Morphometric Changes Research Articles

Gray matter biomarkers for major depressive disorder and manic disorder using logistic regression

The study investigates morphometric changes using surface-based measures and logistic regression in Major depressive-disorder (MDD) and Manic-disorder patients as compared to controls.MDD (n = 21) and manic (n = 20) subjects were recruited from psychiatric clinics, along with 19 healthy-controls from local population, after structured and semi-structured clinical interview (DSM-IV, brief Psychotic-Rating Scale (BPRS), Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), Hamilton depression rating scale (HDRS), cognitive function by postgraduate Institute Battery of Brain Dysfunction (PGIBBD)).Using 3D T1-weighted images, gray matter (GM) cortical thickness and GM-based morphometric signatures (using logistic regression) were compared among MDD, manic disorder and controls using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). No significant difference was found between the MDD and manic disorder patients. When compared to controls, cortical thinning was observed in bilateral rostral middle frontal gyrus and parsopercularis, right lateral occipital cortex, right lingual gyrus in MDD; and bilateral rostral middle frontal and superior frontal gyrus, right middle temporal gyrus, left supramarginal and left precentral gyrus in Manic disorders.Logistic regression analysis exhibited GM cortical thinning in the bilateral parsopercularis, right lateral occipital cortex and lingual gyrus in MDD; and bilateral rostral middle, superior frontal gyri, right middle temporal gyrus in Manic with a sensitivity and specificity of 85.7 % and 94.7 % and 90.0 % and 94.7 %, respectively in comparison with controls. Both groups exhibited GM loss in bilateral rostral middle frontal gyrus brain regions compared to controls. Multivariate analysis revealed common changes in GM in MDD and manic disorders associated with mood temperament, but differences when compared to controls.

Correlation of 3D Morphometric Changes, Kinematics, and Muscle Activity During Smile.

Knowing the morphological, kinematic, and electrophysiological parameters of the smile in healthy individuals may contribute to evaluating, planning, and monitoring the smile reanimation. This study aimed to determine the correlation between 3D morphometric changes, movement kinematics, and muscle activity in the facial soft tissue of healthy individuals. In this cohort study, 20 volunteers were selected from healthy individuals with no facial disorders. During smiling, three-dimensional face scanning, facial motion capture, and surface electromyography (sEMG) were performed. The average displacement, velocity, and acceleration during facial movements were measured. The mean change in 3D surface morphometry and activation of the zygomaticus major were determined. The volunteers, comprising 10 males and 10 females, had a mean age of 24 ± 10 years; for female, mean age was 23 ± 5 years and for men 26 ± 13 years. Significant correlations were found between kinematic and morphometric data (r = 0.51, p < 0.001), sEMG and morphometric (r = 0.50, p < 0.001) data, and sEMG and kinematic data (r = 0.49, p < 0.002). The maximum acceleration occurred during approximately 65% of the muscle activation time and 64% of the peak muscle activation value. Additionally, the maximum velocity was reached at around 73% of the muscle activation time and 67% of the peak muscle activation value. Furthermore, the maximum displacement values were observed at approximately 88% of the muscle activation time and 76% of the peak muscle activation value. The findings may provide insights into the smile's functional parameters, contribute to understanding facial muscle-related disorders, and aid in improving the diagnosis and treatment of the smile. NA Laryngoscope, 134:3112-3119, 2024.

Morphometric alterations of the mesocorticolimbic network in Parkinson's disease with impulse control disorders.

Impulse control disorders (ICDs) are a group of non-motor symptoms of Parkinson disease (PD) leading to significant psychosocial detrimental outcome. The mesocorticolimbic network plays a distinctive role in reward learning and executive decision making and has been suggested to be involved in ICDs in PD. To study morphometric changes of the mesocorticolimbic network in PD with ICD. A total of 18 patients of PD with ICD (PD + ICD), 19 patients of PD without ICD (PD - ICD) and 19 healthy controls (HC) were included in the study. ICDs were diagnosed using Questionnaire for Impulsive-Compulsive Disorders in PD-Rating Scale (QUIP-RS). MRI was done using a 3T scanner and assessment of cortical thickness and subcortical volumes were done using FreeSurfer. Brain regions known to be part of the mesocorticolimbic network were extracted and included for statistical analysis. There was no difference between PD + ICD and PD - ICD with regard to duration of illness or total dopaminergic medication. In comparison to HC, patients with PD + ICD demonstrated atrophy of the left frontal pole, and this atrophy neared significance in comparison to PD - ICD. The QUIP-RS had a negative correlation with left caudate volume in PD + ICD. The PD + ICD group showed distinct morphometric changes in regions involved in the mesocorticolimbic system which may contribute to the presence of ICD.

Altered Sexual Response-Related Functional Connectivity and Morphometric Changes Influenced by Sex Hormones across Menopausal Status.

Our study retrospectively investigated differential patterns of the functional connectivity (FC) of core brain regions synchronous with morphometric changes associated with sexual dysfunction in menopausal women, and their correlations with sexual hormones. Twenty-three premenopausal women (mean age: 41.52 ± 7.38 years) and 21 menopausal women (mean age: 55.52 ± 2.80 years) underwent sex hormone level measurements with high-resolution T1 and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during rest, neutral, and sexual arousal conditions. Analysis of covariance adjusted for age was used to compare the FC and gray matter (GM) volume between the two groups. Menopausal women showed lower GM volumes in the superior frontal gyrus (SFG), superior temporal pole, parahippocampal gyrus (PHG), hippocampus (Hip), amygdala (Amg), and cerebellum (Cb) compared to premenopausal women (p < 0.05). In addition, compared to premenopausal women, menopausal women showed decreased FC of seed regions involved in the SFG, frontal eye fields, and Amg, as well as target regions involved in the PHG, Hip, inferior frontal gyrus, Cb, and vermis (p < 0.005). Furthermore, the FC between the right Amg and right Cb and between the left Amg and right Cb during sexual arousal in both groups was positively correlated with total estrogen and estradiol levels, respectively (p < 0.01). The GM volume values in the right Amg and right Cb were positively correlated with total estrogen and estradiol levels (p < 0.05). Our study demonstrated an association between menopause-related differential FC and GM volume variations and fluctuating sex hormones. Our findings highlight that overlapping brain regions with functional alterations and morphometric changes are closely linked with menopausal symptom-related decreases in sexual arousal and hormone levels.

Comparative characterization of liver morphometric parameters during pregnancy in experimental chronic renal failure

Study of morphological and morphometric changes of the liver of pregnant white rats after chronic renal failure. [9]. A study of normal morphological and morphometric parameters of the liver of pregnant white rats. Study of the anatomical parameters of the liver of purebred rats in pregnancy and its reactive changes after experimental chronic renal failure Comparison of pregnancy-related histo-topographic features of the liver of purebred rats in experimental chronic renal failure with parameters of healthy rats; [10]. Comparative classification of morphometric changes in the liver of pregnant rats after correction with Juyzar waters in experimental chronic renal failure.Glomerulopathies: focal glomerulosclerosis, membranous and membranous-proliferative glomerulonephritis, the damage of kidney balls is reduced in the primary order. Due to the alteration of the basal membrane of the glomerulus, increased permeability leads to proteinuria. [17]. Prolonged proteinuria results in decreased albumin in the blood plasma (Hypoalbuminemia). The quality of albumin and globulin changes. A decrease in albumin leads to a decrease in osmotic pressure. The passage of fluid from the blood to the tissue increases. The function of sodium and potassium pumps is disturbed. Swelling develops. At the same time, the reduction of albumin leads to an increase in the synthesis of lipoproteins. [16]. This has an effect on the oncotic pressure. The release of a large amount of lipids in the urine is a sign that the permeability of the glomerular basement membrane has changed.

Morphometric changes in the blood and lymphatic channels during inflammation

When the abdominal cavity is inflamed, the lymphatic channel, i.e. the system of lymph vessels and lymph nodes, which play an important role in protecting the body from infections and ensuring proper metabolism, may be affected. Inflammation of the lymphatic channel can lead to its enlargement, soreness and even the formation of purulent foci. The study of morphometric changes in the lymphatic channel during inflammation is an important task for a more detailed understanding of inflammatory processes occurring in the body. The results of our experiments showed that during inflammatory processes of the abdominal cavity there are changes in the blood and lymphatic vessels. Relative volumes of vessels of different types per unit significantly decreased compared to the indicators of the control group. In submucosa and muscularis the morphometry data confirm the fact of arterial vessels spasm, lymphatic vessel reduction and simultaneous persistent venous vessels expansion. In rats with the developed inflammatory process in lymphatic vessels the expansion of lymphatic slits and significant thickening of the wall of large lymphatic vessels was found, which is associated with an increase in the volume of blood plasma, increasing the load on lymphatic vessels as a drainage system of the body.

Brain morphometric changes in children born as small for gestational age without catch up growth.

Most infants born as small for gestational age (SGA) demonstrate catch up growth by 2-4 years, but some fail to do so. This failure is associated with several health risks, including neuropsychological development issues. However, data on the morphological characteristics of the brains of infants born as SGA without achieving catch up growth are lacking. This study aims to determine the structural aspects of the brains of children born as SGA without catch up growth. We conducted voxel- and surface-based morphometric analyses of 1.5-T T1-weighted brain images scanned from eight infants born as SGA who could not achieve catch up growth by 3 years and sixteen individuals with idiopathic short stature (ISS) to exclude body size effects. Growth hormone (GH) secretion stimulation tests were used to rule out GH deficiency in all SGA and ISS cases. The magnetic resonance imaging data were assessed using Levene's test for equality of variances and a two-tailed unpaired t-test for equality of means. The Benjamini-Hochberg procedure was used to apply discovery rate correction for multiple comparisons. Morphometric analyses of both t-statical map and surface-based analyses using general linear multiple analysis determined decreased left insula thickness and volume in SGA without catch up growth compared with ISS. The brain scans of patients with SGA who lack catch up growth indicated distinct morphological disparities when compared to those with ISS. The discernible features of brain morphology observed in patients born as SGA without catch up growth may improve understanding of the association of SGA without catch up growth with both intellectual and psychological outcomes.

Morphometric Changes in Liver and Pancreas in Experimental Colitis Model and Examination of the Effects of Vagal Stimulation on These Changes in Chronic Period

Morphometric Changes in Liver and Pancreas in Experimental Colitis Model and Examination of the Effects of Vagal Stimulation on These Changes in Chronic Period

Аналіз трансверзальних морфометричних показників верхньої щелепи у дітей з вродженими однобічними незрощеннями верхньої губи та піднебіння

Introduction. Dentognatic anomalies and deformities in children with congenital unilateral cleft upper lip and palate (CLP) have a cause-and-effect nature, depend on the type of defect of the unfused tissues of the nasolabial complex and palate, methods of surgical interventions, etc. The planning of orthodontic treatment preceded by a complete and comprehensive diagnostic examination with determination of morphometric parameters of the jaws. The aim: to analyze the changes in the transverse morphometric parameters of the upper jaw in children with unilateral CLP during orthodontic treatment of dentognatic anomalies and deformities. Materials and methods. The subject of the analysis was the morphometric measurements of scanned models of the upper jaws of 97 patients with unilateral CLP at the stage of primary surgical interventions and orthodontic correction at the age of 5-14 years using developed methods for determining the transverse dimensions of the defect and fragments. Results and their discussion. The analysis of central tendency indicators relative changes in transverse dimensions in the younger and older age groups for all three types of used orthodontic appliances revealed a common characteristic of displacement of control points of the position of bone components of the upper jaw. The typical mobility of 3”-3 is on average 3.2 times greater compared to the mobility of Db`-Ds`. Conclusions. The morphometric measurements of the jaws of children with unilateral CLP at the stages of primary surgical interventions showed significant changes in the transversal parameters of the upper jaw. The ratio of relative changes in transverse dimensions is interpreted as an indicator of the transverse expansion of jaw fragments in the course of orthodontic treatment. Key words: cleft lip and palate, morphometric changes, transverse dimensions of defects and cleft fragments, orthodontic treatment.

Morphometric changes in the walls and lymphoid structures of the colon in radiation sickness

The study of age, individual, sex and anthropometric characteristics of the organism at different stages of development under different conditions is one of the most important tasks. The immune system depends largely on age, health, stress, environmental conditions and other factors. The study found that the length of the colon of rats of intact and irradiated groups showed that there was a decrease in its length, which is most pronounced at 3 months of age, in the following months of observation these indicators were at almost the same level. Thus, studies have shown that morphometric parameters of the colon (length, perimeter, thickness) increase unevenly with age.

Sometimes, the size matters: Wing geometric morphometrics as a tool to assess domiciliation by Triatoma sordida (Stäl 1859).

Domiciliation by Triatoma sordida is a public health concern in South America. This study aimed to evaluate the morphometric changes in the domestic and peridomestic populations of T. sordida. Specimen hemelytra were mounted, digitized, and processed for geometric morphometric analyses. The specimens captured in houses were smaller than those captured in peridomiciles. A large size reduction effect was observed in female peridomicile populations compared with female house populations. T. sordida house populations were smaller than peridomestic populations. Wing geometric morphometry can be used as a tool to indicate T. sordida domiciliation.

Ecophenotypic Variation of Midas Cichlid, Amphilophus citrinellus (Gunther, 1864), in Lake Batur, Bali, Indonesia.

Cichlid fishes exhibit rapid adaptive radiations with significant diversification rates in response to ecological variability, i.e., ecological opportunity or geographical isolation. The discovery of a Midas cichlid species in Lake Batur, Indonesia's largest volcanic lake, first reported in 2013, could represent such adaptations. Midas cichlids can now be found in a range of habitats in Lake Batur and dominate the lake's fish population by up to 60%. This study aimed to identify the interaction between habitat, water quality, and Midas cichlid in Lake Batur, facilitating morphometric variances in the fish populations. The fish were captured at five locations in Lake Batur using fishing rods, community nets with mesh sizes of 2-3 inches, experimental gillnets with mesh sizes of 1 inch, and fish scoops in floating net cages during August and November 2022. There were 46 fish samples caught from the five stations, all photographed using a digital camera and later measured using the ZEN 2012 software. The fish measurement employed a truss morphometric method using 21 distinct morphometric body features. Canonical analysis was used to determine the distribution of characteristics, while discriminant analysis was used to examine the closeness of association. The measured water quality parameters included pH, DO, temperature, conductivity, and TDS for in-situ and TSS, TP, TN, and chlorophyll A for ex-situ. The findings revealed morphometric changes among Midas cichlid species in Lake Batur caused by habitat and water quality differences. The distinction can be detected in the anterior and posterior bodies (C1, B1, C3, C6, C5, B3 and B4). Temperature and aquatic plants, Azolla pinnata, may detect the station and shape of fish in Lake Batur. Body shape cannot be identified by chlorophyll A, TN, DO, and TDS. Future genetic research could answer why fish groups with varied body types coexist in the same location.

Immunological and neuroanatomic markers of the clinical dynamics of MCI and pre-MCI

To study the relationship of the parameters of immunity and systemic inflammation with the structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and pre-MCI undergoing neurocognitive rehabilitation to search for candidate markers of its effectiveness. The main group included 49 patients, aged ≥60 years, with MCI and pre-MCI with memory impairment, who underwent a course of neurorehabilitation for 5 weeks. The control group included 19 volunteers of similar age with a total MoCA score of ≥25, who did not have cognitive impairment and immuno-inflammatory disorders. The parameters of cellular and humoral immunity and markers of inflammation were studied, and structural MRI was performed. The content of activated natural killer cells (NK-cells) was increased in MCI and pre-MCI (0.63±0.12% vs. 0.22±0.07% in the control group, p=2.2·10-7). The level of immunoglobulin G (IgG) <12.5 g/l in patients with MCI and pre-MCI with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA) score <22 was associated with a decrease in the volume of the right nucleus accumbens (376±35 mm3 in patients with IgG <12.5 g/l (p=0.0013) and 480±44 mm3 at IgG <12.5 g/l, 480±44 mm3 in the control group), as well as with a decrease of the thickness and volume of a number of other cortical zones. A logistic regression model including the level of immunoglobulin G, NK cells, CD8+ NK cells and right amygdala volume was constructed to predict the number of MoCA scores 6 months after the course of rehabilitation (R2=0.57; p<1·10-5; standard error of estimate: 2.93). As a result of this work, the perspectives of assessing the immunological parameters in combination with socio-demographic data and morphometric changes of the brain as potential prognostic markers of the dynamics of cognitive impairment in patients with MCI and pre-MCI after neurorehabilitation has been shown.

Juvenile exposure to low-level 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) alters behavior and longitudinal morphometrics in zebrafish and F1 offspring.

Exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), an environmental endocrine disruptor and model AhR agonist, is linked to skeletal abnormalities, cardiac edema, stunted growth rate, altered metabolism, and neurobehavioral deficits. We have previously reported transgenerational reproductive outcomes of developmental TCDD exposure in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio), an NIH-validated model for developmental and generational toxicology. Using the same paradigm of sublethal TCDD exposure (50 pg/ml) at both 3 and 7 weeks post fertilization (wpf), we investigated several novel endpoints, including longitudinal morphometrics and anxiety-linked behavior, in fish exposed as juveniles. We also assessed developmental abnormalities and neurobehavior in their F1 larval offspring. TCDD exposure induced timepoint-dependent decreases in several craniofacial and trunk morphometrics across juvenile development. In early adulthood, however, only exposed males underwent a transient period of compensatory growth, ending between 7 and 12 months post fertilization (mpf). At 12 mpf, exposed adult fish of both sexes displayed increased exploratory behaviors in a novel tank test. The F1 offspring of parents exposed at both 3 and 7 wpf were hyperactive, but neurobehavioral outcomes diverged depending on parental exposure window. F1 exposure-lineage larvae had increased rates of edema and skeletal abnormalities, but fewer unhatched larvae compared to controls. Parent- and timepoint-specific effects of exposure on abnormality rate were also evaluated; these outcomes were considerably less severe. Our novel behavioral findings expand current knowledge of the long-term and intergenerational consequences of early-life TCDD exposure in a zebrafish model, in addition to delineating minor longitudinal morphometric changes in exposed fish and abnormalities in larval offspring.

CHANGES IN THE WIDTH OF THE PERIODONTAL GAP OF RATS WITH SUPRAOCCLUSAL RELATIONSHIPS OF INDIVIDUAL TEETH IN THE AGE ASPECT

Introduction. The dentoalveolar apparatus is a complex of complicated interaction of the jaws, masticatory muscles, teeth, and temporomandibular joints. This connection is carried out by the trigeminal nerve system with sensory and motor nuclei closely connected to the cortical and subcortical centers of the brain. Occlusal trauma is a lesion that develops in the periodontium as a result of forces that exceed the periodontal potential for functional adaptation. Occlusal trauma can be classified as primary or secondary. The first one occurs in the pulp and periodontal ligament when the force of the action on the dental structures is greater than usual, under optimal periodontal support conditions. It includes orthodontic movements, "high" restorations, and parafunctional habits such as bruxism. Secondary occlusal trauma occurs when the teeth with previous supporting tissue changes are subjected to the action of normal and excessive forces with supporting tissue changes caused by periodontal disease or previous trauma. The available evidence has demonstrated that bacterial plaque bioactive substances lead to local inflammatory responses in periodontal tissues which contribute to bone tissue resorption through osteoclasts in periodontitis. Excessive functional stress can initiate inflammatory changes in the periodontium and thus, increase destructive bacterial processes. Traumatic occlusion can expand the space of the periodontal ligament and in this way stimulate apical bacterial migration and proliferation. However, few attempts have been made to investigate the molecular mechanisms that trigger bone tissue resorption in traumatic occlusion. The analysis of publications on the studies of morphological changes in periodontal tissues in individual teeth supraocclusion in the age aspect shows the contradictory data. The aim: to determine the morphometric changes of the periodontal gap as a component of the periodontal complex in rats of different age groups in the supraocclusal relationship of individual teeth in the age aspect. Materials and methods of the study. The scientific experiment was conducted on 60 white laboratory rats aged 4 to 22 months and weighing 90 to 330 g. The rats were divided into control (30 animals) and experimental (30 animals) groups. Each group was divided into 3 subgroups (10 animals each) depending on the age of the rats: young, mature and senile. Young animals included rats aged 3–4 months with a weight of 90–100 g; mature animals - aged 6–8 months with a weight of 150–170 g; senile rats – 20–22 months and weighing 200–220 g. The method of modelling the state of supraocclusal relations of individual teeth is described in the previous publication. For histological examination of dental blocks, the following was performed. Fixation in a 10% solution of neutral formalin for two days, dehydration in alcohols of increasing concentration and embedding in paraffin. After preparation, sections were made on a Shandon Finesse 325 rotary microtome with a section thickness of 4-6 µm. The histological sections were fixed on pre-degreased slides and dried. Van Gieson staining was performed. The width of the periodontal gap was determined using the ZEISS ZEN 3.7 program by Carl Zeiss Microscopy. For statistical data processing, the AtteStat v.12.5 software was used to determine the mean value and its standard error (M±m). The probability of a statistically significant difference between the data obtained was assessed using the Student's parametric test (at a significance level of p ≤ 0.05). All samples were tested for normality using the Gupta test. Results of the study. Statistical differences were observed in rats of all groups, as well as between the indicators of all rats of the control and experimental groups (≤0.05). The width of the periodontal gap increased by 34.1% in young rats, by 25.5% in mature rats, and by 21.1% in senile rats. Conclusions The presence of supraocclusal relationships of individual teeth causes an increase in the periodontal gap in rats of all age groups. The greatest expansion of the periodontal gap has occurred in young rats. The width of the periodontal gap in rats decreases with age.

Effect of bisphenol S and bisphenol A on morphometric and hormonal changes of thyroid gland and iodine concentration in urine of Wistar rats

Effect of bisphenol S and bisphenol A on morphometric and hormonal changes of thyroid gland and iodine concentration in urine of Wistar rats

Morphometric changes in the gonads of the West African dwarf bucks experimentally infected with Trypanosoma vivax and Trypanosoma brucei and response due to diminazine aceturate treatment

Trypanosomosis, one of the major diseases affecting livestock production in Africa has been associated with reproductive disorders. The disease has not been extensively studied in goats especially the West African Dwarf (WAD) goat. The morphology of the gonads of WAD bucks experimentally infected with Trypanosoma (T.) vivax and Trypanosoma brucei and treatment with Diminazine aceturate were investigated in this study. The study lasted a period of 20 weeks, the first 3 weeks were used to acclimatize the animal to their new environment. The remaining 16 weeks were used to carry out the experiment. Two species of trypanosome were used for the experiment; T. brucei (NITR CT/28- Federe strain) and T. vivax (A field strain obtained from an abattoir). The experiment was divided into three stages tagged Pre-infection (A), infection (B) and treatment (C) while the animals were also divided into control group and infected groups- Trypanosoma brucei and Trypanosoma vivax groups. Biometric parameters that include testicular weight, height and others testicular and epididymal indices were measured according to standard techniques. Data were summarized with mean± SEM and analysed using ANOVA. There were no significant changes in body weight between the control group and treated groups with either T. brucei or T. vivax. The little reduction in scrotal circumference during infection and subsequent increase during post treatment were not significant (P &gt; 0.05) compared to the control. The Testicular weight, testicular length and epididymal weight were not significantly affected during infection with both T. brucei and T. vivax. Tubular diameter and epithelia height of the seminiferous tubules were significantly (P≤0.05) lower in the T. brucei and T. vivax infected groups compared to the control. On the other hand, the epididymal tubular diameter and epididymal epithelia height were not significantly (P&gt;00.05) affected by the treatment. The study showed that the fertility impairment sequel to trypanosomosis is possibly due to alteration in the biometric parameter of the testis.

The Comparative Effect of Citrullus colocynthis Hydro-Alcoholic Extract and Metformin on Morphometric Ovarian Follicles Disorders in Estradilol valerate-Iinduced Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Rats

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that affects 6-10% of women in reproductive age. The medicinal values of Citrullus colocynthis extract (CCT) stems from its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. This study evaluated the comparative effect of CCT and metformin on morphometric ovarian disorders in PCOS rats. Materials and Methods: Fifty female Wistar rats having 2-3 consecutive estrous cycles during two weeks were divided into five groups (n=10 each group). The rats in the control group only received sesame oil as estradiol valerate solvent, whereas the rats in the sham group were injected intramuscularly with 4 mg/rat estradiol valerate-induced PCOS. Following PCOS induction, the rats in the metformin group received 50 mg/kg metformin orally for three weeks. Rats in the Extract group were treated with 50 mg/kg plant extract for 21 days following the induction with PCOS. Additionally, the rats in metformin+ extract group were treated with the combination of 50 mg metformin plus plant extract for three weeks. The ovaries were removed and were fixed for tissue processing. The slices were stained by hematoxylin-eosin after clearing and hydration. Follicular count and morphometric changes were evaluated in primordial, primary, pre-antral and antral follicles. Results: The mean diameter of primordial follicle was similar in all groups, but mean diameter of primary follicle decreased in the sham group (145.50± 49.26 µm) compared to metformin (278.76± 156.64 µm), extract (311.70± 147.74 µm) and metformin+ extract groups (265.35± 88.16 µm). The diameter of pre-antral and antral follicles in the sham group were significantly larger than those in the control group, but were not significantly different in all other groups including metformin, extract, and metformin+ extract in comparison with control group (P&lt; 0.05). Conclusion: In this study, the data has demonstrated that CCT like metformin could improve follicular morphometric disorders in PCOS rats. [GMJ.2018;7:e1045] Â

A Study Among General Dental Practitioners, Orthodontists and Forensic Odontologists Regarding Forensic Identification in Orthodontic Context

The process of dental identification involves comparing the dentition of the deceased with the latest dental records of presumed dead. It may become challenging to identify an individual whose orthodontic treatment records are untraceable for any reason. In such instances the dentition of the dead who underwent orthodontic treatment may need to be compared with the records before orthodontic treatment. The goal of this study was to determine the accuracy of matching pre and post-orthodontic treatment casts among general dental practitioners (GDPs), orthodontists, and forensic odontologists. Pre and post-orthodontic treatment dental casts from ten patients were used in this study. Pre-orthodontic maxillary and mandibular dental casts were separated from post-orthodontic maxillary and mandibular dental casts. A total of fifteen assessors comprising five orthodontists, five forensic odontologists and five GDPs compared and matched the pre and post-orthodontic dental cast pairs. Results revealed higher correct matches among forensic odontologists (94%) as compared to orthodontists (88%) followed by GDPs (80%). Among the parameters, ‘specific features in the dentition’ were most successful at correct identification. Orthodontic therapy causes morphometric changes in the dentition, which can make comparative identification difficult. Unique features in the dentition present before orthodontic treatment and persistent even after orthodontic treatment such as peculiar attrition facets, etc. can prove highly accurate in the identification.

Analysis of the results of microscopy of semi-finished meat products cooked by the sous-vide method

The culinary products readiness is largely determined by organoleptic characteristics. Culinary processing can both improve and degrade the quality of products. Prolonged cooking increases the weight loss and nutritional value of the product. These losses are less while using the sous-vide technology, however, there are limitations in its use, which determines the relevance of the research, including morphological ones. The analysis of morphometric changes was carried out at two temperatures: 70 and 100 ⁰С. Samples of beef meat were removed out of the cooking medium every 15 minutes and the structure of muscle fibers was studied by microscopy. Visible transverse slit-like disturbances and fragmentation of the muscle fiber were observed sous-vide meat cooked, 25-30 minutes later than in meat at 100 ⁰С. The work noted that the sarcoplasm of the muscle fiber is more susceptible to high temperatures. Its decrease was observed, while cooking, which affects the volume of muscle fiber, lower their hydrophilicity and, as a result, increases the rigidity of the finished product. The following meat structure softening and the increase in organoleptic parameters is associated with the destruction of the muscle fiber, its fragmentation. Sous-vide meat is less of destruction, which helps the meat retain moisture - thus keeping it juicy. Analysis of the muscle fiber destruction at 100 °C showed the presence of numerous breaks, defragmentation and graininess and, as a result, more loss of sarcoplasm after 3 hours of cooking, which was not observed in the sous vide samples during the same time. This fact provides a partial explanation for the preservation of meat juiciness during long-term vacuum cooking at 70 °C.