Gland Dimensions Research Articles

Variation in size and shape of toxin glands among cane toads from native-range and invasive populations

If optimal investment in anti-predator defences depends on predation risk, invading new regions (and thus, encountering different predators) may favour shifts in that investment. Cane toads offer an ideal system to test this prediction: expensive anti-predator toxins are stored mainly in parotoid glands whose dimensions are easy to measure, and toad invasions have changed the suites of predators they encounter. Although plasticity may influence parotoid morphology, comparisons between parents and progeny revealed that gland dimensions were highly heritable. That heritability supports the plausibility of an evolved basis to variation in gland dimensions. Measurements of 3779 adult toads show that females have larger glands than males, invasive populations have larger glands than in the native-range, and that parotoid sexual size dimorphism varies strongly among invaded areas. Geographic variation in parotoid morphology may be driven by predation risk to both adult toads and offspring (provisioned with toxins by their mother), with toxins allocated to eggs exacerbating the risk of cannibalism but reducing the risk of interspecific predation. Investment into chemical defences has evolved rapidly during the cane toad’s international diaspora, consistent with the hypothesis that organisms flexibly adjust resource allocation to anti-predator tactics in response to novel challenges.

Ultrasonographic Reference Values of Different Dimensions of Adrenal Glands in Healthy Dogs

Background: The present study was conducted to measure the dimensions of the adrenal glands in apparently healthy dogs for obtaining reference values via ultrasonographic modality.Methods: This study was carried out on 18 apparently healthy dogs divided into three groups of six each viz., Group I, II and III. Ultrasonographic examination was performed in all the animals in lateral recumbency. Ultrasound images of adrenal glands were reported in the sagittal plane and different measurements of both the adrenal glands were determined.Result: Both the adrenal glands were longest in Group III and shortest in Group I. Similarly, the cranial pole diameter and caudal pole diameter was thickest in Group III and thinnest in Group I. The measurements recorded during this study can be used as reference values.

Computed Tomography Evaluation of Normal Lacrimal Gland Dimensions in the Adult Pakistani Population

ObjectivesTo estimate the normal dimensions of lacrimal glands (LGs) in the Pakistani population using computed tomography (CT) scan and to determine the associations of LG dimensions with age, sex, and laterality.MethodsThe study population included subjects aged ≥16 years without orbital pathology who underwent CT evaluation of both the right and left LGs at Dr. Ziauddin University Hospital from June 2018 to November 2019. The mean axial length (AL), axial width (AW), coronal length (CL), and coronal width (CW) of each LG were measured separately.ResultsThe 108 subjects enrolled in this study included 75 (69.4%) men and 33 (30.6%) women, with a mean age of 49±20 years. Right and left LG dimensions were similar, including mean AL (13.53±1.80 mm vs. 13.35±1.72 mm), mean AW (4.20±0.81 mm vs. 4.05±0.93 mm), mean CL (15.46±1.97 mm vs. 15.26±1.87 mm), and mean CW (3.99±0.80 mm vs. 3.86±0.81 mm). The AL of both LGs and the CL and CW of right but not left LGs were significantly lower in women than in men. Age showed significant correlations with the AL and CL of both LGs.ConclusionThese findings establish the normal range of LG dimensions in adult Pakistani populations. Some LG dimensions are smaller in women than in men, as well as correlating with age.

RADIOMORPHOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF HUMAN PITUITARY GLAND DURING THE AGING PROCESS

During life, there are significant changes in the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis and its relationship to other endocrine glands in the body, which can affect the external and internal gland morphology. Also, the wide range of pathological changes shows the change in pituitary volume. The knowledge of dimensions and volume of the pituitary gland is very important for the correct diagnosis and prognosis of pituitary diseases. The aim of our study was to perform radiomorphometric analysis of size and volume of human pituitary gland according to age and gender on MRI. Our study represents a retrospective study which included 144 subjects (60 male (41.6 %) and 84 female (58.3 %)) with age range 20-80 years, who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the endocranium. Subjects were divided based on age: first (20-39), second (40-59) and the third group (60-80). Three pituitary diameters were measured: anteroposterior (AP), latero-lateral (LL) and craniocaudal (CC). Pituitary volume (V) was calculated based on the formula: V = AP x LL x CC /2. Our study showed a statistically significant difference for the parameters AP-H (p < 0.037) and AP-A (p < 0.040) in patients of the first and second age group. In addition, the parameter CC showed a statistically significant difference between the first and third age group (p < 0.031). The value of AP-H parameter in females was 10.99 ± 1.16 mm, while in males it was 10.43 ± 1.31 mm, indicating a statistically significant difference for AP-H parameter in both genders (p < 0.008). The AP-N parameter in female subjects was 2.21 ± 0.72 mm, and in male subjects 1.91 ± 0.67 mm, which also indicates that there was a statistically significant difference of AP-N parameter between genders (p < 0.012). The pituitary gland parameter values that were obtained in our study show normal values of pituitary gland dimensions in the Serbian population. During the aging process, the morphology of the pituitary gland changes, AP parameter increases, and parameter CC decreases. In addition, differences between genders were recorded which should be kept in mind during the analyses of pathological conditions or injury of the pituitary gland.

The effect of intrathyroidal versus intraperitoneal bevacizumab on thyroid volume and vasculature flow in a rat model.

Several clinical conditions increase thyroid gland vascularity, impacting surgical blood loss. Bevacizumab has been observed to reduce thyroid function, possibly through its effect on gland angiogenesis. This study aimed to determine if bevacizumab has any effect on thyroid vascularity as measured by gland volume and superior thyroid artery (STA) flow velocity in the normal rat thyroid. Sixteen adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were placed under general anesthesia to measure baseline thyroid gland characteristics. A Vevo 2100 high-frequency ultrasound with 40 mHz transducer was used to obtain STA flow measurements and thyroid gland dimensions. Four rats served as controls. Six rats received intrathyroidal (IT) injections and 6 received intraperitoneal (IP) injections of bevacizumab (4-5 mg/kg). After two weeks ultrasound measurements were repeated. Pretreatment animals displayed similar thyroid volume and vascularity. Thyroid volume decreased (62.583 vs. 42.161, P=0.004) after IP administration of bevacizumab, and blood flow measurements did not change [peak velocity 75.896 vs. 76.7, P=0.96, average velocity 45.748 vs. 43.867, P=0.88, or resistivity index (RI) 30.345 vs. 25.32, P=0.60]. IT bevacizumab did not change thyroid volume (55.229 vs. 58.16, P=0.64). The average peak (73.191 vs. 100.589 cm/s, P=0.03) and mean (45.047 vs. 62.843 m/s, P=0.03) velocities were increased, but did not differ in the RI (0.619 vs. 0.632, P=0.82). No differences were noted on VEGF or CD 31 immunohistochemical analysis. Single systemic administration of bevacizumab appears to decrease thyroid volume without an effect on STA flow, VEGF or CD31 staining. These preliminary findings support further study of pharmacologic intervention in thyroid conditions characterized by increased angiogenesis and vascularity, such as iodine deficiency, Graves disease, and hypothyroidism.

Evaluating the correlation between adrenal gland dimensions and aortic diameter in healthy dogs.

In the present study, the relationship of normal adrenal dimensions with weight, aortic diameter, age and sex was evaluated. Moreover, a formula for estimating the normal dimensions of adrenal gland was provided. Thirty-two intact adult dogs that were considered healthy based on history, physical examination, routine blood works and specific adrenal tests as well as absence of any abnormal ultrasonographic findings were included. Adrenal glands and abdominal aorta were imaged in the sagittal plane by ultrasound. Length, maximal height of the cranial and caudal poles, area and circumference of the left and right adrenal glands and also the internal diameter of the abdominal aorta were measured. Analysis showed that there is a positive correlation between the adrenal gland dimensions and weight and aortic diameter. The ratio of adrenal gland dimensions and the aortic diameter was calculated, but this ratio showed a great amount of variability in tandem with a significant correlation to the weight; Meaning that the ratio of the adrenal gland dimensions to the aortic diameter was not a reliable index for evaluating the size of the normal adrenal gland in animals with different weights. Therefore, we used the weight along with adrenal measurements in a linear regression model, and then, we were able to estimate the adrenal gland dimensions in different weights. Knowing the relationship of normal adrenal dimensions with the indices such as weight, age, sex and diameter of abdominal aorta can help the clinicians to diagnose the adrenal gland diseases.

152 Correlation between testicular and accessory sex glands biometric characteristics in Nellore and Caracu bulls

The objective of this study was to determine the correlation between testicular and accessory sex gland measurements in Nellore (Bos taurus indicus) and Caracu (Bos taurus taurus) bulls. Bulls (n=282, including 203 Nellore from 12 to 61 months and 79 Caracu from 12 to 48 months) had their reproductive organs measured. Scrotal circumference was measured with a tape. Length (dorso-ventral) and diameter (mid-lateral) of testes were measured using a graduated ruler. Testicular volume (V) was calculated by the cylinder formula: V=2[(R2)×π×L], where R=radius (diameter/2), L=testicular length and π=3.14 (Fields et al. 1979 J. Anim. Sci. 48, 1299-1304). B-mode ultrasonographic examinations with a 7.5-MHz transrectal linear-array transducer were performed to obtain the mean of 3 vertical dimensions of the vesicular glands, disseminated prostate, ampulla of vas deferens, and lumen of ampulla, and cranio-caudal and dorso-ventral dimensions of the prostate body and bulbourethral glands. For paired organs, the mean was calculated and used in analyses. Biometry data of testes and accessory sex glands were analysed by the PROC CORR (Pearson correlation) of the SAS program (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA; P&amp;lt;0.05). Testicular measurements (scrotal circumference, diameter and length) were positively correlated with each other (r=0.69 to 0.92). Similarly, biometrics of the accessory sex glands had positive correlations with testes. The vesicular glands had correlations of r=0.62, 0.43, 0.58 and 0.59 with testes length, diameter, and volume and scrotal circumference, respectively. Correlations testicular biometry characteristics and ampulla of vas deferens ranged from 0.52 to 0.68, whereas those between testicular characteristics and lumen of ampulla were much lower (r=0.28 to 0.37), perhaps due to bulls riding penmates and ejaculating before the ultrasonographic examination. The dorso-ventral measure of the prostate body had positive correlations with size of testes (r=0.13 to 0.28), whereas cranio-caudal measurement of this gland was not correlated with size of testes. Finally, there were positive correlations between testes and disseminated prostate (0.28 to 0.36), and testes and bulbourethral glands, both in the dorso-ventral and cranio-caudal dimensions (0.17 to 0.42). In conclusion, testicular biometry in bulls was correlated with measurements of accessory sex glands, perhaps due to testosterone synthesis, which is essential for accessory sex gland development.

Evaluation of Lacrimal Gland Dimensions with MR Imaging in a Turkish Population Sample

Evaluation of Lacrimal Gland Dimensions with MR Imaging in a Turkish Population Sample

Design and Production of Two-Piece Thyroid-Neck Phantom by the Concurrent Use of Epoxy Resin and Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) Soft Tissue Equivalent Materials

The aim of this report is to present a new two-piece thyroid-neck phantom produced by the concurrent use of epoxy resin and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA: plexiglass) soft tissue equivalent materials. Accordingly, mass attenuation coefficients of the epoxy resin and the plexiglass compounds were obtained from simulation (NIST XCOM 3.1) and measurements (practical dosimetry) and compared to those related to human soft tissue (ICRU 44). The thyroid-neck phantom and thyroid gland dimensions were derived from scientific references and the atlas of human anatomy, respectively. The thyroid phantom was designed by CATIA V5R16 software and produced by the epoxy resin compound by three-dimensional printer. Other organs were designed by ProNest software and made by the plexiglass sheets by CNC laser cutting machine. The mass attenuation coefficients for the epoxy resin (50 keV- 20 MeV) and the plexiglass (0-20 MeV) were comparable to human soft tissue (ICRU 44), all with standard relative deviation beneath 5%. In addition, the SPECT images indicated the similarity between human thyroid tissue and its phantom. In conclusion, this study proves the feasibility and reliability of epoxy resin application in the production of two-piece thyroid-neck phantom. This phantom can be applied in the calibration of gamma camera systems, dosimetry and gamma spectrometry in the nuclear medicine field.

Clinicopathological characteristics of incidental parathyroidectomy after total thyroidectomy: The effect on hypocalcemia. A retrospective cohort study

BackgroundThe reported rate of incidental parathyroidectomy (IP) during total thyroidectomy varies between 6.4 and 31.1%. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinicopathological characteristics associated with IP. Materials and methodsThis is a retrospective cohort study which included 2556 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy between 2002 and 2012 at a single tertiary institution. Demographics, clinicopathological risk factors, and postoperative calcium levels were compared between IP and control group. ResultsIncidental parathyroidectomy occurred in 18.3% of patients. IP patients had higher risk of postoperative biochemical (40.3% vs 17.3%, p < 0.001) and symptomatic hypocalcemia (14.3% vs 7.3%, p < 0.001) than no-IP group. Multivariate analysis showed malignancy, tumor size >10 mm, thyroid capsule invasion, extrathyroidal extension, lymph node metastases and central neck dissection, operation time, RLN injury, thyroid gland dimensions were independent risk factors for IP. ConclusionsOur results indicate that patients with certain preoperative findings such as larger thyroid dimensions, diagnosis of malignancy and especially tumor >10 mm, extrathyroidal extension, and lymph node metastasis are at higher risk of IP and postoperative symptomatic hypocalcemia and these patients should be adequately informed and treated. Α meticulous intraoperative identification and the preservation of all parathyroid glands results in lower incidence of IP and postoperative hypocalcemia.

Uterine and eggshell modifications associated with the evolution of viviparity in South American water snakes (Helicopsspp.)

The evolution of viviparity requires eggshell thinning to bring together the maternal uterus and extraembryonic membranes to form placentae for physiological exchanges. Eggshell thinning likely involves reduced activity of the uterine glands that secrete it. We tested these hypotheses by comparing the uterine and eggshell structure and histochemistry among oviparous and viviparous water snakes (Helicops) using phylogenetic methods. Eggshell thinning occurred convergently in all three origins of viviparity in Helicops and was accomplished by the loss of the mineral layer and thinning of the shell membrane. Uterine glands secrete the shell membrane in both oviparous and viviparous Helicops. These glands increase during vitellogenesis regardless of the reproductive mode, but they always reach smaller sizes in viviparous forms. As there is no phylogenetic signal in eggshell thickness and gland dimensions, we conclude that interspecific differences are related to reproductive mode and not phylogeny. Therefore, our results support the hypothesis that eggshell thinning is associated with the evolution of viviparity and that such thinning result from a reduction in gland size in viviparous taxa. Interestingly, the shell membrane thickness of viviparous females of the reproductively bimodal Helicops angulatus is intermediate between their oviparous and viviparous congeners. Thus, although eggshell thinning is required by the evolution of viviparity, a nearly complete loss of this structure is not. However, uterine gland dimensions are similar across viviparous Helicops. Fewer glands or their functional repurposing may explain the thinner shell membrane in viviparous species of Helicops in comparison to viviparous females of the bimodal H. angulatus.

Thyroid Dimensions Using Handheld Point-of-Care (bedside) Ultrasound Scan of the Thyroid Gland in Neonates in Port Harcourt and a Review of Literature.

Handheld point-of-care (bedside) ultrasound scan machine is gaining popularity in clinical practice. Using point-of-care ultrasound scan can check the presence (anatomy) and blood flow within the thyroid gland and may be used as screening tool for CH. Neonates aged 0-3 days underwent ultrasound scan of the neck using a point-of-care (bedside) pocket sized GE V scan machine ® to demonstrate the thyroid dimensions and colour flow for each lobe of the gland. The mean dimensions generated were compared with those from a center in Glasgow, Scotland using Student's "t"test. Seventy healthy neonates were recruited, 33 males and 37 females before being discharged from maternity units. The mean gestational age at birth was 39.4 weeks (range 37- 2) mean weight of the children was 2.98 kg (±0.51). The mean total thyroid volume was 1.62 mL (±0.18) and this was to that from Glasgow. Handheld point-of-care (bedside) US is useful in determining thyroid gland dimensions in newborn babies and the volume measurements obtained thus far are comparable to those from Glasgow.

Assessment of Endemic Goiter of Children in Eastern Sudan (Kassala State) Using Ultrasonography and ELISA

Thyroid gland is one of most important endocrine glands in the body. It plays vital role in growth control and its measurements tends to change in respect to age, sex, weight and ethnic group of the individual. This study aimed to assess endemic goiter and to estimate the measurement of normal thyroid gland dimensions and thyroid hormones level in school-aged children using Ultrasonography and ELISA Technique in Eastern Sudan (Kassala state). A total of 100 subjects is 6 - 18 years (43 males, 57 females), and mean of age (9.73 ± 2.54 years). This study was done in the period from April 2016 to February 2017. All the subject undergone thyroid ultrasound and thyroid hormone level test. Subjects with history of goiter were excluded from the study, by thyroid dimension (length, height and diameter). Thyroid volume was estimated using ellipsoid formula and thyroid hormones (TSH, T3 and T4) using Toso full automation. The study revealed that 12 subjects of the study (12%) with goiter, 7 female (7%) and 5 males (5%) with age ranged 6 - 11 years with increase in TSH and T3 and decrease in T4 level. The mean of thyroid volumes for normal subject and subject of goiter are 4.93 ± 0.63, 5.4 ± 1.4 mL, respectively, and TSH, T3, T4 (1.8 ± 0.97, 2.4 ± 0.86 UIu/nL), (3.61 ± 0.32, 3.8 ± 0.55 Pg/Nl), (1.35 ± 1.23 ng/DI level respectively). It concluded that there was positive correlations between the age and the thyroid volume (p = 0.65). It increases with increase of the age. The Rt lobe is larger than the Lt lobe; the thyroid volume is higher in male than female, and this study found the TSH and T3 decreased with ages while T4 increased with ages in normal subject; TSH and T3 level increased and T4 level decreased in goiter children.

Volumetric evaluation of pituitary gland in dog and cat using computed tomography.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the pituitary gland dimensions due to age and weight using computed tomography (CT) in dogs and cats. The CT images of pituitary gland were assessed in 11 client-owned dogs (six males and five females; age range, 1 to 9 years) and 15 client-owned cats (eight males and seven females; age range, 1 to 14 years) with no evidence of pituitary diseases. The length, height, width and volume of the pituitary gland were measured in sagittal and transverse planes. Mean pituitary length, width, height and volume (± standard deviation: SD) were respectively 4.96 (± 0.69 mm), 3.62 (± 0.64 mm), 2.62 (± 0.05 mm) and 26.19 (± 7.99 mm3) in cats and were 7.00 (± 2.14 mm), 4.80 (± 1.20 mm), 3.80 (± 0.70 mm) and 77.53 (± 51.64 mm3) in dogs, respectively. Mean pituitary height-to-brain ratio (P:B ratio), (± SD) in cats and dogs was 0.28 (± 0.05) and 0.21 (± 0.03), respectively and mean percent of pituitary volume to brain volume (± SD) in cats and dogs was 0.10 (± 0.05) and 0.10 (± 0.07), respectively. There was no significant correlation between the size of pituitary gland and age, weight and body condition score (BCS) in dogs, however in cats, significant difference was found between height of pituitary gland and weight and BCS, pituitary width and weight and P:B ratio and BCS. These findings could be useful to identify abnormal pituitary gland enlargement in CT images. To be more accurate in the assessments, further studies are required.

Description of the Intramandibular Gland II in Polybia emaciata Lucas (Hymenoptera, Vespidae)

The intramandibular gland II in Polybia emaciata Lucas is described. This species is among the few that uses mud for nest construction, and their nests persist for a long time following abandonment. The intramandibular gland II has been found in single representatives of the genera Mischocyttarus, Apoica and Leipomeles, and this record is the second for the genus Polybia. Despite expectations derived from the nest characteristics of the species, gland dimensions such as cell diameter were well within the range observed for other species, with the cell number even comparatively small. Gland function remains to be investigated.

Measurement of the normal feline pituitary gland in brachycephalic and mesocephalic cats.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine differences in normal feline pituitary dimensions in brachycephalic and mesocephalic cats as a basis for establishing cryohypophysectomy in cats. Methods Measurements were performed on sagittal T2-weighted and transverse post-gadolinium T1-weighted or T1 3D fast field echo-weighted MRI images. A total of 32 brachycephalic and 27 mesocephalic cats were examined. Inter-observer reproducibility was assessed by t-test and Bland-Altman analysis. Results The cats were 0.6-15.9 years of age with a body weight range of 1.84-6.60 kg. For brachycephalic cats, the mean pituitary gland sagittal height was 2.15 ± 0.15 mm, pituitary gland transverse height was 2.42 ± 0.21 mm, pituitary gland transverse width was 4.44 ± 0.27 mm and pituitary gland sagittal length was 3.14 ± 0.30 mm. In mesocephalic cats, the pituitary gland dimensions were 2.94 ± 0.16 mm, 3.09 ± 0.26 mm, 4.73 ± 0.31 mm and 4.88 ± 0.30 mm for pituitary gland sagittal height, transverse height, transverse width and sagittal length, respectively. There was a highly significant correlation between brachycephalic and mesocephalic cats and pituitary gland height and length ( P <0.0001), respectively. Sex also had an effect on pituitary gland measurements. Neutering status had no significant effect on hypophyseal measurements. Age had a significant influence on pituitary gland height, width and length in the brachycephalic population. Inter-observer reproducibility was good to excellent. Conclusions and relevance The different pituitary measurements in brachycephalic and mesocephalic cats has to be considered if surgery comes into question. There are ranges in pituitary gland sizes, even among the mesocephalic cat population. Thus, exact measuring of the pituitary gland is crucial before any surgical intervention.

Morphometric and histopathological findings in the adrenal glands of dogs with chronic diseases

Prolonged stress suffered by the organism in the presence of chronic diseases can result in functional and morphological changes to the adrenal glands; although the effects of chronic stress on the adrenal gland function in live dogs is well documented, studies focusing on the morphologic changes in the adrenal glands have been lacking. Thus, this study aimed to identify and connect possible morphometric and histopathological changes in the adrenal glands of necropsied dogs in the presence or absence of chronic diseases. Morphological changes in the adrenal glands of 46 necropsied dogs were evaluated through morphometric and histopathological analyses. The morphometric characteristics of the adrenal glands of dogs were influenced more by the animal’s body weight (p < 0.0001) and adrenocortical hyperplasia (p < 0.05) than by the stress associated with chronic diseases or acute conditions. Previously healthy animals with sudden death or animals that died from acute diseases had significant severe congestion in the adrenal glands (p = 0.0272), while adrenocortical hyperplasia was more frequent in the chronic diseases group (p = 0.0041). Fibrosis at the corticomedullary junction (p < 0.0001) and inflammatory infiltrate (p = 0.0015) were observed only in animals with chronic diseases. The adrenal glands of dogs with chronic cardiac dysfunction frequently showed significant necrosis (p = 0.0256), fibrosis (p = 0.0002) and lipid depletion (p = 0.0288). Thus, while the weight or dimensions of the adrenal glands of dogs at necropsy should not be used alone as parameters to indicate a relation with the stress suffered prior to death, the histopathological findings could aid and support necropsy conclusions regarding the presence of chronic diseases.

Monitoring the prevalence of thyroid disorders in the adult population of Northeast Germany.

BackgroundOnly a few studies like ours have investigated the effect of long-term stable iodine supply on thyroid disorders in a historically iodine-deficient population, but not with a long follow-up time of 10 years.MethodsData were derived from two independent population-based cohorts of the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP-0 [1997–2001] and SHIP-TREND [2008–2012]) comprising 4308 and 4420 subjects, respectively. Diagnosed thyroid disorders were assessed. Thyroid gland dimensions were examined by ultrasound. Levels of serum thyrotropin (TSH) and autoantibodies to thyroperoxidase (anti-TPO Abs) were measured from blood samples.ResultsMedian urinary iodine excretion levels decreased from 123.0 μg/l to 112.0 μg/l (p = <0.001) between 2000 and 2010. The prevalence of known thyroid disorders increased from 7.6 % [CI 6.9–8.5] to 18.9 % [CI 17.6–20.1] and of thyroid medication use from 6.2 to 11.1 %. The prevalence of goiter decreased from 35.1 to 29.4 % (p = <0.001), while the prevalence of positive anti-TPO Abs decreased from 3.9 to 2.9 % (p = 0.022). Median serum TSH levels increased from 0.69 mIU/L to 1.19 mIU/L (p = <0.001). Consequently, prevalence of high TSH (mIU/L) increased from 2.6 to 2.9 % (p = 0.452), and low TSH (mIU/L) decreased from 6.6 to 6.4 % (p = 0.737).ConclusionThe decreased prevalence of iodine-deficient disorders and a stable prevalence of markers of autoimmune thyroid disorders argue for an improved iodine supply of the adult population in Northeast Germany. In contrast, the prevalence of diagnosed thyroid disorders and the intake of thyroid medication increased, although this might be related to inappropriate therapeutic decisions.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12963-016-0111-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Study on development of accessory sex glands in prepubertal kids using two-dimensional ultrasonography.

Aim:The present study was undertaken to study growth pattern of accessory sex glands in prepubertal kids from 2 weeks to 6 months of age using two-dimensional ultrasonography.Materials and Methods:The study was conducted on six Beetal kids. The scanning of accessory sex glands was done in standing position using rectal probe and measurements were recorded. Data collected were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Duncan multiple range test was performed using the SPSS (16.0) system for windows.Results:With the advancement of age all the dimensions of glands increased. Both the lobes of prostate gland showed an increase in width with advancement of age. Width of prostate above the urethra (W1) showed a significant increase at 2, 10, and 20 weeks of age, whereas non-significant increase from 2 to 8, 10 to 19, and 20 to 24 weeks of age was recorded. Width of prostate below the urethra (W2) showed a significant increase at 20 weeks of age, whereas non-significant increase was recorded during rest of period of growth. Left and right bulbourethral gland showed a similar pattern of growth with the advancement of age. The circumference dimensions increased significantly at 2, 16, 20, and 21 weeks of age for both glands. The increase was non-significant from 4 to 14, 16 to 19, and 20 to 23 weeks of age. The same pattern was observed for left and right seminal vesicular gland.Conclusion:Significant growth in three accessory sex glands in prepubertal kids was not observed at the same age. The trend observed was that the prostate was the first gland to show significant growth at 10 weeks of age followed by a significant increase in seminal vesicles and bulbourethral gland at 14 and 16 weeks of age, respectively.

Ultrasound assessment of thyroid gland volume in diabetic patients without overt thyroid disease.

Background:Diabetes mellitus and thyroid disease are known to mutually influence each other. Thyroid disease can worsen glycaemic control in diabetes, and patients with diabetes mellitus have increased incidence of thyroid disorders such as increase in size, compared to the normal population.Aims/Objectives:The aim of the study was to sonographically assess thyroid gland volume in Nigerian adult diabetic patients and compare with apparently healthy adults (controls).Subjects and Methods:The study setting was the Department of Radiology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) Nigeria. The thyroid gland in 120 diabetic subjects and equal number of apparently healthy controls was scanned with a 5-12 MHz linear transducer of a SONOACE X4 Machine. Thyroid gland volume was assessed. Statistical analysis was done with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17 (SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL, USA).Results:Diabetics had significantly increased thyroid volume compared to age matched male and female control subjects (11.5 ± 5.2 cm3 vs 7.4 ± 1.9 cm3; P < 0.001 for males) and (9.9 ± 6.2 cm3 vs 7.1 ± 3.4 cm3; P < 0.001 for females) respectively. Gender did not significantly influence thyroid volume among diabetics.Conclusion:Diabetics have higher thyroid gland dimensions, compared to apparently healthy subjects. Gland proliferation from circulating insulin may play a role. This is not influenced by gender.