Criteria for Safe Use of Plant Ingredients in Diets for Aquacultured Fish

The Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet) asked the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (Vitenskapskomiteen for mattrygghet) to assess if the criteria for safe use of plant ingredients in diets for aquacultured fish fulfil the Feed regulative §7 to “not induce negative health effects in the animal”, and in this context aquacultured fish. The use of feed ingredients of both plant and animal origin is set by the regulation “Forskrift 7. November 2002 nr 1290”, and amendments. The objective of the regulation is to protect animals, consumers and the environment. For animals, the feed shall not pose a risk, or danger, to their health. Aspects to be assessed were whether the changes in fish diet ingredient composition seen in recent years with high levels of plant ingredients, plus additions of immunostimulants, would in any manner challenge fish health and if any ingredient should be limited due to its negative effect, or induce any long-term negative effect. “Long-term” here extends beyond normal production time for consumption, e.g. when substances that might affect fish health are included in broodstock diets. Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), rainbow trout (Onchorhyncus mykiss), Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) and Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) should especially be addressed. However, since all life stages should be included, especially broodstock, and also possible long-term effects, and literature on these for the requested species is scarce, the assessment mentions studies on other species when relevant. With the exception of full-fat and extracted soybean meal for salmonids, substituting at least part of the fishmeal fraction of aquafeeds with individual plant ingredients is promising, at least in the short to medium term. Indeed in some cases, diets containing up to 20% inclusion level of high-quality plant protein sources have resulted in better nutrient digestibility and growth parameters than the fishmeal-based control diets. When substituting fishmeal with plant ingredients, however, it is necessary to balance the diets regarding limiting amino acids and minerals. Adding plant proteins to fish diets result in the introduction of anti-nutritional factors. There is an urgent need to investigate consequences of various anti-nutritional factors, individually and in combinations, to nutrient digestibility, utilization and metabolism as well as to intestinal function, structure, defence mechanisms and microbiota. Long-term effects also merit investigation. This will aid in the ability to predict how a newly introduced plant ingredient as well as combinations of plant ingredients may affect the fish and identify steps needed to avoid adverse health effects. As many of the potential disadvantages of using plant oils in salmonid diets are related to either very high levels of n-6 PUFA (most available oils) or very high levels of linseed oil, it would be recommended that mixtures of plant oils should be used as feed inclusions. By adjusting the ratio of n-6 and n-3 the level of eicosanoids can be controlled. By including palm oil, potential problems in lipid digestibility and transport can be controlled. A standard inclusion of soybean lecithin may also be advisory. These and other variants of mixtures of oil sources have been explored in recent years with some success in salmonid fish. Such mixtures do not seem to be necessary for marine fish. Modern finfish aquaculture faces problems such as bone and skeletal deformities, cataracts, heart disorders, unspecific ulceration and various digestive disorders including intestinal colic in Atlantic cod, gastric dilatation (bloat) in rainbow trout, and intestinal tumours, at low incidence, in Atlantic salmon broodstock. Most of the mentioned problems have been related to malnutrition, feed, intensive growth and/or unfavourable environmental conditions. The disorders are often not lethal, but may imply a fish welfare problem and increase the susceptibility to secondary disorders and infectious diseases. Major changes in feed composition and feed ingredients may increase the risk for such production-related disorders in intensive fish farming. Care should be taken when choosing plant alternatives, both types and qualities, to prevent nutrition-related diseases such as skeletal deformities, cataracts, heart conditions, and other, unspecific symptoms. The change from marine- to plant-based diet ingredients, results in changed profile and content of undesirable substances. The list of undesirable substances included in the feed legislation is, in general, sufficient, but it should be considered to include pesticides in use today and more of the mycotoxins. Currently only aflatoxin B1 is included, while only recommendations exist for other mycotoxins. Studies of dietary exposure to undesirable substances, e.g. pesticides and mycotoxins, and their toxic effects and toxicokinetics in fish are scarce. To date, the application of pre- and probiotics for the improvement of aquatic environmental quality and for disease control in aquaculture seems promising; however, the information is limited and sometimes contradictory. Currently there are numerous gaps in existing knowledge about exogenous nucleotide application to fish including various aspects of digestion, absorption, metabolism, and influences on various physiological responses, especially expression of immunogenes and modulation of immunoglobulin production. As limited information is available about the effect of immunostimulants, prebiotics and nucleotides on gut morphology, this topic should be given high priority in future studies. Heat processing of raw materials and of the complete fish diets may potentially alter nutritional properties of plant materials. However, the negative effects appear to be modest under practical conditions.

Nutrient and Anti-nutrient Components of Red Type Sorghum Indigenous to Ekpoma Area of Edo State as Influenced by Soaking Techniques

Aim: This study investigated the effects of different soaking techniques on the nutritional value and anti-nutrient substances of red type sorghum. Study Design: Completely randomized design was used. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Animal Science Central Laboratory, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State of Nigeria between 10th and 27th of June, 2017. Methodology: Raw sorghum grains were divided into five groups with the first group unsoaked (US), while others were soaked in water (SW), soaked in water/germination (SWG), soaked in wood ash (SWA) and soaked in wood ash/germination (SWAG). All the samples were analysed in triplicates for proximate and mineral compositions, fibre fractions and some anti-nutrient substances. Results: The results revealed that soaking significantly (P≤0.05) improved the proximate and mineral components, fibre fractions and reduced the anti-nutrient substances of the intact grains. The proximate, minerals, fibre fractions and percentage reduction of the anti-nutrient substances were better in SWA and SWAG samples compared to others. Conclusion: Therefore, for a significant reduction of the anti-nutrient factors as well as the improvement and bioavailability of the component nutrients of red type sorghum, soaking in wood ash extract/germination is adequate.

Histomorphological Features Of Human Gubernaculum In The Male

Background: Gubernaculum and the events related to the descent of testis have been studied since17th century,from the time of John Hunter onwards. Most of the studies were done in the animals and there is paucity ofinformation regarding gubernaculum in the humans . Present study is an attempt to throw light on the morphologicalfeatures and histological structure of gubernaculum in human male fetuses.Aims: to study the appearance, extent and microscopic structure of gubernaculum testis and to explore the roleof gubernaculums in causing cryptorchidism.Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 35 spontaneously aborted male fetuses and on 10 tissuesamples of gubernaculum from children who have come for orchiopexy, obtained from PSG Hospital.Results and Discussion: Gubernaculum was extended from the lower pole of testis and epididymis to pubicsymphysis. Gubernaculum testis was made up of collagen fibres, elastic fibres, muscle fibres and loosemesenchyme with lymphocytes, macrophages and fibroblasts embedded within it. Collagen undergoes changesas the foetal age advances and this could contribute to the role of gubernaculumin testicular descent.Conclusion: Gubernaculum testis possibly could play a significant role in the descent of the testis, by creating thechannel for the passage of the testis and do not actively pull the testis down into the scrotum as thought earlier.KEY WORDS: Gubernaculum, Mesenchymatous Tissue, Collagen Fibres, Fibroblast, Elastic Fibres, Skeletal andSmooth Muscle, Trimester of Pregnancy.

A comparative study of different surgical treatment of epilepsy in rolandic and immediate perirolandic cortex / 实用医学杂志

Objective To explore the surgical treatment of epilepsy in rolandic and immediate perirolan dic cortex.Methods 376 patients accepted surgical treatment in our hospital from January 2010 to January 2016,of whom 48 patients fulfilled eligibility criteria and were included in the study.Patients were divided into 2 groups for analysis:patients with resections in the rolandic cortex (A group,n =28),and patients with resections in immediate perirolandic cortex and simultaneous sensorimotor multiple subpial transections (B group,n =20).Postoperative seizure outcome and neurologic deficits were analyzed.Results According to classification of Engel,Engel Ⅰ was in 22 (45.8％),Engel Ⅱ in 7 (14.6％),Engel Ⅲ in 10 (20.8％) and Engel Ⅳ in 9(18.8％).Seizure outcome satisfaction rate (Engel Ⅰ +Engel Ⅱ) in the group A was significantly higher than the group B (P =0.036);temporary and transient neurological deficits in the two groups had no statistically significant (P =0.569,P =0.418).Conclusions It is possible to achieve complete dissection of epileptic foci in rolandic and immediate perirolandic cortex without damage.The good prognosis is not related to the degree of excision of epilepsy and has no definite correlation with neurological dysfunction.

Selective Effects of Datura Stramonium on the Granular Parallel Fibres and Purkinje Cells of the Cerebellum in Wistar Rats.

Introduction: Datura stramonium (DS) is a tropical ubiquitous shrub which is often used to increase intoxication in some beverages and is also freely used as a hallucinogen. It is a depressant of the central nervous system, yet commonly smoked in like manner tobacco. The present study investigated changes induced by intoxication with DS on the purkinje cells and parallel fibres of the cerebellum in Wistar rats to further elucidate the effects of this drug on cerebellar structure. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on both male and female Wistar rats (200-250 g). They were placed into three batches and four groups were derived from each batch, with eight animals per group. Ethanolic dried seed extract of DS was diluted in normal saline and administered intraperitoneally (I.P.) at a dose of 750mg/kg and given to the treatment groups: once in batch 1, twice in batch 2, twelve hourly and thrice in batch 3, eight hourly per day respectively for 4 weeks, while the control groups received an equivalent of normal saline. The rats were euthanized and sections of the cerebellum were histologically processed in all groups. Silver impregnation stain for degenerating axons and neurons was used to elucidate the actions of DS on purkinje cells and the parallel fibres of the cerebellum. Results: The result of IP administration of DS extract (750 mg/kg) given three times daily to the treated rats showed significant histological changes, which included atrophy of the parallel fibres but no significant changes in the purkinje cells of the cerebellum. Conclusions: Intoxication of DS seed as a result of excessive ingestion may have a selective degenerative effect on the parallel fibres of the granule cells of the cerebellum while the purkinje cells are spared; the implication being motor dysfunction.

Xylooligosaccharides: an economical prebiotic from agroresidues and their health benefits.

Oligosaccharides and dietary fibres are non-digestible food ingredients that preferentially stimulate the growth of prebiotic Bifidobacterium and other lactic acid bacteria in the gastro-intestinal tract. Xylooligosaccharides (XOS) provide a plethora of health benefits and can be incorporated into several functional foods. In the recent times, there has been an over emphasis on the microbial conversion of agroresidues into various value added products. Xylan, the major hemicellulosic component of lignocellulosic materials (LCMs), represents an important structural component of plant biomass in agricultural residues and could be a potent bioresource for XOS. On an industrial scale, XOS can be produced by chemical, enzymatic or chemo-enzymatic hydrolysis of LCMs. Chemical methods generate XOS with a broad degree of polymerization (DP), while enzymatic processes will be beneficial for the manufacture of food grade and pharmaceutically important XOS. Xylooligomers exert several health benefits, and therefore, have been considered to provide relief from several ailments. This review provides a brief on production, purification and structural characterization of XOS and their health benefits.

Neuropatía diabética periférica: eficacia clínica de la evaluación semiológica / Diabetic peripheral neuropathy: semiológica clinical efficacy of assessment

El diagnóstico de la Neuropatía Diabética Periférica es tardío. Identificar maniobras semiológicas que permitan el diagnóstico precoz de la neuropatía diabética. Estudio de casos, analítico, transversal y operacional: personas sanas, prediabéticos, diabéticos de reciente diagnóstico y diabéticos de más de 5 años de diagnóstico. Se realizaron 2 evaluaciones: la primera por dos investigadores a ciegas que evaluaron: sensibilidad mecánica, reflejos osteotendinosos y palestesia. También se evaluación de la córnea con Rosa de Bengala y se aplicó el Cuestionario DN4. Segunda Evaluación: von Frey. Biopsia de Piel: será tratada con inmunohistoquímica de campo claro. Muestra de 25 personas. El DN4, obtuvo 14 personas con dolor neuropático. La tinción con Rosa de Bengala obtuvo 7 pacientes con ojo seco y una diabética con más de 5 años de diagnóstico con alteración corneal. En la evaluación con von Frey hubo 3 pacientes con zonas sin respuesta al microfilamento de 10 g. La inmunohistoquímica demostró que el número y densidad de fibras nerviosas tuvo un promedio de 7 fibras/campo en sanos y a partir de los prediabéticos disminuyó desde 4,4 fibras/campo. El ojo seco justifica la evaluación periódica del internista. La evaluación de la sensibilidad con los filamentos de von Frey señala que el monofilamento utilizado individualmente tiene menor eficiencia diagnóstica. La biopsia demostró una capacidad diagnóstica precoz de esta, aún en ausencia de síntomas. La biopsia de piel con cuantificación del número y densidad de fibras, es útil en la identificación temprana de lesión de fibras C y se comporta como método de pesquisa.

The diagnosis of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy is made lately. To identify semiological maneuvres that allow early diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy. Case studie, analitic, transversal and operational, without therapeutic intervention in healthy, prediabetic, diabetic and newly diagnosed diabetes over 5 years of diagnosis. The First Assessment was: conducted by two blinded researchers measuring mechanical sensitivity, tendon reflexes, and palesthesia. Von Frey 3) Skin biopsy: the cornea Bengal Rose and DN4 Questionnaire. The second assessment was done with brightfield immunohistochemistry. The sample consisted of 25 persons. The DN4 had 14 people with neuropathic pain. Staining with Rose Bengal scored 7 persons. The second Assessment was done in patients with dry eye and over 5 years of diagnosis of corneal disorder. The evaluation with von Frey 3 patients with no response areas were obtained at 10 g microfilament. Immunohistochemistry showed that the number and density of nerve fibers had an average of 7 fibers in healthy and from prediabetic decreased to 4.4 fibers. The Dry eye justifies the periodic evaluation by the internist. The evaluation of sensitivity with von Frey hairs used indicate that the monofilament has a lower diagnostic efficiency individually. The biopsy revealed an early diagnostic capacity in this condition in the absence of symptoms. Skin biopsy with quantification of the number and density of nerve fibers is useful in early identification of C fiber damage and behaves like screening method.

Bromatological composition and dry matter digestibility of millet cultivars subjected to nitrogen doses / Composição bromatológica e digestibilidade da massa seca de cultivares de milheto submetidos à doses de nitrogênio

The bromatological composition and in vitro dry matter digestibility of millet cultivars were assessed for different nitrogen doses and two sowing seasons in the Ceres municipality of Goiás state, Brazil. The treatments consisted of three millet cultivars (ADR-7010, ADR-500 and BRS-1501), four nitrogen (N) doses (0, 50, 100 and 200kg ha-1 of N) and two sowing seasons. Three replicates and a randomised block design with a 3 x 4 x 2 factorial scheme were used. Two cuttings were performed in each season when plants reached an average height of 0.70 cm. No significant interactions were observed between or among cultivars for N doses and dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) contents. The DM, CP, NDF and ADF contents were significantly different between N doses. The DM and CP contents increased as the N dose increased to 100kg ha-1. The maximum DM and CP contents were 11.14 and 22.53 percent, respectively. The NDF and ADF contents were higher in the control treatment (60.11 and 30.01 percent, respectively). In addition, the lowest ADF and NDF concentrations occurred at an N dose of 50kg ha-1 (56.33 and 30.23 percent, respectively). The DM contents were higher for the February sowing, with an average of 10.59 percent. The highest CP and ADF contents were found for the December sowing (22.46 and 31.58 percent, respectively). No significant differences were found for millet cultivars, N doses or sowing seasons. A significant interaction was found between sowing season and millet cultivar. The BRS-1501 cultivar had a higher in vitro dry matter digestibility in the December/2010 sowing (73.88 percent)...

Foram avaliadas a composição bromatológica e a digestibilidade in vitro da massa seca de cultivares de milheto, sob doses de nitrogênio, em duas épocas de semeadura, no município de Ceres, Goiás. Os tratamentos foram constituídos por três cultivares de milheto: (ADR-7010, ADR-500 e BRS-1501) e quatro doses de N (0, 50, 100 e 200kg ha-1 de N) e duas épocas de semeadura, com três repetições. Utilizou-se o delineamento de blocos ao acaso em esquema fatorial 3x4x2. O fatorial foi avaliado em duas épocas de semeadura (dezembro/2010 e fevereiro/2011). Foram realizados dois cortes em cada época, quando as plantas atingiram, em média, 0,70m de altura. Não foi observada interação significativa entre as cultivares e dose de N e para os teores de MS, PB, FDN, FDA. Entre as cultivares de milheto, não houve diferença significativa para as mesmas variáveis. Ocorreu diferença significativa para os teores de MS, PB, FDN e FDA, entre as doses de N. Os teores de MS e PB aumentaram até a dose de 100kg ha-1 de N. Os teores máximos de MS e PB foram de 11,14 por cento e 22,53 por cento, respectivamente. Os teores de FDN (60,11 por cento) e FDA (30,01 por cento) foram maiores no tratamento controle, enquanto as menores concentração foram determinadas com a aplicação da dose equivalente a 50kg ha-1 de N, em que o FDN foi de 56,33 por cento e o FDA de 30,23 por cento. Os teores de MS foram maiores na semeadura de fevereiro, com média de 10,59 por cento. Os maiores teores de PB (22,46 por cento) e FDA (31,58 por cento) foram determinados na semeadura de dezembro. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas para as cultivares de milheto, as doses de N e as épocas de semeadura. Ocorreu efeito significativo para a interação entre épocas de semeadura e cultivares de milheto. A cultivar BRS-1501 apresentou maior DIVMS na semeadura de dezembro/2010 (73,88 por cento)...

Estudio morfométrico del nervio óptico de tiburoncito (Ariopsis seemanni) / Morphological study of tete sea catfish (Ariopsis seemanni) optic nerve

En peces, el nervio óptico es el encargado de transportar la información integrada por las células ganglionares de la retina hacia el tectum óptico, para que se generen imágenes acerca del entorno. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir morfométricamente el nervio óptico del tiburoncito (Ariopsis seemanni), para lo cual se utilizó la Microscopía óptica de Alta Resolución (MOAR), realizando cortes a 1 micra de espesor. El nervio óptico de A. seemanni presenta fibras mielínicas de diverso calibre, acompañadas de oligodendrocitos y astrocitos. El nervio está cubierto por las meninges, que presentan vasos sanguíneos y adipocitos. El nervio tiene un área total de 179604 ± 30163 µm2, diámetro de 478 ± 42 µm y un número total de fibras mielínicas de 22848 ± 4350, de las cuales la mayoría tiene un tamaño pequeño, que puede estar relacionado con una velocidad de conducción baja.

The optic nerve carries out the information integrated by retinal ganglion cells towards the optic tectum, so that surrounding environment images are generated. The main goal of this paper is to describe morphometricaly the Tete sea catfish (Ariopsis seemanni) optic nerve, using high resolution optical microscopy (HROM), on 1 micron thick sections. A. seemanni optic nerve does present myelinated nerve fibers, accompanied by oligodendrocytes and astrocytes. The nerve is covered by the meninges, with blood vessels and adipocites. The nerve has a transversal area of 179,604 ± 30163 mm2, a diameter of 478 ± 42 mm and 22848 ± 4350 myelinated fibers, most are small in size, which may be related to a low conduction velocity.

The roles of the contact heat evoked potential in evaluating the small nerve fibers of cranial and spinal in elderly diabetic patients / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective To study the roles of the contact heat evoked potential (CHEP) in evaluating the small nerve fibers of cranial and spinal in elderly diabetic patients,and to analyze the feature of the small fibers in order to provide scientific foundations for early diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy (DN).Methods Totally 50 diabetic patients and 40 healthy subjects were included in this study.The diabetic patients were divided into the normal nerve conduction group (n=17) and the abnormal nerve conduction group (n=33).CHEP was determined and thermal stimuli was given to the area of eyelid,forearm and peroneal.Sensory and motor nerve conduction velocity in the upper and lower limbs were tested in all diabetic patients.Results Compared with the healthy group,the N wave latencies were prolonged and the N-P amplitudes were reduced in the area of eyelid,forearm and peroneal in diabetic patients (all P＜0.01).Compared with the healthy group,the logarithm of N-P amplitudes were reduced in areas of forearm and peroneal [(1.70±0.10) vs.(1.60±0.14),(1.65±0.078) vs.(1.54±0.15),both P＜0.05] and N wave latencies were prolonged in eyelid area [(343.1±18.2) ms vs.(385.4±26.5) ms,P＜0.05] in normal nerve conduction group.Compared to group with normal nerve conduction velocity,the logarithm of N-P amplitudes was reduced in peroneal area [(1.54±0.15) vs.(1.44±0.15),P＜0.05] in abnormal nerve conduction group.Conclusions CHEP can detect the early impairment of the small fibers in elderly diabetic patients.The early smallfiber impairments in diabetic neuropathy may be axon-oriented in spinal nerves and myelin-oriented in cranial nerves.

Ribbond as an esthetic space maintainer.

Ribbond is a biocompatible, esthetic material made from a highstrength polyethylene fiber. Lenowoven polyethylene ribbon (Ribbond) has been used successfully for tooth splinting, replacement of missing teeth, reinforcement of provisional acrylic resin fixed partial dentures, and orthodontic retention. This paper presents the application of this polyethylene ribbon - RIBBOND as an esthetic space maintainer in pedodontic practice. We suggest that this combined technique of polyethylene fibers and composite material could be very efficient alternative procedure to conventional unesthetic space maintainers in pedodontic practice with excellent esthetics and functional results.

Operative Treatment of Knee Cartilage Injuries: A Review of the Current Literature on Non-Cell-Based and Cell-Based Therapies.

Aims: Cartilage is frequently damaged through injury and disease but shows little or no capacity for repair. Injuries that extend to the subchondral level show some capacity for repair due to the release of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells. Focal articular cartilage defects are challenging clinical problems that may progress to more generalised lesions. We reviewed the literature to analyse the results of available noncell- based and cell-based strategies for the repair of articular cartilage defects in the knee. Study design: Review Article Place and Duration of Study: University College London Institute of Orthopaedics and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, Middlesex, HA7 4LP, United Kingdom Methodology: We reviewed the literature to identify studies on the use of non-cellbased and cell-based strategies for the repair of articular cartilage defects in the knee. Results: Repair techniques that do not utilise cell therapy include bone marrow stimulating techniques such as microfracture that is effective in small well-contained lesions and has the advantages of being performed arthroscopically as a single stage and cheaper costs compared to cell-based therapies. It also associated with no donor site morbidity unlike mosaicplasty, and perichondrial or periosteal grafting. The evidence suggests that none of the techniques described above consistently produce durable results. There are encouraging mid-term results with Autologous Matrix Induced Chondrogenesis (AMIC) procedures in small number of patients. Although microfracture is appropriate for smaller cartilage defects, Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI) and Matrix-carried Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (MACI), as well as other cell carrier systems, are currently used to treat larger full thickness chondral defects in the knee. Although the results are fairly similar, MACI and procedures using other cell carrier systems are amenable to be performed arthroscopically or through a more limited approach. There are a small number of studies using mesenchymal stem cells with promising early results bur further in vitro and in vivo studies are needed before this treatment becomes more routinely available. Conclusion: Focal articular cartilage defects are challenging clinical problems that progress to more generalised lesions. Only cartilage injuries that extend to the subchondral level show some capacity for repair due to the release of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells. Bone marrow stimulating techniques such as microfracture are effective in small well-contained lesions (<2cm2) and have the advantages of being performed arthroscopically as a single stage and cheaper costs compared to cell-based therapies. Mosaicplasty, and perichondrial or periosteal grafting are associated with donor site morbidity. Longer term studies on AMIC may help define the role for this procedure. The best form of non-cell-based treatment for focal articular cartilage defects in the long term is still unknown. ACI and MACI, as well as other cell carrier systems, are currently used in clinical practice to treat larger full thickness chondral defects in the knee. There are a small number of studies using mesenchymal stem cells and further in vitro and in vivo studies are needed before this treatment is optimised.

Fibroelastic components of the vesicourethral junction of rats in the aging process / Componentes fibroelásticos de la unión vesicouretral de ratas en el proceso de envejecimiento

The vesicourethral junction comprising the vesical trigone, is relevant in setting and positioning of the urinary bladder, along with the vesical neck, fixed by lateral ligaments of the bladder and tendinous arch of the pelvis fascia. Namely,the puboprostatic ligament (men) and the pubovesical (women). The circular set elastic fibers in this junction are important and valuable in the elasticity and plasticity of the area, allowing quick expansion and withdrawal with the flow of urine, and associated to smooth muscle tissue and nerve control form an important collective to maintain urinary continence. The objective of the present study is to describe the elastic system in the vesicouretral junction in relation to aging and its involvement in the states of urinary continence and incontinence, as well as the study of the vesicouretral junction in various age groups while evaluating with electron transmission microscopy. To carry out the study, 12 Wistar rats were used, divided into groups: neonate (4 animals), adult group (4 animals) and aged group (4 animals). Electron transmission microscopy with use of tanic acid technique associated to glutaraldehyde fixation, satisfactorily showed the extreme structural differences between mature elaunin and oxytalan fibers present between intercelular spaces and bundles of collagen fibers. The phases of elastogenesis in neonate animals and degradation of the elastic system of older animals were also evaluated.

La unión vesico-uretral, componente del trígono vesical, posee una relevante importancia en la fijación y posicionamiento de la vejiga urinaria conjuntamente con el cuello vesical, fijado por los ligamentos laterales de la vejiga y arco tendinoso de la fascia de la pelvis. Principalmente, sus componentes anteriores son: el ligamento puboprostático en los hombres y el ligamento pubovesical en las mujeres. Las fibras elásticas dispuestas circularmente en esta unión, son de valiosa importancia en la elasticidad y plasticidad de la región, permitiendo expansión y retiro rápido con el flujo de la orina, y asociado a musculatura lisa y control nervioso forman un conjunto importante para el mantenimiento de la continencia urinaria. Debido a existencia de puntos no esclarecidos en esta región en relación al sistema elástico y su participación en los estados de continencia/incontinencia urinaria, el presente trabajo tiene por objetivo el estudio de la unión vesico-uretral evaluándola en diferentes grupos etarios, a través de la microscopía electrónica de transmisión. Fueron utilizados 12 ratones Wistar, divididos en grupo de neonatos (4 animales), grupo adulto (4 animales) y grupo de ratones viejos (4 animales). La microscopía electrónica de transmisión, con uso de la técnica del ácido tánico asociado al fijador glutaraldeído, mostró satisfactoriamente las diferencias ultraestructurales entre las fibras elásticas maduras, elaunínicas y oxitalánicas, presentes entre los espacios intercelulares de las células musculares y haces de fibras colágenas, y también fases de elastogénesis en animales neonatos y envejecimiento y degradación del sistema elástico en los animales mayores.

Características histológicas de los pezones de cerda / Histological structure of the sow nipples

Motivados por la importancia de la lactancia materna, realizamos un estudio histológico de los pezones de la cerda. Las muestras fueron fijadas en formalina, incluidas en parafina y se realizaron cortes a 6 µm de grosor que fueron coloreados con las técnicas de H/E, tricrómica de Masson y PAS. La piel que recubre los pezones es delgada y presenta pocas papilas dérmicas. La porción final de los conductos está revestida por un epitelio estratificado plano no queratinizado, grueso, las células de sus capas intermedias están cargadas de glucógeno y la lámina propia forma gran número de papilas finas y altas ordenadas en hileras paralelas, estando cada papila rodeada por otras seis que forman un hexágono regular. El epitelio que recubre el extremo de los pezones, entre la desembocadura de las glándulas, es similar pero carece de papilas. El tejido conectivo que rodea los conductos presenta numerosas fibras musculares estriadas, de unos 15µm de diámetro, dispuestos en varias capas concéntricas alternando regularmente las circulares con las radiales(AU)

Encourage by the breast feeding significance, we achieve a research about the histological structure of the sow nipples. The pieces were fixed in formalin and included in paraffin, 6 µm thick histological sections were done. The slices were stained with HE, Masson's triple stain and Periodic Acid Shiff (PAS). The skin which covers the nipples is thin and it shows few dermal papillae. The terminal of the lactiferous ducts is lined by a thick stratified squamous non keratinized epithelium. In the middle layers its cells are rich in glycogen, here the lamina propria builds several thin and high papillaes which are arranged in regular parallels rows, each papillae is surrounded by other six that make alike a regular hexagon. Between the glandular ducts terminal, the epithelium which covers the summit of the nipple is similar but lacks of papillae. The connective tissue around the ducts shows numerous striated muscular fibres, about 15 µm in diameter approximately, arranged in several concentric layers, that alternate regularly circular with radials ones(AU)

Feathered fibres of human soleus muscle / Fibras penniformes del músculo sóleo humano

The large size of superficial group of muscles of back of leg is a characteristic feature of the musculature of man being related directly to its erect posture and mode of progression. Triceps surae is one of the powerful muscles of the body after Gluteus maximus and Quadriceps femoris. To make the muscle more powerful nature has devised a unique method of packing the fibers in a small space by pennation. There exists a bipenniform mass as a peculiarly human feature. Its feathered fasciculi arise from the deep (anterior) surface of the soleus muscle. Most of the textbooks of Anatomy and the available literature on the triceps surae or the tendoachillis do not appreciate and describe this fascinating aspect of the muscle. It was Schafer et al. (1923) who gave a detailed account of this muscle. Standring et al. (2005) have also described this muscle in great detail. We have studied the unique features of this part of soleus muscle. Bipennate arrangement was seen in 86 percent (right-83 percent; left-89 percent); and its maximum width was found to be 3.63 cm (Rt-3.71cm; Lt-3.55cm). Median tendinous septum was directed backwards and medially. Thus this muscle will further increase the power of contraction of soleus, which is so very important for a bipedal gait.

El gran tamaño de los grupos musculares superficiales de la parte posterior de la pierna es un rasgo característico de la musculatura del hombre siendo relacionado directamente con su postura erguida y el modo de progresión. El músculo tríceps sural es uno de los músculos más potentes del cuerpo después de los músculos glúteo magno y cuadríceps femoral. Para hacer al músculo más potente, la naturaleza ha ideado un método único de empaquetamiento de las fibras en un pequeño espacio por pennación. Existe una masa bipenniforme como una característica peculiarmente humana. Los fascículos pennados surgen desde la superficie profunda (anterior) del músculo sóleo. La mayoría de los textos de Anatomía y la literatura disponible sobre el músculo tríceps sural o el tendón de Aquiles no se aprecia ni se describe este aspecto fascinante que tienen los músculos. Fue Schafer (1923) quien dió una detallada descripción del músculo sóleo y posteriormente, Standring et al. (2005) también describieron detalladamente al músculo. Estudiamos las características únicas de esta parte del músculo sóleo, observando una disposición bipenniforme en el 86 por ciento de los casos (derecha 83 por ciento; izquierda 89 por ciento). El ancho máximo del músculo fue de 3,63 cm (derecha 3,71cm; izquierda 3,55cm). El septo tendinoso mediano se dirigió hacia posterior y medial, aumentando así aún más el poder de contracción del músculo sóleo, el cual es muy importante para la bipedestación.

Characterization of foams obtained from cassava starch, cellulose fibres and dolomitic limestone by a thermopressing process

Cassava starch, dolomitic limestone and eucalypt cellulose fibres were used to prepare foam trays that could be used to pack foodstuffs. The influence of the cellulose fibre concentration in the composite formulation was investigated using 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 and 40 percent of fibres. The results indicated that an increase in cellulose fibre concentration promoted a decrease in density and tensile strength of the foam samples. The tensile strength at break for foam trays containing 5 percent of cellulose fibres was 3.03MPa, whilst the commercial trays of expanded polystyrene used to pack foods in supermarkets presented a tensile strength of 1.49 MPa. The elongation at break of the foam trays obtained in this work varied slightly with increase in cellulose fibre concentration, the values being about 20 percent lower than the elongation at break observed for commercial foam trays of expanded polystyrene. Thus, the materials developed in this work represented a possible alternative to the use of EPS foam trays for packing dry foods. The trays' properties need to be improved for their use with moist foods.

Amido de mandioca, calcário dolomítico e fibras celulósicas de eucalipto foram usados para preparar bandejas biodegradáveis que podem ser usadas como embalagens para alimentos. A influência da concentração de fibras na formulação dos compostos foi investigada, usando 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 e 40 por cento de fibras. Os resultados indicaram que o aumento na concentração de fibras celulósicas promove uma diminuição na densidade e na resistência a tração das amostras. A tensão na ruptura para as bandejas contendo 5 por cento de fibras celulósicas foi de 3,03 MPa, enquanto as bandejas comerciais de poliestireno expandido (EPS) usadas para embalagens alimentícias em supermercados apresentaram uma tensão de 1.49 MPa. A elongação na ruptura das bandejas obtidas neste trabalho variou ligeiramente com o aumento da concentração de fibra celulósica, os valores são aproximadamente 20 por cento mais baixos do que a elongação na ruptura observada para bandejas comerciais de poliestireno expandido. Os resultados indicaram que as propriedades das bandejas devem ser melhoradas na utilização de embalagem de alimentos úmidos. Assim os materiais desenvolvidos neste trabalho representam uma possível alternativa para o uso de bandejas de EPS para embalar alimentos secos. As propriedades das bandejas necessitam ser melhoradas para sua utilização com alimentos úmidos.

Nerve Fibres Distribution in Eutopic Endometrium of Women with Endometriosis / 实用妇产科杂志

Objective:Nerve fibres distribution in the functional layer of endometrium of women with endometdosis was investigated.Methods:Histological sections of endometrial tissue were prepared from endometrialcurettings and hysterectomies performed on women with endometnosis(n=25)and without endometriosis(n=40).Immunohistochemistry was used to detect nerve fibres by highly specific polyclonal rabbit antibody PGP 9.5.The assessment of nerve fibre density was performed bv Image Pro Plus Discovery.Results:Nerve fibres were identified throughout the functional layers of the endometrium in all endometriosis patients,but not found in the functional layer of the endometrium in women without endometriosis(P<0.01).Conclusions:Nerve fibres detectad in the functional layer in all women with endometriosis may have important implications for understanding the generation of pain in these patients.

Efecto de la Sobrealimentación sobre las Características de la Canal y la Degradación Postmortem de la Vinculina y Troponina-T en Carne de Novillos Doble Propósito / Overfeeding Effects on Beef Carcass Traits and Postmortem Degradation of Vinculin and Troponin-T in Dual Purpose Steers

El efecto de sobrealimentación sobre las características de la canal y la degradación de la vinculina y la troponina-T a tres tiempos postmortem (0, 24 y 48 h), fue evaluado en 10 novillos doble propósito de 21 m de edad. Los animales fueron segregados al azar en dos tratamientos durante 12 m, como sigue: Tratamiento 1 (T1): cinco (5) novillos (grupo testigo) alimentados con heno (Cynodon nlemfuensis), más 20% de concentrado (relación heno:concentrado = 80:20, para una ganancia diaria de peso (GDP) de 100 g/d). Tratamiento 2 (T2): cinco (5) novillos alimentados con heno (Cynodon nlemfuensis), más 40% de concentrado (relación heno: concentrado = 60:40, para una GDP de 500 g/d). Las canales fueron evaluadas, para las características cualitativas y cuantitativas a las 24 h postmortem. Para evaluar la degradación de vinculina y troponina-T mediante la técnica de Western Blot, se colectaron 0,5 g del músculo longissimus dorsi de cada media canal al beneficio (0, 24 y 48 h postmortem). El análisis de varianza(ANAVAR) incluyó el peso de los animales al inicio del ensayo como covariable. Los resultados indicaron que las canales de los novillos sobrealimentados mejoraron sus características en canal, presentando mayor área del ojo costal, mayor espesor de grasa y mayor madurez ósea (P<0,05), sin alcanzar niveles adecuados de acabado de grasa. Se observó que la sobrealimentación no varió el patrón de degradación de la vinculina y la troponina-T a ningún tiempo postmortem. La vinculina se degradó a partir de las 24 h postmortem; sin embargo, no se detectó degradación de la troponina-T. Estos resultados deben ser confirmados con un número mayor de animales junto con la evaluación cuantitativa de la expresión de las proteínas.

The effect of overfeeding on carcass characteristics and on degradation of vinculin and troponin-T at three different postmortem times (0, 24, and 48 h) were evaluated in dual purpose steers. A total of 10 steers, 21 months of age was used. The animals were randomly selected and allocated to two different treatment protocols for 12 months, as follows: Treatment 1 (T1): Five steers (Control Group) fed with a diet consistent of hay (Cynodon nlemfuensis) plus concentrate, with a hay/concentrate ratio of 80:20, to reach a daily weight gain (DWG) of 100 g/d; Treatment 2 (T2); five steers fed with hay (Cynodon nlemfuensis) plus concentrate with a hay/concentrate ratio of 60:40, to obtain a DWG of 500 g/d. Carcasses were assessed for both qualitative and quantitative characteristics at 24 h postmortem. To evaluate the degradation of vinculin and troponin-T at three different times (0, 24, and 48 h postmortem), 0.5 g of the longissimus dorsi muscle was collected from each half carcass and subjected to a Western blot analysis. Samples were analyzed by ANOVA. The analysis included the weight of the animals as a covariance. The results of the present investigation indicate that the carcasses of overfed steers exhibited better carcass traits, showing larger loin eye areas, back fat thickness, and a skeletal maturity (P≤0.05), without reaching adequate levels of fat finish. It was also observed that overfeeding did not change the pattern of degradation of vinculin and troponin-T at any postmortem time. Vinculin showed degradation at 24 h postmortem while troponin-T was not degraded. These results must be confirmed using a greater number of animals and a quantitative evaluation of protein expression.

Evaluation of the relative efficacy of endometrial curettage for diagnosis of endometriosis by the detection of eutopic endometrial nerve fibers / 中国综合临床

Objective To evaluate endometrial biopsy and curettage in detecting small nerve fibers in eutopic endometrium for diagnosis of endometriosis.Methods Endometrial biopsies and curettings were taken in 65 women with menorrhalgia.Endometrial nerve fibers were immunohistochemically detected using the pan-neuronal marker PGP 9.5.All patients underwent laparoseopie approach.Results The specificity,sensitivity,positive and negative predictive value were 100% of endometrial biopsy and curettings for diagnosis of endometriosis.Condusions Careful endometrial biopsy combined with immunohistochemical staining for nerve fibers may be a reliable means of diagnosing or excluding endometriosis.

Distribution of nerve fibers in endometrium and its clinical significance in adenomyosis / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective To investigate nerve fibers distribution in endometrium of adenomyosis and their relationship with dysmenorrhea. Methods Endometrial tissue was sampled from 74 hysterectomy specimens including 32 cases with adenomyosis and 42 cases with uterine fibroids. Two-step Envision immunohistochemical staining was used to detect distribution of nerve fibers in endometrium. Highly specific polyclonal rabbit anti-protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5) and monoclonal mouse anti-neurofilament protein (NF) were used to demonstrate both myelinated and unmyelinated nerve fibers in endometrium in women with adenomyosis and uterine fibroids. Results The positive rate of PGP9.5 immunoreactive nerve fibers in the functional layer of endometrium of pain patients were with 64%(14/22) in adenomyosis and 67% (10/15) in uterine fibroids. And their density were 0.6(0-9.4)/mm2 and 0.6(0-6.0)/mm2 without reaching statistical difference (P> 0.05). No expression of NF could be detected in the functional layer of endometrium of adenomyosis and uterine fibroids. There were no PGP9.5 immunoreactive nerve fibers in the functional layer of endometrium in non-pain women with adenomyosis and uterine fibroids. Moreover, No NF immunoreactive nerve fibers in the functional layer of endometrium were shown in non-pain patients with adenomyosis and uterine fibroids. PGP9.5 immunoreactive nerve fibers and the nerve density in the basal layer of endometrium were 64%(14/22), 1.1(0-12.0)/mm2 in pain adenomyosis and 50%(5/10), 0.6(0-3.0)/mm2 in non-pain adenomyosis. NF immunoreactive nerve fibers and the density in the basal layer of endometrium were 23%(5/22),(0-0.6)/mm2 in pain adenomyosis and 20% (2/10),(0-1.0)/mm2 in non-pain adenomyosis. PGP9.5 immunoreactive nerve non-pain fibroids. NF immunoreactive nerve fibers and the nerve density in the basal layer of endometrium were 40%(6/15),0(0-0.4)/mm2 in pain fibroids and 15%(4/27),0(0-1.0)/mm2 in non-pain fibroids. There was no statistical different PGP9.5 and NF immunoreactive nerve fibers distribution in basal layer of endometrium between pain adenomyosis and pain fibroids or between non-pain adenomyosis and non-pain fibroids (all P>0.05). However, PGP9.5 immunoreactive nerve fibers density in basal layer of endometrium was higher in pain adenomyosis and fibroids when compared with non-pain adenomyosis and fibroids(P<0.05). Conclusions PGP9.5 immunoreactive nerve fibers might confer the occurrence of pelvic pain, however, NF immunoreactive nerve fibers may not involved in the pathogenesis of pain.