Histological Layers Research Articles

Morphogenesis of pteraspid heterostracan oral plates and the evolutionary origin of teeth.

Teeth are a key vertebrate innovation; their evolution is generally associated with the origin of jawed vertebrates. However, tooth-like structures already occur in jawless stem-gnathostomes; heterostracans bear denticles and morphologically distinct tubercles on their oral plates. We analysed the histology of the heterostracan denticles and plates to elucidate their morphogenesis and test their homology to the gnathostome oral skeleton. We identified a general model of growth for heterostracan oral plates that exhibit proximal episodic addition of tubercle rows. The distal hook exhibits truncated lamellae compatible with resorption, but we observe growth layers to be continuous between denticles. The denticles show no evidence of patterns of apposition or replacement indicating tooth homology. The oral plates and dermal skeleton share the same histological layers. The denticles grew in a manner comparable to the oral plate tubercles and the rest of the dermal skeleton. Our test of phylogenetic congruence reveals that the distribution of internal odontodes is discontinuous, indicating that the capacity to form internal odontodes evolved independently several times among stem-gnathostomes. Our results support the 'outside-in' hypothesis and the origin of teeth through the spread of odontogenic competence from extra-oral to oral epithelia and the subsequent co-option to a tooth function in gnathostomes.

Unilateral double fenestration of the same posterior cerebral artery at P1 segment: first cadaveric case report and literature review.

Arterial fenestration involves an artery emerging from the same embryological origin, with its lumen divided into two channels that subsequently rejoin. This kind of vascular variant has consequences, such as focal defects in the histologic layers of the arteries, hemodynamic stress, and challenges for endovascular procedures in the management of vascular pathologies. The main objective of this work is to present a rare vascular variant, a double fenestration of the same P1 segment of a cadaveric specimen, and a literature review of these kind of vascular variants. A cadaveric study was performed in which 20 central nervous system specimens, from patients without neurological pathology obtained as a donation from the National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, were dissected for educational and research purposes. In one specimen it was found a double fenestration of the right P1 segment, associated with a single fenestration of the right superior cerebellar artery. Few cases of posterior circulation fenestration, beyond the vertebrobasilar trunk are reported in the literature, with limited understanding of the potential hemodynamic consequences thereof. In all the literature available, only eight cadaveric cases of P1 segment fenestration are documented, often linked with other central nervous system vascular abnormalities such as aneurysms or duplications. There is a single report of unilateral double P1 segment fenestration in a living patient. To our knowledge, this is the second case reported in the literature on this specific anatomical anomaly, and the first such report in a cadaver.

STUDY ON ANATOMICAL CHARACTERIZATIONOF RHINACANTHUS NASUTUS (L.) KURZ

Rhinacanthus nasutus (L.) Kurz, belonging to the family Acanthaceae, is an herbaceous shrub. This plant holds significant value in traditional medicine. The leaves of R. nasutus are commercially available as tea bags, marketed as a natural remedy for various ailments. However, the conservation status of R. nasutus necessitates appropriate protective measures to ensure its sustainability. Anatomical studies provide various histological layers, including the epidermis, cortex, vascular bundles, and pith. The leaves feature numerous diacytic stomata and hypostomatic nature. The leaf midrib exhibits a narrow epidermis with numerous glandular hairs. The medulla contains arc-shaped vascular bundles and lateral accessory bundles, with the stele comprising linear xylem elements towards the inner side and phloem elements on the outer region. Transfusion tracheids are present between the palisade and spongy cells, with tissues containing large quantities of oil droplets. The petiole shows a narrow epidermis with numerous glandular hairs. The vascular region features a V-shaped stele. The stem reveals the stelar region is extensive and the inner region is rich in developed xylem elements with linear multiple vessels. The medullary ray cells are narrow, and the pith region displays intruded primary xylem with thick-walled parenchyma cells. Wood anatomical analysis shows xylem parenchyma cells that are paratracheal. The vessel elements possessing perforation plates and transverse walls with bordered pits. Tracheids have a narrow lumen, and the lateral walls contain simple pits. The wood demonstrates multiseriate ray parenchyma and the bark consists of phloem rays and narrow fibers. In conclusion, R. nasutus exhibits a variety of histological and anatomical characteristics that support its traditional medicinal uses. The detailed anatomical studies contribute to understanding the plants structural adaptations and potential environmental interactions, thereby facilitating its identification and utilization in herbal medicine. The conservation of this species is critical to preserving its medicinal value and ensuring its availability for future research and therapeutic applications.

Histomorphological and Histochemical Study of Esophagus and Stomach in Adult Guinea Pigs (Cavia porcellus)

This study was performed to examine and compare the esophagus and stomach histomorphological and histochemical characteristics during adulthood to clarify micromorphological alterations. In addition to the importance of this animal species as a model in many scientific experiments and due to some of its unique anatomical and physiological features. It also supports further studies on vital processes of the digestive system, such as food processing and absorption. To conduct such a project, ten heathy adult guinea pigs at 2 months age and weighing 461.8±8.3g were gathered from the public spinning market. The animals were euthanized and dissected, then the organs were topographically investigated in situ, and samples were collected from the ten animals and was kept in 10% neutral buffered formalin for routine histological procedures. The esophagus is a musculo – membranous tube structure extended from the pharynx to the stomach, measured about 10.54±0.14 cm in length and 0.35±0.01 g in weight, and segmented according to its position in the body into three sections: the cervical, thoracic, and abdominal. The stomach is a simple unilocular transverse grayish white sac-like structure of the digestive system; it connects the esophagus to the intestine; its mean length was 4.39±0.11 cm; its capacity was 17.01±0.22 ml; and its weight was 7.07±0.05 gm. It lacks an outward demarcation-limiting ridge between its divisions and appears relatively smooth. Histologically, the esophagus is devoid of glands, while the stomach's three interior sections are dotted with glands, and both organs consist of the same four basic histological layers.

Zonisamide Ameliorated the Apoptosis and Inflammation in Cerebellar Tissue of Induced Alcohol Addiction Animal Model.

This study investigated the effects of zonisamide treatment on cerebellar tissues in an experimental alcohol addiction (AA) model and its potential mechanisms of action, particularly regarding apoptotic protease activating factor-1 (APAF-1) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) expression. Thirty rats were divided into three groups: sham, ethanol (EtOH), and EtOH + zonisamide. AA was induced by administering 6 cc of EtOH orally every 8 h for 4 days. Zonisamide (100 mg/kg) was given to rats once daily before EtOH administration. Motor defects were evaluated using an open field maze. Serum TNF-α levels were measured from blood samples. Cerebellar sections were processed for histological examination and immunostained for APAF-1 and TNF-α. Protein interaction networks were constructed using Cytoscape, and functional annotations were performed with ShinyGO (version 0.80) software. The traveled area in the EtOH group was significantly reduced compared to the sham group (p = 0.0005). Rats in the EtOH + zonisamide group covered a larger area, with zonisamide treatment significantly improving locomotor ability compared to the EtOH group (p = 0.0463). Serum TNF-α levels were significantly elevated in the EtOH group compared to the sham group (p < 0.0001) and were significantly decreased in the EtOH + zonisamide group compared to the EtOH group (p = 0.0309). Regular cerebellar histological layers were observed in the sham group, while EtOH induction caused loss of cerebellar tissue integrity, neuronal degeneration, vascular dilatation and congestion, reduced myelin density, and neuropils in the EtOH group. Zonisamide treatment improved these pathologies, enhancing myelination and neuropil formation. Negative APAF-1 and TNF-α expressions were observed across cerebellar layers in the sham group. Due to EtOH toxicity, APAF-1 and TNF-α expression were upregulated in the EtOH group compared to the sham group (p < 0.001 for both). Zonisamide treatment downregulated these protein expressions in the EtOH + zonisamide group compared to the EtOH group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.0087, respectively). APAF-1 was primarily associated with AA through antifolate resistance, endopeptidases, and the interleukin-1 pathway, while TNF-α was predominantly enriched in infections and choline-binding, indicating zonisamide's impact on immune and inflammatory pathways. In conclusion, zonisamide treatment significantly mitigated ethanol-induced cerebellar damage and inflammation in an AA model. Zonisamide improved locomotor function and reduced serum TNF-α levels, as well as APAF-1 and TNF-α expression in cerebellar tissues. These findings suggest that zonisamide exerts its protective effects by modulating immune and inflammatory pathways, thereby preserving cerebellar integrity and function.

A data-driven single-cell and spatial transcriptomic map of the human prefrontal cortex.

The molecular organization of the human neocortex historically has been studied in the context of its histological layers. However, emerging spatial transcriptomic technologies have enabled unbiased identification of transcriptionally defined spatial domains that move beyond classic cytoarchitecture. We used the Visium spatial gene expression platform to generate a data-driven molecular neuroanatomical atlas across the anterior-posterior axis of the human dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Integration with paired single-nucleus RNA-sequencing data revealed distinct cell type compositions and cell-cell interactions across spatial domains. Using PsychENCODE and publicly available data, we mapped the enrichment of cell types and genes associated with neuropsychiatric disorders to discrete spatial domains.

Mechanoresponsive ETS1 causes endothelial dysfunction and arterialization in varicose veins via NOTCH4/DLL4 signaling

Varicose veins are the most common venous disorder in humans and are characterized by hemodynamic instability due to valvular insufficiency and orthostatic lifestyle factors. It is unclear how changes in biomechanical signals cause aberrant remodeling of the vein wall. Our previous studies suggest that Notch signaling is implicated in varicose vein arterialization. In the arterial system, mechanoresponsive ETS1 is a transcriptional activator of the endothelial Notch, but its involvement in sensing disrupted venous flow and varicose vein formation has not been investigated. Here, we use human varicose veins and cultured human venous endothelial cells to show that disturbed venous shear stress activates ETS1-NOTCH4/DLL4 signaling. Notch components were highly expressed in the neointima, whereas ETS1 was upregulated in all histological layers of varicose veins. In vitro microfluidic flow-based studies demonstrate that even minute changes in venous flow patterns enhance ETS1-NOTCH4/DLL4 signaling. Uniform venous shear stress, albeit an inherently low-flow system, does not induce ETS1 and Notch proteins. ETS1 activation under altered flow was mediated primarily by MEK1/2 and, to a lesser extent, by MEK5 but was independent of p38 MAP kinase. Endothelial cell-specific ETS1 knockdown prevented disturbed flow-induced NOTCH4/DLL4 expression. TK216, an inhibitor of ETS-family, prevented the acquisition of arterial molecular identity and loss of endothelial integrity in cells exposed to the ensuing altered shear stress. We conclude that ETS1 senses blood flow disturbances and may promote venous remodeling by inducing endothelial dysfunction. Targeting ETS1 rather than downstream Notch proteins could be an effective and safe strategy to develop varicose vein therapies.

Sensitivity of Phonation Onset Pressure to Vocal Fold Stiffness Distribution.

Phonation onset is characterized by the unstable growth of vocal fold (VF) vibrations that ultimately results in self-sustained oscillation and the production of modal voice. Motivated by histological studies, much research has focused on the role of the layered structure of the vocal folds in influencing phonation onset, wherein the outer "cover" layer is relatively soft and the inner "body" layer is relatively stiff. Recent research, however, suggests that the body-cover (BC) structure over-simplifies actual stiffness distributions by neglecting important spatial variations, such as inferior-superior (IS) and anterior-posterior gradients and smooth transitions in stiffness from one histological layer to another. Herein, we explore sensitivity of phonation onset to stiffness gradients and smoothness. By assuming no a priori stiffness distribution and considering a second-order Taylor series sensitivity analysis of phonation onset pressure with respect to stiffness, we find two general smooth stiffness distributions most strongly influence onset pressure: a smooth stiffness containing aspects of BC differences and IS gradients in the cover, which plays a role in minimizing onset pressure, and uniform increases in stiffness, which raise onset pressure and frequency. While the smooth stiffness change contains aspects qualitatively similar to layered BC distributions used in computational studies, smooth transitions in stiffness result in higher sensitivity of onset pressure than discrete layering. These two general stiffness distributions also provide a simple, low-dimensional, interpretation of how complex variations in VF stiffness affect onset pressure, enabling refined exploration of the effects of stiffness distributions on phonation onset.

Morphological analysis of the digestive tract of Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus, Linnaeus, 1758) in northeast Brazil

Morphological studies of the digestive tract are relevant to know the biology and understand the eating habits to conserve species. Our objective was to analyze macroscopically and microscopically the digestive tract of Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus). Samples were collected from 20 animals found dead stranded on the coast of northeastern Brazil or that died during the rehabilitation process in captivity between July 1995 and March 2017. The macroscopic analysis of the gastrointestinal tract was carried out from the in loco monitoring of the two necropsies. For microscopic evaluation, tissue fragments were collected during necropsy, fixed with 10% buffered formaldehyde and subjected to routine histological processing, with 5 μm thick slices, and subsequently submitted to the Hematoxylin-Eosin staining method, the Verhoeff method, and the periodic acid-Schiff method. Macroscopically, neonates and adults have the same digestive tract structures, namely esophagus, stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, colon, and rectum. The microscopic analysis demonstrated that the digestive tract is formed by four histological layers (mucosa, submucosa, muscularis, and serosa or adventitia). In the esophagus, esophageal glands are absent and there are elastic fibers in the submucosal layer and between the external muscle and adventitial layers. The stomach has a structure called the cardiac gland, which microscopically presents ontogenetic differences regarding the depth of the lining epithelium and the orderly distribution of cells along the gastric gland. In the duodenal ampulla and in the diverticula, duodenal glands were identified in the submucosa. The luminal portion of the mucous layer of the cecal ampulla, colon, and rectum is lined by keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. The digestive tract of the species Antillean manatee is similar to what has been reported for the order Sirenia.

Sperm morphology, and macro and microscopic description of male and female reproductive tract in the North African houbara bustard (Chlamydotis undulata)

Ex-situ conservation programs are useful tools for preserving endangered species, and knowledge of their reproductive physiology is essential for achieving conservation objectives in captive breeding programs. The North African houbara bustard (Chlamydotis undulata) is a vulnerable bird species bred in captivity to restore its natural populations. To better understand the reproductive biology of this species, we first described the anatomy and histology of the reproductive tracts of male and female North African houbara bustards. We described and classified the normal and abnormal sperm morphologies for the species. The reproductive tracts of males and females were collected during the breeding season (BS) (21 males and 14 females) and the non-breeding season (NBS) (four males and two females). Pictures and measurements of the testes and oviducts were taken, and testis colour was graded from 1 (black) to 6 (white). Organs were fixed and processed for histological analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The testis, epididymis, oviduct size, testicular capsule thickness, seminiferous tubule (ST) diameter, and histological layers of the oviduct were compared between the BS and NBS groups. Sperm morphometry was evaluated using fixed ejaculates (n=22, from 22 males). Ejaculates (n=417, 166 males) were collected and fixed during the BS, and their morphology and morphometry were evaluated using phase-contrast microscopy. Ejaculate mixes (n=12) were fixed and analysed using SEM and TEM. Overall, the anatomical structure and histology of the male and female reproductive tracts were similar to those of other avian species. The testes were symmetric, and a regression of testis and oviduct size, the thickness of the mucosa and serosa of the oviduct, and ST diameter (p<0.001) were observed during NBS compared with those during BS. Sperm storage structures are located inside the oviduct at the uterovaginal junction and infundibulum. Melanin granules were observed in the interstitial space of the seminiferous epithelium, which explains the testis pigmentation. Melanin was also found in the ovaries and the uterus. Houbara sperm have an elongated nuclear form and a round-shaped acrosome lacking perforatorium and rostrum. Most analysed samples were limitrophe normospermic (normal= 68.5 ± 14.7%), houbara sperm morphology could be classified into eight categories: normal sperm, acrosome, head, midpiece, tail, and teratogenic defects, swollen head, and cytoplasmic droplet. This study provides the first anatomical and histological descriptions of the male and female reproductive tracts of the North African houbara bustard. Further investigation into the functional role of melanin in the testes is warranted.

Study of radiochemotherapy decision-making for young high-risk low-grade glioma patients using a macroscopic and microscopic combined radiomics model.

As a few types of glioma, young high-risk low-grade gliomas (HRLGGs) have higher requirements for postoperative quality of life. Although adjuvant chemotherapy with delayed radiotherapy is the first treatment strategy for HRLGGs, not all HRLGGs benefit from it. Accurate assessment of chemosensitivity in HRLGGs is vital for making treatment choices. This study developed a multimodal fusion radiomics (MFR) model to support radiochemotherapy decision-making for HRLGGs. A MFR model combining macroscopic MRI and microscopic pathological images was proposed. Multiscale features including macroscopic tumor structure and microscopic histological layer and nuclear information were grabbed by unique paradigm, respectively. Then, these features were adaptively incorporated into the MFR model through attention mechanism to predict the chemosensitivity of temozolomide (TMZ) by means of objective response rate and progression free survival (PFS). Macroscopic tumor texture complexity and microscopic nuclear size showed significant statistical differences (p < 0.001) between sensitivity and insensitivity groups. The MFR model achieved stable prediction results, with an area under the curve of 0.950 (95% CI: 0.942-0.958), sensitivity of 0.833 (95% CI: 0.780-0.848), specificity of 0.929 (95% CI: 0.914-0.936), positive predictive value of 0.833 (95% CI: 0.811-0.860), and negative predictive value of 0.929 (95% CI: 0.914-0.934). The predictive efficacy of MFR was significantly higher than that of the reported molecular markers (p < 0.001). MFR was also demonstrated to be a predictor of PFS. A MFR model including radiomics and pathological features predicts accurately the response postoperative TMZ treatment. Our MFR model could identify young high-risk low-grade glioma patients who can have the most benefit from postoperative upfront temozolomide (TMZ) treatment. • Multimodal radiomics is proposed to support the radiochemotherapy of glioma. • Some macro and micro image markers related to tumor chemotherapy sensitivity are revealed. • The proposed model surpasses reported molecular markers, with a promising area under the curve (AUC) of 0.95.

Versatile fiber-reinforced hydrogels to mimic the microstructure and mechanics of human vocal-fold upper layers

Human vocal folds are remarkable soft laryngeal structures that enable phonation due to their unique vibro-mechanical performances. These properties are tied to their specific fibrous architecture, especially in the upper layers, which comprise a gel-like composite called lamina propria. The lamina propria can withstand large and reversible deformations under various multiaxial loadings. Despite their importance, the relationships between the microstructure of vocal folds and their resulting macroscopic properties remain poorly understood. There is a need for versatile models that encompass their structural complexity while mimicking their mechanical features. In this study, we present a candidate model inspired by histological measurements of the upper layers of human vocal folds. Bi-photonic observations were used to quantify the distribution, orientation, width, and volume fraction of collagen and elastin fibers between histological layers. Using established biomaterials, polymer fiber-reinforced hydrogels were developed to replicate the fibrillar network and ground substance of native vocal fold tissue. To achieve this, jet-sprayed poly(ε-caprolactone) fibrillar mats were successfully impregnated with poly(L-lysine) dendrimers/polyethylene glycol hydrogels. The resulting composites exhibited versatile structural, physical and mechanical properties that could be customized through variations in the chemical formulation of their hydrogel matrix, the microstructural architecture of their fibrous networks (i.e., fiber diameter, orientation and volume fraction) and their assembly process. By mimicking the collagen network of the lamina propria with polymer fibers and the elastin/ground substance with the hydrogel composition, we successfully replicated the non-linear, anisotropic, and viscoelastic mechanical behavior of the vocal-fold upper layers, accounting for inter/intra-individual variations. The development of this mimetic model offers promising avenues for a better understanding of the complex mechanisms involved in voice production. Statement of significanceHuman vocal folds are outstanding vibrating soft living tissues allowing phonation. Simple physical models that take into account the histological structure of the vocal fold and recapitulate its mechanical features are scarce. As a result, the relations between tissue components, organisation and vibro-mechanical performances still remain an open question. We describe here the development and the characterization of fiber-reinforced hydrogels inspired from the vocal-fold microstructure. These systems are able to reproduce the mechanics of vocal-fold tissues upon realistic cyclic and large strains under various multi-axial loadings, thus providing a mimetic model to further understand the impact of the fibrous network microstructure in phonation.

Postoperative clinical analyze of 450 eyelid tumors

BackgroundThe eyelids are a small anatomical structure, yet they contain several histological layers from which benign and malignant tumors can originate. Compared to other parts of the face, the eyelids are often the first place where neoplasms or disease changes are noticed. AimTo analyze localization and its predictive malignancy of eyelid tumors over a 10-year period. MethodA retrospective study of 436 (450 eyes) patients operated on over a 10-year period. Descriptive, dispersion and correlation analyzes were performed. ResultsThe results provide a clear assessment of the distribution and incidence of eyelid tumors according to the localization of the defect, involvement of the lash line, inflammatory response, etc. Tumor distribution is significantly skewed in favor of the medial canthus, 80% to 20% by all tumors. The involvement of the lid margin occurs in 83% of malignant tumors and has significant predictive value. ConclusionThe lower eyelid and the medial canthus are preferred locations for malignant tumors, and the upper eyelid for benign ones. Our study does not affect the types of surgical techniques; its purpose is to show the expected malignancy of the different combinations by location. The location of the tumor is a leading factor in the choice of the oculoplastic reconstructive procedure.

Thoracic Aorta: Anatomy and Pathology

The aorta is the largest elastic artery in the human body and is classically divided into two anatomical segments, the thoracic and the abdominal aorta, separated by the diaphragm. The thoracic aorta includes the aortic root, the ascending aorta, the arch, and the descending aorta. The aorta’s elastic properties depend on its wall structure, composed of three distinct histologic layers: intima, media, and adventitia. The different aortic segments show different embryological and anatomical features, which account for their different physiological properties and impact the occurrence and natural history of congenital and acquired diseases that develop herein. Diseases of the thoracic aorta may present either as a chronic, often asymptomatic disorder or as acute life-threatening conditions, i.e., acute aortic syndromes, and are usually associated with states that increase wall stress and alter the structure of the aortic wall. This review aims to provide an update on the disease of the thoracic aorta, focusing on the morphological substrates and clinicopathological correlations. Information on anatomy and embryology will also be provided.

Anatomical, Morphological and Histological Studies of Infundibulum of Indigenous, Sonali and Rhode Island Red (RIR) Chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus L.) in Bangladesh

The present study was carried out to throw light on the anatomical, morphological and histological changes of oviductal infundibulum of pre-laying, laying and regressing reproductive stages of chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus L.) from indigenous (6-10 months), sonali (3-19 months) and rhode island red (RIR) (4-18 months) breeds. Anatomically, the infundibulum of pre-laying chicks from each breed was not well differentiated into funnel and neck parts, but in laying and regressing hens it was subdivided into two regions. The morphological parameters i.e. length, breadth and weight were determined. The mean length of infundibulum at pre-laying, laying and regressing stages from three breeds were statistically significant (F2,6=9.35, p&lt;0.05; F2,6=7.62, p&lt;0.05; F2,6=41.93, p&lt;0.01), the breadth showed insignificant mean values in pre-laying and laying stages (F2,6=2.56, p&gt;0.05; F2,6=3.36, p&gt;0.05) whereas in regressing stages it was significantly different (F2,6=5.60; p&lt;0.05). The mean values of weight were insignificant in pre-laying and regressing stages (F2,6=0.89, p&gt;0.05; F2,6=1.25, p&gt;0.05) whereas they showed significant difference in laying stage (F2,6=7.81, p&lt;0.05). For the histological study, the paraffin sections (5-6 μm) from neck were prepared and stained with hematoxylin and eosin and histological layers were recognized under light microscope. The histological features varied in regards to the mucosal folding, sub-mucosa, mascularis and serosa in different reproductive stages in all breeds. The anatomy, morphology and histology of infundibulum revealed that the differences among three breeds resulted from breeds’ variety and in three different stages for the cellular changes by accumulation of secretory materials for egg production. Thus, this study might be helpful to chicken producer, geneticist and conservationist.

Retrospective demographic analysis of 450 eyelid tumours

Eyelids are a small anatomical structure, yet they contain several histological layers from which benign and malignant tumours can originate. Compared to other parts of the face, the eyelids are often the first place where neoplasms or disease changes are noticed. The aim of this study was to analyze eyelid tumours over a 10-year period. A retrospective study of 436 patients (450 eyes) who underwent oculoplastic surgery in an ophthalmology department over a 10-year period was performed. Descriptive, dispersion and correlation analyses were performed. The demographic analysis provided a clear assessment of the distribution and incidence of eyelid tumours according to age, size, histology and place of residence. Age and malignancy were in a positively significant relationship and increased together. The cases of benign eyelid tumours began to increase in terms of number out of the total cases observed after the age of 40, and malignant tumours after the age of 60. The trend in benign tumours continued until the age of 70, when the increase became four-fold, after which they decreased again at the expense of malignant tumours, which were already increased six-fold by the age of 70. Eighty percent of all malignant tumours of the eyelids were diagnosed after 60 years of age. A patient with an eyelid tumour is to be referred for treatment to an ophthalmologist by medical specialists of all specialties. Early patient referral is directly related to treatment success.

Review on Transdermal Drug Delivery System

Transdermal drug delivery system is an essential part of novel drug distribution system. The topically administered medications in the form of patches which when applied to the skin deliver the drug .For operative TDDS the drug are easily able to penetrate the skin and easily reach the target site. TDDS avoids the first pass metabolism, less frequency of administration, reduction gastrointestinal side effects. Adverse effects are minimized due to steady and optimum blood concentration. It has greater bioavailability and efficacy of drug. The human skin is multi-layered organ composed of many histological layers. Skin is the largest organ in the body. Its major functions are protection of major or vital internal organs for the external influences, temperature regulations, control of water output and sensation. Polymer should be chemically non-reactive, should not decompose on storage, should be non-toxic, cost should not be high. E.g. - cellulose derivatives, zein, gelatin etc. Backing films play a vital role in the transdermal patch and the role of the film is to protect the active layer. Transdermal patches can be evaluated by interaction studies thickness, weight uniformity, drug content, in vitro study,moisture content, swelling index basic component of TDDS.

Comparative cytoarchitecture of the midbrain colliculi of defined age groups in the African giant pouched rat (Cricetomys gambianus)

Background: The rostral and caudal colliculi of mammalian midbrain are pivotal to vision and audition, respectively. Cytoarchitecture of these midbrain colliculi in neonate, juvenile and adult African giant pouched rats is dearth.&#x0D; Objective: This study compared the histology of the nuclei, neurons and laminations of the colliculi in these age groups.&#x0D; Methods: Thirty-six captive African giant pouched rats consisting of twelve neonates, juveniles and adults were used. Thickness of the histologic layers of the rostral colliculi and lengths of the central nucleus of the caudal colliculi were compared among the groups.&#x0D; Results: the rostral colliculus composed of an outermost stratum zonale, middle stratum griseum superficiale and innermost stratum griseum profundus; migratory immature neurons of radial glial cells were observed in the stratum zonale of neonates, which disappeared in juveniles and adults; the stratum griseum superficiale of neonates was characterized of already formed neurites, similar to those of the juveniles and adults. However, this layer in adults had more oligodendrocytes than in juveniles. There was significant increase in thickness of the stratum griseum superficiale and stratum griseum profundus, with increasing age (P &lt; 0.05). The caudal colliculus contained a central nucleus, dorsal and lateral cortices, with significant increase in the length of the central nucleus with increasing age (P &lt; 0.05); there was transformation of fibre shaft in the lateral cortex of neonates into a mixture of chain like and marshy matrix in the juveniles which completely disappeared in adults, indicative of mature lateral cortex in the later.&#x0D; Conclusion: The adult African giant pouched rat may have the best auditory and visual senses, followed by juvenile. The neonate has the least acuity of these senses.

From histology to sonography in skin and superficial tissue disorders: EURO-MUSCULUS/USPRM* approach

BackgroundIn clinical practice, ultrasound assessment of the skin and superficial tissues is progressively becoming a valuable diagnostic tool to support physical examination in the outpatient setting. ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to define a standardized sonographic approach to (layer-by-layer) accurately evaluate multiple histological layers of the skin and superficial tissues. MethodsUsing high-frequency ultrasound probes and high-level ultrasound machines, we matched the histological microarchitecture of superficial tissues with multiple sonographic patterns in physiological and pathological conditions. Moreover, high-sensitive color/power Doppler assessments have also been performed to evaluate the microcirculation. ResultsModern equipment allow for a detailed “sonographic dissection” of the skin and superficial tissues by evaluating different histological layers in various clinical scenarios. High-sensitive Doppler imaging clearly depicts the microvasculature, especially of pathologies. ConclusionsIn clinical practice, using adequate technological equipment, a detailed sonographic assessment of the superficial (soft) tissues can be performed with the use of high-frequency B-mode and high-sensitive Doppler imaging.

Protein detection and localization of the non-selective cation channel TRPC6 in the human heart

Due to longer lifespans in societies in industrialized countries, cardiovascular diseases are becoming increasingly important for medical research. It has already been shown that the cell membrane-bound, non-selective TRPC6 ion channel is important in the pathogenesis of heart diseases. Among other things, it is permeable to calcium ion, which plays a critical role in cardiac contraction and relaxation. The TRPC6 ion channel is a promising therapeutic target in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. A deeper understanding of the physiological and pathophysiological role as well as the localization of TRPC6 in human cardiac tissue is the basis for new drug development. Although the TRPC6 channel has been detected in animal studies, at the mRNA level in humans, and sparse TRPC6 protein has been detected in humans, there are no systematic studies of TRPC6 protein detection in the human heart. For the first time, TRPC6 ion channel protein was detected histologically in human heart tissue from body donors in different structures, localizations, and histological layers - particularly in cardiomyocytes and intramuscular arterioles - by immunohistochemistry, just as TRPC6 expression has already been shown in animal models of the heart by other research groups. In the sense of the translational concept, this indicates a possible transferability of research results from animal models to humans.