Size Of Papillae Research Articles

Fungiform Papillae and Gustatory Function in Neurofibromatosis Type 1: A Case-Control Study.

Fungiform papillae enlargement is a common oral manifestation of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). This study aimed to objectively evaluate the size, number, and symmetry of fungiform papillae in NF1 individuals and investigate the relationship between these alterations and taste perception, salivary flow, dietary habits, and BMI. A cross-sectional case-control study was conducted on 80 participants (40 with NF1 and 40 controls), matched by age and sex. Participants underwent quantitative and morphological evaluation of fungiform papillae, gustatory perception tests, sialometry, saliva analysis, xerostomia assessment, dietary assessments, and Body Mass Index calculations. The NF1 group exhibited significantly larger and more asymmetric fungiform papillae and exhibited a higher detection threshold for sweet and sour tastes, as well as hyposalivation and lower preference for healthy foods compared to the controls. No correlation was found between papillae morphology, gustatory perception tests, saliva properties, xerostomia, food preferences, or BMI in the NF1 group. Enlarged and asymmetric fungiform papillae, hyposalivation, heightened sensitivity to sweet and sour tastes, and reduced healthy eating habits were common in NF1. Although fungiform papillae alterations seem unrelated to taste sensitivity and food preferences, further investigation is needed to better understand the mechanisms underlying these changes.

Stromal and Epithelial Architectural Alterations Mimicking Invasion (Pseudoinvasion) in Noninvasive Papillary Urothelial Carcinoma.

Retraction artifact, paradoxic maturation/differentiation, desmoplasia, and complex irregular growth are morphologic criteria of invasion in urothelial carcinoma. To describe changes mimicking invasion in noninvasive papillary urothelial carcinoma (NPUC). We reviewed 159 consecutive in-house patients with NPUC for either the presence of pseudoinvasion (irregular carcinoma nests within dense hyalinized stroma in the absence of other criteria of invasion) or precursor findings (stromal hyalinization not yet associated with epithelial architectural alteration). We assessed the correlation of these findings with age, sex, evidence of peripheral vascular disease, tumor grade, tumor infarction, and tumor size. We then followed up the patients clinically for tumor recurrence or progression. We identified 233 separate NPUCs (136 high grade and 97 low grade) in 125 men and 34 women. Of the 233 tumors, 26 (11.2%) had pseudoinvasion and 24 of 233 tumors (10.3%) had precursor findings. Except for complex irregular growth, no other criteria for invasion were seen. Pseudoinvasion and precursor findings were more common in men (47 of 183 [26%] versus 3 of 50 [6%]; P = .003), larger tumors (mean size, 2.6 versus 1.2 cm; P < .001), and tumors with infarction (33 of 50 [66%] versus 29 of 183 [15.8%]; P < .001). In multivariable analysis, tumor size (odds ratio, 1.49; P =.006), male sex (odds ratio, 6.48; P = .007), and the presence of infarction (odds ratio, 6.59; P < .001) were significant variables. Recurrence rates did not differ between patients with and those without pseudoinvasion (31% [5 of 16] versus 42% [45 of 107], respectively; P = .41). None of the tumors with pseudoinvasion progressed to invasive carcinoma. Given the correlation with size and presence of infarcted papillae, we suggest the possibility of tumor ischemia/infarction as a plausible etiology of pseudoinvasion. Awareness of this phenomenon is important for the accurate diagnosis of invasion in papillary urothelial carcinoma.

Histological and immunohistochemical studies of the fungiform and the circumvallate papillae through the life stages from 6- to 72-week-old Sprague-Dawley male rats.

Taste sensitivity decreases with age. Therefore, we investigated the histological and immunohistochemical changes in the receptive fields circumvallate papilla (CvP) and fungiform papilla (FfP) to explore the mechanism underlying age-related changes in taste sensitivity in 6- to 72-week-old rats. We analyzed papilla size, the thickness of the keratin layer of the papilla and stratified squamous epithelium, taste bud size, the keratin layer around the taste pores in the CvP and FfP, and the number and distribution of taste buds in the CvP coronal section. We further assessed the expression of marker proteins for Type II and III cells, phospholipase C subtype beta 2 (PLCβ2), and synaptosomal-associated protein 25 (SNAP-25). The cellular activity of these taste cells was examined through co-localization with the senescence cell marker protein-30 (SMP30). There were no differences in the number of taste bud sections in the CvP among the age groups. However, the size of the CvP increased and the density of the taste bud area in the CvP area decreased with increasing age. In contrast, the number of cells with co-expression of SMP30, PLCβ2, and SNAP-25 decreased with age. Furthermore, the morphological structures of the CvP, FfP, and taste buds in these regions changed with age, but not the overall taste bud number in the CvP coronal section. The decrease in cell count with co-expression of SMP30 and PLCβ2, or SNAP-25 may indicate reduced cellular functions of taste cells with aging.

Differences in the morphological structure of the human tongue.

The tongue exhibits significant individual variability in terms of shape, color, and surface texture. Due to its location, it is easily accessible for medical examination, although often overlooked. This is due to the inadequate number of studies assessing the morphology of the tongue in the healthy population. Determining the range of normalcy allows for the definition of tongue pathology requiring further diagnostics. The aim of this study is to assess differences in the morphological structure of the tongue in healthy individuals based on existing literature. Morphological structure was evaluated in terms of volume, shape, color, coating, papillae, texture, and lingual tonsil. PubMed and ResearchGate databases were included for a thorough analysis of morphological differences in tongue structure. Tongue volume stabilizes by the end of the second decade of life and is closely correlated with BMI. Among the shapes of the tongue, forms such as circular, ellipsoidal, hammer-shaped, in the shape of the letter U, V, or W can be distinguished, and the multitude of these terms results from the lack of a uniform classification. There is agreement regarding tongue color, with various shades of pink and white being the most commonly observed, while the presence of another color may indicate disease. The density and size of individual papillae depend on the region of the tongue, age, and the presence of systemic disease. Geographic tongue, hairy black tongue, and fissured tongue are states of papillae pathology. Fissuring of the tongue increases with age, and fissured tongue is more common in men. Differences in the morphological structure of the tongue provide significant information about the health status of each individual. It is necessary to be aware of the physiological changes occurring within the tongue for proper diagnosis.

Activity and Safety of Cinchonine Nanostructured Lipid Carriers as a Hair Growth Stimulant in Mice Model of Androgenetic Alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia (AA) is a hair growth disorder characterized by hair loss and miniaturization of the size of follicles and dermal papillae. Cinchonine is a quinoline alkaloid that can increase VEGF production and potential as a hair growth stimulant. This study aimed to determine the morphology, penetration (in vitro), as well as safety and activity of cinchonine nanostructured lipid carriers (CN-NLC) serum as a hair growth stimulant. Preparation of CN-NLC serum using a combination of micro-emulsification and ultra-sonification methods, characterization of CN-NLC serum included morphology and closed hair follicle diffusion methods. Dermal and eye irritation test using New Zealand rabbit strain with primary irritation index parameters. Hair growth stimulant activity test using Swiss Webster mice strain, induced with the hormone testosterone. Observations were performed at 7, 14, and 21 days with hair length and histology parameters. CN-NLC serum morphology is a spherical shape with size ±500 nm, diffusion of serum CN-NLC (open hair follicles) of 23.92±0.84%; (close hair follicles) of 11.37±2.29%; and CN solution of 6.00±0.72%. CN-NLC serum are non-irritant with a primary irritation index of 0.0. Activity tests showed hair length on days 7; 14 and 21 were increased by 20.24-23.74%; 33.47-36.43%, and 39.30-39.97% (P≤0.05). Histological data showed an increase in the number and size of both dermal papillae and hair follicles compared to the control group. CN-NLC serum can improve the penetration of CN into hair follicles. CN-NLC serum is safe and effective as a hair growth stimulant in the treatment of AA.

Relative size of fungiform papillae in patients with neurofibromatosis Type 1

ObjectiveTo explore possible manifestations of neurofibromatosis on the tongue, especially, enlarged papillae fungiformes. According to the literature, enlarged fungiform papillae of the tongue are a very common oral finding in patients with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1). Materials and MethodsFirstly, photos of 18 NF1 patients’ tongues, taken at different times were compared to rule of possible fluctuating papillae size. Secondly, 60 photos of 60 patients with NF1 were age/sex matched, blinded and compared to 60 photos of 60 healthy patients. Three independent medical doctors rated the photos in regard of the fungiform papillae as smaller/same/larger at two different times. The inter- and intraindividual results were compared.Thirdly, fungiform papillae of 11 NF1 patients were quantitatively measured using the Denver protocol. ResultsThe fungiform papillae showed a stable size. The comparison of the healthy individuals to the NF1 patients suggests that the larger papillae are significantly more frequent in NF1 patients than in age- and gender-matched non-NF1 individuals. The agreement between two ratings of each of the 3 raters at different time points was two moderate and one substantial, the agreement among raters was only fair, since the Fleiss’ Kappa value of all 6 ratings was 0.38. ConclusionAlthough this study confirms that the evaluation of the size of the fungiform papillae by visual inspection only is very subjective, the fungiform papillae in NF1 patients do seem to be enlarged at a statistically significant level. Nonetheless the statistical difference is not distinctive enough to establish this as a diagnostic tool in diagnosing NF1. Clinical RelevanceFacilitating the diagnosis of NF1 is an important factor in finding the correct treatment for these patients. A clinical inspection of the tongue is a simple and non-invasive procedure. This paper addresses the question if an inspection of the tongue, especially the fungiform papillae is a reliable indicator for the diagnosis of NF1.

Anterior-segment optical coherence tomography for tacrolimus therapy response monitoring of vernal keratoconjunctivitis

Background: Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC), a chronic bilateral eye disease, is a severe form of allergic conjunctivitis. Anterior-segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) is a rapid, noninvasive, in vivo visualization modality for the anterior segment structures that has been used in diagnosing and staging diseases and assessing the treatment efficacy. We used anterior-segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) to monitor the efficacy of the tacrolimus eye ointment in managing VKC.&#x0D; Methods: In this prospective follow-up study, we included patients with active symptomatic VKC. All patients were treated with the 0.03% tacrolimus ophthalmic ointment twice daily for 2 months and then once daily for 1 month. All patients underwent AS-OCT before and 3 months after treatment as an objective method to assess the treatment efficacy.&#x0D; Results: We included 20 eyes of ten patients (nine men and one woman) with active symptomatic VKC. The mean age was 17.3 (range: 11 – 36) years, with nine patients having a palpebral type and one patient having a mixed type of VKC. Substantial flattening and reduction in the papilla size were observed in all patients at the post-treatment follow-up. AS-OCT measurements revealed significant reductions in the vertical, horizontal, and total diameters of the palpebral papillae and limbal conjunctival thickness after 3 months of treatment compared to baseline measurements (all P &lt; 0.001). No serious adverse effects attributable to tacrolimus administration were observed in the study period.&#x0D; Conclusions: AS-OCT is a suitable objective method for evaluating the treatment efficacy of the 0.03% tacrolimus eye ointment in patients with VKC. Future large-scale studies including a wide range of age groups with longer follow-up periods and AS-OCT monitoring at multiple post-treatment visits are required to confirm our preliminary results. Moreover, the diagnostic accuracy of AS-OCT in monitoring patients with active VKC should be tested in comparison with objective scoring by an experienced corneal fellowship.

Comparision of efficacy and safety of 0.03% and 0.1% tacrolimus ointment in children with vernal keratoconjunctivitis.

Topical immunosuppressants such as tacrolimus in different concentrations are a breakthrough in the management of recalcitrant vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC); however, there is a lacks of comparative studies to guide their use in VKC management. To compare the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus 0.03% and 0.1% eye ointment in the treatment of recalcitrant VKC. A retrospective comparative single-centre observational study. We reviewed records of a total of 48 recalcitrant VKC patients treated with two different strengths of tacrolimus ointment between April 2016 and March 2017. Of these, 39 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were categorized into two groups, A and B, depending on the use of strength of tacrolimus (0.03% and 0.1%) used, respectively. Group A had 18 patients, while group B had 21 patients. Thirty-six patients, 18 from each group, were finally analysed and compared. Records of patients were explored for the subjective symptoms and objective sign score of the patient at baseline and at each time point. The main outcome measures were composite scoring and comparison of total subjective symptom scores (TSSSs) and total objective sign scores (TOSSs) within and between the groups at each follow-up. Percentage of patient with significant reduction in symptom and sign scores as compared with baseline was considered success of treatment. Chi-square and t-tests were used for comparison of outcomes between both groups. Mixed variety was most commonly encountered type of VKC. The signs and symptoms were significantly reduced in patients with treatment in both groups (p = 0.001) in all types of VKC. However, in group B, there was significant improvement in the size of papillae (p = 0.04) as compared baseline in contrast to group A. Side effects like burning and stinging in group B were significantly higher as compared with group A. Both strengths of tacrolimus (0.03% and 0.1%) are effective in all forms of recalcitrant VKC. Papillary component of VKC responds better with higher strength (0.1%) but is associated with more significant side effects. Different strengths of tacrolimus can be used strategically depending upon the severity and clinical type of VKC to intensify outcome and minimize side effects.

Structural and Ultrastructural Characteristics of the Spix's Yellow-Toothed Cavy (Galea spixii, Wagler, 1831) Tongue.

The tongue is a fundamental organ in feeding, vocalization, and grooming. It is characterized by evolutionary adaptations reflected by diet, habitat, and function. Rodents are a very diverse mammalian order and the tongue's morphology varies in size, form, and presence of papillae. This work aimed to describe the morphological and ultrastructural aspects of the tongue of Spix's yellow-toothed cavy (Galea spixii, Wagler, 1831). Tongues of Spix's yellow-toothed cavies were analyzed with light microscopy, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that the tongue was divided into apex, body, and root. There were different types of papillae, such as vallate, foliate, laterally placed fungiform, fungiform, filiform, and robust filiform. The epithelium was organized into layers, including keratinized, granulous, spinous, and basal, below were lamina propria, and musculature, which evolved mucous and serous gland clusters. The tongue of Spix's yellow-toothed cavy was structurally and ultrastructurally similar to other rodents and had papillae with similar morphologies to other Caviidae species. However, the presence of robust filiform papillary lines and laterally placed fungiform papillae showed the main differences from other species. This was the first description of the tongue of Spix's yellow-toothed cavy.

Morphology of lingual papillae in the Javan mongoose (Herpestes javanicus) by scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy.

There are variations in the tongue papillae among species, including the size, number and type of papillae. There have been no studies describing the detailed tongue morphology of Javan mongoose (Herpestes javanicus). Therefore, we analysed the tongue and lingual structures of Javan mongoose (H.javanicus), using scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy. The tongue was covered by papillae and rough in appearance. We divided the tongue into three regions: the apex, corpus and radix of the tongue. The medioventral section of the tongue was characterized by the presence of a frenulum. We identified four types of papillae: filiform, fungiform, conical and vallate papillae. There were two subtypes of filiform papillae: leaf-like and conical. Both were seen on the apex, although leaf-like filiform papillae also extended to the corpus. Fungiform papillae had taste buds on their dorsal surfaces and were observed from the apex to the radix. Vallate papillae, three in numbers only occurred on the radix. Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining showed minor lingual glands on the textus muscularis striatus syncytialis of the corpus and lateral radix, which we identified as Weber glands; we also observed von Ebner glands on this layer of the tongue. These anatomical features of the Javan mongoose tongue are broadly similar to those seen in other carnivores, with some specific differences, such as the number of vallate papillae.

Long-Term Consumption of a Sugar-Sweetened Soft Drink in Combination with a Western-Type Diet Is Associated with Morphological and Molecular Changes of Taste Markers Independent of Body Weight Development in Mice.

We investigated whether the long-term intake of a typical sugar-sweetened soft drink (sugar-sweetened beverage, SSB) alters markers for taste function when combined with a standard diet (chow) or a model chow mimicking a Western diet (WD). Adult male CD1 mice had ad libitum access to tap water or SSB in combination with either the chow or the WD for 24 weeks. Energy intake from fluid and food was monitored three times a week. Cardiometabolic markers (body weight and composition, waist circumference, glucose and lipid profile, and blood pressure) were analyzed at the end of the intervention, as was the number and size of the fungiform papillae as well as mRNA levels of genes associated with the different cell types of taste buds and taste receptors in the circumvallate papillae using a cDNA microarray and qPCR. Although the overall energy intake was higher in the WD groups, there was no difference in body weight or other cardiometabolic markers between the SSB and water groups. The chemosensory surface from the fungiform papillae was reduced by 36 ± 19% (p < 0.05) in the WD group after SSB compared to water intake. In conclusion, the consumption of the SSB reduced the chemosensory surface of the fungiform papillae of CD1 mice when applied in combination with a WD independent of body weight. The data suggest synergistic effects of a high sugar-high fat diet on taste dysfunction, which could further influence food intake and promote a vicious cycle of overeating and taste dysfunction.

Alterations in the von Ebner's gland secretion and implications for taste sensation in diabetic (db/db) mice.

The taste buds and associated glands, known as von Ebner's glands (VEGs), are involved in and augment gustatory function. The obese diabetic db/db mouse, which has defects in the leptin receptor, displays enhanced neural responses to, and an elevated behavioral preference for, sweet stimuli. However, the effect of diabetes on the morphology of circumvallate papilla (CVP) taste buds and the role of VEGs have not been investigated. The present study aimed to compare the CVP taste buds and VEGs in wildtype (Wt) and type 2 diabetic (db/db) mice. These mice were divided into control and isoproterenol-treated (at 1 h, 2 h, and 4 h after one day of fasting) groups, and were sacrificed for morphometric, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural analyses. Morphometry revealed no significant difference in papilla size and the number of taste buds in the control and diabetic groups. Detection of PGP 9.5-immunoreactivity revealed nerve fibers in the trench wall of vallate papillae, but no significant differences were detected between groups. α-Amylase immunoreactivity levels in Wt and db/db mice were also similar. However, 1 h after isoproterenol injection, the majority of the VEG secretion of db/db mice was discharged, while the level of α-amylase was restored by 2 h after injection. The effect on α-amylase was in line with the quantitative ultrastructural analysis of the secretory granules. Our findings suggest diabetic metabolic disturbances in db/db mice do not alter the structure or innervation of CVP taste buds. However, the VEG secretory pattern was altered in db/db mice and might disrupt taste sensation.

The Tongue in Three Species of Lemurs: Flower and Nectar Feeding Adaptations.

Simple SummaryComparative studies of primate gustatory anatomy are sparse and incomplete. Here, we compare both the macro and micro anatomy of the tongue in three lemurid species. We included two non-destructive nectar-feeders, Varecia variegata and Eulemur macaco, and one destructive flower feeder, Lemur catta. To study the tongue’s structure, we used direct observation together with different microscopy techniques, ranging from optical microscopy to electronic microscopy. We found differences in the size, shape, and distribution of the tongue’s papillae. Most notably, there are large distinct papillae present at the tip of the tongue in nectar-feeding species. In addition, histological images of the ventro-apical portion of the tongue show that tongue houses an encapsulated structure in all species studied. The non-destructive flower-feeding species share similar tongue and sublingua anatomy, suggesting that the observed features may be adaptive for flower feeding. These features were not observed in the destructive flower feeder, Lemur catta.The mobility of the primate tongue allows for the manipulation of food, but, in addition, houses both general sensory afferents and special sensory end organs. Taste buds can be found across the tongue, but the ones found within the fungiform papillae on the anterior two thirds of the tongue are the first gustatory structures to come into contact with food, and are critical in making food ingestion decisions. Comparative studies of both the macro and micro anatomy in primates are sparse and incomplete, yet there is evidence that gustatory adaptation exists in several primate taxa. One is the distally feathered tongues observed in non-destructive nectar feeders, such as Eulemur rubriventer. We compare both the macro and micro anatomy of three lemurid species who died of natural causes in captivity. We included the following two non-destructive nectar feeders: Varecia variegata and Eulemur macaco, and the following destructive flower feeder: Lemur catta. Strepsirrhines and tarsiers are unique among primates, because they possess a sublingua, which is an anatomical structure that is located below the tongue. We include a microanatomical description of both the tongue and sublingua, which were accomplished using hematoxylin–eosin and Masson trichrome stains, and scanning electron microscopy. We found differences in the size, shape, and distribution of fungiform papillae, and differences in the morphology of conical papillae surrounding the circumvallate ones in all three species. Most notably, large distinct papillae were present at the tip of the tongue in nectar-feeding species. In addition, histological images of the ventro-apical portion of the tongue displayed that it houses an encapsulated structure, but only in Lemur catta case such structure presents cartilage inside. The presence of an encapsulated structure, coupled with the shared morphological traits associated with the sublingua and the tongue tip in Varecia variegata and Eulemur macaco, point to possible feeding adaptations that facilitate non-destructive flower feeding in these two lemurids.

Effects of dose-dependent response to gamma radiation on circumvallate papilla by expression of caspase-3 in vivo

BackgroundRadiotherapy is one of the most significant treatment modality of head and neck cancers. However, it has various hazards on the normal tissues in the radiation field. One of these affected tissues is the lingual mucosa with their papillae such as circumvallate papilla. The effects of radiation on the lingual specialized mucosa may be represented by radiation-induced mucositis and taste alteration including partial or complete loss of taste. ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to evaluate the dose-dependent response of circumvallate papillae to gamma radiation by immunohistochemical expression of caspase-3. Material and methodsTwenty-four adult male albino rats were divided into 3 equal groups irradiated at 2.0, 4.0 and 6.0 Gy whole-body gamma radiation doses. Six non-irradiated rats were used as the control group. The radiation effects on circumvallate papillae were evaluated three days after irradiation via histomorphometric investigation of the papillary size and taste buds’ distortion in addition to an immunohistochemical assessment of the apoptotic activity using Caspase-3 marker. ResultsDose-related changes were observed in the circumvallate papillae size and morphology and taste buds affection. The changes were obviously detected in rats irradiated at 4 Gy and 6 Gy doses. The detection of caspase-3 marker was evident in a dose-dependent manner in all the irradiated groups, more noticeably in the taste bud cells. ConclusionsIt could be concluded that circumvallate papillae are adversely affected in a dose-dependent manner by gamma radiation particularly in 4 Gy and 6 Gy doses.

Patogen Penyakit Busuk Buah Kakao: Karakter dan Patogenisitas Phytophthora palmivora Isolat Asal Pakuwon, Sukabumi

Phytophthora palmivora (Butl.)&lt;em&gt; is a major obstacle in cocoa cultivation worldwide. The study aimed to determine the morphological character and pathogenicity of P. palmivora Pakuwon isolate. The study was carried out from November 2020 to January 2021, which consisted of 3 activities e.g. (1) pathogen isolation, tests on growth rate and colony formation, and stimulation of sporangia, zoospore, and clamydospore formation, which was performed in CMA, PDA, and mung bean media. The parameters observed were colony shape, growth rate, shape and size of sporangia, papillae, and sporangiophores, also chlamydospore and hyphal diameters; (2) To determine the possibility of different mating types, two isolates were grown on CMA medium in one petri dish; (3) The pathogenicity test, using a detached fruit assay by inoculating the cocoa pods with mycelium plug and zoospores. The patogenicity test was conducted in a completely randomized design with 4 replications, and the parameter observed was the area of &lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;the spot. The isolation obtained 3 isolates, the mycelium of all three isolates showed white in color, cottony, and no pattern in shape. The diameters of hyphae and chlamydospores were 5.6 - 6.3 mm and 39.0 - 43.2 mm, respectively. The sporangia were ovoid, ellipsoid, subsperic, obpyriform, and irregular. Sporangia measured 5.6 - 60.1 mm in length and 30.4 - 32.9 mm in width. Papillae were obviously visible with an average length of 6.8 mm. Test on mating types showed no oospores formed. PPkw1 isolates showed higher growth rates and more pathogenic than PPkw2 and PPkw3. The difference of pathogenicity of each &lt;/em&gt;P. palmivora&lt;em&gt; isolates originated from Pakuwon can be used for selection of cocoa resistance in the future.&lt;/em&gt;

Drosophila melanogaster Response to Feeding with Neomycin-Based Medium Expressed in Fluctuating Asymmetry.

The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster is a model species used for a wide range of studies. Contamination of Drosophila cultures with bacterial infection is common and is readily eradicated by antibiotics. Neomycin antibiotics can cause stress to D. melanogaster’s larvae and imagoes, which may affect the interpretation of the results of research using culture from neomycin-based medium. In the present study, fluctuating asymmetry (FA), one of the important bioindicators of stress, was measured. Larvae and imagoes of a wild-type D. melanogaster strain were exposed to various concentrations of neomycin. The size of anal papillae and selected wing veins were measured using scanning electron and light microscopy, respectively. Next, the FA was checked. The values obtained for larval anal papillae appeared to be concentration-dependant; the FA indices increased with the concentration of neomycin. The wing FA presented a large but variable correlation, depending on the measured vein. However, the mean length of veins was the highest for the control group, with neomycin-exposed groups showing lower values. The research showed that neomycin may cause sublethal stress in D. melanogaster, which manifests in increased FA indices. This suggests that neomycin can cause physiological and developmental stress in insects, which should be taken into account when interpreting the results of studies using these model organisms.

Predicting cannulation difficulty in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography using CT image findings: a decision-tree analysis.

Difficult cannulation during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is associated with increased complications; therefore, its prediction is important. To identify radiologic risk factors of difficult cannulation during ERCP based on computed tomography (CT) findings and to develop a predictive model for a difficult cannulation. A total of 171 patients with native papilla who underwent both enhanced CT and ERCP were recruited. Two radiologists independently measured the distal common bile duct (CBD) diameter and choledochoduodenal (CD) angle and analyzed CT images for presence of CBD stone and papilla bulging, size and type of periampullary diverticulum (PAD), and duodenal segment in which major papilla was located. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and decision-tree analysis were performed to identify risk factors for difficult cannulation. Thirty-nine patients underwent a difficult cannulation. The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a smaller CBD diameter, presence of papilla bulging, location of the major papilla other than the descending duodenum, a smaller CD angle, and a higher worrisome PAD score were statistically relevant factors for difficult cannulation (P < 0.049). In the decision-tree analysis, a higher worrisome PAD score was the strongest predictor of difficult cannulation, followed by the presence of papilla bulging, smaller CD angle, and a smaller CBD diameter. The predictive model had an 82.5% overall predictive accuracy. The CT findings-based decision-tree analysis model showed a high accuracy in predicting cannulation difficulty and may be helpful for making pre-ERCP strategy.

Unrecognized diversity of Trocheta species (Hirudinea: Erpobdellidae): resolving a century-old taxonomic problem in Crimean leeches

Erpobdellid leeches of the genus Trocheta are among the biggest and most charismatic members of their class. The studies of the group have a long and complicated history due to the lack of reliable distinguishing features, which impedes the taxonomy of the genus. A number of Trocheta species have been misclassified for years if not centuries. Our present research demonstrates that the genus Trocheta is characterized by high cryptic diversity since some populations that have been viewed as the same species should be, in fact, assigned to different species. Trocheta leeches from the Dniester basin and the Crimean Peninsula have been both confused with each other and erroneously assigned to species that do not occur in southern Ukraine. Here, a new species from the Crimean Peninsula, Trocheta blanchardi sp. nov., is described based on a phylogenetic analysis of cox1 gene sequences and a reassessment of morphological characters such as colouration, annulation, size and arrangement of papillae, and genital anatomy. The analysis suggests close relationships of T. blanchardi sp. nov. to Anatolian species. Given its fragile habitats and restricted range, the species needs serious protection and further surveys. Obviously, more species await description as is evident from the significant genetic differences between leech populations.http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:8610460D-862B-4F28-8520-5C8D11AEB015

Should we use papilla morphology to estimate the size of the terminal common bile duct during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography?

A small common bile duct (CBD) diameter has been associated with complications and with a difficult biliary cannulation. Previous studies suggested that this diameter can be predicted during the endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) simply by observing the papillary morphology. Despite this published suggestion there is no study addressing this topic. This study evaluated a possible association between the morphology of the major papilla and the diameter of the terminal CBD (t-CBD). Observational cross-sectional study including consecutive patients with naïve papillae was referred for ERCP in two affiliated university hospitals. The transverse (p-transv) and longitudinal measures (p-long) of the papilla were obtained using a visual method. Papillae were classified into nonprominent, prominent, bulging or other. The t-CBD was measured 1 cm from the papilla using fluoroscopic images in prone/supine. Measurements were performed by two senior endoscopists and outcomes were evaluated using correlation and linear regression model. We included 245 patients with a median age of 76 years. The median p-transv for each type of papillae was as follows: nonprominent = 6 mm, prominent = 9 mm, bulging = 15 mm and other = 6 mm; P < 0.001. The median t-CBD for nonprominent = 7.62 mm, prominent = 8.34 mm, bulging = 8.60 mm and other = 8.52 mm; P = 0.40. The correlation between the transverse and longitudinal measures of papilla and the t-CBD were 0.0092 and 0.0614, respectively. In the regression model, the t-CBD diameter was not explained by papilla's size or morphology (R = 1.70%; P = 0.80). The morphology of the papilla must not be used as a predictor of the diameter of the CBD as there is no correlation between these two items.

Effect of herbal supplementation on growth, immunity, rumen histology, serum antioxidants and meat quality of sheep

There is a wide range of feed additives deliberately designed to be used in sheep diets that can improve production performance. Whereas herbal supplementation is gaining popularity not only for improving sheep productivity and mutton quality but also for safe application without any harmful residual effects. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) and/or garlic leaf (Allium sativum) dietary supplementation on growth performance, immunity, rumen histology, serum antioxidants and meat quality of sheep. The experiment consisted of a completely randomized design with 32 one-year-old sheep (initial mean live weight 9 ± 0.2 kg) allocated to four groups (8 sheep per group). Rice straw and concentrates-based total mixed ration pellets (2390 kcal/kg DM, CP = 15.1%) were offered as a control diet (CL diet). Herbal treatment diets included (i) CL diet + 10 g DM of plantain herb (PL diet), (ii) CL diet + 10 g DM of garlic leaf (GL diet) and (iii) CL diet + 5 g DM of PL and 5 g DM of GL (PG diet). Compared with the CL diet group, the live weight gain and feed conversion ratio were 18% to 26% and 13% to 20% higher in herbal-supplemented groups, respectively. Moreover, the herbal-supplemented groups, especially the PL diet group had higher serum immunoglobulin concentration, antioxidant capacity and rumen papillae size compared to the control. Besides, the lowest caul fat and pelvic fat levels were observed in the PL diet group followed by PG, GL and CL diet groups. In addition, lower mutton ether extract and saturated fatty acid along with higher polyunsaturated fatty acid levels were found in all herbal-supplemented groups. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with PL and/or GL might be used as an alternative in sheep to promote growth, health status and lean mutton production.