation). The animals were dissected, and then macroscopic and microscopic descriptions of the urinary organs were performed. At 25 DG metanephros were present in the urogenital crest into the abdominal cavity. Collecting ducts and glomerular precursor cells could be visualized. After this period, metanephros underwent microstructural modifications to form the kidneys at the end of the prenatal period. After 30 DG, the renal parenchyma already had a cortex, where the glomerulus and proximal convoluted tubules were present; and the medulla, where distal convoluted tubules, collecting ducts, and pelvis were present. The pelvis of each kidney was drained by the ureters. The ureters also underwent tissue differentiation to be differentiated (mucosa with transitional epithelium and lamina propria of connective tissue, muscular, and adventitia) at the end of the prenatal period. The urinary vesicle also underwent tissue changes to form the tunics similar to those found in the ureters, with emphasis on the greater volume of the muscular tunica and the lamina propria that constituted the submucosa in this organ. The pelvic urethra was evidenced by a mucosa lined by transitional epithelium, submucosa, muscular and adventitia. Finally, a partial clitoral urethra and a urethral meatus in the prepuce of the clitoris were also evidenced. The urethral channel began to form with the emergence of the urethral plate and the urethral groove at 30 DG and thereafter with the fusion of the urethral folds to form a partially channeled urethra in the clitoris. A urethral meatus was observed in the most distal portion of the clitoral tissue, formed by the fusion of the prepuce. It is concluded that the urinary organs of guinea pig have similar development to that described in domestic animals, except for the partial clitoral urethra and evident urethral meatus.

Prevalence of hypospadias patients with undescended testis

&lt;span lang="EN-US"&gt;Hypospadias is an anomaly of meatus urethra externus on ventral penis. It caused by incomplete fusion of urethral folds. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of hypospadias with undescended testis in the &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Department of Surgery&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang="EN-US"&gt; Mohammad Hoesin Hospital in Palembang Indonesia. A prevalence study was done in the Medical Records Department of Mohammad Hoesin Hospital from July 2018 to February of 2019. 103 patients met study inclusion criteria. Univariate analysis of the patients’ data was conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics 25. The study found that hypospadias was most common in the age group of 1 to 5 years old (49.5%) and the most common type of hypospadias was severe hypospadias (68.9%). Furthermore, 7 out of 103 patients (6.8%) were hypospadias patients with undescended testis and the most common types of undescended testis among them were bilateral undescended testis and left undescended testis with 3 patients each (42,85%). &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Prevalence of hypospadias with undescended testis were 7 people (6,8%).&lt;/span&gt;

Intussusceptive lymphangiogenesis in vascular transformation of lymph node sinuses

Numerous lymphatic anastomosing channels in the lymph nodes are the most demonstrative finding of the rare lesion termed “vascular transformation of lymph node sinuses” (VTS). The mechanism of lymphatic vessel formation in VTS has not been studied. Vessel intussusception contributes to vascular expansion, and intraluminal pillars/posts, interstitial tissue structures or larger pillars (ITSs) and folds are the hallmarks of this process in blood vessels. The aim of this work is to assess whether these hallmarks of intussusception occur in VTS lymphatic vessels, indicating intussusceptive lymphangiogenesis. For this purpose, specimens of five cases of VTS were used for serial histological sections, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence in confocal microscopy, which enabled us to demonstrate the 3D image that defines the pillars. The studies showed a) meshworks of lymphatic vessels, which form complex loops, resembling sinuses of lymph nodes, b) presence of intralymphatic pillars, ITSs and folds, with a cover of lymphatic endothelial cells expressing podoplanin and a varying-sized connective core (e.g. collagen), and c) increase of vessel meshwork and linear arrangement, splitting and fusion of ITSs, pillars and folds, with remodelling and segmentation. In conclusion, the development of lymphatic vessel loops, ITSs, pillars and folds with segmentation in VTS supports intussusceptive lymphangiogenesis. This mechanism of intussusception is of interest because it participates in VTS histogenesis, contributes to general knowledge of intussusceptive lymphangiogenesis, which has received less attention than intussusception in blood vessels, and provides a basis for further studies in other lymphatic conditions.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia with maple syrup urine disease: An example of consanguinity impact.

Background: Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is a rare autosomal recessive metabolically inherited disorder, caused by an abnormal function of the branched-chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase complex in the mitochondria. Case Presentation: The proband was born after a full-term pregnancy and normal vaginal delivery, with a good Apgar score (8, 9 at 1 and 5 minutes) and the birth weight of 2.5 kg with ambiguous genitalia in the form of phallus-like structure (3 cm), the fusion of labio-scrotal folds and urogenital sinus. The third day after birth, the proband was lethargic and developed hyperkalemia and hyponatremia, which required intravenous fluid therapy and hormonal replacement with hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone. The treatment was based on the positive family history of congenital adrenal hyperplasia in an older male sibling. Laboratory tests, cytogenetic study, tandem mass spectroscopy, and surgery were performed for the affected individual (II-8) using standard procedures. The laboratory and the treatment revealed significant improvements. Follow-up tandem mass spectroscopy results were observed in the normal range. The affected individual was treated with prednisone (2.5 mg bid) and Florinef (Fludrocortisone) (0.1 mg OD). The subject had regular menses, while acne and hirsutism were not observed. Conclusion: We are reporting the first case of MSUD associated with CAH, 21-hydroxylase deficiency salt-losing type and suggest that glucocorticoids might have an important role in treating MSUD cases.

ANTISCHISTOSOMAL ACTIVITY OF BALANITIES AEGYPTIACA FRUIT AQUEOUS EXTRACT AGAINST SCHISTOSOMA MANSONI INFECTED MICE

This study aims to evaluate the anthelminthic effect of Balanities aegyptiaca fruit aqueous extract against Schistosoma mansoniin vivo. Parasitological aspects were determined to evaluate the antischistosomal activity of B. aegyptiaca. In addition, tegumental surface topography alterations of S. mansoni adult male worms were noticed via scanning electron microscopic (SEM) investigation after treatment the infected mice orally with 200 mg/kg body weight (BW) B. aegyptiaca alone or combined with 300 mg/kg BW Praziquantel (PZQ). Results showed that treatment of S. mansoni infected mice with B. aegyptiaca, PZQ, or in combination led to a significant decrease (P<0.05) in the weight of liver and intestine as compared with those of S. mansoni-infected mice. Meanwhile, administration of the B. aegyptiaca, PZQ, or in combination decreased significantly (P<0.05) the total worm burden and ova count/g in hepatic and intestinal tissue. B. aegyptiaca and/or PZQ showed a remarkable effect on the oogram pattern in liver and intestine, where the immature and mature eggs were significantly decreased (P<0.05); whereas, dead eggs were significantly increased (P<0.05). The electron microscopy observation exhibited swelling, vacuolization, fusion of the tegumental folds, and loss or shortening of the spines on the tubercles, erosion, cracks and peeling of S. mansoni adult male worm after treatment with B. aegyptiaca and/or PZQ. This study revealed that B. aegyptiaca has a remarkable antischistosomal activity through deteriorating action on the adult worm evidenced by scanning electron microscopy.

Possibilities and limitations of three-dimensional reconstruction and simulation techniques to identify patterns, rhythms and functions of apoptosis in the early developing neural tube

The now classical idea that programmed cell death (apoptosis) contributes to a plethora of developmental processes still has lost nothing of its impact. It is, therefore, important to establish effective three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction as well as simulation techniques to decipher the exact patterns and functions of such apoptotic events. The present study focuses on the question whether and how apoptosis promotes neurulation-associated processes in the spinal cord of Tupaia belangeri (Tupaiidae, Scandentia, Mammalia). Our 3D reconstructions demonstrate that at least two craniocaudal waves of apoptosis consecutively pass through the dorsal spinal cord. The first wave appears to be involved in neural fold fusion and/or in selection processes among premigratory neural crest cells. The second one seems to assist in establishing the dorsal signaling center known as the roof plate. In the hindbrain, in contrast, apoptosis among premigratory neural crest cells progresses craniocaudally but discontinuously, in a segment-specific manner. Unlike apoptosis in the spinal cord, these segment-specific apoptotic events, however, precede later ones that seemingly support neural fold fusion and/or postfusion remodeling. Arguing with Whitehead that biological patterns and rhythms differ in that biological rhythms depend "upon the differences involved in each exhibition of the pattern" (Whitehead in An enquiry concerning the principles of natural knowledge. Cambridge University Press, London, 1919, p. 198) we show that 3D reconstruction and simulation techniques can contribute to distinguish between (static) patterns and (dynamic) rhythms of apoptosis. By deciphering novel patterns and rhythms of developmental apoptosis, our reconstructions help to reconcile seemingly inconsistent earlier findings in chick and mouse embryos, and to create rules for computer simulations.

Human glans and preputial development

The urethra within the human penile shaft develops via (1) an “Opening Zipper” that facilitates distal canalization of the solid urethral plate to form a wide urethral groove and (2) a “Closing Zipper” that facilitates fusion of the epithelial surfaces of the urethral folds. Herein, we extend our knowledge by describing formation of the human urethra within the glans penis as well as development of the prepuce. Forty-eight normal human fetal penile specimens were examined using scanning electron microscopy and optical projection tomography. Serial histologic sections were evaluated for morphology and immunohistochemical localization for epithelial differentiation markers: Cytokeratins 6, 7, 10, FoxA1, uroplakin and the androgen receptor. As the closing zipper completes fusion of the urethral folds within the penile shaft to form a tubular urethra (~ 13 weeks), canalization of the urethral plate continues in proximal to distal fashion into the glans penis to directly form the urethra within the glans without forming an open urethral groove. Initially, the urethral plate is attached ventrally to the epidermis via an epithelial seam, which is remodeled and eliminated, thus establishing mesenchymal confluence ventral to the glanular urethra. The morphogenetic remodeling involves the strategic expression of cytokeratin 7, FoxA1 and uroplakin in endodermal epithelial cells as the tubular glanular urethra forms. The most ventral epithelial cells of the urethral plate are pinched off from the glanular urethra and are reabsorbed into the epidermis ultimately losing expression of their markers, a process undoubtedly regulated by androgens. The prepuce initially forms on the dorsal aspect of the glans at approximately 12 weeks of gestation. After sequential proximal to distal remodeling of the ventral urethral plate along the ventral aspect of glans, the prepuce of epidermal origin fuses in the ventral midline.

Outcome of standard tabularized incised plate urethroplasty repair using dartos flap and tunica vaginalis flap in of hypospadias cases

Background: Hypospadias, with prevalence of 1 per 300 live births, is a congenital malformation caused by incomplete fusion of urethral folds, in which the meatal orifice opens on the inferior surface of the penis. The commonest complication of hypospadias surgery is fistula formation which requires re-operation. Several techniques of providing vascularised soft tissue cover to neourethra have been described. They include de-epithelized skin, corpus spongiosum, dartos fascia and tunica vaginalis. The purpose of our study was to compare outcomes of standard tubularised incised plate urethroplasty (TIP) repair using dartos flap and TVF in of hypospadias cases.Methods: This study was carried out in the Department of Surgery (Paediatric Surgery Division) of Pt. JNM Medical College and associated Dr. BRAM Hospital, Raipur in patients diagnosed to had distal, mid penile and proximal penile type of hypospadias. The study was carried out during the period from February 2016 to September 2017. Total no of cases studied was 55. All admitted patients for primary Snodgrass repair were randomized into two groups by Simple Random method to avoid selection bias. Group A of 27 patients were prospectively selected for repair using TVF for soft tissue cover. Group B of 28 Patients, comparable in age and type of hypospadias, who underwent TIP repair using dartos flap as soft tissue cover. Descriptive statistics were employed to characterize the data.Results: Patients were from 1 year to 13 years of age at time of surgery for hypospadias. Mean age being 4.69+3.15. There was almost equal number of patients in both groups of flap. Both groups were comparable in terms of age and type of hypospadias. Overall, dartos flap group had significantly higher rate of urethrocutaneous fistula formation than tunica vaginalis flap. In TVF group only one patient (3.7%) developed skin necrosis while in Dartos group 5 patients (17.86%) developed skin necrosis. Both TVF group and Dartos group had one patient with residual torsion.Conclusions: In present study we have noted higher rate of fistula formation and skin necrosis in dartos flap group as compared to tunica vaginalis. Tunica vaginalis flap definitely have an edge over preputial dartos flap and we would recommend its use as waterproofing second layer in hypospadias cases.