Gland Dimensions Research Articles

Tomographic and ultrasound evaluation of the thyroid gland in pet guinea pigs.

There has been increasing interest in the literature on primary thyroid diseases in guinea pigs, which are believed to be underdiagnosed. This study describes the size and characteristics of the thyroid gland on ultrasound (US) and CT examinations in the guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) without evidence of thyroid pathology and examines the possible use of US as a routine examination for thyroid diseases. This prospective and anatomical study included 20 guinea pigs that underwent CT for dental pathologies and US for thyroid gland (TG) examination. Based on US and CT images, this study evaluated the thyroid lobe dimensions (length, height, and width) and shape. Echogenicity and homogeneity were assessed on US images, and attenuation values (HU) and homogeneity were evaluated on CT images. All animals underwent CT and US examinations under anesthesia. Thyroid lobes appeared more frequently as fusiform on CT (65%) and oval on US scans (67.5%). The attenuation values on CT scans were homogeneous. On the US scans, the TG was more frequently hypoechoic. No statistically significant differences were found between the size of the right and left thyroid lobes, both with CT and US. A statistically significant difference was found between the length values on CT and US. The US and CT thyroid gland dimensions, shape, and appearance were described. Both CT and US are useful techniques for evaluating the TG in guinea pigs.

Effects of short-term oral letrozole on fresh semen parameters, endocrine balance, and prostate gland dimensions in domestic dogs

BackgroundAromatase inhibitors improve male fertility by modifying the hormonal control of spermatogenesis. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of oral administration of letrozole on testosterone and estradiol concentrations and their ratios in blood serum, seminal plasma, prostatic fluid, sperm quality in fresh semen, and prostate gland dimensions. Seven adult male intact mixed-breed dogs were selected. The animals received letrozole (72 µg/kg, PO) daily for four weeks. Blood samplings and semen collections were carried out on days 0 (control), 14 (treatment), 28 (treatment), and 42 (post-treatment).ResultsOur results showed that letrozole administration resulted in a 4.3 fold significant increase in serum, seminal plasma, and prostatic fluid testosterone levels after 14 days. This remained high until the end of the study. Serum and prostatic fluid estradiol levels did not change significantly over the study period. However, the seminal plasma estradiol level showed a significant increase on day 14. The estradiol: testosterone ratio was significantly reduced on day 14 in serum, seminal plasma, and prostatic fluid samples. Letrozole significantly improved the ejaculated spermatozoa viability and concentration after 28 days of oral administration. However, the sperm plasma membrane functional integrity and kinematic parameters were not significantly affected by the treatment. Transabdominal ultrasound examination revealed a significant increase in the height, width, and volume of the prostate gland after 28 days of treatment.ConclusionsAccording to the present research, oral administration of letrozole for 28 days affects local and systemic sex hormone balance leading to an improvement of the ejaculated canine spermatozoa viability and concentration concurrent with an increase in the prostate gland dimensions.

The Association between Estrogen Levels and Prostate Volume in Obese and NonObese Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Patients

Objective: To investigate the association between prostate volume and estrogen levels in obese and non-obese individuals suffering from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). Study Design and Setting: Cross-sectional, analytical study Methodology: The International Prostatic Symptom Score (IPSS) was used in the study to recognize sixty participants with BPH. The study examined patients' height, weight, waist circumference (WC), and body mass index (BMI). An IPSS score of less than 7 was seen as healthy. Using standardized BMI (25) and waist circumference (90cm), patients were split into two groups, with obese patients being placed in group A and non-obese patients being placed in group B. Using trans-rectal ultrasonography(TRUS), prostate gland's dimensions were measured, and blood samples were taken to determine serum estrogen levels. Results: In comparison to the non-obesity group, which had a mean prostate volume (PV) of 31.21±6.771 ml, the obese group's PV was 36.13±3.673ml. It was statistically significant that there was a difference between the two groups (p=0.001). In the non-obese group, average level of estrogen was 309.72±73.62pmol/l, compared to 328.21±115.05pmol/l in the obese group (p=0.462). Correlation study (r=0.279,p=0.031) revealed a significantly ideal relationship between participants' blood estrogen levels and PV. Among patients who were obese, there was a significant positive correlation among blood estrogen levels and prostate size(r=0.638, p=0.0001). Conclusion: When compared to the non-obese group, obesity significantly raises prostate volume in study participants, leading to benign prostatic hypertrophy. In addition, prostate volume and blood estrogen levels in obese males showed a significant positive association.

Ultrasonographic measurements of the normal adrenal glands in guinea pigs (Cavia Porcellus).

Hyperadrenocorticism is an uncommon but important endocrine disease in guinea pigs, but due to its subtle clinical signs and the limited information in veterinary literature, it can be underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Ultrasound of the adrenal glands in patients with suspected hyperadrenocorticism can help in identifying adrenomegaly. The purpose of this prospective study was to identify ultrasonographic adrenal gland dimensions in presumed healthy guinea pigs using the same standardized method described for dogs and cats. A conscious ultrasound scan was conducted on twenty client-owned, presumed healthy guinea pigs, and their adrenal glands were measured. A possible correlation between adrenal dimensions with age, sex, and body weight was investigated. The mean length, cranial and caudal pole thickness for the left and right adrenal glands were, respectively, 12.64±2.11mm and 11.55±1.52mm; 4.83mm±1.03mm and 4.69±1.34mm; 4.8±1.23mm and 4.04±0.75mm. The thickness of the left caudal pole was significantly higher than the right (P=0.02). A significant positive correlation was found between the length of the left adrenal gland and both age (r=0.46; P=.03) and weight (r=0.59; P=.01). Statistical correlation between the thickness of each cranial and caudal pole, with age, sex, or weight, was not found. The dimensions provided could prove a useful tool in the clinical evaluation of guinea pigs with suspected hyperadrenocorticism.

Ultrasonographic Measurement of Fetal Adrenal Gland Size for the Prediction of Success of Induction of Labor Among Primigravida Beyond 40Weeks Gestation.

As the pregnancy advances beyond term, the risk of perinatal morbidity and mortality increases. Hence to prevent these complications associated with postterm pregnancy, induction of labor is done, as per our institution protocol between 40 and 41weeks of gestation. Induction has its own drawback, so it is essential to identify the women with high chances of failure of induction of labor, to prevent the morbidities associated with induction failure. To study the role of ultrasonographic fetal adrenal gland enlargement for the prediction of success of labor induction among primigravida beyond 40weeks gestation. Low-risk primigravidas beyond 40weeks gestation, scheduled for induction of labor, were enrolled for the study. Fetal adrenal gland dimensions were measured by using abdominal probe Philips HD 7XE and general electronics logiq P6 pro or any ultrasound machine equipped with 7.5-10MHz linear array probe and 3.5-5MHz curved array probe. The fetal adrenal gland length, width and ratio were statistically significant between the successful versus failed induction groups. The cutoff fetal zone ratio > 0.36 for the prediction of successful induction of labor had 90% sensitivity, 89% specificity, 93% PPV and 75% NPV. Fetal zone enlargement (fetal zone ratio > 0.36) is a strong predictor of successful induction of labor as compared to TVL and Bishop's score. It can be used for screening the women, who are destined for induction failure, so that adverse effects of induction of labor can be avoided.

Impact of body weight and sex in selected dog breeds on the canine adrenal gland dimensions measured by computed tomographic imaging

BackgroundThe present study aimed to investigate possible influences of body weight and sex on adrenal gland size in endocrinologically healthy dogs. Possible factors influencing the adrenal size are discussed in relation to a universal upper reference value from the literature of 7.4 mm as the thickness in the caudal pole of the adrenal gland. The adrenal size was measured by computed tomography (CT) from 66 normal dogs of six different breeds (Labrador Retriever (n = 16), German Shepherd (n = 10), Boxer (n = 8), Beagle (n = 14), Dachshund (n = 6) and Jack Russell Terrier (n = 12); male n = 38 (thereof neutered n = 23), female n = 28 (thereof neutered n = 17)) based on volume quantification and linear measurements using the data processing software Amira. For interbreed comparability, a ratio consisting of the third root of adrenal volume to aortic diameter (Ratio volume-aorta, RVA) was introduced. Additionally, breed-related attenuation values in contrast-enhanced CT data sets were measured.ResultsThe measured volumes ranged from 0.34 to 1.93 cm3 for the right and from 0.39 to 2.23 cm3 for the left adrenal gland. The present study was able to demonstrate a body weight effect on the adrenal volume as well as on length and height. In terms of adrenal size, no significant differences between male and female, nor between intact and neutered dogs were obtained due to the RVA. In addition, for the weight classes, a breed independent threshold for dogs less (left 1.4; right gland 1.5) or more than 20 kg body weight (left 1.1; right gland 1.2) based on RVA was defined. Breed-related significant differences with respect to attenuation were determined only for the left adrenal gland, with lower attenuation values in large dog breeds.ConclusionThe present study points out the importance of weight-related data when assessing CT data of the canine adrenal gland regarding volume, size and attenuation. The use of a universal reference value for the assessment of adrenal size appears unsuitable considering weight-related volume and linear measurements. Sex seems not to affect adrenal gland size.

Evaluation of fetal adrenal artery Doppler velocimetry and fetal adrenal gland size in pregnancies after recovery from COVID-19.

Assessment of the fetal adrenal gland (FAG) size and middle adrenal artery (MAA) Doppler parameters in pregnancy recovered from Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) and comparison of the values with the healthy control group. Thirty-eight pregnant women who had recovered from COVID-19 infection and 76 healthy control group between 33 and 35 weeks of gestation were involved in this case-control study. Fetuses were examined for fetal biometry, fetal well-being, adrenal gland dimensions, and Doppler parameters 4-6 weeks after the diagnosis of COVID 19 infection. FAG dimensions were measured in two planes and MAA blood flow velocity was evaluated with pulsed Doppler. Pregnant women with COVID-19 infection were grouped according to the National Institutes of Health for the severity of the disease, and those with mild and moderate infections were examined in the study. The total adrenal gland (TAG) height, fetal zone (FZ) length and width, and MAA-Peak Systolic Velocity (MAA-PSV) were significantly higher, and the MAA-Pulsatility Index (MAA-PI) was significantly lower in the COVID-19 group (p < 0.05). The lower in MAA-PI and the higher in MAA-PSV, the width of the FZ, and width of the TAG were found to be significant in the moderate group compared to the mild groups (p < 0.05). COVID-19 pregnancies might cause early maturation of the FAG and its vasculature depends on the intrauterine stress due to the hyper-inflammation, so fetuses exposed to maternal COVID-19 suggested to have an increase in blood flow to the adrenal gland and fetal adrenal size.

Morphological changes in the adrenal glands of chickens under heat stress

Heat stress as a result of hyperthermia and dehydration of the body due to natural or artificial environmental factors negatively affects the well-being of birds. Heat stress factor can lead to significant economic losses in poultry farms due to a decrease in egg production, egg fertilization, hatching and viability of young animals, morphological indicators of eggs, an increase in bird mortality during maintenance and transportation, the occurrence of immunosuppression and metabolic disorders. Pathomorphological changes in the internal organs of birds under heat stress are classified as degenerative changes, necrosis, circulatory disorders, changes in tissue fluid, growth disorders, and inflammation. The adrenal gland affects the number of functional and metabolic processes in the body of birds, its hormones ensure its resistance to heat stress. In the current global warming climate, the study of the morphology of the adrenal gland of birds due to the action of a thermal stress factor is an urgent problem of poultry farming, since its solution contributes to the scientific justification of technologies for growing, using and treating birds. The aim of the study was to identify morphological changes in the adrenal gland of white leghorn chickens aged 3 months under heat stress. Anatomical, morphometric, microscopic and statistical research methods were used in the course of the study. It was found that the indicators of absolute mass and linear dimensions of the adrenal glands of chickens under heat stress increased relative to such indicators in clinically healthy chickens. Microscopically, circulatory disorders (edema, hyperemia, hemorrhages, congestion, thrombosis) were recorded in the adrenal glands of chickens, which on the 4th day of exposure to the heat stress factor were accompanied by activation of regenerative processes (an increase in the number of fibroblasts under the capsule) and secretory activity of endocrinocytes (an increase in the size of interrenal and suprarenal cells). Intense and prolonged stress of the adrenal glands of chickens caused by heat stress led to the withdrawal of their plastic and energy resources, and as a result caused the development of adrenal deficiency on Day 8, which was observed destructive and dystrophic changes in the interrenal and supraranal cells. The obtained data can be used to develop morphofunctional diagnostic and prognostic criteria for the state of both the adrenal glands and the avian organ as a whole under heat stress. In the future of further research-to study the features of the content and localization of nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids in the adrenal glands of chickens under heat stress.

Computed Tomographic Assessment of Pituitary Gland Dimensions in Domestic Short-Haired Cats.

The detection of subtle changes in the pituitary dimensions has relevant clinical implications. In cats, a few studies have established the cut-off values of the pituitary gland's dimensions using small and inhomogeneous samples. The aims of this study were: to determine by computed tomography (CT) the pituitary linear dimensions and the pituitary-to-brain (P:B) ratio in a sample of domestic short-haired (DSH) cats; to assess the effects of sex, age, and weight on pituitary dimensions; and to evaluate the inter- and intra-observer agreement for such measurements. All skull CTs of DSH cats performed over four years using a multidetector CT and a standardized protocol were retrospectively reviewed. The exclusion criteria were: clinical, laboratory, or CT alterations of the pituitary gland, brain diseases, fractures of the neurocranium, and diabetes. The pituitary dimensions and brain area were assessed by two different observers using multiplanar reconstructions and automated segmentation tools. Fifty-one cats were included in the final sample. The intraclass correlation coefficients for intra- and inter-observer reliability were good/excellent, and moderate/good, respectively. No differences between sexes were detected, and negligible correlations were found between age and weight. According to this study, a pituitary gland with a height > 4 mm or a P:B ratio > 0.49 mm should be considered enlarged.

Evaluation of pituitary gland dimensions by age and gender in healthy individuals in the Turkish population

Aim: Evaluating pituitary gland dimensions in varying age ranges and genders is essential for determining average values in MRI examinations. Therefore, the main objective of our study is to create normative data for pituitary gland size in the Turkish population.&#x0D; Material and Method: Anteroposterior (AP), transverse (TR), and craniocaudal (CC) dimensions of the pituitary glands of 200 patients over 18 years of age, who underwent Brain MRI examination in our centre between November 2022 and March 2023, did not have any known endocrine disease, did not use hormonal therapy, were not pregnant or breastfeeding, had no history of radiotherapy or chemotherapy were measured from their sagittal and axial MRI sequences. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used for normality analyses. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the non-normally distributed numerical variables between the two groups. Spearman correlation was applied to determine the relationship between age and pituitary gland measurement values.&#x0D; Results: Anteroposterior and craniocaudal measurements of the pituitary gland of female patients included in the study were significantly higher than males (p=0.011 and p

Ultrasonographic & biochemical analysis of thyroid bio-architecture for further pharmacological intervention in adult Arabian stallions & mares

Based on the growing attention to the Arabian horses with a lack of records regarding their normal physiological parameters, which are critically vital for disease diagnosis &convenient drug administration, we give great attention to their thyroid gland normalcy. The thyroid gland is one of the key players in regulating many physiological processes. Therefore, we tackled thyroid biology & morphology in 14 Arabian stallions & 18 Arabian mares from the beginning of March to the middle of April on animals from 4 to 19 years old. First, the blood samples taken from their jugular vein were used for hematological profile, lipid profile, glucose-coagulation axis & thyroid profile. Moreover, thyroid gland dimensions & volume were estimated using ultrasonography. Noteworthy, Arabian mares have significantly higher MCH & relative eosinophils than Arabian stallions, while Arabian stallions have significantly higher glucose levels than Arabian Mares. Interestingly, this study found that Arabian horses have a high level of Total T4 & low level of platelets count compared to other horses. These results pointed to the deiodinase inhibitors as a possible target therapy for hyperthyroidism & thyroid cancer in Arabian horses, making surgery a second option. Also, these results refer to the caution required before giving Arabian horses high plasma protein bounded drugs, especially anticoagulants. Also, sonographic results showed that the left lobe is larger than the right lobe in both genders, & the lobes volume is larger in Arabian horses compared to others. These results would guide the veterinarian during diagnosis & thyroidectomy.

Normal dimensions of the lacrimal gland on magnetic resonance imaging in Indian adult population: a retrospective study.

the lacrimal gland size is affected by a variety of pathologic conditions like inflammatory, infections, neoplastic, autoimmune and granulomatous disorders. Earlier, the dimensions of the gland were estimated by extracting lacrimal glands from cadavers, later ultrasonography and computed tomography studies were used, but had limited soft tissue differentiation. The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) data from normal orbits and determine lacrimal gland dimensions. five hundred and twelve (512) consecutive MRI brain contrast scans (of 240 females, of 272 males; age range 40±20 years) for non-orbital diseases were evaluated retrospectively. The mean axial length (AL), axial width (AW), coronal length (CL), and coronal width (CW) of each lacrimal gland were measured separately. five hundred and twelve (512) MRI brain contrast scans of 272 men and 240 women, with mean age of 40 ± 20 years were included. Right and left LG dimensions were similar, mean AL (13.2±1.35 mm versus 13.11±1.24 mm), mean AW [3.5±0.99 mm versus 3.3±0.82 mm], mean CL [16.3±2.5 mm versus 16.10±2.4 mm], and mean CW (4.15±0.89 mm versus 4.11±0.85 mm). The AL of both lacrimal glands and the CL and CW of right but not left lacrimal glands were significantly lower in women than in men. Age showed significant correlations with the AL and CL of both LGs. in this study, evaluation of normal morphometric parameters of the lacrimal gland in Indian population was established. LG dimensions are smaller in women than men, as well as correlating with side and age.

Normative lacrimal gland dimensions by magnetic resonance imaging in an Australian cohort

ABSTRACT Purpose To report the normative dimensions of the lacrimal gland on fat-suppressed contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in an Australian cohort. Methods Retrospective review of patients who underwent 3 T orbital MRI is presented. Two hundred eleven orbits were used to conduct lacrimal gland measurements. Orbits were excluded if there was ipsilateral orbital or lacrimal gland disease, prior surgery, or poor image quality. The length and width of the lacrimal gland were measured in axial and coronal sections using the largest image. Results The mean lacrimal gland axial length was 14.6 mm in the right orbit and 14.3 mm in the left orbit. The mean axial width was 4.9 mm in both orbits. Coronal lengths averaged 16.2 mm in the right orbit and 16.4 mm in the left orbit. The coronal width averaged 4.8 mm in both orbits. A significant negative correlation was found between age and the right axial length (r = −0.26, p < .01) and the left axial length (r = −0.26, p < .01) of the lacrimal gland. No statistically significant difference was found between genders or laterality. Conclusion This study presents the normal lacrimal gland dimensions on fat-suppressed contrast-enhanced MRI in an Australian cohort. An inverse relationship exists between age and the axial length of the lacrimal gland. These data may be used to help diagnose enlargement of the lacrimal gland.

Association between Fetal Adrenal Gland Ultrasound Measurements in the 9th Month and Mode of Delivery.

Several studies have previously assessed the value of changes in the fetal adrenal gland to predict preterm labor. The aim of this study is to evaluate the correlation between fetal adrenal gland measurements after 36 weeks and obstetrical outcomes. Abdominal two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound is used to measure in the transversal plane the length of fetal zone (D1), the width (D2), and the length (D3) of fetal adrenal gland, and, subsequently, the fetal zone enlargement (FZE), in 98 primigravida women after 36 weeks. Labor and delivery outcomes were assessed and compared with these measurements. FZE changes had no association with spontaneous onset of labor. No association was found between all adrenal gland measurements and delivery onset. There was a significant relationship between D1, D2, and D3 and the delivery method. Patients delivered by cesarean section had smaller fetal adrenal gland dimensions, defining D1= 0.16 cm, D2 = 0.7 cm, and D3 = 2.37 cm as cutoff levels based on receiver operator characteristics curves. The 2D measurement of the fetal adrenal gland after 36 weeks seems to predict the delivery method in low-risk primigravida women. · We evaluate fetal adrenal gland measurements after 36 weeks versus the obstetrical outcome.. · No association was found between all adrenal gland measurements and delivery onset.. · Patients delivered by cesarean section had smaller fetal adrenal gland dimensions..

The Relationship Between Pituitary Gland Dimensions, Thyroid Functions, and Seizure Activity in Patients with Epilepsy

The Relationship Between Pituitary Gland Dimensions, Thyroid Functions, and Seizure Activity in Patients with Epilepsy

The value of SPECT/CT imaging of lacrimal glands as a means of assessing the activity of Graves’ orbitopathy

BackgroundGraves’ orbitopathy (GO) is an autoimmune disease with mechanical impairment of orbital muscles and lacrimal gland dysfunction. The frequently used methods of assessing GO activity include Clinical Activity Score (CAS), CT, and MRI. These approaches are mainly associated with orbital muscles; however, there are not many studies that focus on the lacrimal gland inflammation of GO patients.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to assess the usefulness of 99mTc-DTPA single-photon emission (SPE) CT/CT in evaluating the lacrimal gland inflammation in GO, as compared with other methods.MethodsA retrospective analysis of 48 patients with active GO compared with 33 controls was conducted. All subjects underwent clinical–endocrinological analyses, CAS evaluation, CT scans, and SPECT/CT examination. Lacrimal gland dimensions were determined and analyzed.ResultsThe lacrimal glands in patients with GO were significantly larger in all measured dimensions (P < 0.001) on CT scans relative to those in controls. Increased lacrimal gland diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) uptake ratios (P < 0.001) were displayed in active GO patients compared to controls and were also correlated with thyrotropin receptor antibody levels. The cut-off value for discriminating active and inactive disease was calculated to be 1.735, with specificity of 82.6% and sensitivity of 74.2%. SPECT/CT uptake ratios and CAS values were positively correlated in all GO patients. SPECT/CT uptake ratios were also positively correlated with CT measurements including lacrimal gland volume and coronal width in GO patients.ConclusionsThese data indicated that lacrimal gland SPECT/CT images can serve as a good tool for assessing the inflammation and disease activity of GO.

Growth rate of thyroid gland in human fetus

Objectives to determine the thyroid gland growth rate in the intermediate fetal period of human ontogenesis.&#x0D; Material and methods. The thyroid glands of 60 male and female fetuses aged from 14 to 27 weeks were the subject of this research. The material was divided according to fetus age in three groups: Group I from 14 to 18 weeks, Group II from 19 to 22 weeks and Group III from 23 to 27 weeks.&#x0D; Results. The study revealed the increase in all dimensions of thyroid gland related to the increase of fetus age. During the intermediate fetal period of ontogenesis, the growth varied from 19% (for the anteroposterior isthmus size) to 59% (for the right lobe height). The thyroid gland growth rate for different sex groups varied between 24% and 60% in female fetuses, in male fetuses from 20% to 57%. Besides, the thyroid lobes and isthmus of female fetuses grew at a higher rate than those of the male fetuses. The uneven growth of the anatomical structure was also registered when comparing different age groups within the intermediate fetal period. The highest rate of thyroid gland growth was observed starting from the 22nd week of fetal life; until the 19th week the growth rate ranged between 7% (isthmus) and 25% (right lobe). The study of the thyroid gland growth rate in female and male fetuses in different age groups revealed identical tendencies involving the active growth of thyroid gland dimensions starting from the 22nd week.

To evaluate the dimensions of each lobe and total volume of thyroid gland by ultrasonography among pregnant and non pregnant women in local population, Karachi.

To evaluate the dimensions of each lobe and total volume of thyroid gland&#x0D; by ultrasonography among pregnant and non pregnant women in&#x0D; local population, Karachi.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Abstract:&#x0D; Background: Pregnancy has an anatomical and physiological influence on the thyroid gland and it’s function. It is good to know the normal changes that occur during pregnancy. The size and volume of this gland is increased through the pregnancy and becomes visible due to iodine deficiency (ID) that can lead to goiter or may develop hypothyroidism. Objective of the study were to evaluate dimensions of both lobes and calculation of thyroid volume by using ultrasonography (USG) and to compare these parameters between pregnant and non pregnant in Karachi, Pakistan.&#x0D; Methodology: It was a clinical cross sectional study that was conducted at Gynae OPD and Radiology Department, Ojha campus, Dow university of health sciences (DUHS), Karachi from October 2016 to December 2018 through consecutive sampling. The study volunteers of reproductive age (14-45 years) were included and divided into two groups (pregnant and non-pregnant women). The dimensions of each lobe and calculation of thyroid volume were taken into the account through their standard protocol after following inclusion and exclusion criteria.&#x0D; Results: The comparisons were made on thyroid gland dimensions, ultrasound outcomes of right and left lobe length, width, depth and volume of thyroid gland. In pregnant women, right lobe length was 2.91±1.05, width was 1.54±0.41 and depth was 2.31±1.41 whereas in non pregnant women mean right lobe length was 2.50±0.97, width was 1.34±0.51 and depth was 1.68±0.98. The mean difference was considered statistically significant in pregnant women with p-value (&lt; 0.01). In pregnant women thyroid volume was 7.02±3.21 whereas in non pregnant, it was 5.58±2.41 which was significantly increased in pregnant women with p-value (&lt; 0.01).&#x0D; Conclusion: Therefore our study concludes that, in our population at least half of the apparently healthy pregnant females do have some degree of iodine deficiency. The volume of the gland is increased during pregnancy, suggesting iodine deficiency.&#x0D; &#x0D; Key Words: Pregnant women, non pregnant women, dimensions of thyroid gland and&#x0D; volume of thyroid gland.

Treatment of sialorrhea with botulinum toxin A injection in children.

We aimed to evaluate the effectivity and safety of botulinum toxin A (BT-A) to reduce sialorrhea in children with hypersalivation due to neurological diseases. Patients who had a complaint of severe sialorrhea were included in the study. Drooling severity of the patients was evaluated using the classification of Thomas-Stonell and Greenberg. The frequency of aspiration before and after the procedure was recorded. The 24-hour saliva amount and mean duration of two consecutive aspirations were recorded. BT-A was injected into the bilateral parotid and submandibular glands by a otorhinolaryngologist under the guidance of ultrasound guidance (USG). When patients' mean drooling severity scores, drooling frequency scores, mean duration of two consecutive aspirations, and amount of saliva collected before and after procedure were compared, a statistical significance was observed. One-year hospital records before after and injection were examined and it was observed that after BT-A injection, hospital visits were statistically significantly low (P = 0.017). BT-A injection into salivary glands is well tolerated, is minimally invasive, has low complication rates and should be performed into both parotid and submandibular glands under USG. Although there is still no consensus on the ideal dose and frequency of injections, it is thought that a dose of 1U/kg/gland can be used with safety in pediatric age groups and the dimensions of the salivary glands and quantitative measurements of the amount of saliva should be utilized. Larger studies involving more patients are required in order to constitute a standard injection protocol.

Recent Impact of Microfluidics on Skin Models for Perspiration Simulation.

Skin models offer an in vitro alternative to human trials without their high costs, variability, and ethical issues. Perspiration models, in particular, have gained relevance lately due to the rise of sweat analysis and wearable technology. The predominant approach to replicate the key features of perspiration (sweat gland dimensions, sweat rates, and skin surface characteristics) is to use laser-machined membranes. Although they work effectively, they present some limitations at the time of replicating sweat gland dimensions. Alternative strategies in terms of fabrication and materials have also showed similar challenges. Additional research is necessary to implement a standardized, simple, and accurate model representing sweating for wearable sensors testing.