Terminal Dilatations Research Articles

The application and progress of optical coherence topography angiography in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is a novel, non-invasive imaging technology, which could acquire volumetric angiographic information. Numerous studies have reported the potential clinical use of OCTA in a variety of common retinal disorders. Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) is characterized by the formation of branching choroidal vascular networks (BVN) with terminal dilatations (polyps). Indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) remains the golden diagnostic standard for PCV. The clinical application of OCTA in PCV is also widely investigated recent years. But the results are controversially interpreted. In addition to various diagnostic accuracy of PCV from different studies, the clinical application of OCTA in PCV is limited. With the constant innovation of fundus imaging techniques, OCTA is reaching greater investigation depth and become more accurate at picking up blood flow signals, which also improves the diagnostic accuracy of PCV. In this paper, we reviewed the clinical application and research progress of OCTA in PCV, in order to provide some assistant for clinical practice and correct interpretation of the reports. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2020, 56:950-955).

The recognition of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy based on the pachychoroid spectrum disease

The fundus appearance of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) often demonstrates orange-red nodular lesions. ICGA reveals terminal dilation of the polyps with or without branching vascular networks. Currently, pachychoroid spectrum disease is a series of conditions included choroidal vasodilatation and increased permeability due to choroidal ischemia, choroidal thickening, retinal pigment epitheliopathy, and secondary pigment epithelial detachment, choroidal neovascularization and polyps included uncomplicated pachychoroid, pachychoroid pigment epitheliopathy, pachychoroid neovascularization, central serous chorioretinopathy, and PCV. These entities have the similar characteristics and prognosis, suggesting that they have the similar pathology. The recognition of PCV based on the pachychoroid spectrum disease can provide new ideas for the prevention and intervention of PCV. Key words: Choroid diseases; Central serous chorioretinopathy; Choroidal neovascularization; Review

A new species of Andinia (Orchidaceae, Pleurothallidinae) from Huánuco, Peru, and the first Peruvian locality for Andinia schizopogon

A new species of Andinia in subgenus Andinia from Tingo María National Park is described, illustrated and compared to the most similar species pair. Andinia tingomariana is distinguished by unguiculate, reniform, ciliate petals, a longer column without the terminal dilation and a trilobed, ciliate lip in which the narrow, semi-auriculate lateral lobes project upward around the column, adnate in the middle, creating a furrowed surface. The floral morphology of the new species is compared to that of the phylogenetically unrelated Salpistele group of Stelis and possible convergent evolution of pollination syndromes is discussed. Finally, the first confirmed locality of A. schizopogon is reported and a preliminary list of Andinia species in Peru is provided.

MP75-20 LONG-TERM OUTCOMES OF LAPAROSCOPIC REPAIR OF VESICOUTERINE FISTULA: EXPERIENCE FROM A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE OF NORTHERN INDIA

You have accessJournal of UrologyUrodynamics/Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction/Female Pelvic Medicine: Female Incontinence: Therapy III1 Apr 2018MP75-20 LONG-TERM OUTCOMES OF LAPAROSCOPIC REPAIR OF VESICOUTERINE FISTULA: EXPERIENCE FROM A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE OF NORTHERN INDIA Vishwajeet Singh, Sunny goel, Seema Mehrotra, and Rahul Janak Sinha Vishwajeet SinghVishwajeet Singh More articles by this author , Sunny goelSunny goel More articles by this author , Seema MehrotraSeema Mehrotra More articles by this author , and Rahul Janak SinhaRahul Janak Sinha More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2018.02.2112AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Vesicouterine fistula (VUF) is a rare cause of female genito-urinary fistula. It comprises 1-4% of all urogenital fistulas. Most of these fistulas occur due to lower segment caesarean section (LSCS). The incidence of VUF is increasing because of increasing prevalence of caesarean section. Traditionally, open surgical repair has been the treatment of choice. However, laparoscopic repair of VUF is a minimally invasive technique and few case reports have been published with short term follow up. In the current study, we are presenting our long- term outcomes of laparoscopic repair of VUF METHODS A retrospective analysis of patients was performed who underwent laparoscopic repair of VUF between 2010 and 2017 after approval of Institutional Review Committee. Nine patients had history of LSCS of whom 3 had history of prolonged obstructed labour and 1 patient had history of dilatation and curettage for medical termination of pregnancy. Radiological imaging included ultrasound of kidney, ureter and bladder for all patients and hysterosalpingography (HSG) in 4 patients and contrast enhanced computed tomography scan in all patients. RESULTS The most common presentation was cyclical menstrual bleeding through urine (menouria) in 9 of 10 patients, associated amenorrhea in 7 and vaginal leakage of urine in 3 cases. Median age of the patient was 28.3 years (range, 22-37), and median postoperative follow up was 2.3 years (range, 1 -4). All patients underwent transperitoneal laparoscopic repair of VUF with successful outcomes (Table-1). The mean operating time was 158.7±16.9 min (range, 135-186 min) with a median blood loss of 100 mL (range, 50-210 mL). All patients were advised not to become pregnant for 1 year following laparoscopic repair. Three patients conceived in follow-up and all delivered normal baby by LSCS CONCLUSIONS Laparoscopic repair of VUF is a safe and effective minimally invasive technique with successful pregnancy in long- term follow up. © 2018FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 199Issue 4SApril 2018Page: e1017 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2018MetricsAuthor Information Vishwajeet Singh More articles by this author Sunny goel More articles by this author Seema Mehrotra More articles by this author Rahul Janak Sinha More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Blood Loss During Voluntary Termination of Pregnancy: A Comparison of Anesthetics [12D

INTRODUCTION: Over one million pregnancies each year will end in termination of pregnancy. There has not been a study in the United States to indicate a clear association between intraoperative blood loss and choice of anesthetics. The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a difference in intraoperative bleeding with inhalational versus non-inhalational anesthesia agents for patients undergoing suction dilatation and curettage for first trimester voluntary termination of pregnancy. METHODS: This is an institutional review board approved retrospective chart review of the electronic medical records of patients undergoing voluntary termination of pregnancy between 5 0/7 and 14 0/7 weeks of pregnancy from 2012 and 2014 at the Metropolitan Hospital Center. Comparison of blood loss and anesthetic technique was done using the Mann-Whitney U Test. Blood loss was estimated by the operating gynecology physician. RESULTS: The mean intraoperative blood loss for inhalational anesthetics is significantly higher than with non-inhalational agents (p=0.007). Age, body mass index (BMI), gestational age at voluntary termination of pregnancy, or number of methylergonovine doses was not statistically significant between the groups. CONCLUSION: The difference in blood loss between the two types of anesthetic techniques may not be clinically significant in a healthy reproductive-age woman. These findings may be important for patients with significant anemia or at an increased risk of bleeding, such as those with coagulopathies. Limitations of this study include its retrospective nature, as well as the method of blood loss measurement.

Viral Membrane Fusion at Single Pore Resolution

Fusion between membrane-enveloped viruses and their hosts is a critical step in infection, enabling the virus to release its genome and subsequently hijack the host cell's replication machinery. The genomes of enveloped viruses are packaged into multiple bulky ribonucleoprotein (RNP) particles whose release requires the dilation of the fusion pore - the initial, narrow, connection between fusing membranes. Electrophysiological studies of influenza A hemagglutinin (HA)-mediated fusion between HA-expressing fibroblasts and red blood cells and between HA-fibroblasts and voltage-clamped suspended bilayers comprise the most complete information to date about the dynamics of viral fusion pores. Small pores (∼2-5nm) were found to flicker repetitively and/or fluctuate in size prior to terminal dilation. A quantitative understanding of the biophysical driving forces of viral membrane fusion, including membrane contact area, membrane tension and protein fusogen cooperativity, however, remains elusive, and a number of questions - regarding the physical basis of pore flickering and the number of HA trimers required for successful pore dilation - remain open. Here we describe a novel electrophysiological approach, which has been successfully applied to study SNARE-mediated fusion pores, to probe the HA-mediated fusion pore. We voltage-clamped HA-expressing fibroblasts in the cell-attached configuration and included nanodiscs (NDs) in the patch pipette as fusion partners to probe fusion pore nucleation and evolution at single pore resolution. NDs are flat, bilayer discs whose composition and size can be varied. Current through voltage-clamped fusion pores reports pore size with sub-millisecond time resolution. Preliminary data shows that isolated fusion pores flicker, are long-lived (∼10s) and are of diameter ∼1.5nm.

Ileo-uterine fistula after dilatation and curettage: Case report

Ileo-uterine fistula is a very rare occurrence. In this case we presented a case of ileo-uterine fistula , which developed after dilatation and curettage for termination of pregnancy.The case was managed surgically.

Ecological, morphological, and molecular studies of Acanthocheilonema odendhali (Nematoda: Filarioidea) in northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) on St. Paul Island, Alaska

Studies of northern fur seal (Callorhinus ursinus Linnaeus, 1758) infection by the filariid nematode Acanthocheilonema odendhali were carried out in 2011-2012 on St. Paul Island, Pribilof Archipelago, Alaska. Skins of 502 humanely harvested northern fur seals from haul-out areas of five rookeries, Polovina (n = 122), Morjovi (n = 54), Zapadni (n = 72), Lukanin (n = 109), and Gorbatch (n = 145), were examined. A. odendhali was found in 18% of northern fur seals. The prevalence of infection ranged from 12.5% up to 22.9% on different haul-out areas on the island. The mean intensity of infection was 1.3 (range 1-7). Detailed morphological examination of collected specimens was performed using light microscopy. Several characters were added to the morphological description of the species, among them lateral thickening of the body cuticle, especially prominent in males, variations in number and position of genital papillae in males, transverse striation of the cuticle, and terminal dilation on tail end in microfilariae. The adult specimens studied had a shorter esophagus than type specimens from the California sea lion described by Perry (1967). Comparison of partial sequences of the mitochondrial cox1 gene from specimens collected from five sampling sites on St. Paul Island and a specimen from the type host and territory in California showed no significant differences and strongly supported conspecificity of the material from Alaska with A. odendhali.

Uterine Perforation with Omental Prolapse in a Case of Unsafe Abortion

We report a rare case of prolapsed omentum presenting as mass per vagina in a 24 year old unmarried female following dilatation and curettage for termination of pregnancy by unqualified physician. Patient presented to Obstetrics and gynaecology (OBG) outpatient with bleeding per vagina since 15 days. Per speculum examination showed a greyish yellow mass protruding through cervical os into the vagina. Ultrasonography showed defect in the fundus of uterus. Past history revealed, she had undergone medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) outside at 5th month of gestation by nonallopathic doctor. Emergency laparotomy was done. Histopathologic examination of mass showed omental fat arranged in lobules with mixed inflammatory cell infiltrate. Uterine perforation is a well known complication of induced abortion. Although most uterine perforations at the time of curettage during abortion go unrecognized, serious complications do occur. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v2i3.4264 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 2 (2011) 145-147

Use of cervical dilators is not necessary during curettage after combined oral and vaginal administration of misoprostol from five to ten weeks of pregnancy

Abstract Aim. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of oral and vaginal misoprostol administered for cervical priming in nullipar women before first-trimester surgical abortion. Methods. Medical records of 84 nulliparous women, aged 18-42 years, who admitted for pregnancy termination request were reviewed retrospectively. The pregnancies were between 5 and 10 weeks of gestation. 100 µg misoprostol was administered by oral and vaginal route in 84 patients. The doses repeated 4 hours later. Exclusion criteria were systemic disease, a history of cervical operations, bleeding or spotting during the current pregnancy and basal cervical dilation greater than 4mm. Results. Targeted cervical dilatation for pregnancy termination was determined according to gestational age of every patient (for gestations at 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 weeks, required cervical dilatations from 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 mm, respectively). A significant correlation was found between gestational ages and achieved cervical dilatation after misoprostol use. Conclusions. Suggested administration of misoprostol provides adequate cervical dilatation. Use of cervical dilators is not necessary during curettage after administration 100 µg misoprostol oral and vaginal two times four hours apart from five to ten weeks of pregnancy. Key words: Misoprostol; first trimester abortion; cervical priming Ozet Amac. Bu calismanin amaci birinci trimester cerrahi abortus oncesi nullipar kadinlara servikal olgunlasma icin uygulanan oral ve vajinal misoprostolun etkinliginin belirlenmesidir. Yontem. Gebelik sonlandirmasi istemiyle basvuran, 18-42 yas arasi toplam 84 nullipar kadinin medikal kayitlari geriye donuk olarak degerlendirilmistir. Gebelikler 5-10. gebelik hafalari arasinda idi. 84 hastaya oral ve vajinal yolla 100 µg misoprostol uygulanmistir. Dozlar 4 saat sonra tekrarlanmistir. Dislama kriterleri sistemik hastalik, servikal operasyon hikayesi, mevcut gebelik suresince kanama veya lekelenme ve bazal servikal dilatasyon duzeyinin 4 mm’den fazla olmasiydi. Bulgular. Her hastada gebelik terminasyonu icin hedeflenen servikal dilatasyon gestasyonel yasa gore belirlenmistir (5, 6, 7, 8, 9 ve 10 haftalik gebelikler icin gerekli gorulen servikal dilatasyon sirasiyla 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 ve 10 mm). Sonuclar. Misoprostolun onerilen uygulama sekli yeterli servikal dilatasyon saglar. Bes ile on hafta arasindaki gebeliklerde dort saat ara ile iki kez oral ve vajinal 100 µg misoprostol uygulamasindan sonra kuretaj esnasinda servikal bujiye gerek kalmamaktadir. Anahtar sozcukler: Misoprostol, ilk trimester abortus, servikal olgunlasma

Rheological and Physiological Consequences of Conversion of the Maternal Spiral Arteries for Uteroplacental Blood Flow during Human Pregnancy

Physiological conversion of the maternal spiral arteries is key to a successful human pregnancy. It involves loss of smooth muscle and the elastic lamina from the vessel wall as far as the inner third of the myometrium, and is associated with a 5–10-fold dilation at the vessel mouth. Failure of conversion accompanies common complications of pregnancy, such as early-onset preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. Here, we model the effects of terminal dilation on inflow of blood into the placental intervillous space at term, using dimensions in the literature derived from three-dimensional reconstructions. We observe that dilation slows the rate of flow from 2 to 3m/s in the non-dilated part of an artery of 0.4–0.5mm diameter to approximately 10cm/s at the 2.5mm diameter mouth, depending on the exact radius and viscosity. This rate predicts a transit time through the intervillous space of approximately 25s, which matches observed times closely. The model shows that in the absence of conversion blood will enter the intervillous space as a turbulent jet at rates of 1–2m/s. We speculate that the high momentum will damage villous architecture, rupturing anchoring villi and creating echogenic cystic lesions as evidenced by ultrasound. The retention of smooth muscle will also increase the risk of spontaneous vasoconstriction and ischaemia–reperfusion injury, generating oxidative stress. Dilation has a surprisingly modest impact on total blood flow, and so we suggest the placental pathology associated with deficient conversion is dominated by rheological consequences rather than chronic hypoxia.

Spatial distribution of Reissner's fiber glycoproteins in the filum terminale of the rat and rabbit.

The subcommissural organ secretes into the third ventricle glycoproteins that condense to form the Reissner's fiber (RF). At the distal end of the central canal of the spinal cord, the RF-glycoproteins accumulate in the form of an irregular mass known as massa caudalis. Antibodies against RF-glycoproteins and a set of lectins were used at the light and electron microscopic level to investigate the spatial distribution of the massa caudalis material in the rat and rabbit filum terminale. In the sacral region of the rat, the central canal presents gaps between the ependymal cells through which RF-glycoproteins spread out. The bulk of massa caudalis material, however, escapes through openings in the dorsal wall of the terminal ventricle. In the rabbit, the massa caudalis is formed within the ependymal canal, at the level of the second coccygeal vertebra, it accumulates within preterminal and terminal dilatations of the central canal, and it escapes out through gaps in the dorsal ependymal wall of the terminal ventricle. The existence of wide intercellular spaces and a large orifice (neuroporous) in the dorsal ependymal wall of the terminal ventricle, and the passage of RF-material through them, appear to be conserved evolutionary features. After leaving the terminal ventricle of the rat and rabbit, RF-glycoproteins establish a close spatial association with the numerous blood vessels irrigating the filum terminale, suggesting that in these species the blood vessels are the site of destination of the RF-glycoproteins escaping from the central canal, thus resembling the situation found in lower vertebrates. When passing from the RF stage to the massa caudalis stage, the rabbit RF-glycoproteins lose their sialic acid residues, exposing galactose as the terminal residue. Since this sialic acid-galactose modification of RF-glycoproteins had also been described in lamprey larvae, it may be regarded as a conserved evolutionary feature associated with the formation of the massa caudalis.

Femoral chordotonal organ in the legs of an insect,Chrysoperla carnea(Neuroptera)

The femoral chordotonal organ (FCO) inChrysoperla carneais situated in the distal part of the femur and consists of two scoloparia, which are fused at their distal end. The distal scoloparium contains 17–20 scolopidia, and the proximal one six scolopidia. Each scolopidium consists of two sensory cells and three types of enveloping cells (glial, scolopale and attachment cell). The sensory cells of different scolopidia do not lie at the same level in the FCO. Therefore the attachment cells of different scolopidia have different lengths. In the FCO, three types of ciliary roots are found in different sensory cells. The dendrite of the sensory cell terminates in a distal process, which has the structure of a modified cilium (9×2+0). The very distal part of the cilium is surrounded by an extracellular electron dense material, the cap, and ends in a terminal dilation. The scolopale cell contains the electron dense scolopale rods, consisting of plentiful microtubules. In their middle third the scolopale rods are fused and form the scolopale. In the FCO septate junctions, desmosomes and hemidesmosomes are found.

Immunocytochemical localization of L-?-hydroxyacid oxidase in dense bar of dumb-bell-shaped peroxisomes of monkey kidney

Localization of the B of L-alpha hydroxyacid oxidase (HOX-B) in monkey kidney peroxisomes was investigated by immunoelectron microscopic techniques. Kidneys of Japanese monkeys, Macaca fuscata, were fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde + 0.25% glutaraldehyde and embedded in LR White resin. Thin sections were stained for HOX-B and catalase by the immunogold technique. HOX-B was localized in the marginal plates of normal peroxisomes and the dense bar of dumb-bell-shaped peroxisomes. Catalase was detected in the matrix of normal peroxisomes and in the terminal dilatations of dumb-bell-shaped peroxisomes. There were no gold particles indicating presence of catalase associated with the marginal plates or with the dense bars. Immunoblot analysis of monkey kidney homogenate showed that HOX-B has a molecular mass of 42 kDa that was slightly larger than that of rat kidney HOX-B (39 kDa). The results show that the dense bar of dumb-bell-shaped peroxisomes in monkey kidney is composed of at least HOX-B and is a variation of the marginal plates.

Alterations in vascular pattern of the developing palate in normal and spontaneous cleft palate mouse embryos.

The alterations in the vascularization of the developing palate were studied through the use of resin cast images of vascular networks in normal and spontaneous cleft lip and palate (CL/Fr) mouse embryos (crown rump [CR] Length 9-18 mm, body wt. 0.11-0.65 g). A more dense vascular plexus was observed in the oral side than in the nasal side before the reorientation of the palatal shelves. Prominent terminal dilatations of the vascular plexus were observed in the extreme medial edge of the elevating palatal shelves which may exert significant force for palatal shelf elevation. The vascular plexus showed a lateral extension. Many small spherical masses of resin were observed in the medial edge of the palatal shelves at the time of medial extension and during fusion, indicating some changes occurring in the capillary wall leading to the resin leakage. In the spontaneous cleft group, a similar vascular pattern was observed, but the greater palatine artery showed discontinuity in the premaxillary region at an early stage. At the same time, terminal dilatations were delayed and frequently absent in the contralateral shelf. After the reorientation of the palatal shelves, the vascular plexus formed an irregular lattice pattern. Dilated vasculature was apparent in the anterior nasopalatine region, indicating the persistence of a more primitive vascular structure in the spontaneous cleft embryos. However, the area where capillary dilatation occurred was different between unilateral and bilateral cleft embryos. In conclusion, blood vessels in the palatal shelves are underdeveloped and remained immature in cleft lip and palate embryos and showed different patterns in the anterior nasopalatine region between unilateral and bilateral cleft embryos. These variant vascular patterns may be due to the inadequate blood supply to the nasopalatine region from the early embryonic stages possibly resulting from the discontinuity of the greater palatine artery.

Alterations in Vascular Pattern of the Developing Palate in Normal and Spontaneous Cleft Palate Mouse Embryos

The alterations in the vascularization of the developing palate were studied through the use of resin cast images of vascular networks in normal and spontaneous cleft lip and palate (CL/Fr) mouse embryos (crown rump [CR] Length 9-18 mm, body wt. 0.11-0.65 g). A more dense vascular plexus was observed in the oral side than in the nasal side before the reorientation of the palatal shelves. Prominent terminal dilatations of the vascular plexus were observed in the extreme medial edge of the elevating palatal shelves which may exert significant force for palatal shelf elevation. The vascular plexus showed a lateral extension. Many small spherical masses of resin were observed in the medial edge of the palatal shelves at the time of medial extension and during fusion, indicating some changes occurring in the capillary wall leading to the resin leakage. In the spontaneous cleft group, a similar vascular pattern was observed, but the greater palatine artery showed discontinuity in the premaxillary region at an early stage. At the same time, terminal dilatations were delayed and frequently absent in the contralateral shelf. After the reorientation of the palatal shelves, the vascular plexus formed an irregular lattice pattern. Dilated vasculature was apparent in the anterior nasopalatine region, indicating the persistence of a more primitive vascular structure in the spontaneous cleft embryos. However, the area where capillary dilatation occurred was different between unilateral and bilateral cleft embryos. In conclusion, blood vessels in the palatal shelves are underdeveloped and remained immature in cleft lip and palate embryos and showed different patterns in the anterior nasopalatine region between unilateral and bilateral cleft embryos. These variant vascular patterns may be due to the inadequate blood supply to the nasopalatine region from the early embryonic stages possibly resulting from the discontinuity of the greater palatine artery.

Randomised trial of hypan versus gemeprost in cervical preparation prior to second trimester termination of pregnancy

The findings of a preliminary study of women undergoing second-trimester dilatation and evacuation for pregnancy termination suggest that hypan produces better cervical preparation than the more commonly used prostaglandin gemeprost. All 50 subjects were between 15-20 weeks' gestation. The 25 women who were randomly assigned to the gemeprost group had a 1 mg vaginal pessary inserted in the posterior fornix 4-6 hours before abortion; an additional 1 mg pessary was inserted 2-4 hours before the procedure in nulliparous women. The 25 women in the hypan group had either a 3 x 55 mm dilator (15-17 weeks' gestation) or a 4 x 65 mm dilator (18-20 weeks' gestation) inserted in the cervix 24 hours pre-operatively. The mean pre-dilatation cervical diameter was significantly greater (p 0.0001) in the hypan group (14.5 mm) than the gemeprost group (8.7 mm). Also significantly greater (p 0.01) was the mean post-dilatation cervical diameter: 19.3 mm for hypan compared to 17.1 for gemeprost. Dilatation was rated as easy by 21 women in the hypan group compared to only 10 in the gemeprost group. In the hypan group, 24 women reported no pre-operative pain and 23 experienced no post-operative pain; in the gemeprost group, these numbers were 15 and 14, respectively. There were 4 cases of pre-operative bleeding among gemeprost acceptors but none in the hypan group. Finally, at the 6-week follow-up, 1 patient in the gemeprost group reported she had required evacuation of retained products of conception and 1 woman in the hypan group had been treated with antibiotics for a urinary tract infection. Although hypan, unlike gemeprost, requires insertion by a trained physician or nurse, its substantially lower cost, better cervical preparation, and lack of side effects justify its more widespread use.

Ultrastructure of lingual salivary glands in the American chameleon: Anolis carolinensis

That portion of the dorsal surface of the tongue of Anolis carolinensis that is covered by plumose papillae is underlaid by a series of tubular salivary glands that open between the papillae; glands persist into the posterior zone of the tongue, where they open between cylindriform papillae. Anterior glands are serous in nature--they consist of simple columnar epithelial cells that contain abundant secretory granules exhibiting a variety of substructural patterns. The Golgi apparatus is large and of unusual appearance, with numerous closely packed terminal dilatations and condensing vacuoles. Near the posterior border of the lingual zone covered by plumose papillae, mucous cells begin to appear in the glandular epithelium. More posteriorly, the apical portions of the glands consist entirely of mucous cells, whereas the blind ends of the glands are composed of serous cells. The most posterior glands are of the pure mucous variety. The glands finally disappear a short distance posterior to the cylindriform papillae. The functions of the abundant and highly differentiated salivary glands of the Anolis tongue remain obscure.

The caudal spinal cord of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch): Immunocytochemical evidence of a “caudal serotoninergic system”

The caudal spinal cord of the coho salmon was investigated by means of immunocytochemistry using antisera against serotonin, urotensin I, urotensin II, somatostatin and a urea-extract of bovine Reissner's fiber (AFRU). Populations of serotonin-immunoreactive (IR) neurons were found rostral and dorsal to the urophysis in close spatial association with caudal secretory neurons. Thick, smooth serotonin-IR processes extended toward the external surface of the spinal cord where they displayed conspicuous terminal dilatations. Thin, beaded serotonin-IR fibers appeared to innervate populations of caudal secretory and somatostatin-IR cerebrospinal fluid-contacting neurons. Most caudal neurosecretory cells displayed both urotensin I and urotensin II immunoreactivities; only a minority reacted exclusively with either urotensin I or urotensin II antisera. Urotensin II-IR and somatostatin-IR cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-contacting neurons were found as an integral component of the central canal wall in the caudal spinal cord and filum terminale; their dendritic processes appeared to contact Reissner's fiber, which displayed a weak AFRU-immunoreactivity while inside the central canal, but became strongly reactive in the interior of the terminal ventricle as it formed the massa caudalis. The distribution of serotoninergic processes points to a regulatory role in the function of caudal secretory and CSF-contacting neurons and to a putative serotonin release into the subarachnoid space and/or meningeal vasculature. It is also suggested that the CSF-contacting neurons of the central canal may participate in a feedback mechanism controlling the secretory activity of the subcommissural organ.

Randomized trial of the effect of drugs on cervical dilatation for termination of first trimester pregnancy

A randomized triple-blind and placebo-controlled clinical trial on the effect of lidocaine and Anodyne-lubricant jelly (ALJ) containing dicaine on cervical dilatation is reported, Three-hundred-seventy-two consecutive cases were randomly allocated to 4 groups. The four groups were given: ALJ and placebo (placebo 1); and lidocaine and placebo (placebo 2). ALJ and placebo 1 treatment was by topical application, and lidocaine and placebo 2 by injection. In parous women, a significant difference was found for satisfactory dilatation (SD) rate (p<0.01) among four groups. It was unexpected that there were no significant differences between drug and placebo groups, neither between ALJ treatment group and placebo 1 group (p> 0.5), nor between lidocaine and placebo 2 (p>0.75). However, the combined SD rate was 60.9% for the topical groups compared with 39.0% for the injection groups (p<0.005). The findings suggested that the effect of ALJ on cervical dilatation was not mainly due to dicaine, but associated with the lubricant and the topical treatment.