Evaluation of different fragment sizes and cryoprotectants for cryopreservation of feline testicular tissues.

This study aimed to evaluate tissue damage of feline testicles sectioned in two different sizes (0.3 or 0.5 cm3 ) and submitted to different cryoprotectants (propanediol or glycerol). Testicles obtained from 12 domestic cats were sectioned in 0.3 and 0.5 cm3 sized pieces and immediately evaluated by TBARS and semi-quantitatively by histomorphology. The remaining fragments were placed in cryotubes with 1 ml Egg yolk Tris Equex STM extender containing 3% glycerol or 3% propanediol and cryopreserved by fast-freezing technique. Frozen-thawed fragments were also evaluated by TBARS and histomorphology. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA with Student-Newmann-Keuls post hoc test, with p < .05. Fresh and cryopreserved tissues generally exhibited a similar morphology concerning detachment of cells from the basement membrane and observation of nucleoli, with a great proportion scored as 0 (no alteration). When present, alterations were slight and the morphology was considered to be good (most classified in scores 1). Pyknosis was the main anomaly observed as score 2 in 54.6% and 58.4% of 0.3-cm3 fragments cryopreserved in propanediol and glycerol, respectively (16.7% scored 2 in fresh tissue). In TBARS evaluation, 0.5-cm3 fragments cryopreserved in glycerol produced less free radical compared to the 0.3 cm3 cryopreserved in glycerol or propanediol. Our results showed that glycerol was more efficient than propanediol to cryopreserve 0.5-cm3 fragments; this might be attributed to the fact that glycerol molecular weight is larger than propanediol and so its perfusion in the testicular tissue is slower.

[Comparison of two methods of age determination in teeth of known age from wild carnivores]. / Vergleich zweier Methoden der Altersbeurteilung an Zähnen altersbekannter wildlebender Fleischfresser.

Two age-determining methods were conducted on representatives of known age from the Order Carnivora (4 red foxes, 3 tree martens, 3 stone martens, 2 racoons, 2 badgers, 2 polecat and one otter). Age determination employed with the aid of tooth wear nearly agrees with the real age of the animals. Dating based on the formation of the age-dependent cement zone coincided well with the known ages of the individual specimens. However, in real foxes the figure one must be added to the number of cementum layers counted determining the definitive age of individuals. For representation of the cementum layers transverse sections of the apical part of the tooth root of canini, P2 and P3, stained with methylene blue, should be used. It is important to note that the dentino-cemental line should not be considered when counting the year rings in the cement.

Multicentre clinical evaluation of the COBAS CORE CEA, CA 125 II and PSA tumor marker assays.

The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical usefulness of the tumor markers CEA, CA 125 and PSA using the COBAS CORE system from Roche Diagnostic Systems. Our results demonstrate that determination of these markers on the COBAS CORE immunoassay analyser provides the performance required for routine use in clinical practice. The results obtained in this clinical trial validate the correlation with disease extension, a characteristic that defines and determines the clinical utility of the tumor markers. We also conclude that learning to operate the COBAS CORE system is simple, as is management of the system through the user-friendly software.

Multi-wavelength analyses of second-derivative spectra for rapid determination of acetaminophen in serum.

Measurement of acetaminophen by analysis of the second derivative of its spectrum is specific and sensitive. The method of extraction and the use of just one phosphate buffer as reagent makes this method very convenient. Readings are reliable from 10 to 1500 mg/L. A turnaround time of 20 min makes this method well suited for emergency cases. Precision and accuracy of the method are presented. Results are not biased by interferences, not even from N-acetylcysteine.

[Respiratory gas exchange and glucose uptake by the human spleen in situ (author's transl)]. / Atemgaswechsel and glucoseaufinahme der menschlichen milz in situ

Blood samples were taken from the splenic artery, vein and pulp of 16 patients suffering from lymphoproliferative diseases, essential thrombocytopenia or hereditary spherocytosis and undergoing early splenectomy. The relevant parameters of the respiratory gas exchange as well as glucose and lactate concentrations were determined in these samples. In no case did the thorough examination of the splenic tissue reveal any histopathologic aspects. Taking into account a mean splenic blood flow of 100 ml/100 g/min during anaesthesia, the mean oxygen consumption of the splenic tissue attains 1.1 ml/100 g/min. The glucose uptake and the lactate release show to be 9 mg/100 g/min and 5.2 mg/100 g/min, respectively. Despite high glucose uptake rates and pronounced glycolytic activities there is no evidence of the existence of low pH values, a glucose depletion or hypoxia in the normal spleen. In the normal spleen, therefore, the intrasplenic sequestration of red blood cells cannot be explained by unfavourable metabolic conditions.