First Report of Anopheles annularis s.l., An. maculatus s.s., and An. culicifacies s.l. as Malaria Vectors and a New Occurrence Record for An. pseudowillmori and An. sawadwongporni in Alipurduar District Villages, West Bengal, India

A comprehensive entomological survey was undertaken in Alipurduar District, West Bengal, from 2018 to 2020 and in 2022. This study was prompted by reported malaria cases and conducted across nine villages, seven Sub-Centres, and three Primary Health Centres (PHCs). Mosquitoes were hand-collected with aspirators and flashlights from human dwellings and cattle sheds during the daytime. Both morphological and molecular techniques were used for species identification. Additionally, mosquitoes were tested for Plasmodium parasites and human blood presence. Mosquito species such as An. barbirostris s.l., An. hyrcanus s.l., An. splendidus, and An. vagus were morphologically identified. For species like An. annularis s.l., An. minimus s.s., An. culicifacies s.l., and An. maculatus s.s., a combination of morphological and molecular techniques was essential. The mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase gene subunit 1 (CO1) was sequenced for An. annularis s.l., An. maculatus s.s., An. culicifacies s.l., An. vagus, and some damaged samples, revealing the presence of An. pseudowillmori and An. fluviatilis. The major Anopheles species were An. annularis s.l., An. culicifacies s.l., and An. maculatus s.s., especially in Kumargram and Turturi PHCs. Plasmodium positivity was notably high in An. annularis s.l. and An. maculatus s.s. with significant human blood meal positivity across most species. Morphological, molecular, and phylogenetic analyses are crucial, especially for archived samples, to accurately identify the mosquito fauna of a region. Notably, this study confirms the first occurrence of An. pseudowillmori and An. sawadwongporni in West Bengal and implicates An. maculatus s.s., An. culicifacies s.l., and An. annularis s.l. as significant vectors in the Alipurduar region.

Note: control of liquid helium supply to cryopanels of Kolkata superconducting cyclotron

The Kolkata superconducting cyclotron utilises liquid helium to cool the main magnet niobium-titanium (NbTi) coil and the cryopanels. Three liquid helium cooled cryopanels, placed inside the dees of the radio-frequency system, maintain the high vacuum in the acceleration region of the superconducting cyclotron. The small cryostat placed inside the cryogenic distribution manifold located at the basement of the superconducting cyclotron building supplies liquid helium in parallel branches to three cold heads, used for cooling their associated cryopanels. The level in the cryostat has to be maintained at an optimum value to ensure uninterrupted flow of liquid helium to these three cold heads. This paper describes the transfer function of the overall system, its tuning parameters, and discusses the actual control of cryostat level by using these parameters.

Admission Cardiotocography Screening of High Risk Obstetric Patients

BACKGROUND

To predict the neonatal outcome in high risk obstetric cases by admission cardiotocography (CTG) testing.

METHODS

A total of 150 consecutive high risk obstetric patients meeting the inclusion criteria were subjected to admission CTG testing in this prospective study. The CTG tracing was categorized based on Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) criteria. Specific foetal and neonatal outcome measures were studied and correlated with the admission CTG testing.

RESULT

Foetal distress during labour developed in 15% of patients with a normal test and in 73% of patients with an abnormal test. The admission test had a sensitivity of 66.7%, specificity of 93.3% and a positive predictive value of 53.3% for predicting an Apgar score < 5 at birth. Neonatal admission to neonatal intensive care unit was required in 1% of patients with a normal test and 33% of patients with an abnormal test (p <0.01).

CONCLUSION

The result of admission cardiotocography testing could be used to identify patients likely to develop adverse foetal outcomes and help in optimal utilization of labour room resources.

Effect of DENA induced hepatocarcinogenesis on neuroendocrine levels in male rats

Hepatocarcinogenesis was induced in Sprague Dawley rats by injecting diethylnitrosamine (DENA); 150 mg/kg body weight, ip, a well known liver carcinogen and a mutagenic agent. Concurrent with the induction of hepatocarcinoma, psychological stress was also elicited from the changes in brain neurotransmitters. Noradrenaline and dopamine, the neurotransmitters of sympathetic system were estimated from the whole brain and corresponding hormones T3, T4 and prolactin were estimated from the blood of such rats. The neuroendocrine cascade and the marker enzyme gamma glutamyl transferase were estimated at 7, 14, 21 and 30 weeks. A direct relationship between noradrenaline, T3 and T4 and a reciprocal relationship between dopamine and prolactin were observed, which may be correlated to the carcinogenic effect of DENA.

A study on the effects of diclofenac sodium and etoricoxib in the treatment of osteoarthritis

Diclofenac sodium, a non-selective cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor and etoricoxib, a selective cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitor have been widely used in treatment of patients with osteo-arthritis. Five hundred and eighty-five patients with uncomplicated knee osteo-arthritis were randomly allocated into 3 equal groups and received either diclofenac sodium, etoricoxib or placebo in a double-blind manner. The response in both the drug groups was comparable and much more than placebo group. The study shows that etoricoxib provides better clinical efficacy and gastro-intestinal tolerability in osteo-arthritis in comparison to diclofenac sodium presumably due to the selective inhibition of cyclo-oxygenase-2 by etoricoxib.

Biocompatibility of diamond-like nanocomposite thin films

Diamond-like nanocomposite (DLN) films consist of network structure of amorphous carbon and quartz like silicon. In the present work, DLN films have been synthesized on pyrex glass and subsequently, their biocompatibility have been investigated through primary and secondary cell adhesion, cytotoxicity, protein adsorption and murine peritoneal macrophage activation experiments. Variable degree of cell and protein response have been found based on variable film synthesis parameters but in overall, required biocompatibility has been established for all types of film-coating.

Management of Rh-isoimmunised Pregnancies : Our Experience

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to assess the role of middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity (MCA-PSV), as measured by doppler ultrasound, in detecting foetal anaemia in Rh- isoimmunised pregnancies. Intra-uterine foetal blood transfusion was performed in such anaemic foetuses to tide over the crisis of foetal immaturity till considered fit for extra-uterine survival.

METHODS

Rh-isoimmunised pregnancies reporting to a tertiary institute from 2003 to 2005, were screened by doppler ultrasound to estimate MCA-PSV to detect foetal anaemia. If the foetus developed MCA-PSV of more than 1.5 multiple of median (MoM) for the gestational age, foetal blood sampling through cordocentesis was performed to confirm foetal anaemia, followed by intrauterine foetal blood transfusion to all anaemic foetuses at the same sitting. Neonatal outcome was evaluated by recording gestational age at the time of delivery, duration of gestational time gained and need for blood transfusion in the neonatal period.

RESULTS

A total of thirteen isoimmunised pregnancies were evaluated. Three pregnancies did not require in-utero foetal blood transfusion. Twenty-one intrauterine foetal blood transfusions were performed in the remaining ten patients. Five received blood transfusion in the neonatal period. Intra uterine foetal death occurred in one grossly hydropic foetus and favourable neonatal outcome was recorded in the rest.

CONCLUSION

The clinical outcome of these pregnancies justifies the use of doppler studies of MCA-PSV in detecting foetal anaemia and intra uterine foetal blood transfusion is the only hope of prolonging pregnancy and salvaging such foetuses.

Acute Abdomen in Gynaecological Practice

Acute abdomen in pregnancy is due to consequence of pregnancy itself or is totally unrelated to pregnancy. During pregnancy, a woman is at an increased risk of acute abdomen due to various physiological changes. The article discusses the various conditions which can present as acute abdomen in women during pregnancy and in non-pregnant state. The clinician often has a difficult task in diagnosing and managing acute abdomen in pregnancy. Clinical evaluation is further confounded by various anatomical and physiological changes occurring in pregnancy. The growing gravid uterus too causes difficulty in detailed examination. The general reluctance to use conventional X-rays because of pregnancy should be set aside when faced with a seriously ill mother. A reluctance to operate during pregnancy adds unnecessary delay, which increases morbidity for both the mother and the fetus. Adnexal accidents should always be kept in mind in a woman with acute abdomen even if she is not pregnant. Such mistakes should be avoided as prompt diagnosis and appropriate therapy are crucial. A general approach to acute abdominal conditions in pregnancy is to manage these problems considering the risk to mother regardless of the pregnancy.

Synonymous Codon Usage inLactococcus lactis: Mutational Bias Versus Translational Selection

In this study codon usage bias of all experimentally known genes of Lactococcus lactis has been analyzed. Since Lactococcus lactis is an AT rich organism, it is expected to occur A and/or T at the third position of codons and detailed analysis of overall codon usage data indicates that A and/or T ending codons are predominant in this organism. However, multivariate statistical analyses based both on codon count and on relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) detect a large number of genes, which are supposed to be highly expressed are clustered at one end of the first major axis, while majority of the putatively lowly expressed genes are clustered at the other end of the first major axis. It was observed that in the highly expressed genes C and T ending codons are significantly higher than the lowly expressed genes and also it was observed that C ending codons are predominant in the duets of highly expressed genes, whereas the T endings codons are abundant in the quartets. Abundance of C and T ending codons in the highly expressed genes suggest that, besides, compositional biases, translational selection are also operating in shaping the codon usage variation among the genes in this organism as observed in other compositionally skewed organisms. The second major axis generated by correspondence analysis on simple codon counts differentiates the genes into two distinct groups according to their hydrophobicity values, but the same analysis computed with relative synonymous codon usage values could not discriminate the genes according to the hydropathy values. This suggests that amino acid composition exerts constraints on codon usage in this organism. On the other hand the second major axis produced by correspondence analysis on RSCU values differentiates the genes into two groups according to the synonymous codon usage for cysteine residues (rarest amino acids in this organism), which is nothing but a artifactual effect induced by the RSCU values. Other factors such as length of the genes and the positions of the genes in the leading and lagging strand of replication have practically no influence in the codon usage variation among the genes in this organism.

Compositional correlation and codon usage studies in Buchnera aphidicola

Compositional distributions in three different codon positions as well as codon usage biases of all available DNA sequences of Buchnera aphidicola genome have been analyzed. It was observed that GC levels among the three codon positions is I>II>III as observed in other extremely high AT rich organisms. B. aphidicola being an AT rich organism is expected to have A and/or T at the third positions of codons. Overall codon usage analyses indicate that A and/or T ending codons are predominant in this organism and some particular amino acids are abundant in the coding region of genes. However, multivariate statistical analysis indicates two major trends in the codon usage variation among the genes; one being strongly correlated with the GC contents at the third synonymous positions of codons, and the other being associated with the expression level of genes. Moreover, codon usage biases of the highly expressed genes are almost identical with the overall codon usage biases of all the genes of this organism. These observations suggest that mutational bias is the main factor in determining the codon usage variation among the genes in B. aphidicola.

Safety and efficacy of currently available fibrin tissue adhesives

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to review preparation methods, bonding power, preparation time, and costs associated with currently available autologous and homologous fibrin tissue adhesive preparations.

METHODS

Two autologous fibrin tissue adhesive preparations (AFTA-A and AFTA-E), a single-donor homologous preparation, and 2 multiple-donor pooled homologous fibrin tissue adhesives, Vi-Guard and Tisseel, were evaluated and compared in relation to bonding power, preparation time, cost, bicompatibility, and biodegradability.

RESULTS

Vi-Guard and Tisseel showed significantly greater bonding strengths than their single-donor counterparts. AFTA-C offers the quickest preparation time. All preparations were found to be similar in biocompatibility and biodegradability in soft tissue tests. Histology showed no infection or tissue reaction from adhesive exposure in any of the preparations.

CONCLUSION

The optimal choice of a fibrin tissue adhesive is determined by the particular clinical indication. Currently available fibrin tissue adhesives vary appreciably in their bonding strength, cost, level of exposure risk, and preparation methods and times. Autologous preparations, which offer optimal safety, lack the strength and availability characteristics found with the multiple-donor preparations.

A histologic analysis of three-dimensional versus two-dimensional tissue expansion in the porcine model

OBJECTIVE

Recently, a two-dimensional Silastic Dacron stretching skin device has been developed for scalp reduction surgery. Attached subgaleally, this device stretches skin over time, while avoiding the visible volumetric distention that is typical of three-dimensional tissue expanders. Unlike three-dimensional expanders, the histological changes observed with a two-dimensional stretching device have not been described in the literature. The present study compares the histological effects of two-dimensional and three-dimensional skin tissue expansion in the porcine model.

STUDY DESIGN

A university Institutional Review Board-approved study in which 16 domestic piglets were used. The 16 piglets were divided evenly into four cohorts as follows: 1, 1-week control cohort; 2, 1-week experimental cohort; 3, 4-week control cohort; and 4, 4-week experimental cohort.

METHODS

Tissue expanders (three-dimensional) and Dacron Silastic tissue stretchers (two-dimensional) were surgically inserted into the lateral skin of 16 domestic pigs. Animals were killed at either 1 or 4 weeks based on group assignment. Light microscopic ocular micrometry and stereological point counting were used to determine the depth of the epidermis, dermis, and subdermal adipose tissue layer; width of the panniculus muscle; diameter of sweat gland follicles; percentage ratio of dermal collagen, blood vessels, and tissue space; and epidermal mitotic index in 100 specimens. One-way ANOVA was used to evaluate statistical differences.

RESULTS

Both tissue expanders yielded increased values compared with control subjects, with respect to epidermal, dermal, and fat widths and blood vessel counts, whereas adnexal structures in the panniculus muscle width were unaltered.

CONCLUSIONS

Although statistically the two types of expansion produced histologically similar changes, the degree of change varied according to the type of expander that was used and the duration of tissue expansion. Most notably, three-dimensional expansion produced more tissue gain per unit area expanded at both the 1-week and the 4-week time intervals, and early (1-week) two-dimensional tissue expansion stimulated a greater angiogenic response than three-dimensional expansion. These findings will assist the surgeon in understanding the physical changes that occur with these two forms of tissue expansion, as well as the potential clinical advantages and shortcomings of each method.

An evaluation of fibrin tissue adhesive concentration and application thickness on skin graft survival

OBJECTIVES

To examine the effects of fibrinogen concentration and application thickness of fibrin tissue adhesive on skin graft survival.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective controlled study.

METHODS

Ten domestic pigs were included in the study. A 20 x 5-cm area of skin was harvested bilaterally along the flanks of the animals using a Padgett dermatome. The harvested grafts were trimmed into four 4 x 4-cm squares. Donor sites were treated according to group assignment and the non-meshed grafts were placed on the side opposite their initial orientation and secured with staples. Both single- and multiple-donor human fibrin tissue adhesive preparations, with low and high average fibrinogen concentrations of 30 mg/mL and 60 mg/ mL, were used. Adhesive preparations were applied in either a thin layer (0.015 mL/cm2) or a thick layer (0.06 mL/cm2) using a spray applicator. A constant thrombin concentration of 10 U/mL was used in the study. No adhesive was used in the control group and grafts were stabilized with staples. No topical dressings were applied to any of the treatment sites. Animals were sacrificed 4 weeks after graft application.

RESULTS

Based on statistical analysis, thickness of adhesive application had a significant effect on skin graft survival. Percent mean graft survival in the control and thin application groups was found to be 92% and 97.8% respectively; the mean survival rate in the thick application group was 63.1%. Fibrinogen concentration, when evaluated independently within the thin and thick application groups, was found to have no significant effect on graft survival.

CONCLUSION

Independent of fibrinogen concentration, a thin layer of fibrin tissue adhesive, when applied between two opposing surfaces, does not interfere with and may support the healing process, whereas a thick layer of adhesive inhibits skin graft healing.

Evaluation of LR white resin for histology of the undecalcified rat tibia

Histology of plastic embedded undecalcified bone represents a challenging problem to the histotechnologist. We outline here an exploration of LR White resin as a suitable medium for histologic study of undecalcified rat tibia. A procedure was developed for light microscopy of rat tibia embedded in LR White and sectioned by sawing-grinding technics. The specimens were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin or alcohol-acetic acid-formol, dehydrated in ethanol, defatted in chloroform followed by resin infiltration and heat-curing of embedded blocks. The procedure of dehydration, defatting, infiltration, and polymerization can be completed within 10 days. Cold curing with accelerator provided by the manufacturer did not yield superior results compared to blocks cured with heat. Thick sections were obtained using a diamond wire saw, attached to plexiform slides, then ground and polished. Surface staining with Von Kossa silver reagent or toluidine blue revealed satisfactory morphological preservation of the mineralized bone sections. Artifacts like small bubbles appeared occasionally and could not be avoided despite prolonged infiltration or cold curing of blocks. Our method is relatively simple for base-line histologic study of rat tibia. The method offers advantages such as easy adaptability, reliable stainability, contrast, and resolution of bone architecture and marrow cells. Two other embedding media, Micro-Bed resin and Unicryl, were also tested, but produced inferior results.

The effects of resorbable plates on rabbit ear cartilage

BACKGROUND

When performing septorhinoplasty, deviated segments of septal cartilage can be straightened using cartilage or bone as splinting grafts. In some cases, autologous material is not available without an additional surgical procedure to harvest cartilage or bone. It is possible that resorbable plates can be used to splint and straighten deviated cartilage. Experience using bioresorbable rigid fixation devices on cartilage has been limited.

OBJECTIVE

To examine early histopathologic changes of rabbit ear cartilage and adjacent soft tissue following implantation with bioresorbable plates.

DESIGN

Nonrandomized, placebo-controlled trial.

SUBJECTS

Twelve adult New Zealand white rabbits.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ten adult New Zealand white rabbits (20 ears) underwent stenting of intact ear cartilage with LactoSorb plates (Lorenz, Jacksonville, Fla). Rabbits were killed 28 days after implantation, and the soft tissue, plates, and cartilage were harvested and prepared for histological examination. As controls, 2 rabbits (4 ears) underwent dissection and closure without stenting.

RESULTS

Six rabbits experienced superficial skin breakdown on the ventral surface of the ear caused by excessive wound tension of the implant. The cartilage-plate interface and the surrounding soft tissues stenting the dorsal side of the ear remained free of inflammation or necrosis for all animals. Simple elevation of the perichondrium revealed no differences in the appearance of the cartilage between the control and test rabbits.

CONCLUSIONS

Resorbable plates have no deleterious effects on cartilage during the first month of implantation. While short-term studies have documented the safety and efficacy of using bioresorbable plates, further studies are recommended.

Effect of calcium-channel blocking drugs on focal ventricular arrhythmias induced by sub-epicardial epinephrine infusion in cats

Sub-epicardial infusion of epinephrine (EP) in the dose of 3 x 10(-3) M in 2.5 x 10(-3) M CaCl2-0.9% NaCl (calcium-saline vehicle) at the rate of 10 microliters in the right ventricular myocardium of mongrel cats weighing between 2.8 and 3.3 kg, produced uniform, reversible and reproducible focal ventricular arrhythmia (VA) of varrying intensity and duration. Infusion of two calcium-channel blocking agents, verapamil (VP) and nifedipine (ND) at the site of arrhythmogenesis, in equimolar concentration of 3 x 10(-3) M alongwith EP in the same vehicle reduced the incidence, duration, peak and mean frequencies of arrhythmias while, the latent period of onset of arrhythmias increased significantly. Verapamil in equimolar concentration of 3 x 10(-3) M was found to be more effective than nifedipine in antagonizing EP-induced ventricular arrhythmias.

Auditory brain stem response in young and old guinea pigs

OBJECTIVE

To characterize age-related auditory changes in genetically similar guinea pigs.

BACKGROUND

In humans and animals, changes in hearing are known to occur with age.

METHODS

Brain stem-evoked responses were measured in genetically similar guinea pigs that ranged 6-36 months in age. Changes in hearing and the input/output function curve were determined.

RESULTS

Threshold shift with increase in age was seen. Marked reduction in amplitude of response with increasing age was also demonstrated. No change was seen in latency or interpeak interval.

CONCLUSIONS

In genetically similar guinea pigs, age-related changes in threshold occurred. Latency and interpeak intervals remained unchanged. Amplitude of response decreased substantially after 12 months of age to a greater extent than predicted by threshold shifts alone. This phenomenon appears important in understanding the pathophysiology of age-related hearing loss.

Fibroblast growth factor-induced motor end plate regeneration in atrophic muscle

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether fibroblast growth factor 1 implanted with viable nerve into atrophic muscle will stimulate formation of functional, acetylcholine producing motor end plates.

DESIGN

Twelve male Lewis rats underwent predenervation of the hamstring muscle 8 weeks before implantation of the nerve at a site distant from the original motor end plate. Six animals underwent implantation of the tagged nerve ending into atrophic muscle with 50 microgram of fibroblast growth factor 1 in a fibrin adhesive carrier (group 1). Three animals underwent implantation with nerve, fibrin adhesive, and no fibroblast growth factor 1 (group 2); and three animals underwent implantation with fibroblast growth factor 1 and fibrin adhesive with no nerve (group 3). Animals were killed 9 weeks after implantation and nerve and muscle specimens were harvested.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Histoenzymologic methods for acetylcholinesterase and silver impregnation of nerve fibers were performed 9 weeks after fibroblast growth factor 1-fibrin adhesive implantation. Variables included the number of motor end plates per highpower field and motor end plate length.

RESULTS

Robust axonal sprouting and formation of multiple motor end plates were found arborized in serial fashion equidistant around the implanted nerve ending. Rare extrasynaptic staining occurred. End plate lengths were significantly shorter in the fibroblast growth factor 1-treated muscles (group 1) than in the specimens without fibroblast growth factor 1 (group 2) (31.2 vs 58.5 micron; P>001, paired t test). The arborization of motor end plates, rare extrasynaptic staining, and shorter end plate lengths seen in group 1 were all consistent with mature motor end plates. Controls (group 3) displayed limited motor end plate formation and extensive extrasynaptic staining typical of denervation.

CONCLUSION

This study presents encouraging evidence that fibroblast growth factor 1 with fibrin adhesive carrier can facilitate the reinnervation of atrophied muscle by enhancing the formation or revitalization of motor end plates. Future studies will address muscle function and use of different carrier materials.

Vascular anatomy of the nose and the external rhinoplasty approach

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the venous, lymphatic, and arterial blood supply of the nose and determine the effect of the external rhinoplasty approach on this vasculature. We hypothesized that dissection in the areolar tissue plane below the musculoaponeurotic layer of the nose will preserve the nasal vasculature and minimize postoperative nasal tip edema.

DESIGN

The study included preoperative and postoperative clinical evaluation, cadaver dissection, and histologic examination. In the clinical section, lymphoscintigraphy was performed before and after rhinoplasty using the endonasal (transnostril) or external (open) approach. Additionally, nasal tip edema was subjectively quantified at specified interval after surgery. In the cadaver dissection section, 15 fresh cadavers were dissected to identify the venous and arterial vasculature. In the histology section, fresh nasal tissue was examined by light microscopy to verify the anatomy of arteries, veins, and lymphatic vessels.

SETTING

Subjects for the clinical section of the study were volunteers undergoing primary rhinoplasty surgery at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago.

PATIENTS

Lymphoscintigraphy was performed on nine patients who underwent rhinoplasty surgery. Seven of these patients underwent postoperative lymphoscintigraphy.

INTERVENTIONS

The rhinoplasty procedures included three different methods of exposure of the nasal structures. Two patients underwent an endonasal (transnostril) nondelivery approach using a transcartilaginous incision. Five patients underwent the external approach with three receiving dissection in the areolar tissue plane below the musculoaponeurotic layer (preserving major nasal vasculature) and two undergoing dissection above the musculoaponeurotic layer (disrupting nasal vasculature).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

In the clinical section of the study, the outcome measures were tracer flow as seen on lymphoscintigraphy and tip edema scores subjectively quantitated on a scale from 1 (none) to 4 (maximal).

RESULTS

Clinical Section: Lymphoscintigraphy revealed flow of tracer along the lateral aspect of the nose (cephalic to lateral crura) to the preparotid lymph nodes. Postoperative scans revealed preservation of flow of tracer with the endonasal (transnostril) approach and the external approach with submusculoaponeurotic areolar tissue plane dissection. There was loss of normal flow of tracer with the external approach using dissection that disrupted the musculoaponeurotic layer with supratip debulking. The nasal tip edema scores for the transnostril and external approach using areolar plane dissection were significantly lower than the external approach with disruption of the musculoaponeurotic layer. Cadaver Dissection Section: Other than the lateral nasal veins, the major arteries, veins, and lymphatic vessels ran superficial to the musculoaponeurotic layer of the nose. The lateral and dorsal nasal and the columellar arteries comprise an alar arcade that provides the major blood supply to the flap elevated in the external rhinoplasty approach. Histologic Section: Light microscopy of plastic resin sections verified the lymphoscintigraphic and cadaver dissection findings. The lymphatic vessels were located primarily in the reticular dermis above the muscle layer.

CONCLUSIONS

The major arterial, venous, and lymphatic vasculature courses in or above the musculoaponeurotic layer of the nose. In the external rhinoplasty approach, dissection in the areolar tissue plane below the musculoaponeurotic layer will minimize tip edema and protect against skin necrosis by preserving the major vascular supply to the nasal tip.

PSYCHIATRIC EFFECTS OF HYSTERECTOMY

An excess of psychiatric symptoms in post-hysterectomy women have been reported by some authors but denied by others. Thirty six women undergoing hysterectomy for non-malignant pathologies were compared with equal number of comparable patients who underwent other gynaecological operations. Patients were assessed pre- and post-operatively by semi-structured psychiatric interview, Sinha's anxiety scale and Hamilton's depression rating scale. Patients undergoing hysterectomy were significantly more anxious and depressed both pre- and post-operatively as compared to the control patients. Hysterectomy was not associated with significantly higher psychiatric morbidity.

Role of 5-hydroxytryptamine in toxaemia of pregnancy

5-HT concentration in blood of 24 randomly selected pregnant women presenting with signs and symptoms of toxaemia of pregnancy were estimated and compared with 30 normal pregnant women. As such 5-HT level increases with the progress of pregnancy and in toxaemia group in comparison to normal pregnancy. A change in the degree of oedema from moderate to severe could bring a statistically significant change in blood pressure and serum 5-HT level. Increased 5-HT plays a role in toxaemia as well as in normal pregnancy and some of the toxic effects observed in toxaemia of pregnancy are due to the effects of 5-HT.

Effect of lidocaine and quinidine on focal ventricular arrhythmias induced by subepicardial epinephrine in cats

Subepicardial infusion of epinephrine (EP) in the dose of 3 x 10(-3) M in 2.5 x 10(-3)M CaCl2-0.9% NaCl (calcium-saline vehicle) at the rate of 10 microliters/min in the right ventricular myocardium of mongrel cats weighing between 2.7 and 3.3 kg produced uniform reversible and reproducible focal ventricular arrhythmias of varying intensity and duration. Infusion of two antiarrhythmic agents, lidocaine (LD) and quinidine (QD) in the same site of arrhythmogenesis in equimolar concentration of 3 x 10(-3) M along with EP in the same vehicle reduced incidence, duration, peak and mean frequencies of arrhythmias while the latent period of onset of arrhythmias increased significantly. In present study, quinidine, in equimolar concentration of 3 x 10(-3) M was found to be more effective than lidocaine in antagonizing EP-induced ventricular arrhythmias.

Potentiation of cochlear hair cell loss by acoustic stimulus and gentamicin in the guinea pig

We explored the possibility of synergism between a pure-tone stimulus and gentamicin in causing cochlear injury by analyzing hair cell loss. Guinea pigs receiving daily injections of gentamicin (200 mg/kg body wt.) for 1 week were exposed to a 2 kHz tone (95 dB SPL, 2 hours daily). Surface preparations of the spiral organ were studied by phase contrast microscopy, and the extent of hair cell loss in the entire organ of Corti was recorded in cytocochleograms. Gentamicin by itself was slightly ototoxic, damaging the innermost row of outer hair cells, whereas exposure to sound alone caused no hair cell loss. Combined antibiotic and acoustic exposure produced extensive cochlear damage. A few animals showed massive hair cell degeneration and collapse of the organ of Corti, except in the apical turn. The site of damage was possibly determined by the frequency of the sound stimulus. Thus, an intermittent tonal stimulus such as that used in the present experiment can be harmless by itself, but causes injury to cochlear hair cells in guinea pigs when administered in combination with gentamicin.

Influence of age on hair cell loss in the rabbit cochlea

The surface preparation technique was used for a study of cochlear hair cell loss as a function of age in rabbits 1 week, 6 months, 1 year, and 4 years old. Cytocochleograms from these animals were prepared which indicated damaged or missing hair cells over the entire spiral organ from the apical to the basal coil. The loss in the mean percentage of total outer hair cells (OHC) and inner hair cells (IHC) appeared to increase linearly with increasing age, with a statistically significant correlation. The cell loss was similar in all three rows of OHC in each of the age groups. In animals up to 1 year of age, areas of OHC loss were localized in the apical and basal coils. In 4-year-old rabbits, OHC degeneration had become progressively accentuated and widespread. The pattern of IHC loss was somewhat similar to that of OHC. Age-related hair cell loss in the rabbit is comparable to that in the rat, monkey, and human cochlea.

Comparative study of age-related cochlear hair cell loss

Age-related hair cell loss has been studied in squirrel monkeys using surface preparation of the organ of Corti. Increasing hair cell loss starting at the apex is seen as a function of age. This finding is discussed in the light of our studies in guinea pigs, chinchillas, and rabbits. Reviewed with other human and experimental data, it would appear that many species of animals have age-related histological damage similar to that seen in the human organ of Corti.

Cochlear hair cell damage from intermittent noise exposure in young and adult guinea pigs

A comparative study of age-dependent damage to cochlea from intermittent noise exposure was carried out on five-week-old and one-year-old pigmented guinea pigs. Hair cell loss in the organ of Corti was studied after five weeks' exposure to a pure tone stimulus (95 dB SPL at 2 kHz, one hour per day for five weeks). The noise-induced damage was sharply limited to the 7- and 11-mm marks from the apex. Damage was more marked in younger guinea pigs and was distinct from natural age-induced cell loss. When the 7- to 11-mm zone was further analyzed, outer hair cell damage appeared highly significant in both age groups but more severe in younger animals. Inner hair cell damage in this area was severe in both groups but statistically insignificant.

Age related cochlear toxicity from noise and antibiotics--a review

Laboratory experimental evidence indicates that there is an age related susceptibility to cochlear damage from noise exposure and ototoxic antibiotics. In some rodents there is a critical period of auditory development during which there is greater vulnerability to such damage and, in some species, noise induced damage is influenced by genotype. Available data from patients are inconclusive in this regard. Further careful studies are indicated in this area. All available evidence emphasizes that caution should be exercised in the use of ototoxic drugs during pregnancy, in neonates, young children, and older people.

Age-related cochlear hair cell loss in the chinchilla

The spiral organ of the chinchilla was studied by the surface-preparation technique in four different age groups: 1 month, 6 months, 1 year, and 4 years, to assess age-related hair cell loss. Decrease in hair cell population is linearly related to age, and damage rate of outer hair cells is greater than that of inner hair cells. The mean percentage of damaged total outer hair cells was 0.60%, 1.16%, 1.71%, and 7.07% in animals in 1 month, 6 months, 1 year, and 4 years of age, respectively. Outer hair cell loss was greatest in the apex of the cochlea and, of these cells, the outermost row was the most affected. Damage to inner hair cells also increases with age. Age-related apical cochlear cell loss in the chinchilla is comparable to that observed in other laboratory animals.

Ototoxicity and noise-drug interaction

Diverse therapeutic agents, such as certain antibiotics, diuretics, and analgesics can cause functional and morphological damage to the inner ear. Noise present in recreational or occupational environment may also be potentially damaging to the auditory system when combined with some ototoxic therapeutic agents. This article documents recent research and controversies about the site and mechanism of action of major ototoxic drugs, noise-drug interaction, and possible prophylaxis against such ototoxicity.

Distribution and structure of the adrenocortical homologue in the garpike

The microanatomy of the yellow corpuscles (adrenocortical homologue, AH) in the holostean fish, Lepisosteus spp. was studied by serial sectioning, steroid histochemistry, and electron microscopy. The modification of this tissue to short-term ACTH treatment was also observed. The distribution of the AH within the renal tissue of the garpike phylogenetically represents a more advanced condition than that seen in its closest holostean relative, the bowfin, and appears to approximate that in teleosts. The homology of this tissue of vertebrate adrenocortical tissue was established by the positive identification of the enzyme, gamma 5-3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, and by the ultrastructural features of the cells before and after ACTH administration. The AH cells possess fine structural features characteristic of steroidogenic cells, namely, polymorphic mitochondria with tubular cristae, abundant tubules of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, a prominent Golgi complex, and lipid droplets. Other interesting features include the presence of annulate lamellae and a variety of dense bodies. Digitonin perfusion results in the deposition of presumed, cholesterol-digitonide crystalline spicules on the surface microplicae of the cells and as dense accumulations in association with smooth endoplasmic reticulum. ACTH administration results in swelling of mitochondria, a loss of their cristae, and a smooth decrease in electron density of their matrices. Alterations also occur in the smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum, and large osmiophilic inclusions of irregular profile appear. Some of the ACTH-induced modifications are similar to those observed in the adrenocortical cells of other vertebrate groups following comparable stimulation.

Ultrastructure of the adrenocortical homologue in dexamethasone-treated eels

The ultrastructural modifications of the adrenocortical homologue (AH) in the North American eel (Anguilla rostrata) were studied following a 10 day treatment with dexamethasone (20 mg/day). The principal changes were: disorganization of smooth endoplasmic reticlum, regression and fragmentation of the Golgi apparatus, and a lowering of matrix density in the mitochondria. Steroid treatment also induced the appearance of numerous cytoplasmic inclusions: (a) lamellated bodies with electron-lucent cores; (b) membranous whorls isolating cytoplasmic regions containing smooth endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria and (c) complex aggregates showing whorls of membranes, residues of cytoplasmic organelles, and dense matrix. The non-accumulation of lipid droplets in repressed AH cells was noteworthy. These subcellular changes indicate endogenous cellular autophagy in the AH as a result of steroid-induced suppression of ACTH production by the pituitary.

A differential staining technique for vertebrate histology

A staining method is described for studying micro-anatomy of different vertebrate tissues in the light microscope. A staining sequence of celestin blue--erythrosin--orange G--fast green with mordanting in phosphomolybdic acid yields a satisfactory differentiation and fine colour contrast in various tissues. The efficacy of the method was tested on different avian and mammalian tissues.

Adrenocortical response in the duck exposed to corticosteroid administration and salt loading

The functional zonation in the adrenocortical tissue of the duck was experimentally investigated after chronic administration of corticosteroids of different types (corticosterone, desoxycorticosterone, dexamethasone) and salt loading (chlorides of sodium and potassium). The cytomorphology of the interrenal cells belonging to subcapsular and central zones was explored by light- and electron microscopy and by biochemical analysis of plasma corticosterone. Corticoid-induced involution of the interrenal tissue, or hyperactivity elicited by salt loading were evident in both subcapsular and central regions of the gland. In the duck the adrenocortical tissue appears to be devoid of steroidogenic functional differentiation. The modifications of different cellular organelles and inclusions can be explained in the light of known concepts about corticosteroid metabolism. The depression of plasma corticosterone titre in corticosteroid-treated animals agrees with the image of cytological inhibition. The lowered corticosterone value in KCl-loaded ducks signifies increased peripheral metabolism of this hormone. The hypercorticosteronemia in NaCl-loaded ducks is probably related to activation of the nasal gland under osmotic stress.

Fine structure of the interrenal cell in the quail and the pigeon

The ultrastructural characteristics of the interrenal cell were investigated in the quail and the pigeon after fixation by intravascular abdominal perfusion. There is no significant fine structural difference between cells belonging to subcapsular and central regions of the gland. The interrenal cell in both species possesses nuclear bodies, polymorphic mitochondria with tubulo-vesicular cristae and tubular crystalline inclusions, considerable amounts of endoplasmic reticulum, ergastoplasm, a well developed Golgi apparatus, coated vesicles, microtubules, filaments, cilia, ribosomes, a profusion of liposomes, dense bodies with varied inner structure, pinocytic invaginations of cell membrane and intercellular attachment devices. The pigeon adrenorcortical cell also possesses intranuclear lipidlike inclusions and fibrous bundle (this being never recorded in adrenocortical cell), annulate lamellae, and a variety of cytosomes, probably lipofucsin in nature. The significance and cytophysiological role of various organelles and inclusions have been discussed in the light of earlier data obtained on avian adrenocortical cells.

[Ultrastructural study of the interrenal tissue in the Pekin duck(author's transl)]

The fine structure of the interrenal tissue in the Pekin duck has been studied utilizing intravascular perfusion method of fixation. The adrenocortical cells were found to contain considerable amounts of lipid droplets, mitochondria, ergastoplasm, endoplasmic reticulum and a well-developed Golgi apparatus. The subcapsular and central regions of the adrenal cortex can be distinguished mainly by the abundance of liposomes and mitochondrial size and shape.