Study on Fruit Quality, Phenological Phases and Shoot Histomorphology of a New Bud Mutant Line, ‘Chuanzao Loquat’

[Objective] This study was to explore the growth characteristics and fruit quality of a new bud mutant line, ＇Chuanzao Loquat＇. [Method] Paraffin section technique combined with field investigation method were adopted to conduct com- parative analysis of shoot histomorphology and phenological phases between two Io- quat varieties, ＇Chuanzao Loquat＇ and ＇Zaozhong 6＇. [Result] ＇Chuanzao Loquat＇ branched out and unfolded leaves about half to a month earlier than ＇Zaozhong 6＇; both the flowering and fruiting phases of ＇Chuanzao Loquat＇ were three months earlier than a precocious variety, ＇Zaozhong 6＇; the proportions of epidermis, cortex parenchyma, vascular tissue and medulla were 3.7%, 14.5%, 15.9% and 65.9%, re- spectively, in spdng shoots of ＇Chuanzao Loquat＇, and 3.1%, 42.5%, 6.9% and 47.5%, respectively, in ＇Zaozhong 6＇. [Conclusion] In terms of phenological phases, ＇Chuanzao Loqua＇ is earlier than ＇Zaozhong 6＇, a currently widely planted precocious variety, and thus is an important germplasm resource of Ioquats.

Elevated risk for gastric adenocarcinoma can be predicted from histomorphology

The number of patients with gastric cancer has more than doubled since 1985 in developing countries. Thus, the questions of whether it can be predicted from gastritis morphology, who is at risk and who has a lower risk of developing gastric carcinoma are raised. H pylori-infection leads to erosions, ulcerations, carcinoma, mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT)- lymphoma and extragastric diseases only in some individuals. The frequency of ulcerations among H pylori-infected individuals is estimated to be 13%, gastric cancer about 1% and MALT lymphoma around 0.1%. In the literature a multistep model from chronic active H pylori -infection through multifocal atrophy, intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia (intraepithelial neoplasia) and carcinoma has been described. But this model cannot be applied to all routine cases. Since risk factors such as metaplasia and atrophy are paracancerous rather than precancerous conditions, this raises the question whether there is a better morphological marker. Differences in topography, grade and activity of Helicobacter gastritis in the antrum and corpus might be good markers for identifying those who are at risk of developing gastric cancer. It is known that the so-called corpus dominant H pylori gastritis is found more frequently among individuals with early and advanced gastric cancer and within high risk populations. This is valid both for first- degree relatives of gastric cancer patients and for patients with gastric adenoma and hyperplastic polyps. In conclusion, corpus-dominant H pylori gastritis is significantly more common in patients with advanced and early gastric cancer, first-degree relatives of patients with gastric cancer, patients with gastric adenoma and gastric hyperplastic polyps. Therefore, all these patients are at risk of developing gastric cancer. Next, the question of who is at risk of developing corpus-dominant gastritis is raised. It appears that patients with a low acid output more frequently develop gastric cancer. Eradication therapy is never performed too early but probably sometimes too late after the patients pass a “point of no return”. Large prospective long term studiesare necessary to prove this and identify new reliable markers for gastric cancer development.

Effect of Qingre Buyi Decoction (清热补益汤) on Nitric Oxide and Histomorphology of Intestinal Mucosa in Rats with Radiation Enteritis

Objective: To explore the mechanism of Qingre Buyi Decoction (清热补益汤,QBD) in prevention and treatment of radiation enteritis in rats. Methods: Forty-eight Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups, the TCM group, the WM group, the model group and the control group, 12 in each group. Rats in the former three groups were given orally with QBD, norfloxacin and normal saline once a day for 7 successive days, after being irradiated with X-ray at single dose of 10 Gy for modeling of radiation enteritis, while rats in the control group were untreated. Animals were sacrificed at the end of the medication. NO concentration, mean height and number of villi per centimeter in their small intestinal mu-cosa were measured. Results: The intestinal NO concentration was significantly lower in the TCM and WM groups than that in the model group(P<0.05), while the number of villi was significantly more and the height higher in the former two groups than those in the model group (P<0.01 for both), but no significant difference was shown between the TCM group and the WM group. Conclusion: QBD could inhibit the production of NO, increase the number and height of intestinal villi in rats with radiation enteritis, suggesting that it could reduce the inflammatory reaction of intestinal mucosa to irradiation, protect muco-sa from radiation damage, and promote the regeneration of mucosa.

Effect of Bushen Qingre Yuyin Decoction on Salivary Secretion, Spleen Index, Submandibular Gland Index, Submandibular Gland Histomorphology, and aqp5 Expression in the Nonobese Diabetic Mouse Model

Objective:The objective of this study was to observe the effect of Bushen Qingre Yuyin Decoction on the spleen index,submandibular gland index,salivary secretion,submandibular gland morphology,and aquaporin 5(AQP5)expression levels in the submandibular gland.Materials and Methods:Fifty 8-week-old nonobese diabetic(NOD)female mice were randomly divided into the following five groups:model;hydroxychloroquine;and high-,medium-,and low-dose Bushen Qingre Yuyin Decoction prescription.The blank group consisted of ten 8-week-old Balb/C rats.Bushen Yuyin Qingre Decoction was administered by gavage at 20,40,and 80 g/kg in the low-,medium-,and high-dose groups,respectively.The hydroxychloroquine group was administered hydroxychloroquine at a dose of 80 mg/kg by gavage.The normal and model groups were administered the same amount of saline.After the different administrations,the amount of salivary secretion in the mice was regularly observed.After 12 weeks,the mice were sacrificed,and their submandibular gland tissues were excised,stained with hematoxylin-eosin,and pathologically scored.AQP5 expression levels in the tissues were detected using real-time polymerase chain reaction.Results:The spleen index of mice in the high-dose group was higher than that in the model group(P<0.05),and the submandibular gland index of the hydroxychloroquine group and all the Bushen Qingre Yuyin Decoction prescription groups was higher than that in the model group(P<0.05).After 6 weeks,the salivary volume of the hydroxychloroquine group and all the Bushen Qingre Yuyin Decoction prescription groups was significantly higher than that of the model group(P<0.05);the amount of lymphocyte infiltration in mice among each administration group was significantly reduced(P<0.05);and the AQP5 expression levels in the submandibular glands of mice had significantly increased in the hydroxychloroquine and high-dose groups(P<0.05),with the high-dose group showing the best effect.Conclusion:Bushen Qingre Yuyin Decoction can effectively increase the spleen and submandibular gland indexes of NOD mice,increase the amount of salivary secretion,reduce lymphocyte infiltration in submandibular gland tissue,and significantly increase AQP5 expression levels,which may be positively correlated with the administered dose.

Determination of the ovine ovarian reserve during the prenatal and neonatal periods

Objective:To determine the ovine ovarian histomorphology and follicular staging at various age periods in Awassi breed.Methods:Ovaries were collected from prenatal fetuses[gestational age(95±5)days],neonatal(day 0),and prepubertal ewe lambs(two and four months of age);each age group included six animals.Ovaries(n=12,each group)were dissected and processed for hematoxylin and eosin staining.Stained sections(n=24,each group)were imaged and utilized for histomorphology assessment,follicle measurement,and classification.Results:Prenatal ovaries were mainly enriched with primordial follicles accompanied by a lower proportion of primary follicles.In addition to primordial and primary follicles,neonatal ovaries demonstrated a proportion of centrally located multilayered and antral follicles.In comparison with neonatal ovaries,the proportion of multilayered and antral follicles was significantly higher in the ovaries of two-month-old lambs;conversely,the proportion of peripherally situated primordial follicles dramatically declined compared to that of earlier age of lamb.Although there was no statistical variation in the sizes of primordial follicles across groups,the mean diameter of the primary follicle in the prenatal ovaries was substantially smaller than in postnatal ovaries.Compared to the neonatal ovaries,the size of the multilayered and antral follicles in the prepubertal ovaries was substantially larger.Conclusions:The earliest follicular developmental stages were established prenatally whereas the advanced growth stages started in the neonatal period and greatly increased in the prepubertal period.

Biological conduits combining bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and extracellular matrix to treat long-segment sciatic nerve defects

The transplantation of polylactic glycolic acid conduits combining bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and extracellular matrix gel for the repair of sciatic nerve injury is effective in some respects, but few data comparing the biomechanical factors related to the sciatic nerve are available. In the present study, rabbit models of 10-mm sciatic nerve defects were prepared. The rabbit models were repaired with autologous nerve, a polylactic glycolic acid conduit ＋ bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, or a polylactic glycolic acid conduit ＋ bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells ＋ extracellular matrix gel. After 24 weeks, mechanical testing was performed to determine the stress relaxation and creep parameters. Following sciatic nerve injury, the magnitudes of the stress decrease and strain increase at 7,200 seconds were largest in the polylactic glycolic acid conduit ＋ bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells ＋ extracellular matrix gel group, followed by the polylactic glycolic acid conduit ＋ bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells group, and then the autologous nerve group. Hematoxylin-eosin staining demonstrated that compared with the polylactic glycolic acid conduit ＋ bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells group and the autologous nerve group, a more complete sciatic nerve regeneration was found, including good myelination, regularly arranged nerve fibers, and a completely degraded and resorbed conduit, in the polylactic glycolic acid conduit ＋ bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells ＋ extracellular matrix gel group. These results indicate that bridging 10-mm conduit ＋ bone marrow mesenchymal stem sciatic nerve defects with a polylactic glycolic acid cells ＋ extracellular matrix gel construct increases the stress relaxation under a constant strain, reducing anastomotic tension. Large elongations under a constant physiological load can limit the anastomotic opening and shift, which is beneficial for the regeneration and functional reconstruction of sciatic nerve. Better regeneration was found with the polylactic glycolic acid conduit ＋ bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells ＋ extracellular matrix gel grafts than with the polylactic glycolic acid conduit ＋ bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells grafts and the autologous nerve grafts.

Effects of supplemental xylanase and xylooligosaccharides on production performance and gut health variables of broiler chickens

Background:This study evaluated the effects of supplemental xylanase and xylooligosaccharides(XOS)in a cornsoybean meal(SBM)-based diet on growth performance and intestinal health of broilers.A total of 288 day-old chicks(Cobb 500)were allocated to 36 floor pens(8 birds/pen)equally in 9 dietary treatments in a 3×3 factorial arrangement.The treatments were combinations of 3 levels of xylanase(0,0.005% and 0.01% Econase XT)and 3 levels of prebiotics(0,0.005% and 0.01% XOS)added to basal mash diets formulated in three phases(starter,d 0-14;grower,d 15-28;finisher,d 29-42).The feed intake and body weights were recorded weekly.On d 42,ileal sections were collected for histomorphometric and gene expression analysis,and cecal content was collected for determining short-chain fatty acids(SCFA)and microbiota.Results:Xylanase linearly(P<0.01)increased the average daily gain(ADG)in both the finisher and total period and the final body weight gain(FBWG,2940&2932 vs.2760 g)of broilers.XOS did not significantly increase either ADG or FBWG(P>0.05).Supplemental xylanase and XOS did not affect average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio(P>0.05).Xylanase and XOS did not change villus height(VH)or crypt depth(CD)ratio(P>0.05).However,xylanase exhibited a trend(P=0.097)on VH:CD ratio.The inclusion of 0.01%XOS without xylanase increased the level of IL-10(a marker of anti-inflammatory cytokine)and IL-4(a T-cell differentiation cytokine)genes compared with control(P<0.05).The acetate production was increased by xylanase(P<0.01)and XOS(P<0.05)without an additive effect.Xylanase increased total SCFA(P<0.01)while XOS had a tendency to increase(P=0.052).Alpha and beta diversity of microbiota among treatments were not different(P>0.05).However,the mean proportion of family Ruminococcaceae was increased by the supplemental 0.01% xylanase(P<0.01).Conclusion:It can be concluded that XOS can enhance cecal fermentation,while xylanase can increase the body weight gain along with the fermentation metabolites in the ceca of broilers fed the corn-SBM-based diet but the effects may not always translate into an improved mucosal absorptive capacity and a better feed efficiency.

Human umbilical cord blood-derived stem cells and brain-derived neurotrophic factor protect injured optic nerve:viscoelasticity characterization

The optic nerve is a viscoelastic solid-like biomaterial.Its normal stress relaxation and creep properties enable the nerve to resist constant strain and protect it from injury.We hypothesized that stress relaxation and creep properties of the optic nerve change after injury.Moreover,human brain-derived neurotrophic factor or umbilical cord blood-derived stem cells may restore these changes to normal.To validate this hypothesis,a rabbit model of optic nerve injury was established using a clamp approach.At 7 days after injury,the vitreous body received a one-time injection of 50 μg human brain-derived neurotrophic factor or 1 × 106 human umbilical cord blood-derived stem cells.At 30 days after injury,stress relaxation and creep properties of the optic nerve that received treatment had recovered greatly,with pathological changes in the injured optic nerve also noticeably improved.These results suggest that human brain-derived neurotrophic factor or umbilical cord blood-derived stem cell intervention promotes viscoelasticity recovery of injured optic nerves,and thereby contributes to nerve recovery.

Bacterial melanin promotes recovery after sciatic nerve injury in rats

Bacterial melanin, obtained from the mutant strain of Bacillus Thuringiensis, has been shown to promote recovery after central nervous system injury. It is hypothesized, in this study, that bacterial melanin can promote structural and functional recovery after peripheral nerve injury. Rats subjected to sciatic nerve transection were intramuscularly administered bacterial melanin. The sciatic nerve transected rats that did not receive intramuscular administration of bacterial melanin served as controls. Behavior tests showed that compared to control rats, the time taken for instrumental conditioned reflex recovery was significantly shorter and the ability to keep the balance on the rotating bar was significantly better in bacterial melanin-treated rats. Histomor- phological tests showed that bacterial melanin promoted axon regeneration after sciatic nerve injury. These findings suggest that bacterial melanin exhibits neuroprotective effects on injured sciatic nerve, contributes to limb motor function recovery, and therefore can be used for rehabil- itation treatment of peripheral nerve injury.

A Histomorphological Study on Digestive System of Adult Hedgehog

Four adult Hedgehogs (Erinaceus euopaeus) (two males and two females) captured from field were used in this test. The samples were quickly taken after killing, and fixed with 10% neutral HCHO. Paraffin sections were done along with HE dying. The results showed that their oesophagus were composed of stratified squamous epithelium, with light monkeiatinized shallow cell and well developed oesophageal glands. There are circular wrinkled wall and intestinal villus on the mucosa of the small intestine with developed small intestinal glands, long and thick intestinal villi in the duodenum, where exists Paneth cell on the basis of intestinal glands. It has isolated lymph nodule in the proper layer of the intestinum jejunum, as well as assemble lymph nodule in the proper layer of mucosa of the ileum. The number of lymph nodule in large intestine increases as compared with others, in which there is longitudinal wrinkled wall, but no intestinal villi. More developed large intestinal glands can be seen, where the cup cell rises gradually from forward to backward along intestinal system. In addition, there is no very clear boundary among liver lobule because the connective tissue among it is not developed well, and so does pancreas.

STUDY ON PROTECTIVE ACTION OF ELECTROACUPUNCTURE ON INJURY OF NEURONS IN RATS OF FOCAL ISCHEMIA BY MICROSCOPY AND ELECTRON MICROSCOPY

In rats of focal cerebal ischemia induced by occluding middle cerebral artery, therapeutic actions of el ectroacupuncture (EA) on injury of neurons were observed by microscopy and electron microscopy. As a results, 1. Each dimension of three-dimensional space in the cerebral infarct area in the EA group was smaller than that in the ischemic group; 2. It was found by microscopy that in the ischemic group, the cerebral infarct area was significantly larger than that in the EA group, some reaching in depth to the basal ganglion, with exfoliation of cerebral cortical infarct, most occurring sheet hemorrhagic focus, more leukocyte, mononuclear leukocyte and lymphocyte infiltration, capillary congestion and capillarectasia. In the EA group only a small part of hemorrhagic focus and less white blood cell, mononuclear cell and lymphocyte infiltration were seen; 3. It was found by H-800Electromicroscopy that in the ischemic group, structures of cell organs of most neurons disintegrated,with unclear structures of cytomembrance and nuclear membrance, some neurons showed pyknotic form and some cellular structures were unclear in the marginal zone of the cerebral ischemic region.However, in the EA group, structures of most neurons and cell organs were complete, with edema of some mitochondria, showing spheroid, and rupture of some mitochondrial cristae in the marginal zone of ischemic region. The results indicate that EA can protect neurons after cerebral ischemia against secondary injury.

Experimental study of miRNA-210 modified MSCs in the treatment of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats

Objective:To investigate the therapeutic effect of microRNA210(miRNA-210)modified mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury(MIRI)model rats.Methods:One SD rat was sacrificed,and the lower extremity tibia and femur were isolated.MSCs were cultured by whole bone marrow adherence method to construct miRNA-210 modified MSCs.40 SD rats were divided into the sham operation group,model group,MSCs group,and miRNA-210+MSCs group,with 10 rats in each group.The left anterior descending coronary artery was ligated to prepare a model of myocardial ischemia and reperfusion.After successful modeling,50μl of MSCs suspension was injected into the tail vein of the MSCs group,and 50μl of miRNA-210 modified MSCs suspension was injected into the tail vein of the miRNA-210+MSCs group.The sham operation group and the model group were injected with the same amount of normal saline.On the 10th day after modeling,the area of myocardial infarction,morphological changes of myocardial tissue,myocardial cell apoptosis rate,and miRNA-210 expression were compared in each group.Results:The area of myocardial infarction and the rate of myocardial cell apoptosis in the model group were significantly higher than those in the sham operation group(<0.05);The area of myocardial infarction and the rate of myocardial cell apoptosis in the MSCs group were significantly lower than those in the sham operation group(P<0.05);The area of myocardial infarction and the rate of myocardial cell apoptosis in the miRNA-210+MSCs group were significantly higher than those in the MSCs group(P<0.05);The area of myocardial infarction and the rate of myocardial cell apoptosis in the miRNA-210+MSCs group were significantly lower than those in the sham operation group(P<0.05).The expression level of miRNA-210 in the myocardial tissue of the model group was significantly higher than that in the sham operation group(P<0.05);There were no significantly different in the expression level of miRNA-210 in the myocardial tissue between the MSCs group and model group(P>0.05);The expression level of miRNA-210 in the myocardial tissue of MSCs group was significantly higher than in the MSCs group,model group and sham operation group(P<0.05).HE staining showed that the miRNA-210+MSCs group had normal morphology of myocardial tissues,more uniform cytoplasmic staining,and arranged neatly myocardial fibers.The inflammatory cell infiltration and interstitial edema of the miRNA-210+MSCs group were significantly improved compared with the model group and MSCs group.Conclusion:MiRNA-210 modified MSCs can inhibit myocardial cell apoptosis in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury model rats,reduce the area of myocardial infarction,and improve pathological damage of myocardial tissue in rats,which has a certain therapeutic effect on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Histology Observation on Intestine of Elaphurus davidianus

Elaphurus davidianus is one of the rare species originally come from China. And study on intestine histology observation of Elaphurus davidianus has not been reported widely. In the test, microscopic morphology on intestinal tissue of Elaphurus davidianus was observed by the method of paraffin sectioning. Test results showed that jejunum epithelium villi structure of Elaphurus davidianus was obvious, a large number of intestinal glands distributed in lamina propfia of jejunal epithelium. There was lymphoid tissue distributing in the base of the mucosa. The muscularis mucosa was composed of smooth muscle, thickness of muscularis mucosae was about 53μm. There was no villous structure in the cecal mucosa of Elaphurus davidianus, capillaries in mucosal lamina propria were rich, the mucosal thickness was （236 ＋55）μm. There were large amounts of intestinal glands in inherent layer, thickness of mucosal muscle was about 27 μm. The blood vessels located in submucosal loose connective tissue were rich. The structure of small intestine was similar with that of large intestine. There was no villus structure in rectal mucosal epithelium, the maximum thickness of mucosal layer was 835μm, and the minimum thickness of mucosal layer was 313 μm. Mucosal muscular layer was developed, which was composed of several smooth muscle bands, different bundles scattered, the thickness was about 200 - 600 μm.

Histomorphological Changes in the Skin and Eye Induced by Sub-Chronic Exposure of Wistar Rats to 3G Cell Phone Radiation

The effects of electromagnetic radiation produced by a 3G cell phone (third-generation) on skin tissues and eyes were investigated in terms of histomorphological parameters. A total of 26 Wistar rats (2 weeks-old, each weighing 40 g at the time of experiment) were used. They were maintained under a control room with water and food continuously available. The animals were divided into two experimental groups: Group A (Exposed) and Group B (Control), each with 13 Wistar Rats kept inside a plexi cage. Group A was exposed to a 3G cell phone radiation while Group B the control group, was not. All animals were generally anesthetized with Ketamine injection and then decapitated. The skin tissue was excised from the dorsal area and eyes samples were taken from all the rats by enucleating of the eye balls, fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin for a minimum of 72 hours before processing through a graded alcohol and xylene was used as a clearing agent, embedded in paraffin blocks. Tissues were sectioned at 5μm thick and routinely stained with hematoxylin/eosin. Mounted slides were examined and photographed using a light microscope. Mild to severe orthokeratotic parakeratosis was observed in the skin while eye revealed loss of striation in the sclera with necrosis of the layers of rods and cones in the retina of the exposed group. We conclude that sub chronic exposure to 3G cell phone radiation impaired the protective ability of the skin and also impaired accommodation.

The influence of in ovo injection with the prebiotic DiNovoon the development of histomorphological parameters of the duodenum, body mass and productivity in large-scale poultry production conditions

Background: Among various feed additives currently used in poultry nutrition, an important role is played by bioactive substances, including prebiotics. The beneficial effect of these bioactive substances on the gastrointestinal tract and immune system give rise to improvements in broiler health and performance nutrition, thus increasing the productivity of these birds. An innovative method for introducing bioactive substances into chickens is the in ovo injection into eggs intended for hatching. The aim of the study was to evaluate the development of histomorphological parameters of the duodenum and productivity in chickens injected in ovo with the prebiotic DiNovo~?(extract of Laminaria species of seaweed, BioA tlantis Ltd., Ireland) on d 12 of incubation, under large-scale, high density poultry production conditions.Results: There was no significant impact of the injection of DiNovo~? prebiotic on the production parameters of broiler chickens(body weight, FCR, EBI and mortality) obtained on d 42 of rearing. No significant impact of the DiNovo~? injection on the duodenum weight and length was observed, as wel as on the CSA, diameter and muscular layer thickness of the duodenum. The in ovo injection of DiNovo~? significantly increased the width of the duodenal vil i(P < 0.05) and crypt depth(P < 0.01) of chickens on d 21 of rearing. Other histomorphological parameters of duodenal vil i at d 42 of chickens rearing such as: the height, width, and cross section area of vil i were significantly greater in chickens from the control group compared to those from the DiNovo~? group(P < 0.05 and P < 0.01).Conclusions: In conclusion, this study demonstrates that injection of DiNovo~? prebiotic into the air chamber of egg significantly influences the histomorphological parameters on d 21 of rearing without negatively affecting productivity in chickens at the end of rearing.

Cytological Correlation Between Flower and Vegetative Shoot Development from Immature Embryo-Derived Calli in Wheat

In this paper, the traits of immature embryo culture from 45 genotypes of bread wheat were investigated in detail, and trait correlation analysis in combination with histomorphological examination was used to study the cytological origin of flower as well as the correlation between it and vegetative shoot development from the calli. The rate of floral development in the subculture was highly significantly and positively related to that of the differentiation culture, which reveals that the genetic system of floral development from immature embryo-derived calli in wheat was highly correspondent and stable. The rate of floral development was related neither to the traits in the dedifferentiation culture, nor to the vegetative shoot formation from the total induced calli, but significantly and positively related to that of the calli without leaf-like green spots in the differentiation culture. These findings indicate the partial correlation as well as differentiation between flower and vegetative shoot development. The floral development might only be associated with the genetic system controlling organ regeneration, while vegetative shoots formed from the two ways, including somatic embryogenesis and organ regeneration.

Descriptive histomorphological evaluation of the testis and caudal epididymis following treatment with rooibos(Aspalathus linearis),honeybush(Cyclopia intermedia)and sutherlandia(Lessertia frutescens)in healthy and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Objective:To evaluate the testis and the cauda epididymis after treating both healthy and diabetic rats with rooibos(Aspalathus linearis),honeybush(Cyclopia intermedia),and sutherlandia(Lessertia frutescens),respectively.Methods:Ninety male Wistar rats were randomly divided into nine groups(n=10 per group).Fifty rats were randomized to receive tap water,0.1 M citrate buffer,2.0%fermented rooibos,4.0%fermented honeybush,or 0.2%unfermented sutherlandia.Diabetes was induced via a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin(STZ)at 45 mg/kg in 40 rats.The diabetic rats were randomized to receive tap water,2.0%fermented rooibos,4.0%fermented honeybush,or 0.2%unfermented sutherlandia.Rats were sacrificed after seven weeks of diabetic induction.Blood was collected for hormonal assay,while the testes and caudal epididymis were retrieved for histomorphological evaluations.Results:Diabetic rats treated with 2.0%fermented rooibos exhibited a significant increase in fasting plasma glucose(FPG)versus the vehicle group(P=0.002),and a 3.6%decrease compared to the diabetic control group(P>0.05).Diabetic rats treated with honeybush or sutherlandia showed 23.6%and 15.4%decrease in FPG when compared to the diabetic control group,respectively(both P>0.05).The diabetic control rats had a significant decrease in the percentage of histologically normal seminiferous tubules compared to the control group(P=0.049).There was 21.0%,14.0%,and 5.4%rise in the percentage of normal seminiferous tubules in diabetic rats receiving rooibos,honeybush or sutherlandia,respectively,compared to the diabetic control group.The infusion control groups(rooibos,honeybush and sutherlandia)showed normal seminiferous tubules,presence of spermatozoa in the epididymal lumen,and had normal overall architecture.Both testicular and epididymal morphology were altered in the diabetic control group,but these disruptions were mildly ameliorated by rooibos,honeybush,and sutherlandia.Conclusions:The detrimental effects of diabetes on the histomorphological architecture of the testis and epididymis are mildly ameliorated by the infusions(2.0%fermented rooibos,4.0%fermented honeybush,and 0.2%unfermented sutherlandia).

Monitoring of Tumor Response to Neoadjuvant Radio-Chemotherapy of Esophageal Carcinoma by F-18-FDG-PET

Introduction: For clinical assessment of neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy of esophageal cancer reliable in-vivo methods are necessary. Therefore, the capabilities of F-18-Fluorodesoxyglucose-PET in comparison to histomorphological grading of tumor regression were studied. Methods: In 33 patients with locally advanced esophageal carcinoma (uT3, uN0-1, cM0) F-18-FDG-PET was performed before and 2 weeks after radiochemotherapy. All tumors were resected by transthoracic en-bloc esophagectomy 3–4 weeks after induction therapy. A subgroup of 11 patients underwent weekly PET scan during neoadjuvant therapy. PET was performed in a dedicated scanner 1.3 h after administration of 370 MBq F-18-FDG. Data analysis based on maximum SUV data derived from individual regions of interest in pre- and posttherapeutic images. PET data were compared to histomorphological grading parameters for tumor regression whithin the resected tissues. Results: The comparison of histopathological tumor regression after neoadjuvant therapy and PET SUV di?erences showed a signi?cant χ2 P -value of 0.006. There was a signi?cant decrease 五笔字型计算机汉字输入技术 of the SUV data from 9.1±3.5 to 4.3±1.9 (P <0.0001). In therapy responders SUV was diminished by 59 % and in non-responders by 34 %. Longitudinal SUV measurement during neoadjuvant therapy showed a strong SUV decrease already after one and two weeks (P =0.021 and 0.003). Conclusion: The recent data of the FDG-PET follow-up after neoadjuvant therapy show that PET is able to predict therapy response. Longitudinal PET data advocate that it may be possible to recognize response also very early during radiochemotherapy.

Repercussion of salinity on hematological parameters and tissue morphology of gill and kidney at early life of tilapia

This study was attempted to reveal the changes in three hematological parameters such as blood hemoglobin,number of white blood cells(WBCs)and number of red blood cells(RBCs)and one biochemical(e.g.,glucose)parameter along with the changes in histomorphological structures of gills and kidney of Nile tilapia fry reared in saline water.Two experimental set up were used for two different age groups-5 days-after-hatch(5DAH)and 15 days-after-hatch(15DAH)-to test a novel hypothesis:if a little difference in the age during the first exposure to saline water could produce any variation in the results.They were placed into 6 plastic drums having six different salinity levels:0,5,10,15,20 and 25.After 60 days,at least 5 individuals were taken out from each drum to observe the above-hematological and histomorphological parameters.A two-way-ANOVA revealed that,except for hemoglobin,all the observed parameters have been affected the effect of age×salinity interaction(P<0.05).Between the two age groups,only the overall average glucose value and RBC count were significantly different.Among various salinity levels,only RBC and WBC counts differed significantly.Further,the mean glucose value,RBC counts and WBC count at different salinities differed significantly from the base mean value of each parameter.With regard to the histomorphological structure of the gills and kidney,various malformations were evident.Though hypertrophy,epithelial uplifting and epithelial necrosis were present as gill degenerations,hyperplasia was prevalent across almost all salinity levels.On the other hand,glomerular necrosis,pyknotic nucleus,hyaline droplets degeneration,shrinking of the glomeruli,etc.were observed in kidney structures.By assisting to understand the effects of salinity stress,all these data on tilapia fry will help to determine the prospects and scope of culturing the species in high-salinity water.

Study of Bone-screw Surface Fixation in Lumbar Dynamic Stabilization

Background： We aimed to use the animal model of dynamic fixation to examine the interaction of the pedicle screw surface with sun＇ounding bone, and determine whether pedicle screws achieve good mechanical stability in the vertebrae. Methods： Twenty-four goats aged 2-3 years had Cosmic pedicle screws implanted into both sides of the L2-L5 pedicles. Twelve goats in the bilateral dynamic fixation group had fixation rods implanted in L2-L3 and L4-L5. Twelve goats in the unilateral dynamic fixation group had fixation rods randomly fixed on one side of the lumbar spine. The side that was not implanted with fixation rods was used as a static control group. Results： In the static control group, new bone was formed around the pedicle screw and on the screw surthce. In the unilateral and bilateral dynamic fixation groups, large amounts of connective tissue formed between and around the screw threads, with no new bone formation on the screw surlhce; the pedicle screws were loose after the fixed rods were removed. The bone mineral density and morphological parameters of the region of interest （ROI） in the unilateral and bilateral dynamic fixation group were not significantly different （P 〉 0.05）, but were lower in the fixed groups than the static control group （P 〈 0.05）. This showed the description bone of the ROI in the static control group was greater than in the fixation groups. Under loading conditions, the pedicle screw maximum pull force was not significantly different between the bilateral and unilateral dynamic fixation groups （P 〉 0.05）： however the maximum pull force of the fixation groups was significantly less than the static control group （P 〈 0.01 ）. Conclusions： Fibrous connective tissue formed at the bone-screw interface tinder unilateral and bilateral pedicle dynamic fixation, and the pedicle screws lost mechanical stability in the vertebrae.