Expression of bFGF and TGF-β in the Transversalis Fascia of Female Dogs with Inguinal Hernia

Objective:To investigate the expression of basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF)and transforming growth factor β(TGF-β)in the transversalis fascia of female dogs with inguinal hernia.Methods:A total of 20 female dogs with inguinal hernia were selected as the research subjects,which were divided into two groups:the observation group(direct inguinal hernia female dogs,n=10)and the control group(indirect inguinal hernia female dogs,n=10).Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of b FGF and TGF-β in the fascia transversalis.Results:The results showed that(1)The expression of b FGF and TGF-β was found to be positively linked with the speed of adhesion.The expression of b FGF and TGF-β significantly increased with the increase in adhesion speed;DAB staining revealed the presence of b FGF and TGF-β,with TGF-β showing diffuse or localized staining in the observation group.In contrast,the control group exhibited diffuse staining.In both the control group and the observation group,the b FGF exhibited either diffuse light staining or localized staining.(2)There was no statistically significant difference in b FGF levels between the observation group and the control group(P>0.05).The difference in TGF-β levels between the observation group and the control group was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion:b FGF can be used to regulate the metabolism and synthesis of collagen in the body,thereby gradually changing the tensile strength of the transversalis fascia,which can have a significant impact on the occurrence and progression of inguinal hernia.

The Femoral Hernia: Some Necessary Additions

Purpose: The anatomic region through which most inguinal hernias emerge is overcrowded by various anatomical structures with intricate relationships. This is reflected by the wide range of anatomic interpretations. Material and Methods: A prospective anatomic study of over 100 fresh cadavers and 47 patients operated on for femoral hernias. Results: It was found that the transversalis fascia did not continue distally into the lymphatic lacuna. Medially this fascia did not reach the lacunar ligament, but was rather positioned above it forming laterally the vascular sheath. Here the fascia participates in the formation of a fossa, which varies in width and depth—the preperitoneal femoral fossa. The results did not confirm the presence of a femoral canal. The distances were measured between the pubic tubercle and the medial margin of the femoral vein, and between the inguinal and the Cooper’s ligaments. The results clearly indicate that in women with femoral hernias these distances are much larger. Along the course of femoral hernia exploration we established the presence of three zones that are rigid and narrow. These are the potential sites for femoral hernia incarceration. Conclusion: In the lower infra-inguinal space, where femoral hernias could appear, the integrity is achieved by means of a complex fusion of fascio-ligamentous structures, where the iliopubic tract, the medial condensations of the transversalis fascia and the lacunar ligament are the most important.

Intrinsic advantages of Cheilomenes sexmaculata over two coexisting Coccinella species （Coleoptera：Coccinellidae）

Development, survival and reproductive performance of coexisting ladybird species, viz. Cheilomenes sexmaculata, Coccinella septempunctata, and Coccinella transversalis, of the tribe Coccinellini were studied and compared to assess their coexistence and ecological relationships. High values of life history parameters, viz. developmental rate,immature survival, fecundity, egg viability, reproductive rate and conversion of efficiency of ingested food were recorded for C. sexmaculata followed by C. transversalis and C.septempunctata suggesting that the former has intrinsic advantages over the latter two species. This could possibly counterbalance its disadvantages, like relatively smaller size and weight, thereby making it competitive. The developmental period increased with increase in body size. Exceptionally high fecundity after single mating has been recorded in C. sexmaculata. The egg viability, however, was lower than in both Coccinella species.

Survival, development and life tables of two congeneric ladybirds in aphidophagous guilds

Two congeneric aphidophagous ladybirds, Coccinella septempunctata and Coccinella transversalis, were reared on three aphid species, Lipaphis erysimi, Myzus persicae and Aphis nerii, to estimate the effect of prey quality and intra- and interspecific interactions on their survival and development of life stages. Mortality of first instar ladybirds of both species was highest feeding on A. nerii. Preimaginal mortafity was lowest when feeding on L. erysimi （C. septempunctata, 1.6% and C. transversalis, 3.2%）, and highest when feeding on A. nerii （ C. septempunctata, 6.2% and C. transversalis, 8.2%）. Comparatively higher weight and larger size of C. septempunctata along with the lower levels of mortality recorded suggested that it is more likely to have acted as an intraguild predator than C. transversalis. High recorded mortality of C. transversalis is attributed to probable intraguild predation on account of its smaller size. The major sources of mortality were probably cannibalism, intraguild predation and other unknown factors. Lower prey quality increased the incidence of cannibalism and intraguild predation, especially in C. transversalis. The investigation suggests an intrinsic competitive advantage for C. septempunctata over C. transversalis in guilds of three aphid species.