A structural magnetic resonance imaging study in therapy-naïve transsexual individuals.

BACKGROUND: Transsexuality is explained and defined as a gender-identity disorder, characterised by very strong conviction of belonging to the opposite sex and has been associated with a distinct neuroanatomical pattern. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a structural analysis in search of possible differences in grey matter structures based on magnetic resonance imaging scans of the brains of 26 individuals between 19 and 38 years of age. The participants were divided into two groups of 15 controls and 11 transgender individuals. The segmentation of subcortical grey matter was performed using FIRST model a model-based segmentation/registration tool, from FSL software package. RESULTS: The results showed that the volume of the brain region called nucleus accumbens on the left side was significantly smaller in the group of transgender individuals compared to the control. It was the most important parameter which was shown to make distinction between two examined groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results also showed decreased volumes of the left thalamus, right hippocampus and right caudate nucleus.

Non-conformities in tissue typing laboratory: Croatian experience.

OBJECTIVES: Our study aimed to determine the frequency and type of non-conformities that occurred in the tissue typing laboratory (TTL), Rijeka, Croatia, in order to evaluate the quality of testing and compliance with the requirements of the quality management system (QMS). BACKGROUND: The QMS in a TTL should lead to improvements in the accuracy and timeliness of results. One of its essential elements is non-conformity management. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of non-conformities recorded in the TTL Rijeka from 2006 to 2017 revealed the overall frequency of 0·43%. Classification was performed according to the examination phase, employee characteristics, relation to the field of work, part of laboratory and priority of testing. RESULTS: The most reported non-conformities occurred during the examination phase (54·0%), followed by the pre- and post-examination phase (31·2 and 14·8%, respectively). Inadequate competency and less experience were associated with the number of reported non-conformities while no difference was observed in relation to the profession or position in the laboratory. Non-conformities were equally distributed between organ transplantation and HLA-associated disease diagnostic processes, mostly referring to the entire laboratory work. CONCLUSION: Intensifying training and education, implementation of information technology into laboratory processes, more rigorous error detection and reporting are fundamental steps in improving quality of laboratory services.

Combinations of long peptide sequence blocks can be used to describe toxin diversification in venomous animals

An important mechanism for the evolution of toxins in venomous animals is believed to be the acquisition of genes encoding proteins that switch from physiological to toxic roles following gene duplication. The 'reverse recruitment' hypothesis pertains that these genes can also revert back to physiological functions, although such events are thought to be rare. A non-supervised homology searching method was developed which allowed the peptide diversity of animal toxins to be described as combinations between limited numbers of amino-acid sequence blocks we called 'tox-bits'. Taking the phospholipase A2 (PLA2) protein family as an example, a Bernoulli Trial was used to test if 'tox-bits' were robust enough to distinguish between peptides with physiological or toxin functions. The analysis revealed that discrimination was indeed possible, and supports the very recent 'restriction' hypothesis whereby genes with the potential to encode toxic functions have likely been independently recruited into venom systems and therefore require few, if any, reverse recruitment events. The development of 'tox-bits' provides a novel bioinformatics tool to allow recognition of toxins from other proteins in genome sequences, facilitating the study of gene recruitment and duplication strategies in venom diversification. The 'tox-bits' library is freely available at http://bioserv.pbf.hr/blocks.zip.

Brain and art: illustrations of the cerebral convolutions. A review.

BACKGROUND: Aesthetics and functional significance of the cerebral cortical relief gave us the idea to find out how often the convolutions are presented in fine art, and in which techniques, conceptual meaning and pathophysiological aspect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined 27,614 art works created by 2,856 authors and presented in art literature, and in Google images search. RESULTS: The cerebral gyri were shown in 0.85% of the art works created by 2.35% of the authors. The concept of the brain was first mentioned in ancient Egypt some 3,700 years ago. The first artistic drawing of the convolutions was made by Leonardo da Vinci, and the first colour picture by an unknown Italian author. Rembrandt van Rijn was the first to paint the gyri. Dozens of modern authors, who are professional artists, medical experts or designers, presented the cerebralc onvolutions in drawings, paintings, digital works or sculptures, with various aesthetic, symbolic and metaphorical connotation. Some artistic compositions and natural forms show a gyral pattern. The convolutions, whose cortical layers enable the cognitive functions, can be affected by various disorders. Some artists suffered from those disorders, and some others presented them in their artworks. CONCLUSIONS: The cerebral convolutions or gyri, thanks to their extensive cortical mantle, are the specific morphological basis for the human mind, but also the structures with their own aesthetics. Contemporary authors relatively often depictor model the cerebral convolutions, either from the aesthetic or conceptual aspect. In this way, they make a connection between the neuroscience and fineart.

Heart in anatomy history, radiology, anthropology and art.

BACKGROUND: Anthropologic, artistic and medical significance of heart inspired usto undertake this multidisciplinary study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Amongst the 24 obtained echocardiograms and phonograms, 1 was used for a Photoshop processing. In addition, over 20,000 art work reproductions were examined in this study. RESULTS: Artistic and symbolic presentation of heart started some 15,000 years ago. First heart models were made by the Egyptian and Olmec civilisations. Ancient cultures regarded heart as the seat of the soul, spirit and intelligence. First anatomical and artistic images of heart were created by Leonardo da Vinci in the15th century, and first wax models by the Italian anatomists in the 17th century. Mediaeval religious symbolism of heart was replaced in the Renaissance and later on mainly by its role in the romantic love. Anatomical heart art continued in the 18th and 19th centuries through the works of Sénac, Cloquet, Hirschfeldand Bourgery. Some modern artists, such as Dalí, Kahlo, Rivera, Warhol, Ivanjicki, Vital, Kober and Mastrlova, created the anatomical heart images or sculptures, whereas some others, such as Duchamp, Klee, Miró, Matisse and Dine, presented heart symbol in their artworks. New radiologic technologies produce fine images of heart, some of which are similar to the works of modern artists. CONCLUSIONS: Heart biology and symbolism have had a tremendous influence on our culture, including art and medical sciences. New radiologic techniques and computer technology have produced such images of heart, which substantially improved diagnosis, but also enhanced the heart aesthetics.

Volume changes of corpus striatum, thalamus, hippocampus and lateral ventricles in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) patients suffering from headaches and without therapy.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: In the present study, we have hypothesized that volume changes of the caudate nucleus, putamen, globus pallidus, hippocampus, thalamus, and lateral ventricle in newly-diagnosed, male PTSD patients without therapy are more pronounced in those with headaches. To confirm or reject our hypothesis, we have undertaken an extensive study of forty-nine PTSD patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: To confirm or reject our hypothesis, we have undertaken an extensive study of forty-nine PTSD male patients that underwent MRI scanning immediately upon admittance for the treatment. Based on headache frequency, they were classified into three groups: group 1 included patients with headaches at least twice a week; group 2 consisted of patients with headaches less than twice a week; and group 3 consisted of patients without headaches. All MRI scans underwent software-based volume compute and statistical processing. RESULTS: 39 out of 49 patients with PTSD suffered from headaches. Bilaterally, volume decreases were noted in groups 1 and 2 compared to group 3 for the caudate nucleus, putamen, hippocampus and lateral ventricle. Differences in globus pallidus and thalamus among groups appeared to be insignificant. CONCLUSION: The present study revealed a bilateral volume decrease of the caudate nucleus, putamen and hippocampus in PTSD male subjects without therapy. Intensity of volume alterations correlated with Hamilton's depression rating score; regression analysis uncovered correlated changes in the caudate nucleus, putamen and hippocampus, and an inverse correlation with the volume of the lateral ventricle in the PTSD patients.

Effects of captopril on morphologic changes in kidney of spontaneously hypertensive rats with adriamycin nephropathy.

Antihypertensive therapy has been shown to slow down the progression of chronic renal failure. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and calcium antagonists have been emphasized as the agents with the most protective effect. Our previous study showed that captopril slowed down renal function deterioration in the early course of adriamycin (ADR) nephropathy in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). The present study was undertaken with the aim to examine morphologic changes associated with that slower renal function deterioration. Adult (24 weeks) female SHR were randomly divided into the following groups: the control group (n = 12) was given tap water to drink; the adriamycin (ADR) group (n = 25) was treated with ADR; the ADR-captopril (ADR-C) group (n = 27) was treated with ADR and thereafter with captopril (60 mg/kg/day). Rats were sacrificed at weeks 6, 12 and 18 and histologic analysis was semiquantitatively performed. In the control group the glomeruli exhibited only minor changes at the end of the study. In the ADR group slight glomerular mesangial hypercellularity appeared in the sixth week and progressed in focal and segmental sclerosis. Some glomeruli showed segmental proliferation and increased fibrular matrix of a tuft adherent to a fibrocellular crescents. In the ADR-C group, glomeruli with a slight increase of mesangial matrix were seen at the end of the sixth week, mesangial hypercellularity developed until the end of the sixth week, mesangial hypercellularity developed until the end of the 12th week and segmental glomerulosclerosis until the end of the study. Semiquantitative analysis revealed that the mean semiquantitative scores for mesangial expansion and glomerular sclerosis were significantly lower in ADR-C group than in ADR group throughout the study. We concluded that captopril slowed down mesangial expansion and reduced the development of glomerular sclerosis.

Effects of captopril and hydralazine on progression of adriamycin nephropathy in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

The effects of captopril and hydralazine on morphologic changes and clinical course of adriamycin nephropathy in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were examined. The rats were followed for 18 weeks after adriamycin injections. At week 1 they were randomly assigned to receive no antihypertensive treatment, captopril 60 mg/kg per day or hydralazine 6 mg/kg per day. A control group of SHR not treated with adriamycin was also included in the study. Both antihypertensive agents normalized systemic blood pressure, but failed to prevent proteinuria, mesangial expansion and renal failure progression. At the end of the study all adriamycin-treated groups had the same degree of renal failure irrespective of whether blood pressure was well controlled with captopril or hydralazine or whether hypertension persisted. Nevertheless, antihypertensive therapy slowed down renal function deterioration in the early stage of adriamycin nephropathy. Treatment with captopril also reduced the development of glomerular sclerosis.