Macroscopic Evaluation Research Articles

Impact of macroscopic on-site evaluation on the diagnostic outcomes of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration.

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided tissue acquisition is the preferred modality for diagnosing pancreatic lesions and mediastinal and abdominal lymph nodes. Rapid on-site cytologic evaluation improves the diagnostic outcome of EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) but is unavailable at many centers. Alternatively, macroscopic on-site evaluation (MOSE) may improve the diagnostic outcome of EUS-FNA, but data are limited. Hence, the present study was conducted to assess the efficacy of MOSE in improving adequacy and accuracy. We retrospectively analyzed data of consecutive patients with pancreatic or lymph nodal lesions undergoing EUS-guided FNA at a tertiary care center from December 2020 to December 2022. The study's primary outcomes were adequacy and diagnostic accuracy of the EUS-guided tissue acquisition, with secondary analysis of predictors of adequacy and accuracy. Data from 124 patients (44.4% male, median age: 54 years) who underwent EUS-FNA were included in the present analysis. The presence of macroscopic visible core (MVC) on MOSE was reported in 93/124 (75%) cases. An adequate sample for histopathological or cytological examination was obtained in 110/124 (88.7%) cases, while the diagnostic accuracy was 85.5%. On multivariate analysis, the absence of MVC on MOSE was found to be the independent negative predictor of both adequacy (OR 0.092, 95% CI: 0.024-0.349) and accuracy (OR 0.175, 95% CI: 0.057-0.536). The presence of MVC on MOSE can be an indicator of specimen adequacy and can improve the diagnostic yield of EUS-FNA.

EUS-guided fine-needle biopsy sampling of solid pancreatic tumors with 3 versus 12 to-and-fro movements: a multicenter prospective randomized controlled study.

A novel EUS-guided fine-needle biopsy sampling (EUS-FNB) needle enabled physicians to obtain sufficient pathologic samples with fewer to-and-fro movements (TAFs) within the lesion. We compared the diagnostic yields of EUS-FNB with 3 and 12 TAFs at each puncture pass. The primary endpoint of this multicenter, noninferiority, crossover, randomized controlled trial involving 6 centers was diagnostic sensitivity. Secondary endpoints were diagnostic accuracy and quantity and quality evaluation of EUS-FNB specimens. Length of the macroscopically visible core (MVC) and microscopic histologic quantity were used for quantitative evaluation. Macroscopic visual and microscopic histologic evaluations were performed for qualitative evaluation. Among 110 patients (220 punctures, 110 for 3 TAFs and 12 TAFs each), 105 (210 punctures) had malignant histology. Diagnostic sensitivity for malignancy of 3 TAFs (88.6%) was not inferior to that of 12 TAFs (89.5%; difference, -.9%; 95% confidence interval, -9.81 to 7.86). Diagnostic accuracy for malignancy was 92.7% for 3 TAFs and 94.6% for 12 TAFs. Overall median MVC length was 13.5mm in both groups. The 3-TAF group had a significantly higher rate of score≥3 on macroscopic visual quality evaluation than the 12-TAF group (71.8% vs 52.7%, P= .009). No significant intergroup differences existed in microscopic histologic quantity and quality evaluations (quantity evaluation, 88.2% for 3 TAFs vs 83.6% for 12 TAFs; quality evaluation, 90.0% for 3 TAFs vs 89.1% for 12 TAFs). Diagnostic sensitivity and accuracy of EUS-FNB with 3 TAFs were not inferior to those with 12 TAFs for solid pancreatic lesions. The 3-TAF group showed significantly less blood contamination in sampled tissues than the 12-TAF group. (Clinical trial registration number: UMIN000037309.).

P‐148: Inspection of Excimer‐Laser Annealed Thin Silicon Films Across the Length Scale of Interest

Comprehensive evaluation of the microstructure obtained by excimer‐laser annealing of thin silicon films may be performed using in‐line electron beam review (EBR). Detailed macroscopic evaluation of the uniformity thereof may be achieved with the crystallization monitor (CM). Here, we present how these methods can be used in a complementary way thereby offering an inspection solution covering the whole length scale of interest.

Macroscopic on‑site quality evaluation of biopsy specimens to improve the diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic ultrasound‑guided fine needle aspiration using a 22‑gauge needle for solid lesions: A single‑center retrospective study.

The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical value of macroscopic on-site evaluation (MOSE) of solid masses by endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) using a standard 22-gauge needle and to explore the cut-off length of macroscopic visible core (MVC) required to obtain an accurate histopathological diagnosis. In total, 119 patients who satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria and underwent EUS-FNA were divided into conventional FNA and FNA combined with MOSE groups. In the MOSE group, the presence of MVC was examined and its total length measured, after which the pathological results of FNA were compared with the final diagnosis. The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of FNA in the two groups were calculated and the effect of MOSE on the FNA result was analyzed. The MOSE group had a higher diagnostic sensitivity (75.0% vs. 89.8%; P=0.038) and accuracy (74.5% vs. 90.6%; P=0.026). MVC was observed in 98.4% (63/64) of patients in the MOSE group. The median length of MVC was 15 mm. The optimal cut-off length of MVC for obtaining an accurate histological diagnosis was 13 mm, with a sensitivity of 90.2%. No statistically significant significance was observed in the specificity, PPV and NPV between the groups. Thus, MOSE helps to improve the diagnostic ability of FNA for solid masses and may be a useful alternative to assess the adequacy of puncture specimens in units where rapid on-site evaluation cannot be performed.

Dedifferentiated fat cells administration ameliorates abnormal expressions of fatty acids metabolism-related protein expressions and intestinal tissue damage in experimental necrotizing enterocolitis

Neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious disease of premature infants that necessitates intensive care and frequently results in life-threatening complications and high mortality. Dedifferentiated fat cells (DFATs) are mesenchymal stem cell-like cells derived from mature adipocytes. DFATs were intraperitoneally administrated to a rat NEC model, and the treatment effect and its mechanism were evaluated. The NEC model was created using rat pups hand fed with artificial milk, exposed to asphyxia and cold stress, and given oral lipopolysaccharides after cesarean section. The pups were sacrificed 96 h after birth for macroscopic histological examination and proteomics analysis. DFATs administration significantly improved the survival rate from 25.0 (vehicle group) to 60.6% (DFAT group) and revealed a significant reduction in macroscopical, histological, and apoptosis evaluation compared with the vehicle group. Additionally, the expression of C–C motif ligand 2 was significantly decreased, and that of interleukin-6 decreased in the DFAT group. DFAT administration ameliorated 93 proteins mainly related to proteins of fatty acid metabolism of the 436 proteins up-/down-regulated by NEC. DFATs improved mortality and restored damaged intestinal tissues in NEC, possibly by improving the abnormal expression of fatty acid-related proteins and reducing inflammation.

Intraarticular Implantation of Autologous Chondrocytes Placed on Collagen or Polyethersulfone Scaffolds: An Experimental Study in Rabbits.

Hyaline cartilage has very limited repair capability and cannot be rebuilt predictably using conventional treatments. This study presents Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI) on two different scaffolds for the treatment of lesions in hyaline cartilage in rabbits. The first one is a commercially available scaffold (Chondro-Gide) made of collagen type I/III and the second one is a polyethersulfone (PES) synthetic membrane, manufactured by phase inversion. The revolutionary idea in the present study is the fact that we used PES membranes, which have unique features and benefits that are desirable for the 3D cultivation of chondrocytes. Sixty-four White New Zealand rabbits were used in this research. Defects penetrating into the subchondral bone were filled with or without the placement of chondrocytes on collagen or PES membranes after two weeks of culture. The expression of the gene encoding type II procollagen, a molecular marker of chondrocytes, was evaluated. Elemental analysis was performed to estimate the weight of tissue grown on the PES membrane. The reparative tissue was analyzed macroscopically and histologically after surgery at 12, 25, and 52 weeks. RT-PCR analysis of the mRNA isolated from cells detached from the polysulphonic membrane revealed the expression of type II procollagen. The elementary analysis of polysulphonic membrane slices after 2 weeks of culture with chondrocytes revealed a concentration of 0.23 mg of tissue on one part of the membrane. Macroscopic and microscopic evaluation indicated that the quality of regenerated tissue was similar after the transplantation of cells placed on polysulphonic or collagen membranes. The established method for the culture and transplantation of chondrocytes placed on polysulphonic membranes resulted in the growth of the regenerated tissue, revealing the morphology of hyaline-like cartilage to be of similar quality to collagen membranes.

Small intestinal submucosa promotes angiogenesis via the Hippo pathway to improve vaginal repair.

Vaginal reconstruction has incorporated the use of gastrointestinal segments for decades, but the technique is inevitably associated with complications. Tissue-engineering techniques, however, have brought great hope for vaginal reconstruction. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of small intestinal submucosa (SIS) in reconstructing clinically significant large vaginal defects in a porcine model and to investigate the role of the Hippo pathway in the vascular remodeling process. The composition and mechanical properties of SIS were characterized. Full-thickness vaginal defects were established in 10 minipig donors, with 4 cm lengths removed and replaced by an equal sized SIS scaffolds. The neovaginas were subjected to macroscopic, histological, immunohistochemical and molecular evaluations at 4 and 12 weeks after the surgery. Four weeks after the operation, extracellular matrix reorganization and complete coverage the surface of the luminal matrix by vaginal epithelium were observed, accompanied by the formation of a microvascular network and the regeneration of smooth muscles, albeit disorderly arranged. Twelve weeks after implantation, enhacements were seen in the formation of the multi-layered squamous epithelium, angiogenesis, and large muscle bundle formation in the vagina. Aditionally, the expression levels of angiogenesis-related proteins, proliferation-related proteins and Hippo pathway-related proteins in the neovagina were significantly increased. These results indicate that SIS could be used to reconstruct large vaginal defects and that the vascular remodeling process is potentially regulated by the Hippo pathway.

Age estimation by evaluation of obliteration of the palatine sutures: a scoping review.

The age estimation (AE) of human remains is a challenging task since it is dependent on the state in which these remains are found. Since the macroscopic evaluation of palatal sutures has been proposed as a method for AE, the aim of this study was to review the literature on this method, considering that the cases of edentulous elderly are among the greatest challenges in anthropological and forensic contexts. A scoping review was performed using a specific search strategy in PubMed, Web of Science, SciELO, LILACS, and Google Scholar. The search identified 13 articles, among which the USA yielded the most information with 3 articles. Only 1 study was identified in Latin America (Peru). There was great diversity regarding the origin of samples, and the studies were carried out on both historical and modern populations. Only 6 articles exceeded the average sample size (168.08) and 4 articles studied samples of fewer than 100 individuals. Although 6 different methods were identified, Mann et al.'s revised method was the most used. The selection of appropriate methods for AE depends on what skeletal elements are present and the general age of the specimens. Although evaluation of the obliteration of the palatal sutures has been found to be simple and promising for AE in individuals over 60years of age, this method has been reported to have less precision than other more complex methods, which makes the use of a combination of methods necessary to increase the level of confidence and the percentage of success. Further research could resolve this weakness, and methodological refinement (perhaps the digitization and automation of processes, or the application of Bayesian methodology) could provide the necessary solidity to comply with international standards in the forensic scenario.

Bone marrow embolism: should it result from traumatic bone lesions? A histopathological human autopsy study

Bone marrow embolism (BME) is likely a consequence of fractures in which pulmonary vessels are the most affected. However, some cases of BME were reported in the absence of trauma. Thus, a traumatic injury might not be necessary for developing BME. This study discusses BME cases in patients without signs of fractures or blunt trauma. The discussion addresses various possible mechanisms for the appearance of BME. Options include cancer in which bone marrow metastasis is a suggestive cause. Another proposal is the chemical theory where bone marrow fats are released via lipoprotein lipase in a pro-inflammatory state, resulting in vascular/pulmonary obstruction. Other cases discussed in this study are hypovolemic shock and drug-abuse related BME. All autopsy cases with BME were included regardless of the cause of death for a period of 2 years. Autopsies involved complete dissection with the macroscopic evaluation of the affected organs, including the heart, lungs, and brain. Tissues were also prepared for microscopic examination. Of the 11 cases, eight showed non-traumatic BME (72%). These findings conflict with theories in the literature that BME most commonly occurs after fractures or trauma. One of the eight cases exhibited mucinous carcinoma; one is presented with hepatocellular carcinoma; and two cases showed severe congestion. Lastly, one case was found to be associated with each of the following conditions: liposuction, drug abuse, pulmonary hypertension, and heart failure. Each case suggests a different pathophysiology for developing BME, yet the exact mechanisms are not fully understood. Further study of non-traumatic associated BME is recommended.

Pharmacognostic Evaluation and Hepatoprotective Property of Crude and Fractions of Triumfetta cordifolia A. Rich. (Tiliaceae)

Background: The role of phytochemicals in modern medicine is abundant with more evidence being published. Triumfetta cordifolia is a local plant known for its vast medicinal applications in traditional medicine with limited documented evidence. This study thus aims to evaluate the leaves of Triumfetta cordifolia to determine its Pharmacognostic parameters and hepatoprotective potential.
 Methodology: The leaves were collected, identified, dried and subsequently pulverized before maceration in methanol. This was followed by fractionation using different solvent with increasing polarities (n-hexane, n-butanol, ethyl acetate and aqueous methanol). Physicochemical evaluations such as macroscopy, organoleptic tests, qualitative phytochemical analysis and total phenolic content was subsequently conducted on the extracts. Finally, an acute toxicity test and hepatoprotective evaluation was performed, the latter using carbon tetrachloride.
 Results: The leaves Triumfetta cordifolia on macroscopic evaluation shown a simple, alternate, stipules triangular, densely stellate hairy leaves. The organoleptic evaluation indicated a pungent aromatic smell and a slightly bitter taste. Several phytochemicals such as tannins, saponins, glycosides, steroids and flavonoids were identified qualitatively.The extracts was safe at a dose less than 5,000mg/kg. The ethyl acetate fraction showed consistent hepatoprotective activity at a concentration of 400 mg/kg when compared to Gallic acid (positive control). This was possibly due to its high composition of phenolic compounds which was recorded during the study.
 Conclusion: The ethyl acetate fraction of Triumfetta cordifolia leaves exhibited a hepatoprotective effect thus showcasing the potential benefits of the plant in mitigating liver damage. More research is however needed to identify specific compounds being extracted that may be responsible for the activity recorded in this study.

SMALL MAGNESIUM CYLINDERS SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE BONE VOLUME AND TRABECULAR THICKNESS WITH CONSTANT DENSITY AFTER IMPLANTATION IN THE SUBCHONDRAL BONE PLATE IN OSTEOARTHRITIC RABBITS: A PILOT STUDY

There is no optimal therapy to stop or cure chondral degeneration in osteoarthritis (OA). Beside cartilage, subchondral bone is involved. The often sclerotic bone is mechanically less solid which in turn influences negatively chondral quality. Microfracturing as therapeutic technique aims to enhance bone quality but is applied only in smaller cartilage lesions. The osteoproliferative properties of Magnesium (Mg) have been shown repeatedly1-3. The present study examined the influence of micro-scaled Mg cylinders compared to sole drilling in an OA model.Ten New Zealand White rabbits underwent anterior crucial ligament transection. During 12 weeks after surgery, the animals developed OA as previously described4. In a second surgery, half of the animals received 20 drill holes (ø 0.5mm) and the other half received 20 drill holes, which were additionally filled with one Mg cylinder each. Extracapsular plication was performed in all animals. During the follow-up of 8 weeks three µ-computed tomographic (µCT) scans were performed: immediately after surgery and after four and eight weeks. Changes of bone volume, trabecular thickness and bone density were calculated and compared.µCT evaluation showed an increase in bone volume and trabecular thickness in both groups. This increase was significantly higher in rabbits which received Mg cylinders showing thrice as high values for both parameters (bone volume: Mg group +44.5%, drilling group +15.1%, p≤0.025; trabecular thickness: Mg group +53.2%, drilling group +16.9%, p≤0.025). Also bone density increased in both groups, but on a distinctly lower level and with no significant difference.Although profound higher bone volume was found after implantation of Mg cylinders, µCT showed similar levels of bone density indicating adequate bone quality in this OA model. Macroscopic and histological evaluation of cartilage condition have to reveal possible impact on OA progression. Additionally, current examination implement different alloys and influence on lameness.

MICRORNA BIOMARKERS IN EQUINE DISTAL INTERPHALANGEAL OSTEOARTHRITIS

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the equine distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) is a common cause of lameness. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) from biofluids such as plasma and synovial fluid make promising biomarker and therapeutic candidates.The objectives of this study are (1) Identify differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs in mild and severe equine DIPJ OA synovial fluid samples and (2) Determine the effects of DE miRNAs on equine chondrocytes in monolayer culture.Synovial fluid samples from five horses with mild and twelve horses with severe DIPJ OA were submitted for RNA-sequencing; OA diagnosis was made from MRI T2 mapping, macroscopic and histological evaluation. Transfection of equine chondrocytes (n=3) was performed using the Lipofectamine® RNAiMAX system with a negative control and a miR-92a mimic and inhibitor. qPCR was used to quantify target mRNA genes.RNA-seq showed two miRNAs (miR-16 and miR-92a) were significantly DE (p<0.05). Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) identified important downstream targets of miR-92a involved in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis and so this miRNA was used to transfect equine chondrocytes from three donor horses diagnosed with OA. Transfection was successfully demonstrated by a 1000-20000 fold increase in miR-92a expression in the equine chondrocytes. There was a significant (p<0.05) increase in COMP, COL3A1 and Sox9 in the miR-92a mimic treatment and there was no difference in ADAMTS-5 expression between the miR-92 mimic and inhibitor treatment.RNA-seq demonstrated miR-92a was downregulated in severe OA synovial fluid samples which has not previously been reported in horses, however miR-92a is known to play a role in the pathogenesis of OA in other species. Over expression of miR-92a in equine chondrocytes led to significantly increased COMP and Sox9 expression, consistent with a chondrogenic phenotype which has been identified in human and murine chondrocytes.

Сomparison of biomechanical properties of non-absorbable and partially absorbable mesh implants used in surgery for urinary incontinence and genital prolapse: experimental study

Introduction. The amount of non-absorbable synthetic material used in the surgical treatment of pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence has been shown to directly correlate with the risks of mesh-associated complications. Previously, we developed a partially absorbable implant. Currently, there are insufficient data on the use of partially absorbable implants in female pelvic floor reconstruction, which requires comparative biomechanical and pathomorphological studies.Objective. To compare the biomechanical properties of a new generation partially absorbable implants and nonabsorbable polypropylene mesh implants during animal model.Materials & methods. Thirty-nine rabbits weighing 3200 ± 250 g were randomised into three groups depending on the implanted endoprosthesis: group 1 (n = 15) — “Axilen” implant (polydioxanone 98%, polypropylene 2%), group 2 (n = 15) — “Axilen Rapid” implant (polyglycapron 98%, polypropylene 2%), group 3 (n = 9) — “Urosling 1” implant. After implantation, rabbits of all 3 groups were divided into 3 subgroups according to the withdrawal period from the experiment: 14 days, 60 days, and 180 days. The biomaterial obtained was subjected to two studies: evaluation of the macroscopic view of the explanted mesh endoprosthesis with the formed capsule and the surrounding tissues, study of the biomechanical properties of the formed connective tissue capsule with the implant.Results. According to macroscopic evaluation, there was a less significant tissue reaction to partially absorbed implants. A comparative analysis of biomechanical indices revealed no statistically significant difference in rupture elongation at all follow-up periods among the presented groups. Tensile strength, at 60 and 180 days, was not statistically different between the groups described. At 14 days, there was a statistically significant difference in tensile strength between groups 1 and 3 (p = 0.003).Conclusion. During biomechanical animal experiments, the connective tissue capsule formed on the partially absorbable implant was not inferior to the similar parameter of the non-absorbable sample in its tensile strength, which explains a great potential for the use of partially absorbable implants in reconstructive surgery of pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence.

Cheesy material on macroscopic on-site evaluation after endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy: Don't miss the tuberculosis.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) is an excellent investigation to diagnose pancreatic lesions and has shown high accuracy for its use in pathologic diagnosis. Recently, macroscopic on-site evaluation (MOSE) performed by an endoscopist was introduced as an alternative to rapid on-site cytologic evaluation to increase the diagnostic yield of EUS-FNB. The MOSE of the biopsy can estimate the adequacy of the sample directly by the macroscopic evaluation of the core tissue obtained from EUS-FNB. Isolated pancreatic tuberculosis is extremely rare and difficult to diagnose because of its non-specific signs and symptoms. Therefore, this challenging diagnosis is based on endoscopy, imaging, and the bacteriological and histological examination of tissue biopsies. This uncommon presentation of tuberculosis can be revealed as pancreatic mass mimicking cancer. EUS-FNB can be very useful in providing a valuable histopathological diagnosis. A calcified lesion with a cheesy core in MOSE must be suggestive of tuberculosis, leading to the request of the GeneXpert, which can detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis deoxyribonucleic acid and resistance to rifampicin. A decent diagnostic strategy is crucial to prevent unnecessary surgical resection and to supply conservative management with antitubercular therapy.

Avaliação toxicológica após administração aguda de uma manteiga industrializada obtida a partir das sementes do bacuri (Platonia insignis Mart.)

Butter extracted from bacuriseeds (Platonia insignis) is widely used as a raw material in the formulation of cosmetic products. Furthermore, with the advances in research, other biological properties beneficial to health have been investigated. Therefore, tests to assess the safety for consumption are essential. This study aimed to evaluate in vitroand in vivotoxicity parameters of industrialized butter obtained from bacuriseeds (MIB). Cytotoxic activity was performed using the MTT assay in murine macrophages and in sheep blood erythrocytes and the acute oral toxicological evaluation in vivowas performed using the Fixed Dose Test. In the in vitroassays, a concentration-dependent reduction in cell viability was observed by evaluating the mitochondrial activity, with a mean cytotoxic concentration value (CC50) equal to 124.036 μg/mL and low hemolytic activity, since MIB promoted less than 10% hemolysis at the highest concentration tested (800 μg/mL), and it is not possible to determine the average hemolytic concentration. In the in vivotest, no deaths or alterations were observed in the evaluated clinical and behavioral parameters, as well as in the serum biochemical parameters, in the relative weight and in the macroscopic evaluation of the organs. All these results demonstrate an adequate safety profile, enabling the performance of subchronic toxicity tests, in order to allow the safe exploration of the therapeutic potential of this product.

Allelopathic potential of aqueous extracts of passion fruit Passiflora mucronata fruit peels on lettuce

Pesticide misuse has led to problems in agriculture, contamination of environment, and human health. However, research into alternative methods of controlling invasive plants is expanding. The allelopathic effect of secondary metabolites from plant parts suggests a potential and sustainable alternative to plant residues for use as bioherbicides. Given the above, the current study aimed to investigate the allelopathic potential of various concentrations of the aqueous extract of fruit peels of genotypes of Passiflora mucronata in seed germination and seedling growth of Lactuca sativa L. Fruit peels of genotypes of P. mucronata were used to obtain an aqueous extract, which was then filtered and diluted at the following concentrations: T1=100; T2=50; T3=25; T4=12.5 mg mL-1; T5= negative control (distilled water) and T6= positive control (glyphosate). Germination was carried out in Petri plates and was conditioned in a biochemical oxygen demand germination chamber at 25 ± 2 °C. Macroscopic evaluation was performed at the germination stage and root and aboveground growth of the seedlings, and the germination velocity index were also evaluated. Cytogenetic analysis was performed, and mitotic index was obtained. The design was entirely randomized, with five repetitions of 25 seeds each. Allelopathic substances found in the bark of P. mucronata fruits interfere with seed germination and vigor, as well as initial seedling growth. The germination of L. sativa seeds was 100% inhibited by extract concentrations of 50 % and 100 %. The cell cycle of L. sativa seeds is inhibited by allelopathic substances present in the bark of P. mucronata fruits. It is concluded that aqueous extracts of Passiflora mucronata have an allelopathic inhibitory effect on germination and initial growth of L. sativa

Pain Assessment and Acute Phase Response in Donkeys Submitted to Inguinal Orchiectomy.

In most animals, pain can compromise physiological functions and delay healing so, rapid detection of pain through behavior and inflammatory reaction with biomarkers are necessary. This study aimed to evaluate pain, physiological variations and Acute Phase Proteins (APP) in donkeys undergoing orchiectomy technique by inguinal access. For this research, 15 male northeastern donkeys kept in extensive management were selected, with a mean age of 4.5±3.1 years. All animals had the same anesthetic protocol, using dissociative anesthesia and local block with lidocaine, followed by orchiectomy by inguinal access. Due to their predisposition to complications, the inguinal technique is the most indicated to minimize complications and excessive inflammation in donkeys' orchiectomy, the donkeys were evaluated regarding behavioral assessment of pain, hematological parameters, APP and the surgical wound, during 0 hour, 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours. As for the physiological parameters and APP, no significant differences were observed between times, due to the use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. In the macroscopic evaluation of the surgical wound, it was observed that there were no significant differences between the times, with animals presenting mean scores of 1.8±0.414, in 48 hours 1.6 ± 0.507, and in 72 hours 1.6 ± 0.507. Most animals had mild to moderate edema in the scrotum and foreskin regions. As for pain assessment, the average scores were between 2 and 3, representing mild and moderate pain, not requiring intervention. However, further research is needed to elucidate the behavior of PFAs in the face of variables and the creation of new pain scales for animals raised in an extensive system.

The Pharmacognostic Study of Leaves and Stems of Plant Clematis hedysarifolia DC.

Objective: To set up quality control limitations of a vernacular medicinal plant, Clematis hedysarifolia DC this is exploited as traditional medicine by Maharashtra tribes. Methods: Pharmacognostic estimations were carried out which focused on microscopic, macroscopic, organoleptic, and physicochemical evaluations of leaves and stems. Organoleptically Macroscopic characterization performed. Qualitative and quantitative Microscopic study performed using microscopy. Stems and leaves qualitatively evaluated for type of stomata, epidermal cells, trichomes, palisade cells, spongy parenchyma, vascular system, epidermis and pith. In Quantitative evaluations leaf constants determined. In physicochemical evaluations ash value, moisture constant and extractive value determined. This study provides the scientific data for the proper identification and establishment of standards for the use of Clematis hedysarifolia DC.

Environmental variations on physicochemical properties in vasicine content of Adhatoda vasica - An ayurvedic medicinal plant

Adhatoda vasica (Acanthaceae) is a medicinal plant used in traditional formulations for the treatment of various disease conditions. The physicochemical properties fluctuate with the season and in response to stress. To obtain the highest medicinal value it is necessary to collect the plant raw material in the correct season. The present study was aim to evaluate the physiochemical fluctuations in the leaves of A. vasica and the vasicine, an antidiabetic constituent in these leaves. Leaves were collected in every month of a year at different time and places and authentication and standardization was done. The leaves were evaluated for the macroscopic and microscopic evaluation, quantitative microscopy, proximate phytochemical analysis, extractive values in petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol, water, and determination of the concentration of antidiabetic component vasicine. The leaves showed morphological and microscopical variations in different seasons. The phytochemical composition was the same in all seasons however the levels of extractive values fluctuated in response to seasonal variations. Maximum levels of ethanol and water extract were obtained in the winter season also the vasicine concentration was higher in this season.

Modelling physical contacts to evaluate the individual risk in a dense crowd

Tumble and stampede in a dense crowd may be caused by irrational behaviours of individuals and always troubles the safety management of crowd activities. Risk evaluation based on pedestrian dynamical models can be regarded as an effective method of preventing crowd disasters. Here, a method depending on a combination of collision impulses and pushing forces was used to model the physical contacts between individuals in a dense crowd, by which the acceleration error during physical contacts caused by a traditional dynamical equation can be avoided. The human domino effect in a dense crowd could be successfully reproduced, and the crushing and trampling risk of a microscopic individual in a crowd could be quantitatively evaluated separately. This method provides a more reliable and integral data foundation for evaluating individual risk that shows better portability and repeatability than macroscopic crowd risk evaluation methods and will also be conducive to preventing crowd disasters.