Gland Weight Research Articles

Exploring the Relationship Between the Size and Diverticular Number of Carpal Gland in Four Pig (Sus Scrofa) Populations

The carpal gland is an important exocrine gland in pigs, functioning mainly through diverticula that release strongly odorous secretions. The size of the carpal gland and the number of diverticula may be related to its function. To measure its size, the gland must be dissected from the foreleg, and this procedure is time-consuming and cumbersome. The diverticulum is the outlet of the carpal gland, and its number correlates with the carpal gland size, but the correlation coefficient between them is still unknown. To explore the relationship between the size and diverticular number of the carpal gland, 788 pigs from four populations were used in this study. The length, width, thickness, weight and volume of the carpal gland were measured, together with its diverticular number. The phenotypic correlation coefficient between each pair of the recorded traits was calculated, and a two-factor analysis of variance was used to test whether sex and population have effects on the phenotypes. The carpal gland is a flat small stick with a length of 1.8–8.6 cm, width of 0.6–2.5 cm, and thickness of 0.2–0.8 cm, and its specific gravity is 0.51–1.36. Each carpal gland has 0 to 10 diverticula, and 82.3% carpal glands have 2–6 diverticula. The diverticular number correlates positively with the weight (r = 0.57 and rs = 0.58, p < 2.2 × 10−16) and volume (r = 0.55 and rs = 0.56, p < 2.2 × 10−16). Population and sex only explain 20% of the phenotypic variance, suggesting that the 80% of carpal gland influences remain unknown. In conclusion, the diverticular number can be used as a proxy for the weightand volume of the carpal gland, because it is easy to count and has a significant positive correlation with the size of thecarpal gland.

Meta-analysis of experimental studies of the effect of melatonin monotherapy on the levels of thyroid hormones and glucocorticoids in rats kept under standard condition

Melatonin is known to modulate circadian and seasonal rhythms in metabolism, reproduction, and behavior. However, the effect of exogenous melatonin supplementation on the functioning of the thyroid and adrenal glands in species without a clear seasonality in reproduction is still unclear. Using a meta-analysis of publications, to investigate the effect of melatonin monotherapy on the concentrations of pituitary thyroid-stimulating hormone, thyroid hormones (TG), pituitary adrenocorticotropic hormone and corticosterone (CS) in rats kept under standard laboratory conditions. In our work, using the Review Manager 5.3 program, we conducted a meta-analysis of publications examining the effect of melatonin monotherapy on the functioning of the thyroid gland (22 papers) and adrenal glands (20 papers) in rats kept under standard conditions. According to the results of our meta-analysis, the effects of melatonin on the levels of TG and CS depend on the dose and duration of therapy. A decrease in TG and CS was associated with therapy lasting no more than 4-5 weeks and with high doses of melatonin. An increase in CS and a trend toward increased TG levels were observed with longer therapy. However, a few studies have observed a decrease in TG with very long-term melatonin therapy (≥32 weeks). Among all TGs, total thyroxine (T4) showed maximum sensitivity to exogenous melatonin, which indicates the influence of melatonin on the secretory function of the thyroid gland. In addition, melatonin increased the relative weight of the adrenal glands. There was no convincing evidence that the effects of melatonin were influenced by the route and timing of administration, or the timing of blood sampling. As a result, exogenous melatonin can modulate TG and CS levels, even in species without a clear seasonality in reproductive function.

Hepatic-derived extracellular vesicles in late pregnancy promote mammary gland development by stimulating prolactin receptor-mediated JAK2/STAT5/mTOR signalling

The mammary glands develop rapidly in late pregnancy to prepare adequately for lactation. At this stage the liver is crucial for mammary gland development, and it can achieve distal mammary gland regulation through hepatic factors and hormones. Recently, an increasing number of studies have found that hepatic-derived extracellular vesicles play an essential role in organ-to-organ communication, however, its effect on mammary gland development remains unclear. In this study, we extracted hepatic-derived extracellular vesicles from pregnant (P-hEVs) and non-pregnant mice (NP-hEVs), respectively, and explored their regulatory role on mammary gland development. The results revealed that P-hEVs was able to promote the proliferation and differentiation of HC11 cells. In addition, intraperitoneal injection of P-hEVs into pubertal female mice increased mammary gland weight and promoted mammary gland development. Mechanistically, P-hEVs activated the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway to enhance the proliferation of mammary epithelial cells, and also activated prolactin receptor-mediated JAK2/STAT5/mTOR signalling to promote mammary epithelial cell lactation and the synthesis of milk proteins and milk lipids. Overall, mouse liver during pregnancy can transmit signals to the mammary gland in the form of extracellular vesicles to promote its development and provide for subsequent lactation.

8500 Fvb/Ant Mice Carrying the Thr92Ala-Dio2 Polymorphism Have a Goiter

Abstract Disclosure: A. Batistuzzo: None. B. Bocco: None. E. McAninch: None. M.O. Ribeiro: None. A.C. Bianco: Consulting Fee; Self; Abbvie. Fvb/Ant Mice Carrying the Thr92Ala-Dio2 Polymorphism Have a Goiter Introduction: The Thr92Ala-DIO2 polymorphism is prevalent worldwide, with about 50% of the population carrying at least one polymorphic allele. Ala-D2 is ectopically located in the Golgi apparatus and causes endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. It is also about 40 % less active than Thr92-D2, thus T3 production could be compromised in carriers of the polymorphism. Objective: C57BL/6J (B6) mice carrying the Ala92-DIO2 polymorphism exhibit no significant thyroid phenotype as compared to control Thr92-Dio2 mice. Here we wished to test whether changing the genetic background of mice can influence the thyroidal impact of the Thr92Ala-DIO2 polymorphism. Therefore, we backcrossed B6-Thr92Ala-Dio2 mice to the FVB/Ant background for 8 generations. Methods: Mice were killed by asphyxiation in a CO2 chamber and blood collected from 7-18 weeks old female and male FVB/Ant Ala-Dio2 mice to measure plasma levels of TSH, T4, T3, and rT3. The thyroid gland was dissected, weighed and processed for histological analysis. The weight of the thyroid gland was normalized by femoral length. The QuPath Software was used for measuring follicular area, cell height, and the number of internalized follicular cells. Thr92-Dio2 mice of the same age and sex were used as controls. Data were analyzed using PRISM software and expressed as mean±SE (TH plasma levels and thyroid weight) or mean±SD (thyroid histology). A Student t-test was used to compare 2 groups. Results: Male and female Ala mice had significantly higher levels of TSH (males: 0.36±0.04 vs 1.1±0.21 ng/ml; p<0.01 and females: 0.017±0.006 vs 0.12±0.06 ng/ml; p<0.01), lower levels of plasmatic T4 (males: 2.9±0.2 vs 1.3±0.25 µg/dl; p<0.01 and females: 2.1±0.16 vs 1.15±0.16 µg/dl; p<0.001) and lower levels of rT3 (males: 23.8±2 vs 14.2±1.3 ng/dl; p<0.001 and females: 16.45±1.4 vs 10.4±1.17 ng/dl; p<0.01). Additionally, the thyroid gland of female polymorphic mice was heavier (4.3±0.39 vs 1.8±0.17 mg/cm; p<0.001) and both sexes presented enlarged thyroid follicle area (males: 1464±1464 vs 2055±2443 µm2; p<0.0001 and females: 1519±1364 vs 2597±2624 µm2; p<0.0001) and a higher number of internalized follicular cells (females: 0.06±0.007 vs 0.17±0.008 internalized cells/follicle; p<0.0001). No differences in the follicular cell height were observed. Discussion: In contrast to B6, FVB mice carrying the Thr92Ala-D2 polymorphism exhibit goiter, increased follicular area, slightly reduced serum T4 levels, and elevated serum TSH levels. These findings suggest that the impact of the Thr92Ala polymorphism varies according to the genetic background. They may explain why clinical studies of patients carrying the Thr92Ala-DIO2 polymorphism have yielded inconsistent results when different populations are analyzed. Presentation: 6/3/2024

6722 Increase in Femoral Neck BMD After Parathyroidectomy in Patients with Mild Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Abstract Disclosure: F. Abdul Kather: None. G.A. Clines: None. C. Janney: None. D.T. Hughes: None. N.H. Esfandiari: None. S. Saberi: None. Objective: This study aimed to assess changes in bone mineral density (BMD) following parathyroidectomy in patients with mild primary hyperparathyroidism, defined as serum calcium 10.4 mg/dl to 11.2 mg/dl, by comparing distinct patient variables. Hypothesis: Pre-op demographic factors, laboratory values, and BMD significantly influence post-parathyroidectomy BMD. Methods: This retrospective chart review included 93 subjects with primary hyperparathyroidism who underwent parathyroidectomy between 2000-2022 with BMD measurements performed at the same site pre- and post-parathyroidectomy. Exclusion criteria were age <50 years, GFR <30, recurrent primary hyperparathyroidism, chronic oral glucocorticoid use (>1 month), rheumatoid arthritis, suppressed serum TSH, hormone-deprivation therapy, cinacalcet use, and prescription osteoporosis medication therapy. Statistical analyses were performed using ANOVA and a p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of the subjects was 63.65 ± 6.58 years, who were mostly female (84.9%) and white (88.2%). Pre-op laboratory values revealed mean uncorrected calcium 10.52 ±0.26 mg/dL, corrected calcium 10.25 ± 0.32 mg/dL, 25-OH vitamin D 35.82 ±15.31 ng/mL, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) 99.12 ±37.06 pg/mL. Pre-op mean bone densities for the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip were 1.04 ± 0.16, 0.81 ± 0.11, and 0.87 ± 0.11 g/cm2, respectively, with corresponding T-scores of -1.13 ± 1.23, -1.60 ± 0.74, and -1.13 ± 0.89. Changes in BMD post-parathyroidectomy were determined by comparing pre-op and post-op DXA scans. No statistically significant differences in DXA were found between ages of 50-55 vs. >55, post-op timing of DXA 1-2 years post parathyroidectomy vs. >2 years post parathyroidectomy, number of parathyroid glands removed, the total weight of resected parathyroid glands, pre-op vitamin D level <30 ng/mL vs. ≥30 ng/mL, or pre-op urinary calcium levels <200 mg/day vs. ≥200 mg/day. Grouping subjects by pre-operative DXA T-scores revealed a statistically significant improvement in femoral neck bone density between osteoporotic and osteopenic subjects (p=0.018) and between osteoporotic and normal bone density subjects (p=0.019). No significant differences were identified in the spine and total hip bone density changes among these groups. Conclusion: In subjects with osteoporosis undergoing parathyroidectomy, a significant improvement in femoral neck bone density was observed, unaffected by pre-op variables of age, timing of DXA post parathyroidectomy, parathyroid gland characteristics, and pre-op vitamin D and urinary calcium levels. These findings underscore the potential for tailored interventions in managing bone health post-parathyroid surgery, emphasizing the need for personalized approaches to optimize outcomes in individuals with mild hyperparathyroidism. Presentation: 6/2/2024

Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction for Top Surgery in Transgender Men: Clinical Experience and Evaluation of Satisfaction and Quality of Life with TRANS-Q and BREAST-Q.

During the last decade, the demand for top surgery in female-to-male transgender (FMT) has increased worldwide. This study aims to present our initial experience with the novel use of ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL) in top surgery. Additionally, we evaluate the satisfaction and quality of life with TRANS-Q and BREAST-Q. We conducted a retrospective study analyzing FMT undergoing UAL in top surgery from 2019 to 2021 at a single institution. We analyzed demographic variables, comorbidities, surgical techniques, operative time, complications, and follow-up time. We used TRANS-Q and BREAST-Q to evaluate patient-reported outcomes. A p value < 0.05 was considered significant. We performed 34 UAL combined subcutaneous mastectomies in 17 patients. Twelve patients (70.6%) underwent mastectomy double incision with free nipple grafting (DIFNG), and 29.4% underwent concentric circular mastectomy. In the DIFNG group, BMI (p < 0.02), the weight of each mammary gland (p < 0.001), and use of chest binder (p < 0.03) were significantly higher. The mean operative time was 115min. The complication rate was 11.7% (one hematoma and three hypertrophic scars). The mean follow-up was 29.4months, and no aesthetic revision surgeries was reported. The response rate for TRANS-Q and BREAST-Q was 76.5%, and high satisfaction with the results and significant improvement in quality of life were reported. We present the first cohort of transgender men who underwent UAL in top surgery. With proper training, the use of UAL could be a feasible and safe technique, offering good long-term esthetic results. Additionally, TRANS-Q and BREAST-Q demonstrated improved satisfaction and quality of life. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Effects of shallot (Allium ascalonicum) powder supplementation on growth, intestinal morphology, immune stimulation, and intestinal bacteria in broiler chickens

Background and Aim: Antimicrobial resistance in poultry farms is a significant global public health concern that has led farmers to explore alternative antibiotics, such as prebiotics in poultry production. This study aimed to examine the antimicrobial activity of ethanolic shallot extract (ESE) and the effects of adding shallot powder (SP) to broiler feed on broiler growth, immune response to Newcastle disease virus (NDV) vaccination, and gastrointestinal tract bacteria. Materials and Methods: We determined the antimicrobial effects of ESE against Escherichia coli O157:H7 (EOH) and Lactobacillus acidophilus TISTR 2365 (L2365) using the agar well diffusion method. We used a complete randomized design to assign 120 1-day-old Arbor Acre chicks to six groups with four replicates of five broiler chickens over 42 days. The treatment groups were as follows: T1-basal diet (B) + NDV vaccination (positive control), T2-B (negative control), T3-B + 2 g SP per kg of feed, T4-B + 2 g SP per kg of feed + NDV, T5-B + 4 g SP per kg of feed, and T6-B + 4 g SP per kg of feed + NDV. Results: The minimum inhibitory concentrations of ESE on EOH and L2365 were 62.50 and 125.00 mg/mL, respectively. The body weight gain, average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio in the 4 g SP of T5 and T6 groups were significantly improved compared with the other groups (p &lt; 0.05). The immune organ (IO) and thymus gland weights in the T4 group were significantly greater than those observed in the positive and negative control groups (p &lt; 0.05). The IO weights of the bursae of Fabricius and spleen tended to be greater in the T4 group than in the other groups. T5 group broilers had the highest ratio of villus height to crypt depth. The humoral immunity titers against NDV vaccination were improved in the SP-supplemented groups compared with the non-supplemented groups (p &gt; 0.05). SP supplementation reduced the levels of coliform (p &lt; 0.05) and E. coli in the broiler intestine by adding 4 g of SP per kg of feed. However, L2365 was more tolerant to ESE in vitro and tended to increase in line with increased SP levels. Conclusion: ESE showed strong antimicrobial activity to reduce harmful bacteria, and SP supplementation may exhibit prebiotic effects to increase broiler chicken growth, immunity, and microbial balance. Keywords: broiler chickens, food security, immune stimulation, intestinal bacteria, intestinal morphology, shallot.

I Dentification Immunohistological Changes in the Thymus Gland of Male and Female Rats With Indocrine Glands Disorder

Endocrine disorders is the result of a hormone imbalance, a condition characterized by a gland producing too much or too little of a hormone. This imbalance can be caused by:Issues with the endocrines feedback system−its main job is to keep hormones in the body perfectly balanced but it can malfunction and cause an imbalance a genetic disorder or infection or disease or injury to an an endocrine gland.The study amied to know the changes that occur in the thymus gland as a result of endocrine disorders in order to explain and analyze them accurately,as well as an immunological comparison between males and females.Twenty−four male and female rats Rattus norvegicus were divided into three groups of eight rats each : The first group (G1) received normal saline for 21 dayꓼ The second group male(G2), rats were given 6 mg / kg metoclopramide by intraperitoneal injection for hyperprolactinemia induction for 21 daysꓼ The third group femals (G3)was given metoclopramide 6 mg / kg intraperitoneally to induce hyperprolactinemic rats.After the end of experimental [21 days ], Measure prolactin hormone, and the thymus gland was removed, processed and examine for histomorphological changes. The result of the study revealed that is a significant (p&lt;0.05) in prolactin and( WBC) in the two hyperprolactinemia group when compared with the control group.And when compared a group of hyperprolactinemia the males and agroup hyperprolactin females.Note a significant difference(increase)in the male group compared to the female group.And the resuit of the study showed asignificant decrease(p&lt;0.05) in weight and size the thymus gland in hyperprolactinemia male and female group compared with the control group.The histologicale study in male and female laboratory rats of the two hyperprolactinemia group also showed clear histological changes compared to the negative control group,reprsented the cortex area increased compared with the medulla area ,where the cortex−to−medulla ratio was about 3:1 .The limited numbers of epithelial cells were observed in the medulla area where the increase in lymphocyte numbers was significantly observed.Also, Hassall‘s corpuscles were not observed in the medulla.AS note the limited deposition or almost absence of collagen fibre in the medulla area.The study concluded endocrine disruption has a significant and noticeable effect on the size and weight of the thymus gland on the one hand and a histological effect on the other hand.

ALLEVIATION OF ARSENIC INDUCED THYROID DYSFUNCTION AND BODY WEIGHT ALTERATIONS BY CURCUMIN

Background: Arsenic is notorious for being used in many homicidal cases. This study was designed to observe the toxic effects of low dose of arsenic on thyroid gland and body weight and its amelioration by curcumin. Method: Thirty healthy female Sprague Dawley rats (body weight ~230 g) were procured from The National Institute of Health Islamabad. After one week of acclimatization, animals were randomly divided into three groups (n=10 each), e.g., Control group (C), Experimental group-1 (E1) and Experimental group-2 (E2). The duration of the experiment was one month. Weight of the animals was checked before and at the end of experiment. All the animals were continued on standard diet and distilled water during experimental period. E1 was given 10 µg/10 mL of arsenic by oral gavage daily. E2 was given 10 µg/10 mL of arsenic along with Curcumin (50 mg/Kg body weight/day). At the end of experiment, the rats were euthanized to draw the blood and removal of thyroid gland. Serum Triiodothyronine, Tetraiodothyronine and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone were measured by ELISA. Histological changes were observed after haematoxylin and eosin staining. Statistical analysis was done on SPSS-22 and p?0.05 was considered significant. Results: The histological findings of thyroid gland, body weight and serum T3, T4 and TSH in E1 exhibited abnormal results. E2 group showed the protecting role of curcumin suggesting protective role of curcumin. Conclusion: Curcumin has protective effects against arsenic induced thyroid disruption and body weight alterations. Pak J Physiol 2024;20(3): DOI: https://doi.org/10.69656/pjp.v20i3.1686

Vitamin D deficiency and thyroid cancer: is there a true association? A prospective observational study.

Literature data indicate a correlation between vitamin D deficiency and thyroid cancer (TC). We conducted this observational study to test this hypothesis. We studied 327 consecutive thyroidectomy cases, and compared patients with TC and those who had benign thyroid disease (BTD). In total, 183 cases with well-differentiated TC (group B) were compared with 144 cases of BTD (group A). We defined 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)VitD) values <10ng/ml as severe vitamin D deficiency (15.4%), 10-30ng/ml as inadequacy (70.4%) and >30ng/ml as adequate (14.2%). We further used a cut-off point of 30ng/ml (used in a recent meta-analysis) to classify patients as vitamin D deficient or not. There was no statistically significant difference in the following: age, size of the thyroid gland, preoperative calcium levels, preoperative parathormone and vitamin D levels, body mass index and anti-thyroid antibodies. Only thyroid-stimulating hormone and weight of the thyroid gland were found to differ. There was no significant difference in mean vitamin D levels (group A = 19.82ng/ml [sd 9.59] vs group B = 19.69ng/ml [sd 11.34]; p = 0.917). The same was found when we compared the two groups according to the three categories of vitamin D values (deficiency, inadequacy, adequacy; p = 0.485) and when we performed the analysis based on all threshold levels (10, 20 and 30ng/ml; p = 0.328). Using various statistical methods, no correlation was found between vitamin D deficiency and differentiated TC (overall, microcarcinomas, macrocarcinomas). Based on our results, no correlation between vitamin D deficiency and TC was confirmed, contradicting and questioning the results of two recent meta-analyses.

Impact of Methionine and Tryptophan Supplementation on Silk Gland Weight and Tissue Somatic Index in Eri Silkworm (Samia ricini Donovan)

This study evaluated the impact of methionine and tryptophan supplementation on the silk gland weight and Silk Gland Tissue Somatic Index (SGTSI) of eri silkworm, Samia ricini Donovan, a key species in vanya silk production. Freshly collected castor leaves were fortified with methionine and tryptophan solutions at various concentrations and fed to silkworm larvae from the third instar until maturity. The treatments significantly enhanced silk gland weight and SGTSI compared to the control. The highest silk gland weight (1.52g) and SGTSI (25.16%) were observed in larvae fed with tryptophan at 500 ppm (T6), followed by methionine at 500 ppm (T3) with 1.47g and 24.61%, respectively. Control larvae exhibited the lowest values (1.07g and 19.43%). Combination treatments of methionine and tryptophan showed less improvement compared to individual treatments. These findings suggest that dietary supplementation with specific amino acids could enhance silk gland development and silk production.

Selenomethionine Promotes Milk Protein and Fat Synthesis and Proliferation of Mammary Epithelial Cells through the GPR37-mTOR-S6K1 Signaling.

Selenomethionine (SeMet) is an important nutrient, but its role in milk synthesis and the GPCR related to SeMet sensing is still largely unknown. Here, we determined the dose-dependent role of SeMet on milk protein and fat synthesis and proliferation of mammary epithelial cells (MECs), and we also uncovered the GPCR-mediating SeMet function. At 24 h postdelivery, lactating mother mice were fed a maintenance diet supplemented with 0, 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg SeMet, and the feeding process lasted for 18 days. The 10 mg/kg group had the best increase in milk production, weight gain of offspring mice, and mammary gland weight and acinar size, whereas a higher concentration of SeMet gradually decreased the weight gain of the offspring mice and showed toxic effects. Transcriptome sequencing was performed to find the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the mammary gland tissues of mother mice in the 10 mg/kg SeMet treatment group and the control group. A total of 258 DEGs were screened out, including 82 highly expressed genes including GPR37 and 176 lowly expressed genes. SeMet increased milk protein and fat synthesis in HC11 cells and cell proliferation, mTOR and S6K1 phosphorylation, and expression of GPR37 in a dose-dependent manner. GPR37 knockdown decreased milk protein and fat synthesis in HC11 cells and cell proliferation and blocked SeMet stimulation on mTOR and S6K1 phosphorylation. Taken together, our data demonstrate that SeMet can promote milk protein and fat synthesis and proliferation of MECs and functions through the GPR37-mTOR-S6K1 signaling pathway.

The development of silk glands and transcriptome aberration induced by cyantraniliprole in Bombyx mori

Bombyx mori is an insect species of great economic importance, and its silk gland is a vital organ for the synthesis and secretion of silk protein. However, long-term artificial domestication of B. mori has resulted in high sensitivity to chemical toxins, especially insecticides. Cyantraniliprole (Cya), a second-generation ryanodine receptor modulator insecticide, is widely utilized in agriculture for pest control. In this study, the impact of Cya toxicity on the development of silk glands in the 5th instar larvae of B. mori was assessed using Cya LC5, LC10 and LC20, as well as a starvation treatment group for comparison. Short-term exposure (24 h) to different concentrations of Cya resulted in delayed development of silk glands in B. mori. Meanwhile, the body weight, silk gland weight, silk gland index and cocoon quality were significantly reduced in a concentration-dependent manner, except for the Cya LC5 treatment. Histopathological and ultrastructural analysis revealed that Cya LC10 induced disruption of the nuclear membrane and endoplasmic reticulum in the posterior silk gland (PSG) cells, leading to the formation of intracellular vacuoles. Transcriptome sequencing of PSGs identified 2152 genes that were differentially expressed after exposure to Cya LC10, with 1153 down-regulated genes and 999 up-regulated genes. All differentially expressed genes were subjected to functional annotation using gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes database, and it was found that protein synthesis-related pathways were significantly enriched, with the majority of genes being down-regulated. Furthermore, the transcription levels of genes involved in “protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum”, “protein export”, “proteasome” and “DNA replication” were quantified using qRT-PCR. Our findings suggested that short-term exposure to Cya LC10 resulted in disruption of DNA replication, as well as protein transport, processing and hydrolysis in the PSG cells of B. mori. The results of this study provide a theoretical foundation for the safe utilization of Cya in sericulture production.

Lockbox enrichment facilitates manipulative and cognitive activities for mice.

Due to the lack of complexity and variety of stimuli, conventional housing conditions of laboratory mice do not allow these animals to fully express their behavioral repertoire, including manipulative and cognitive activities. Therefore, we designed mechanical puzzles, so-called lockboxes, for mice that can be provided in their home cages. We investigated the impact of the lockbox enrichment on their phenotype and affective state when compared to conventional housing (CH) and super-environmental enrichment (SEE). Young adult female C57BL/6JCrl mice were examined before and after 2-month exposure to the different types of enrichment in a phenotyping test battery, including tests for trait and state anxiety-related behavior, calorimetric measurements, body weight measurements, the analysis of stress hormone metabolite concentrations, and sequential problem-solving abilities with a novel lockbox. At the end of the study, adrenal gland weights were determined and pathohistological evaluation was performed. For all continuous variables, the relative variability was calculated. While the different types of enrichment affected trait anxiety-related behavior, neither state anxiety-related behavior nor physiological variables (i.e., bodyweight, resting metabolic rate, stress hormone metabolite concentrations, adrenal gland weights) were influenced. LE improved sequential problem-solving (i.e., solving novel lockboxes) when compared to SEE. Regardless of the housing condition, the relative variability increased in most variables over time, although the coefficient of variation decreased for some variables, especially in animals with access to LE. There was no evidence of toxicopathological effects associated with the material from which the lockboxes were made. All lockboxes are available as open-source tool. LE revealed beneficial effects on the affective state of laboratory mice and their performance in solving novel lockboxes. Neither relevant phenotype of the mice nor reproducibility of the data were compromised by LE, similar to SEE. The lockboxes may also be used as novel approach for assessing cognition in mice.

Mechanisms of adaptation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in male mice under chronic social defeat stress

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) plays an important role in the mechanisms of adaptation to chronic stress. A model of chronic social defeat stress (CSDS), based on the experience of defeat in daily agonistic interactions, causes the development of a depressive-like state in mice, which is often accompanied by an increase in blood corticosterone levels. In this work, we assessed what changes occur in the central (hypothalamus) and peripheral (adrenal glands) parts of the HPA axis under the influence of chronic social stress, which can affect the regulation of corticosterone synthesis and its level in the blood. The experience of chronic social stress causes an increase in the relative weight of the adrenal glands, an increase in the expression level of Crh gene in the hypothalamus and the expression of the genes for the corticosterone synthesis enzymes Star, Cyp11a1, Cyp11b1 in the adrenal glands. At the same time, in the hypothalamus the expression of Fkbp5 and Nr3c1 decreases and the expression of Crhbp increases, and in the adrenal glands the expression of the Mc2r and Hsd11b1 genes decreases, which is ultimately aimed at reducing the amount of corticosterone secreted by the adrenal glands, and thus limiting the glucocorticoid response. Thus, chronic stress leads to an imbalance of the activating and stabilizing mechanisms of HPA axis regulation and a possible inadequate response to additional stress stimuli.

Protective effect of Korean red ginseng water extract on levothyroxine-induced hyperthyroidism and propylthiouracil-induced hypothyroidism in rats

BackgroundKorean red ginseng extract (KRGE) (Family: Araliaceae) is one of the most widely used traditional herbs in Asia. Multiple studies have shown that KRGE has anti-inflammation, anti-fatigue, anti-obesity, anti-oxidant, and anti-cancer effects. MethodsSprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups for PTU-induced hypothyroidism and six groups for LT4-induced hyperthyroidism. At the experiment's conclusion, rats were sacrificed, and blood, thyroid gland, and liver samples were collected. Body weight was recorded weekly, and serum hormone levels were assessed using enzyme-linked immunoassay. Thyroid gland and liver tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. KRGE was prepared in 0.5% CMC and stored at 4 °C before administration. ResultsIn the LT4-induced hyperthyroidism model, KRGE prevented decreases in body weight, thyroid gland weight, liver weight, serum glucose, and thyroid hormone levels compared to the PTU group. It also reduced increases in T3, T4, and serum aspartate aminotransferase levels after LT4 treatment. Additionally, KRGE improved thyroid gland and liver histopathology, effects not observed in the PTU-induced hypothyroidism model. ConclusionAll things considered, our research points to KRGE's potential protective role in rat hyperthyroidism caused by LT4 by lowering thyroid hormone production.

Sibling Species Amblyraja hyperborea and A. jenseni in Slope Waters of Eastern Canada: An Ecomorphological Description

Deepwater survey data and specimens collected from the Grand Banks to Baffin Bay in the Northwest Atlantic were used to examine the distribution, morphometrics, meristics and maturity of two siblings, Amblyraja hyperborea and A. jenseni. Our study confirmed that the two species occupy different locations, their distributions separated by Davis Strait, a biogeographic break separating Atlantic from Arctic waters. A. hyperborea with a smaller maximum size and size at maturity inhabited colder Arctic slope waters in Baffin Bay while larger A. jenseni were located in warmer Atlantic slope waters. Despite their distributional separation and thus reproductive isolation, spine counts and body morphology were almost indistinguishable between species. Only upper jaw teeth row count and difference in the size of spines on the mid-rear wings differentiated the two species. Also, for both species, the proportion of dorsal fins joined, disc shape and relative tail length changed with total length. Secondary reproductive anatomy, clasper length and vas deferens weight, shell gland and uterus weight underwent initial acceleration in growth when the gonads transitioned to stage 2 (adolescent, maturing). Also, YOY A. hyperborea were found to distribute at shallower depths than larger stages, constituting a nursery, which was not observed for A. jenseni.

Factors associated with pathological up-staging in MRI cT3a prostate cancer - a retrospective study from a high-volume centre.

Multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) parameters of pT3a prostate cancer have not been examined in large cohort studies. Therefore, we aimed to identify factors associated with up-staging of mpMRI cT3a in post-operative histopathological confirmation. Retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of a single UK cancer centre. Only cT3a cases who underwent robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) were included (N = 383). MRI and specimen histopathology was reviewed independently by expert uro-radiologists and uro-histopathologists, respectively. Factors included age, BMI, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, biopsy international society of urological pathology (ISUP) grade, Prostate Imaging Reporting & Data System (PI-RADS®) score, tumour size, tumour coverage of gland (%), gland weight and surgical margins were analysed as predictors of pT3a prostate cancer. N = 383. Mean age 66 years (58-71), mean BMI 27.1kg/m2 (25.0-30.0). 314 (82.0%) cases down- unchanged or down-staged, and 69 (18.0%) cases upstaged. PSA level (P = 0.002), PI-RADS score (P < 0.001) and ISUP grade (P < 0.001) are positively associated with upstage categories. ISUP grade ≥3 (OR 5.45, CI 1.88, 9.29, P < 0.002), PI-RADS score ≥4 (OR 3.92, CI 1.88-9.29, P < 0.001) and tumour coverage (OR 1.06, CI 1.05-1.08, P < 0.001) significantly positively associated with upstaging disease, with concurrent decreased probability of downstaging (OR 0.55, 0.14, 0.44, respectively, P < 0.05). Tumour coverage was positively correlated with increasing positive surgical margins (P < 0.05). Capsular contact > 15mm was very unlikely to be upstaged (OR 0.36, CI 0.21-0.62, P < 0.001), aligning with published results past the widely accepted significant level for extracapsular disease on MRI. The study has identified PSA level, ISUP, PI-RADS score, tumour volume and percentage coverage are key predictive factors in cT3a upstaging. This study uniquely shows tumour coverage percentage as a predictor of cT3a upstaging on mpMRI. ISUP is the strongest predictor, followed by PI-RADS score and tumour coverage of gland. Multi-institutional studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Connect the mulberry leaf quality and the silkworm cocoon traits through correlation and regression analysis

An experiment was conducted to study the impact on mulberry leaf quality and silkworm growth performance by the application of growth promoter. In the irrigated mulberry field experiment was carried out in Randomized Block Design layout with four replications and five treatments. Result showed that higher quality of mulberry leaves was obtained on Effective Microorganisms (EM) treated plots compared to others because beneficial microorganism in the EM enhanced the plant growth metabolism to increase their growth. As for correlation analysis, all leaf quality traits were highly significantly positive correlated with silkworm cocoon traits. In simple linear regression analysis, the mulberry leaf quality traits were significantly influenced the silkworm cocoon traits except leaf protein with cocoon weight (Adj R2 = - 0.30337) which has negative relationship between them. Highly close relationship was noticed on total carbohydrate content on larval weight (Adj R2 = 0.93655) followed by total chlorophyll content on shell weight (Adj R2 = 0.90569), silk gland weight (Adj R2 = 0.87275), ERR (Adj R2 = 0.84312) and total carbohydrate content on shell weight (Adj R2 = 0.84606). Thus, the total chlorophyll and carbohydrate content might be a good trait and mostly responsible for producing good quality cocoons.

Retroductal dexamethasone administration promotes the recovery from obstructive and inflammatory salivary gland dysfunction.

Salivary gland dysfunction, often resulting from salivary gland obstruction-induced inflammation, is a prevalent condition. Corticosteroid, known for its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, is commonly prescribed in clinics. This study investigates the therapeutic implications and potential side effects of dexamethasone on obstructive sialadenitis recovery using duct ligation mice and salivary gland organoid models. Functional and pathological changes were assessed after administering dexamethasone to the duct following deligation 2 weeks after maintaining ligation of the mouse submandibular duct. Additionally, lipopolysaccharide- and tumor necrosis factor-induced salivary gland organoid inflammation models were established to investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of action of dexamethasone. Dexamethasone administration facilitated SG function restoration, by increasing salivary gland weight and saliva volume while reducing saliva lag time. Histological evaluation revealed, reduced acinar cell atrophy and fibrosis with dexamethasone treatment. Additionally, dexamethasone suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF expression. In a model of inflammation in salivary gland organoids induced by inflammatory substances, dexamethasone restored acinar markers such as AQP5 gene expression levels, while inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF and IL6, as well as chemokines CCL2, CXCL5, and CXCL12 induction. Macrophages cultured in inflammatory substance-treated media from salivary gland organoid cultures exhibited pro-inflammatory polarization. However, treatment with dexamethasone shifted them towards an anti-inflammatory phenotype by reducing M1 markers (Tnf, Il6, Il1b, and Cd86) and elevating M2 markers (Ym1, Il10, Cd163, and Klf4). However, high-dose or prolonged dexamethasone treatment induced acino-ductal metaplasia and had side effects in both in vivo and in vitro models. Our findings suggest the effectiveness of corticosteroids in treating obstructive sialadenitis-induced salivary gland dysfunction by regulating pro-inflammatory cytokines.