Glandular Region Research Articles

Reconstruction of Axillary Defects With Propeller Parascapular Flap After Resection in Patients With Advanced Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Wide excision of affected skin tissue and the apocrine glandular region is the standard treatment for advanced HS. Various flap types have been used for coverage. This study was conducted to assess the use and outcomes of propeller parascapular flaps for unilateral or bilateral axillary defects after excision in patients with advanced axillary HS. This retrospective case series reports on 11 patients with unilateral (7 patients) or bilateral (4 patients) advanced HS treated with propeller parascapular flap surgery between July 1, 2016, and December 31, 2018. Flap dimensions were measured. Patients were evaluated in terms of 2 main postoperative complications: postoperative recurrence and flap viability. In addition, other complications such as bleeding, infection, dehiscence, contracture, and hypertrophic scarring were noted. The average flap area was 160 cm2. One flap dehisced; no infection, partial necrosis, or total flap loss occurred, and no recurrence was observed. The mean follow-up period was 18 months. At final follow-up, no patient had contractures that caused restricted movement of the shoulder joint. Parascapular flaps should be the first choice in patients with advanced HS owing to low donor area morbidity, low recurrence rate, wide rotation arc, and sufficient flap size.

Bringing order to a complex system: phenotypic and genotypic evidence contribute to the taxonomy of Tityus (Scorpiones, Buthidae) and support the description of a new species.

We present a molecular phylogenetic analysis including a survey for overlooked phenotypic characters. Based on both analysis and characters a new cave-dwelling species is described: Tityus (Tityus) spelaeussp. nov. from the Russão II cave, Posse, state of Goiás, Central Brazil. Characters such as the glandular regions of the female pectinal basal piece and basal middle lamellae of pectines, and the distribution of the ventral setae of telotarsi I–IV proved to be useful to constructing the taxonomy of species and species groups of Tityus. The new species is a member of the Tityustrivittatus species-group of Tityus (Tityus) and can be readily recognized by the immaculate coloration pattern and the more developed glandular region on the female pectinal basal piece. In addition, we provide a discussion of the phylogenetic relationships observed within Tityus, on the relevance of the new phenotypic characters to the modern taxonomy of the genus Tityus, and to the records of Brazilian cave scorpions.

Nkx2-1 and FoxE regionalize glandular (mucus-producing) and thyroid-equivalent traits in the endostyle of the chordate Oikopleura dioica

The endostyle is a ventral pharyngeal organ used for internal filter feeding of basal chordates and is considered homologous to the follicular thyroid of vertebrates. It contains mucus-producing (glandular) and thyroid-equivalent regions organized along the dorsoventral (DV) axis. Although thyroid-related genes (Nkx2-1, FoxE, and thyroid peroxidase (TPO)) are known to be expressed in the endostyle, their roles in establishing regionalization within the organ have not been demonstrated. We report that Nkx2-1 and FoxE are essential for establishing DV axial identity in the endostyle of Oikopleura dioica. Genome and expression analyses showed von Willebrand factor-like (vWFL) and TPO/dual oxidase (Duox)/Nkx2-1/FoxE as orthologs of glandular and thyroid-related genes, respectively. Knockdown experiments showed that Nkx2-1 is necessary for the expression of glandular and thyroid-related genes, whereas FoxE is necessary only for thyroid-related genes. Moreover, Nkx2-1 expression is necessary for FoxE expression in larvae during organogenesis. The results demonstrate the essential roles of Nkx2-1 and FoxE in establishing regionalization in the endostyle, including (1) the Nkx2-1-dependent glandular region, and (2) the Nkx2-1/FoxE-dependent thyroid-equivalent region. DV axial regionalization may be responsible for organizing glandular and thyroid-equivalent traits of the pharynx along the DV axis.

55 Equine gastric ulcers; a pilot study: associated biomarkers and polysaccharide supplementation as a solution

Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome affects roughly 90% of performance horses. The only reliable antemortem diagnostic method is endoscopy, which is an invasive process. The cornerstone of treatment is acid suppression, a cost-prohibitive option that is not viable for long-term use. The objectives of this study were to investigate the efficacy of a polysaccharide (PS) supplement on gastric ulcers in the squamous (SQ) and glandular (GL) regions of the equine stomach and identify associated serum and saliva biomarkers. It was hypothesized that severity of SQ and GL ulcers throughout the supplemental period would decrease and levels of serum and salivary proteins, as well as total antioxidant capacity (TAC), would fluctuate with ulcer scores. To test this hypothesis, 8 mature geldings were randomly assigned to a treatment (TRT) or non-treatment (CTRL) group, then underwent ulcer induction using a modified Murray method: alternating 12- and 24-h feed deprivations for a total of 108hr. Following the induction, TRT horses’ feed was top-dressed with 1oz of PS supplement twice daily. Horses were fed 1.0% BW in Fescue hay ( Festuca pratensis ) and 0.25% BW in concentrates daily (Nutrena Triumph Fiber Plus, Cargill, Inc., Holmesville, OH) with ad libitum water access, as recommended by the NRC. Horses were housed in 3.05mx3.65m stalls and turned out into 0.809ha pastures (native grasses, fescue, clover, and annual rye; 4 horses per pasture) from 0600hrs-1800hrs and 1800hrs-0600hrs, respectively. The experiment was divided into 3 periods: pre- (Day 0), mid- (Day 28), and post-supplementation (Day 43). Per period, endoscopic images were captured and saliva and blood samples were collected. The effects of date and treatment were analyzed with a factorial ANOVA. All statistical calculations were performed usuing the software JMP. The severity of ulcer scores decreased in all horses over the 6-week time span ( P = 0.001), with no difference found between TRT and CTRL horses in the SQ or GL regions. It is possible that the body's innate healing capacity was adequate in this study, which may have masked the treatment effect of the PS supplement. There was a correlation found between salivary TAC (R 2 = 0.559; P = 0.005) and serum TAC (R 2 = 0.620; P = 0.002) and ulcer score, which may indicate that oxidative stress decreases as ulcers heal. The investigation of PS supplementation as a preventative measure in ulcerative and non-ulcerative horses under stress is warranted. Additionally, the exploration of other salivary and serum biomarkers to further develop a panel for preliminary screening of equine gastric ulcers should be pursued.

Morphological alterations in gastrointestinal organs of western-diet obese rats submitted to vertical sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

Abstract To assess the effect of vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) on the esophageal and intestinal morphology of western diet (WD)-obese rats and to characterize the stomach histopathology of WD rats submitted to VSG. Male Wistar rats received WD from 2-4 months of age, to induce obesity, before randomly submitting them to pseudo (WD-SHAM), VSG (WD-VSG) or RYGB (WD-RYGB) surgeries. Gastrointestinal histomorphometry was performed at 3-months post-surgery. The upper esophagus of VSG and RYGB rats increased luminal area, while reductions in the keratin layer of the mucosa and the tunica muscularis were observed only in the RYGB animals. In the lower esophagus, both surgeries increased keratin layer thickness, but reduced the mucosal mucus content, while RYGB increased the thickness of the tunica mucosa and muscularis. The glandular region of the stomach of WD-VSG rats exhibited hypotrophy, epithelial erosion, fibrosis and moderate inflammatory infiltration. VSG and RYGB increased the villi height in the ileum, and the thickness of the tunica muscularis in the jejunum and ileum of WD rats; furthermore, RYGB augmented the ileal villi height. Thus both approaches induced histomorphological alterations in the esophagus and intestine and VSG damaged the gastric mucosa, even over the long-term.

Assessing the Specificity of Paclitaxel towards the Marker Proteins of Breast Cancer Using In silico Molecular Docking Study

Breast cancer is highly prevalent next to lung cancer. Breast cancer occurs as a result of mutation in the genes like proto-oncogenes as well as tumor suppressor genes in a single clone of cells in the ductal and glandular regions of the breast. The drugs used to prevent breast cancer are Raloxifene hydrochloride and Tamoxifen citrate. The drugs used to treat breast cancer are Abemaciclib, Paclitaxel, Everolimus, Imatinib, Alpelisib, Anastrozole. Although several drug molecules had been developed, their specificity towards the potential breast cancer specific marker proteins such as activated threonine kinase 2/Protein kinase B (AKT2), cell division protein kinase 6 (CDK6), estrogen receptor (ER), human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2), and poly ADP ribose polymerase1 (PARP1) need to be studied in silico. The present study was undertaken 1) to assess the specificity of paclitaxel towards the breast cancer specific marker proteins using molecular docking analysis and 2) to identify various physico-chemical properties of drug molecules including absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME). The interaction between paclitaxel and the target proteins of breast cancer was analyzed using the Schrodinger Maestro Ver.2018.4. The results of the present study reveal that paclitaxel shows good binding interactions with the target proteins in the following order, ER > PARP1 > AKT2 >CDK6 > HER2. Among the five proteins, ER and PARP1 showed good binding interactions as compared to AKT2, CDK6 and HER2 proteins. The ADME properties of paclitaxel were predicted using QikProp module of Schrodinger Maestro version 2018.4. The present study warrant further studies which helps in the development of potent anticancer drug to treat breast cancer.

Morfologia do tubo digestório de Alouatta belzebul

O Alouatta belzebul é uma espécie classificada como “Vulnerável” e isso se justifica principalmente pela caça, fragmentação e perda do hábitat nas florestas tropicais. A anatomia deste gênero apresenta características peculiares em todas as espécies estudadas, assim este trabalho objetivou descrever a morfologia do tubo digestório de Alouatta belzebul a fim de fornecer subsídios para avaliação de dietas, realização de procedimentos clínicos e cirúrgicos nestes animais. Foram utilizados 10 espécimes de Alouatta belzebul, adultos, machos, de diferentes idade. O trabalho foi realizado na Universidade Federal de Goiás e aprovado no comitê de ética N.083∕17. Os animais previamente criopreservados, foram descongelados e fixados por meio da infusão intramuscular e intracavitária de solução aquosa de folmol a 10%. Existem diversas variações na anatomia macroscópica do tubo digestório entre os primatas e estas variações ocorrem de acordo com os hábitos alimentares. Em Alouatta belzebul, que são folívoros-frugívoros, o tubo digestório abrange a maior parte da cavidade abdominal. Estes animais possuem números variáveis de rugas palatinas, de 10 a 17 pares de rugas, independente do sexo e idade, valores estes diferentes dos relatados para Sapajus libidinosus, de 18 a 21 pares de rugas. O estômago pseudo-compartimentalizado com uma região glandular e duas aglandulares, assemelhando com os achados de Nasalis larvatus. O intestino grosso apresenta o ceco aumentado em formato de L, corroborando com os achados em Callithrix penicillata. Os resultados demonstram que as variações estruturais do tubo digestório ocorrem de acordo com o hábito alimentar das diferentes espécies.

Nectary and elaiophore work together in flowers of Xylopia aromatica (Annonaceae): structure indicates a role in pollination

Secretory structures that produce floral rewards have rarely been reported for Annonaceae. We identified a glandular region in Xylopia aromatica (Lam.) Mart., which consisted of a nectary and an elaiophore. This study aimed to describe the structure and secretory process of these glandular structures, which are highly correlated with the reproductive biology of this species. Anatomical and ultrastructural studies were performed prior to and during anthesis, focusing on the channel and pollination chamber. The floral nectary is placed in the roof of the chamber. It has a secretory epidermis and subglandular parenchyma and is immediately contiguous with the elaiophore, a portion that delimits the pollination channel and produces lipids. The release of nectar begins in the pistillate phase, while the elaiophore starts secreting prior to anthesis, both of which finishing during the staminate phase. Lipids form a sticky layer covering the channel surface, which provides access to the chamber. The cell machinery of the epidermis for both nectary and elaiophore is highly correlated with the exudates, despite their highly similar structure. Nectar attracts pollinators to the pollination chamber, whereas lipids seem to act in pollen adhesion to the body of pollinators. Both of exudates appear to act in complementary ways during pollination.

Role of bone marrow derived-mesenchymal stem cells against gastric ulceration: Histological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study.

The current study aimed to assess the antiulcerogenic impact of mesenchymal bone marrow stem cells (BMMSCs) against gastric ulcer induced by the use of piroxicam in rats and to compare this effect with the antiulcer drug “Pantoloc ®” proton pump inhibitors. The study included histological, histochemical, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural examination in stomach of rats in different study groups. In the ulcerated group, the glandular region of the stomach displayed clear mucosal lesions occurring as perforations along the stomach axis. In addition, stomach displayed degeneration of surface mucous cells accompanied by pyknosis, vacuolation among parietal cells in ishmus region, basal region with vacuolated chief cells and karyolitic nucleus of parietal cells. Moreover, Stomach sections of ulcer model rats showed intensive immunoreactivity to cytokeratin 20, Cox 2 and PCNA. Findings of the present study have shown that BMMSCs have an ameliorative effect against piroxicam-induced gastric ulcer in rats. Collectively, the proposed work has shown that BMMSCs have a curative capacity as an antiulcer due to their high antioxidant activity. Further studies are required in molecular levels to understand the mechanism of action during treatment.

The male reproductive accessory glands of the blister beetle Meloe proscarabaeus Linnaeus, 1758 (Coleoptera: Meloidae): Anatomy and ultrastructure of the cantharidin-storing organs

Blister beetles owe their name to their ability to release cantharidin, a blistering terpene, the highest concentration of which is retained in male accessory glands. The anatomy and ultrastructure of the three pairs of male reproductive accessory glands and the glandular region of the two vasa deferentia of Meloe proscarabaeus were investigated using light, electron and ion beam microscopy. All of the mesodermal glands here analysed share a common structural organization with an outer muscular layer and an inner glandular epithelium facing a broad lumen in which the secretory products are released. Developed rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi systems, abundant mitochondria, numerous secretory vesicles and a microvillated apical membrane are commonly found in the cells of different glandular epithelia, suggesting that all accessory gland pairs as well as the vasa deferentia are involved in an active synthesis. Nevertheless, each pair of glands appears specialized in the production of a specific set of substances, as suggested by the peculiarities in cellular ultrastructure and by the different aspect of the secretions stored in their glandular lumen. The above cited features of male accessory glands of M. proscarabaeus are compared with those of other beetles and some hints on their potential role in producing and/or concentrating cantharidin are provided.

A new species of Macrocypraea (Gastropoda, Cypraeidae) from Trindade Island, Brazil, including phenotypic differentiation from remaining congeneric species.

Macrocypraea mammoth is a new species from Trindade, a remote oceanic island located 1160 km off Espírito Santo, Brazil. This isolated species is described in a detailed morphological scenario that includes all Recent congeneric species. The detailed anatomy of two Recent species, M. zebra and M. cervinetta, were described in a previous paper. The remaining one, M. cervus, is included herein. Brief taxonomical comments on all these species is also included. The new species can be distinguished from other Western Atlantic species by its larger size, proportionally heavier and more solid shell, more rounded and wider outline, longer posterior tapered ending and slightly inflated base; anatomically it has some exclusivities, such as the mantle papillae mostly bearing 3-5 distal aligned projections, osphradium with a shorter branch, modifications in some odontophore muscles, penis with a clear glandular region, and a sac-like bursa copulatrix with a long duct. Based on the comparative analysis, the genus Macrocypraea can be defined by the wide distance between the osphradium and gill; a twofold buccal muscle (mc); a radular ventral tensor muscle (pair m11) surrounding radular sac; and a bursa copulatrix located at middle level of the pallial oviduct. Register ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:C8E6E515-508F-47DE-9753-4EA619C1DDFD.

Whale tear glands in the bowhead and the beluga whales: Source and function.

Orbital glands are found in many tetrapod vertebrates, and are usually separate structures, consisting of individual glands lying in the eyelids and both canthi of the orbit. In cetaceans, however, the orbital glandular units are less distinct and have been described by numerous authors as a single, periorbital mass. There are few histochemical and immunhistochemical studies to date of these structures. In this study, we examined the orbital glandular region of both the bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus: Mysticeti) and the beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas: Odontoceti) using histological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical techniques. Histologically, in the bowhead, three glandular areas were noted (circumorbital, including Harderian and lacrimal poles), palpebral (midway in the lower eyelid), and rim (near the edge of the eyelid). In the beluga, there was only a large, continuous mass within the eyelid itself. Histochemical investigation suggests neither sexual dimorphism nor age-related differences, but both whales had two cell types freely intermingling with each other in all glandular masses. Large cells (cell type 1) were distended by four histochemically distinct intracellular secretory granules. Smaller cells (cell type 2) were not distended (fewer granules) and had two to three histochemically distinct intracellular secretory granules. The beluga orbital glands had additional lipid granules in cell type 1. Counterintuitively, both lipocalin and transferrin were localized to cell type 2 only. This intermingling of cell types is unusual for vertebrates in whom individual orbital glands usually have one cell type with one to two different secretory granules present. The heterogeneity of the orbital fluid produced by cetacean orbital glands implies a complex function, or series of functions, for these orbital glands and their role in producing the tear fluid.

Pathomorphological study on gastric ulceration in horses

Equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) is characterized by ulceration in the terminal esophagus, proximal (squamous) stomach, distal (glandular) stomach, and proximal duodenum. It is a common disease in all breeds and ages of horses and foals. Risk factors for EGUS include stress, transport high-energy feed confinement in stalls, intermittent feed, and intense exercise and racing. Horses are very sensitive to any environmental change, which is cause of high prevalence of gastric ulcers especially in racing horses. Taking into consideration of high prevalence of EGUS, our research work was based on pathomorfological and gross evaluation of gastric mucosa in different breeds of horses. Assessment of the severity of lesions is most commonly achieved by assigning a grade that describes the mucosal appearance at different anatomic sites. A variety of different systems have been published for the horses. 10 stomachs were removed from a mixed population post mortem. In our study pathological classification of lesion type was evaluated by two different scoring system, with scales ranging from 0–4. Samples from areas with lesion were taken for histopathology evaluation. EGUS was confirmed on stomachs of six horses. Lesions with different score mostly localized on squamous region near margo plicatus. Changes on squamous mucosa was confirmed on stomach of four horses as well as glandular region two horses. According to score systems mentioned in publication changes on gastric mucosa was measured up 1, 2, 3 score and were characterized as hyperceratosis, erosions and deeper lesion involving the mucosa, extending to the submucosa layer and hyperemia of glandular mucosa. The results of pathomorphological examination of the condition of the wall of the gastric mucosa and histological changes, the effectiveness of the submitted classification systems was established.

Molecular Imaging of Endometriosis Tissues using Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Endometriosis is a pathologic condition affecting approximately 10% of women in their reproductive years. Characterized by abnormal growth of uterine endometrial tissue in other body areas, endometriosis can cause severe abdominal pain and/or infertility. Despite devastating consequences to patients’ quality of life, the causes of endometriosis are not fully understood and validated diagnostic markers for endometriosis have not been identified. Molecular analyses of ectopic and eutopic endometrial tissues could lead to enhanced understanding of the disease. Here, we apply desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) mass spectrometry (MS) imaging to chemically and spatially characterize the molecular profiles of 231 eutopic and ectopic endometrial tissues from 89 endometriosis patients. DESI-MS imaging allowed clear visualization of endometrial glandular and stromal regions within tissue samples. Statistical models built from DESI-MS imaging data allowed classification of endometriosis lesions with overall accuracies of 89.4%, 98.4%, and 98.8% on training, validation, and test sample sets, respectively. Further, molecular markers that are significantly altered in ectopic endometrial tissues when compared to eutopic tissues were identified, including fatty acids and glycerophosphoserines. Our study showcases the value of MS imaging to investigate the molecular composition of endometriosis lesions and pinpoints metabolic markers that may provide new knowledge on disease pathogenesis.

High intake of sugars and starch, low number of meals and low roughage intake are associated with Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome in a Belgian cohort.

Equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) is a pathological condition affecting the glandular and squamous regions of the stomach. It is characterized by non-specific clinical signs, behavioural changes or can also be found without any overt clinical manifestations. Nutritional factors such as intermittent feeding, high sugars and starch intake, large amounts of straw as forage and prolonged time without access to forage have all been associated with an increased risk of equine squamous gastric disease (ESGD). The aim of this study was to investigate which nutritional practices are commonly seen in clinical ESGD cases in Belgium. Medical records of 27 horses referred to the equine nutritional service at Ghent University (2013-2018) due to equine gastric ulcer lesions were reviewed. Twenty-one healthy horses referred for dietary evaluation during the same period were selected as control cases (CC). Dietary evaluation was performed on an individual basis. Forage/concentrate ratio on dry matter basis, forage content in the diet, total dietary sugars and starch intake per day and per meal were analysed. Retrospective descriptive and statistical analyses were performed. Significantly, higher amounts of forage intake (%DM per BW) in the CC vs. ESGD group were noted (p≤.05) with average values of 1.39 (SD±0.27) and 1.27 (SD±0.70) respectively. There were no significant differences for sugars and starch intake in g/kg BW/day (p=.18). However, the sugars and starch intake per meal (g/kg BW/meal) in the CC group (average value 1.06, SD±0.56) was significantly (p<.001) lower than in the EGUS group (average value 1.85 SD±0.78). Forage intake below the recommended absolute minimum value as well as high sugars and starch intake were most commonly associated with EGUS in the present case series. An adequate diet formulation taking into account these main nutritional factors is therefore essential to avoid gastric problems in horses.

In Vivo Layer-Specific Mechanical Characterization of Porcine Stomach Tissue Using a Customized Ultrasound Elastography System.

This paper presents in vivo mechanical characterization of the muscularis, submucosa, and mucosa of the porcine stomach wall under large deformation loading. This is particularly important for the development of gastrointestinal pathology-specific surgical intervention techniques. The study is based on testing the cardiac and fundic glandular stomach regions using a custom-developed compression ultrasound elastography system. Particular attention has been paid to elucidate the heterogeneity and anisotropy of tissue response. A Fung hyperelastic material model has been used to model the mechanical response of each tissue layer. A univariate analysis comparing the initial shear moduli of the three layers indicates that the muscularis (5.69 ± 4.06 kPa) is the stiffest followed by the submucosa (3.04 ± 3.32 kPa) and the mucosa (0.56 ± 0.28 kPa). The muscularis is found to be strongly distinguishable from the mucosa tissue in the cardiac and fundic regions based on a multivariate discriminant analysis. The cardiac muscularis is observed to be stiffer than the fundic muscularis tissue (shear moduli of 7.96 ± 3.82 kPa versus 3.42 ± 2.96 kPa), more anisotropic (anisotropic parameter of 2.21 ± 0.77 versus 1.41 ± 0.38), and strongly distinguishable from its fundic counterpart. The results are consistent with the tissue morphology and are in accordance with our previous ex vivo tissue study. Finally, a univariate comparison of the in vivo and ex vivo initial shear moduli for each layer shows that the muscularis and submucosa tissues are softer while in vivo, but the mucosa tissue is stiffer while in vivo. The results concerning the mechanical properties highlight the inhomogeneity and anisotropy of multilayer stomach tissue.

Distinct Localization of Mature HGF from its Precursor Form in Developing and Repairing the Stomach.

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is secreted as an inactive single-chain HGF (scHGF); however, only proteolytically processed two-chain HGF (tcHGF) can activate the MET receptor. We investigated the localization of tcHGF and activated/phosphorylated MET (pMET) using a tcHGF-specific antibody. In day 16.5 mouse embryos, total HGF (scHGF + tcHGF) was mainly localized in smooth muscle cells close to, but separate from, MET-positive epithelial cells in endodermal organs, including the stomach. In the adult stomach, total HGF was localized in smooth muscle cells, and tcHGF was mainly localized in the glandular base region. Immunostaining for pMET and Lgr5-driven green fluorescent protein (GFP) indicated that pMET localization overlapped with Lgr5+ gastric stem cells. HGF promoted organoid formation similar to EGF, indicating the potential for HGF to promote the survival and growth of gastric stem cells. pMET and tcHGF localizations changed during regeneration following gastric injury. These results indicate that MET is constantly activated in gastric stem cells and that the localization of pMET differs from the primary localization of precursor HGF but has a close relationship to tcHGF. Our results suggest the importance of the microenvironmental generation of tcHGF in the regulation of development, regeneration, and stem cell behavior.

Anatomopathological changes, quantification and distribution of Libyostrongylus spp. in regions of the proventriculus and ventriculus of naturally- and experimentally-infected ostriches

ABSTRACTNematodes of the genus Libyostrongylus parasitize ostriches, causing high mortality rates. These nematodes are found in the proventriculus and ventriculus of ostriches, but little is known about their distribution and the possible anatomopathological changes they cause in the various regions of these organs. This paper describes the distribution and quantification of Libyostrongylus and pathological changes found in regions of the proventriculus and ventriculus of ostriches with high and low levels of both natural and experimental infection. Ostriches were necropsied and tissue samples from the distinct regions of both organs were analysed based on nematode counts and histopathology after staining with haematoxylin and eosin, Masson’s trichrome or Alcian blue/PAS. The cranial and glandular regions of the proventriculus were the most parasitized. The ventriculus contained more nematodes in the caudal region. No macro- or microscopic pathological changes were observed in either of these organs of experimentally-infected birds. However, naturally-infected birds with high levels of infection presented proventriculus with macroscopic lesions and heterophilic infiltrates surrounding nematodes. In the glandular region of this organ, nematodes were located in the adenomeres of the secretory ducts, causing altered architecture and erosions and ulcerative lesions with damaged epithelium. Nematode eggs were found in the koilin layer of the middle and caudal regions of the ventriculus only of these birds. The pH of the regions assessed by Alcian blue/PAS staining changed from acidic in the proventriculus to more alkaline in the caudal region of the ventriculus. These data add knowledge to the biology of Libyostrongylus.RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTSThe most parasitized areas were the cranial and glandular regions of the proventriculus.Naturally-infected birds with high levels of infection presented macro lesions in the proventriculus and damaged epithelium.Nematode eggs were found in the ventriculus.The proventriculus had an acidic pH, which turned alkaline towards the ventriculus.

Oviduct, Egg, and Egg Sac Structures in the Siberian Salamander, &lt;i&gt;Salamandrella keyserlingii&lt;/i&gt; (Caudata, Hynobiidae): a Histological and Histochemical Study

Unraveling morphological and chemical features of the eggs’ jelly layers and other clutch elements, formed by the oviduct of a female, is necessary for the understanding of reproductive adaptation in amphibians. Our study is the first microstructural and histochemical descriptions about the complexity of oviduct, ovisac, jelly layer of the ovum, and egg sac in hynobiid salamanders. We examined female Salamandrella keyserlingii in preovulatory (gravid) and ovulatory (spent) conditions using anatomical, histological, and histochemical methods. Each ovum was covered with two jelly layers. All ova from one oviduct fell into one egg sac. Inner space of the oviduct, in which ova were passed through, was filled with jelly-like substances designated as «intermediate fluids». We named the membrane-like outer layer of the egg sac as «theca». Jelly layers surrounding the ovum were formed by the oviducal tubular glands of the pars recta and pars convoluta of the oviduct, consisting of acidic and neutral glycoproteins. In the ovisac (i.e., homologous uterus), there were three glandular regions and one aglandular dilatable ovisac. Of the ovisac, glands A, B, and C secreted acidic and neutral glycoproteins for the intermediate fluids, neutral glycoproteins for the theca, and mucus-like materials with a neutral glycoprotein nature, respectively. We suggest that these mucus-like materials are essential to attaching the adhesive tips of the egg sacs to some substrates during oviposition.

Intramuscular Lipoma of the Pectoralis Major Simulating a Breast Lump

Intramuscular lipoma is a deep-seated lipoma that arises in the muscle and is benign and relatively rare. Intramuscular lipomas of the pectoralis major muscle have been reported to mimic malignant breast tumours. Here, we present a 69-year-old female presenting with painless lump in right breast of three months duration progressively increasing in size. Examination revealed a soft, lobulated lump which was freely mobile with no fixity to surrounding structures. Mammogram revealed large radiopaque lesion noted in the retro glandular region with lucent linear striation in the centre. Correlated sonomammography showed a large hyperechoic lesion in retromammary region, anterior to the pectoralis major muscle. On Doppler study there was no vascularity, an ultrasound guided FNAC was done which showed adult adipocytes, suggestive of a lipoma. On exploration, a large encapsulated intramuscular lipoma of the pectoralis major was noted and excised, final histopathological examination also confirmed the diagnosis of lipoma. Lipoma can be considered as a rare differential diagnosis for breast lump.