Computer-Assisted Morphometric Comparative Analysis of Argyrophilic Nucleolar Organizer Regions (AgNORs) in Leukoplakia With Dysplasia and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Background Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and oral leukoplakia (OL) with dysplasia are closely linked conditions in the oral cavity, with the latter often indicating precancerous changes, underscoring the urgency of early detection and intervention. Histopathological confirmation is crucial for accurate diagnosis. The nucleolar organizer region (NOR), specifically analyzed through silver-staining (argyrophilic NORs), provides insights into nuclear changes associated with the lesion. Computer-assisted morphometric analysis enhances precision and objectivity in evaluating AgNOR-related parameters. Aim To conduct a computer-assisted morphometric comparison of AgNORs using various NOR-related parameters in cases of OSCC and leukoplakia with dysplasia and to evaluate their diagnostic significance. Materials and methods A computer-assisted morphometric analysis was conducted using various NOR-related parameters, such as nuclear profile area, single AgNOR profile area per nucleus, total AgNOR profile area per nucleus, and number of AgNOR profiles per nucleus on a total sample of 90 specimens, which includes leukoplakia with dysplasia (30), OSCC (30), and a control group, including 30 samples of normal oral mucosa. A comparison was conducted on the morphometric values between the groups under investigation. Tukey's multiple comparison tests and ANOVA were used to analyze the data and determine the differences between the groups. Results The present investigation revealed a significant difference in all four AgNOR-related parameters between leukoplakia and OSCC in comparison to the control group (normal oral mucosa). Comparing OL (41.78 ± 0.46) and OSCC (62.78 ± 0.47) to the control group (35.93 ± 0.99), the mean value of nuclear profile area (A Nuc) was significantly greater. In comparison to the control group (3.40 ± 0.09), the mean value of a single AgNOR profile area per nucleus (A NOR) was found to be relatively lower in both research groups, OL (2.00 ± 0.02) and OSCC (1.39 ± 0.01). The total AgNOR profile area per nucleus (TA NOR) had a mean value of 10.61 ± 0.69 in OL and 12.05 ± 0.28 in OSCC, respectively, compared to 7.82 ± 0.38 in the control group. The study found that there was more number of profiles of AgNORs per nucleus (n NOR) in the study groups of OL (5.30 ± 0.29) and OSCC (8.69 ± 0.19) than in the control group (2.32 ± 0.11). Conclusion The parameters linked to the NOR are biologically informative and easy to check regularly in a pathology lab. Additionally, AgNORs give us important information that enables us to study the range of nuclear changes in malignant and potentially malignant lesions.

Following the Birth, Life, and Death of mRNAs in Single Cells.

Recent advances in single-molecule imaging of mRNAs in fixed and living cells have enabled the lives of mRNAs to be studied with unprecedented spatial and temporal detail. These approaches have moved beyond simply being able to observe specific events and have begun to allow an understanding of how regulation is coupled between steps in the mRNA life cycle. Additionally, these methodologies are now being applied in multicellular systems and animals to provide more nuanced insights into the physiological regulation of RNA metabolism.

A high-purity gas-solid photoreactor for reliable and reproducible photocatalytic CO2 reduction measurements.

Reactions between a gas phase and a solid material are of high importance in the study of alternative ways for energy conversion utilizing otherwise useless carbon dioxide (CO2). The photocatalytic CO2 reduction to hydrocarbon fuels like e.g., methane (CH4) is such a potential candidate process converting solar light into molecular bonds. In this work, the design, construction, and operation of a high-purity gas-solid photoreactor is described. The design aims at eliminating any unwanted carbon-containing impurities and leak points, ensuring the collection of reliable and reproducible data in photocatalytic CO2 reduction measurements. Apart from the hardware design, a detailed experimental procedure including gas analysis is presented, allowing newcomers in the field of gas-solid CO2 reduction to learn the essential basics and valuable tricks. By performing extensive blank measurements (with/without sample and/or light) the true performance of photocatalytic materials can be monitored, leading to the identification of trends and the proposal of possible mechanisms in CO2 photoreduction. The reproducibility of measurements between different versions of the here presented reactor on the ppm level is evidenced.

Design and validation of a low-cost open-source impedance based quartz crystal microbalance for electrochemical research.

The quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) measurement technique is utilized in a broad variety of scientific fields and applications, where surface and interfacial processes are relevant. However, the costs of purchasing QCMs is typically high, which has limited its employment in education as well as by scientists in developing countries. In this article, we present an open-source QCM, built on the OpenQCM project, and using an impedance-based measurement technique (QCM-I), which can be built for <200 euro. Our QCM allows for simultaneous monitoring of the frequency change and dissipation, such that both soft and rigid materials can be characterized. In addition, our QCM measurements can be combined with simultaneous electrochemical measurement techniques (EQCM-I). We demonstrate the validity of our system by characterizing the electrodeposition of a rigid metallic film (Cu) and by the electropolymerization of aniline. Finally, we discuss potential improvements to our system.

Detection accuracy of soft tissue complications during remote cochlear implant follow-up.

PURPOSE: After cochlear implantation (CI), long-term follow-up is obligatory. Remote-care options which provide a standard of care comparable to in-person consultations, could be an attractive addition to a cochlear implant centre's portfolio. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of photographs of the skin covering the implant to reliably detect skin irritations or soft tissue complications. METHODS: During routine follow-up consultations, 109 CI patients were examined in person and asked to take a photograph of the skin covering the implant using their smartphones. Photographs were digitally and remotely evaluated by two CI physicians who were blinded to the findings during the in-person examination. RESULTS: In nine cases, skin abnormalities were detected by the CI physician upon in-person examination, seven of which required immediate treatment. Both digital evaluators reliably detected all treatment-requiring conditions. Overall, more skin irritations were suspected digitally compared to in-person examination. Without additional information from the patients' medical record, sensitivity was 100% and specificity was 63%; with additional information provided, sensitivity was 100%, and specificity increased to 65.3%. CONCLUSION: Digital photographic assessment of the skin covering the implant is a highly sensitive method to detect skin irritations and could reduce the number of necessary in-person consultations.

Cytomorphometric analysis of squames obtained from normal mucosa, leukoplakia and oral squamous cell carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Exfoliative cytology is becoming increasingly important in the early diagnosis of oral cancers, as a procedure for obtaining cell samples, which can be analyzed by sophisticated diagnostic techniques. Quantitative techniques, based on the evaluation of parameters such as nucleus area, cytoplasm area and nucleus-to-cytoplasm area ratio, may increase the sensitivity of exfoliative cytology for early diagnosis of oral cancers, since these techniques are precise, objective and reproducible. OBJECTIVES: This study was undertaken to employ the cytomorphometric quantitative techniques to determine the value of exfoliative cytology and to assess this method to analyze the effectiveness in providing additional diagnostic test for the detection of early oral malignancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study consisted of three groups. The experimental group comprised of 20 subjects with oral leukoplakia and 20 subjects with oral squamous cell carcinoma of the buccal mucosa. The control group comprised of 10 apparently healthy subjects. They were subjected to clinical examination and cytosmear of the buccal mucosa. A standard wooden tongue spatula/metal spatula moistened with normal saline was used to obtain scrapings of buccal mucosa. The scrapings were spread on plain glass slides and immediately fixed in Biofix spray, followed by staining with the Papanicolaou technique. Then, the microscopic pictures were captured onto a computer and are cytomorphometrically analyzed using an image analyzer. Since this study involved multiple groups, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for comparing the parameters for multiple groups. Where significant difference was seen, the ANOVA test was followed by Mann-Whitney test, for pairwise comparison. RESULTS: The mean count of nuclear area and nuclear diameter showed an increase from Group I to Group II, Group I to Group III and Group II to Group III, which was statistically significant. The mean count of cell area and cell diameter showed a decrease from Group I to Group II, Group I to Group III and Group II to Group III, which was statistically significant. The mean count of nuclear/cytoplasm area ratio showed an increase from Group I to Group II, Group I to Group III and Group II to Group III, which was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: With the advancements in the field of quantitative exfoliative cytology, interest in oral cytology has once again emerged in the diagnosis of oral premalignancy and malignancy. Computer-aided analysis with the sophisticated software increases the speed and accuracy of cytological measurements, which are repeatable. These versatile systems facilitate quantitative oral cytological assessments, which may become a viable procedure for the early detection of oral premalignancy and malignancy.

Telepathology: An update on applications, latest advances, and current status in Indian scenario.

Pathologists have been using their tool of trade, "the microscope," since the early 17th century, but now diagnostic pathology or tissue-based diagnosis is characterized by its high specificity and sensitivity. Technological telecommunication advances have revolutionized the face of medicine, and in pursuit of better health-care delivery, telepathology has emerged. Telepathology is the practice of diagnostic pathology performed at a distance, with images viewed on a video monitor rather than directly through the (light) microscope. This article aims to provide an overview of the field, including specific applications, practice, benefits, limitations, regulatory issues, latest advances, and a perspective on the current status of telepathology in Indian scenario based on literature review.

[Results of surgical and radiotherapeutic treatment of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the salivary glands]. / Resultate der operativen und strahlentherapeutischen Behandlung von adenoidzystischen Karzinomen der Speicheldrüsen.

Surgical treatment in patients with rare adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the salivary glands is considered to be the state of the art. With respect to an additional radiotherapy there are different approaches regarding the type of radiotherapy and timing. In this study the overall survival and recurrence-free survival in 52 individuals with salivary gland ACC who were treated at the University Hospital in Essen and received irradiation with fast neutrons and photons (mixed beam technique) either A) immediately following surgical treatment or B) only after the appearance of local recurrence were compared. Group A (n = 28, first diagnosis, FD September 1991-September 2009) received adjuvant radiotherapy immediately postoperative, group B (n = 24, FD June 1979-November 2001) underwent primarily surgical tumor resection according to the treatment regimen at that time and were irradiated only on the appearance of a local recurrence. In comparison to group B, patients in group A showed a lower recurrence rate and a significantly longer local relapse-free survival. Group B, however, showed a significantly higher overall survival. The frequency of distant metastasis occurred equally in both groups but the onset of distant metastasis was significantly earlier in group A. In general, overall survival was negatively influenced by distant metastasis. The local recurrence rate was very high after primary surgical treatment only. The immediate adjuvant high-linear energy transfer (LET) radiotherapy reduced the local recurrence rates. Irradiation after the appearance of a recurrence had a positive influence on overall survival. Overall, definitive high-LET radiotherapy in the mixed beam technique enabled high local control rates both primarily postoperative and also locoregional recurrences.

Electrochemically Induced pH Change: Time-Resolved Confocal Fluorescence Microscopy Measurements and Comparison with Numerical Model.

Confocal fluorescence microscopy is a proven technique, which can image near-electrode pH changes. For a complete understanding of electrode processes, time-resolved measurements are required, which have not been achieved previously. Here we present the first measurements of time-resolved pH profiles with confocal fluorescence microscopy. The experimental results compare favorably with a one-dimensional reaction-diffusion model; this holds up to the point where the measurements reveal three-dimensionality in the pH distribution. Specific factors affecting the pH measurement such as attenuation of light and the role of dye migration are also discussed in detail. The method is further applied to reveal the buffer effects observed in sulfate-containing electrolytes. The work presented here is paving the way toward the use of confocal fluorescence microscopy in the measurement of 3D time-resolved pH changes in numerous electrochemical settings, for example, in the vicinity of bubbles.

Oral microbial profile in oral cancer patients before and after radiation therapy in a cancer care center - A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Head and neck cancer is the sixth most common cancer reported worldwide. In many cases, the level of aggressiveness of therapy adopted in cancer patients may cause the alteration in oral microbiota; the emergence of potential pathogens may cause opportunistic infections in already immune-compromised individuals leading to increases in morbidity and mortality. Hence, this study was conducted to assess the oral microbial profile in oral cancer patients before and after radiotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 145 oral swabs were collected before radiotherapy (n = 96), 3 months postradiotherapy (n = 25), 6 months postradiotherapy (n = 12) and controls (n = 12). The samples were inoculated into brain-heart infusion broth and later in different media for bacterial isolation. The isolates were subjected to phenotypic characterization by automatic identification system. RESULTS: Among the 96 samples studied from the preradiotherapy patient samples, Streptococcus species (n = 28) were the predominant isolate, followed by Staphylococcus species (n = 16), Enterobacter species (n = 6) and Enterococcus species (n = 6). Of the 25 samples studied 3 months after radiotherapy, Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 4) was isolated and 12 samples studied after 6 months of radiotherapy Candida species (n = 4) and Pediococcus species (n = 3) were isolated. Among the control group (n = 12) screened, Streptococcus acidominimus (n = 3) is the predominant bacteria isolated. CONCLUSION: High prevalence of Streptococcus sp. was found in patients of oral cancer before radiotherapy, while Candida albicans and Klebsiella species and Pediococcus species are the significant pathogens isolated in postradiotherapy cancer patients.

Investigation of the Fate of Silver and Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles in Model Wastewater Effluents via Selected Area Electron Diffraction.

The increasing use of manufactured nanomaterials (MNMs) and their inevitable release into the environment, especially via wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), poses a potential threat for aquatic organisms. The characterization of MNMs with analytical tools to comprehend their fate and effect on the ecosystem is hence of great importance for environmental risk assessment. We herein report, for the first time, the investigation of physicochemical transformation processes during artificial wastewater treatment of silver (Ag-NPs) and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) via selected area electron diffraction (SAED). TiO2-NPs with an anatase/rutile ratio of ∼80/20 were found to not undergo any physicochemical transformation, as shown via previous energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) elemental mapping and crystal structure analysis via SAED. In contrast, Ag-NPs were colocalized with substantial amounts of sulfur (Ag/S ratio of 1.9), indicating the formation of Ag2S. SAED ultimately proved the complete transformation of face-centered cubic (fcc) Ag-NPs into monoclinic Ag2S-NPs. The size distribution of both nanomaterials remained virtually unchanged. Our investigations show that cloud point extraction of NPs and their subsequent crystal structure analysis via SAED is another valuable approach toward the comprehensive investigation of wastewater-borne MNMs. However, the extraction procedure needs optimization for environmentally low NP concentrations.

[Comparison of T cell response in the tumor milieu of patients with HPV+ and HPV- head and neck cancer]. / Vergleich der T-Zell-Antwort im Tumormilieu von Patienten mit HPV+- und HPV−-Kopf-Hals-Karzinom.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of HPV-associated squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck region (HNSCC) has increased dramatically in recent years. Despite a similar localization (oropharyngeal squamous cell epithelia) to smoking- and alcohol-associated cancers, HPV-associated carcinomas are considered to represent a distinct entity. Reasons for the different therapeutic responses of the two tumor entities are not yet fully understood. METHODS AND OBJECTIVE: This review investigates the importance of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in HPV+ and HPV- HNSCC by means of articles and publications concerning the tumor micromilieu, effects on prognosis, and patients' therapeutic responses. RESULTS: HNSCC patients with a positive HPV status and increased frequencies of CD8+ T cells (CD, cluster of differentiation) demonstrated an improved therapeutic response and improved outcomes. Decreased expression of the EGF (epidermal growth factor) receptor correlates with increased TH1 cytokine secretion by CD4+ T cells, which, in their role as T helper cells, can activate macrophages, dendritic cells, and cytotoxic T cells, amongst others. Regulatory T cells (Treg) execute an immune-suppressive effect in the tumor micromilieu through different metabolic and signaling pathways (IL[interleukin]­4, IL-10, TGF­ß ["transforming growth factor­ß"]). CONCLUSION: The importance of the adaptive immune response for treatment response and patients' prognosis has been supported by different investigations. Understanding the immunological processes in the tumor environment plays an important role for the development of new treatment approaches.

Morphological analysis of various rugae patterns among Dravidian population.

AIM: The aim of this study was to analyze and identify differences in the palatal rugae patterns and genderwise distributions in three different populations (Kerala, Mahe and Puducherry). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety maxillary study models (30 from each group including males and females) were examined in the age group ranging from 18 to 25 years. The palatal rugae pattern was analyzed for shape. RESULTS: After analyzing the rugae patterns among the groups, the most common pattern was the wavy pattern (53.57%) followed by curved (18.22%) and straight (13.66%). The least was circular (1.3%). When compared between sex, the most common pattern was found to be wavy (male - 54.3% and female - 53.09%), while the curved pattern was more common among the females (21.09%) than males (13.97%). The straight pattern was more common among the males (18.8%) than females (10.18%). The least common pattern was found to be the circular in both sexes which accounted for around 1%. CONCLUSION: This study shows no two palates are identical in terms of their rugae pattern. Palatal rugae possess unique characteristics as they are absolutely individualistic. Study also confirms that the "wavy" type of palatal rugae pattern was the most predominant among these three populations.

Prior automatic posture and activity identification improves physical activity energy expenditure prediction from hip-worn triaxial accelerometry.

Accelerometry is increasingly used to quantify physical activity (PA) and related energy expenditure (EE). Linear regression models designed to derive PAEE from accelerometry-counts have shown their limits, mostly due to the lack of consideration of the nature of activities performed. Here we tested whether a model coupling an automatic activity/posture recognition (AAR) algorithm with an activity-specific count-based model, developed in 61 subjects in laboratory conditions, improved PAEE and total EE (TEE) predictions from a hip-worn triaxial-accelerometer (ActigraphGT3X+) in free-living conditions. Data from two independent subject groups of varying body mass index and age were considered: 20 subjects engaged in a 3-h urban-circuit, with activity-by-activity reference PAEE from combined heart-rate and accelerometry monitoring (Actiheart); and 56 subjects involved in a 14-day trial, with PAEE and TEE measured using the doubly-labeled water method. PAEE was estimated from accelerometry using the activity-specific model coupled to the AAR algorithm (AAR model), a simple linear model (SLM), and equations provided by the companion-software of used activity-devices (Freedson and Actiheart models). AAR-model predictions were in closer agreement with selected references than those from other count-based models, both for PAEE during the urban-circuit (RMSE = 6.19 vs 7.90 for SLM and 9.62 kJ/min for Freedson) and for EE over the 14-day trial, reaching Actiheart performances in the latter (PAEE: RMSE = 0.93 vs. 1.53 for SLM, 1.43 for Freedson, 0.91 MJ/day for Actiheart; TEE: RMSE = 1.05 vs. 1.57 for SLM, 1.70 for Freedson, 0.95 MJ/day for Actiheart). Overall, the AAR model resulted in a 43% increase of daily PAEE variance explained by accelerometry predictions. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Although triaxial accelerometry is widely used in free-living conditions to assess the impact of physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) on health, its precision and accuracy are often debated. Here we developed and validated an activity-specific model which, coupled with an automatic activity-recognition algorithm, improved the variance explained by the predictions from accelerometry counts by 43% of daily PAEE compared with models relying on a simple relationship between accelerometry counts and EE.

Coat of many colours-DNA reveals polymorphism of mantle patterns and colouration in Caribbean Cyphoma Röding, 1798 (Gastropoda, Ovulidae).

The iconic gastropod genus Cyphoma is commonly observed in the Caribbean, where it lives in association with various octocorallian hosts. Each species in the genus Cyphoma has a unique, characteristic mantle pattern and colouration, which separates the valid taxa. Because of its abundance and recognisability Cyphoma gibbosum has been used as a model organism in several studies concerning allelochemicals, reef degradation, and physical defence mechanisms. Molecular analyses based on four molecular markers (COI, 16S, H3 and 28S) for three Cyphoma species (C. gibbosum, C. mcgintyi, C. signatum) and an unidentified black morph, collected from three localities in the Caribbean, show that they represent morphological varieties of a single, genetically homogeneous species. This outcome is in agreement with previous anatomical studies. As a result C. mcgintyi and C. signatum are synonymised with C. gibbosum, which is a key result for future work using C. gibbosum as a model organism. The striking morphological differences in mantle pattern and colouration are hypothesised to be the result of one of three possible scenarios: rapid divergence, supergenes (including balanced polymorphism), or incipient speciation.

Eltrombopag, a thrombopoietin mimetic, crosses the blood-brain barrier and impairs iron-dependent hippocampal neuron dendrite development.

Essentials Potential neurodevelopmental side effects of thrombopoietin mimetics need to be considered. The effects of eltrombopag (ELT) on neuronal iron status and dendrite development were assessed. ELT crosses the blood-brain barrier and causes iron deficiency in developing neurons. ELT blunts dendrite maturation, indicating a need for more safety studies before neonatal use. SUMMARY: Background Thrombocytopenia is common in sick neonates. Thrombopoietin mimetics (e.g. eltrombopag [ELT]) might provide an alternative therapy for selected neonates with severe and prolonged thrombocytopenia, and for infants and young children with different varieties of thrombocytopenia. However, ELT chelates intracellular iron, which may adversely affect developing organs with high metabolic requirements. Iron deficiency (ID) is particularly deleterious during brain development, impairing neuronal myelination, dopamine signaling and dendritic maturation and ultimately impairing long-term neurological function (e.g. hippocampal-dependent learning and memory). Objective To determine whether ELT crosses the blood-brain barrier (BBB), causes neuronal ID and impairs hippocampal neuron dendrite maturation. Methods ELT transport across the BBB was assessed using primary bovine brain microvascular endothelial cells. Embryonic mouse primary hippocampal neuron cultures were treated with ELT or deferoxamine (DFO, an iron chelator) from 7 days in vitro (DIV) through 14 DIV and assessed for gene expression and neuronal dendrite complexity. Results ELT crossed the BBB in a time-dependent manner. 2 and 6 µm ELT increased Tfr1 and Slc11a2 (iron-responsive genes involved in neuronal iron uptake) mRNA levels, indicating neuronal ID. 6 µm ELT, but not 2 µm ELT, decreased BdnfVI, Camk2a and Vamp1 mRNA levels, suggesting impaired neuronal development and synaptic function. Dendrite branch number and length were reduced in 6 µm ELT-treated neurons, resulting in blunted dendritic arbor complexity that was similar to DFO-treated neurons. Conclusions Eltrombopag treatment during development may impair neuronal structure as a result of neuronal ID. Preclinical in vivo studies are warranted to assess ELT safety during periods of rapid brain development.

Granopupa in Iran, monophyly, and the fossil Granariinae (Gastropoda, Pulmonata, Chondrinidae).

Indisputable Chondrinidae, Granariinae species, characterized by shell shape and apertural dentition, are known from Eocene deposits to the Recent. The generic classification of the extant species is based on conchological, anatomical and molecular data that are available now for most of the known species, including 'Granaria' persica as a representative of the once problematic group of so-called eastern Granaria species. According to molecular and anatomical characters, these eastern species have to be classified with Granopupa granum in Granopupa. Graniberia gen. n. is introduced for Granaria braunii on the basis of molecular and conchological data. For the pre-Pleistocene species, two generic names are equally well available now, viz. Granopupa and Granaria. Shell characters only do not enable a decision here. For the sake of nomenclatorial stability we propose to use Granaria for these species. Because both molecular and anatomical data most likely will never be known for the fossils, it will remain unclear whether the combined extant and extinct Granaria species form a monophyletic group.

Thyroid hormone-dependent formation of a subcortical band heterotopia (SBH) in the neonatal brain is not exacerbated under conditions of low dietary iron (FeD).

Thyroid hormones (TH) are critical for brain development and insufficiencies can lead to structural abnormalities in specific brain regions. Administration of the goitrogen propylthiouracil (PTU) reduces TH production by inhibiting thyroperoxidase (TPO), an enzyme that oxidizes iodide for the synthesis of TH. TPO activity is iron (Fe)-dependent and dietary iron deficiency (FeD) also reduces circulating levels of TH. We have previously shown that modest degrees of TH insufficiency induced in pregnant rat dams alters the expression of TH-responsive genes in the cortex and hippocampus of the neonate, and results in the formation of a subcortical band heterotopia (SBH) in the corpus callosum (Royland et al., 2008, Bastian et al., 2014, Gilbert et al., 2014). The present experiment investigated if FeD alone was sufficient to induce a SBH or if FeD would augment SBH formation at lower doses of PTU. One set of pregnant rats was administered 0, 1, 3, or 10ppm of PTU via drinking water starting on gestational day (GD) 6. FeD was induced in a 2nd set of dams beginning on GD2. A third set of dams received the FeD diet from GD2 paired with either 1ppm or 3ppm PTU beginning on GD6. All treatments continued until the time of sacrifice. On PN18, one female pup from each litter was sacrificed and the brain examined for SBH. We observed lower maternal, PN2 and PN18 pup serum T4 in response to PTU. FeD reduced serum T4 in pups on PN16, but did not affect serum T4 in dams or PN2 pups. Neither did FeD in combination with PTU alter T4 levels in dams on PN18 or pups on PN2 compared to PTU treatment alone. By PN16, however more severe T4 reductions were observed in pups when FeD was combined with PTU. SBH increased with increasing dosage of PTU, but counter to our hypothesis, no SBH was detected in the offspring of FeD dams. As such, T4 levels in dams and newborn pups rather than older neonates appear to be a better predictor SBH associated with TH insufficiency. These data indirectly support previous work indicating prenatal TH insufficiency but not postnatal TH insufficiency in offspring is required for SBH formation.

Osseous choristoma of the labial mucosa: A rare case report.

Osseous choristoma is a normal bone tissue in an ectopic position. These are slow growing lesions that are usually completely asymptomatic and only present when there is a disruption in the function of the organ due to its large size as it grows. Definitive diagnosis is obtained only after the histopathological examination. The etiology remains still questionable. The treatment of choice is surgical excision. Here we report a case of choristoma in the lower labial mucosa in a 47-year-old female.

Molecular data for Crenavolva species (Gastropoda, Ovulidae) reveals the synonymy of C.chiapponii.

During fieldwork in Indonesia and Malaysia, eight lots containing 33 specimens belonging to the genus Crenavolva (Ovulidae) were collected. Species were initially identified as Crenavolvaaureola, Crenavolvachiapponii, Crenavolvastriatula and Crenavolvatrailli, respectively. For Crenavolvachiapponii this is the second record. In contrast to the ecological data available from the original description of this species, it was found in shallow water on a gorgonian host coral, i.e. Acanthogorgia sp. A molecular analysis based on COI and 16S mtDNA markers, including sequence data obtained from GenBank, showed that Crenavolvachiapponii should be considered a junior synonym of Crenavolvaaureola and that previously identified ovulid specimens are probably misidentified.