Aagaarddrew7391

A decline in sperm quality with age is a common prediction of senescence-based hypotheses and empirical studies. While widely studied across taxa, there is little known on the effect of ageing on sperm quality in amphibians, especially in captive populations used for controlled propagation and reintroduction efforts. Here, we investigated variation in sperm quality metrics (i.e., motility, concentration, and morphology) in the endangered Mississippi gopher frog (Lithobates sevosus) among males of three age categories using individuals from captive breeding populations housed at three different zoological institutions. Different aged males across the species expectant lifespan (1-9, 1-2, 3-4, and 8-9-year-old subcategories) were chosen in an attempt to identify an optimal breeding age relevant for captive breeding programs. Moreover, we explored and statistically controlled for potential differences in sperm quality which may be attributed to the type of induction hormones and source populations that differed among institutions. Results indicated that males of different ages did not differ in sperm motility or concentration. However, we did find that older males (8-9 years old) had significantly longer sperm than other age categories and younger males (1-2 years old) had significantly more atypical sperm than other age categories. Furthermore, we found no significant differences in any sperm quality metrics between the different induction hormones or source populations used at the different institutions. Within a captive breeding program, this information is especially valuable as our results indicate that males that have only recently sexually matured may not be ready to breed, while older males maintain sperm quality metrics presumably related to fertilization success.

Atypical glandular cells (AGCs) in Pap (Papanicolaou) smears are uncommon but may represent various benign and malignant lesions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the AGC incidence in Pap smears, analyse the relationship between AGC and malignancy, and reveal the importance of architectural and nuclear features observed cytologically in malignancies.

Patients diagnosed with AGC on the basis of cervicovaginal cytology between May 2011 and July 2018 were included in this study. All slides were retrospectively reviewed and subclassified according to the Bethesda 2001 classification system. The cytomorphological features observed in the smears were recorded. Cytohistological correlations were evaluated, and the significant clinicopathological findings for malignancy were determined.

Of 87536 Pap smears, 195 (0.22%) had AGC results and 156 had tissue follow-up. Among the 156 smears with AGC, 80 (51.3%) were diagnosed as AGC-NOS (atypical glandular cells, not otherwise specified) and 76 (48.7%) as AGC-FN (atypical glandular cells, favour neoplastic). Follow-up biopsies revealed benign pathologies in 49 cases (31.4%) and malignant pathologies in 107 (68.6%). The rate of malignancy observed in AGC-FN cases (89.5%) was higher than the rate of malignancy in AGC-NOS cases (48.8%). Among the cytomorphological features, nuclear irregularity, presence of macronucleoli, feathering, loss of polarity, papillary pattern, and three-dimensional formation were found to be significant indicators of malignancy.

As AGC in Pap smear was associated with a clinically significant diagnosis in 68.6% of the cases in our study, we suggest that all patients with AGC should undergo further clinical assessment.

As AGC in Pap smear was associated with a clinically significant diagnosis in 68.6% of the cases in our study, we suggest that all patients with AGC should undergo further clinical assessment.

Nasal allergen challenge (NAC) could be a means to assess indication and/or an outcome of allergen-specific therapies, particularly for perennial allergens. NACs are not commonly conducted in children with asthma, and cockroach NACs are not well established. This study's objective was to identify a range of German cockroach extract doses that induce nasal symptoms and to assess the safety of cockroach NAC in children with asthma.

Ten adults (18-37years) followed by 25 children (8-14years) with well-controlled, persistent asthma and cockroach sensitization underwent NAC with diluent followed by up to 8 escalating doses of cockroach extract (0.00381-11.9µg/mL Bla g 1). NAC outcome was determined by Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS) and/or sneeze score. Cockroach allergen-induced T-cell activation and IL-5 production were measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

67% (6/9) of adults and 68% (17/25) of children had a positive NAC at a median response dose of 0.120µg/mL [IQR 0.0380-0.379µg/mL] of Bla g 1. Additionally, three children responded to diluent alone and did not receive any cockroach extract. Overall, 32% (11/34) were positive with sneezes alone, 15% (5/34) with TNSS alone, and 21% (7/34) with both criteria. At baseline, NAC responders had higher cockroach-specific IgE (P=.03), lower cockroach-specific IgG/IgE ratios (children, P=.002), and increased cockroach-specific IL-5-producing T lymphocytes (P=.045). The NAC was well tolerated.

We report the methodology of NAC development for children with persistent asthma and cockroach sensitization. This NAC could be considered a tool to confirm clinically relevant sensitization and to assess responses in therapeutic studies.

We report the methodology of NAC development for children with persistent asthma and cockroach sensitization. This NAC could be considered a tool to confirm clinically relevant sensitization and to assess responses in therapeutic studies.

Intraoperative crush/squash smear or frozen section consultation is routinely performed at several centers and offers rapid onsite assessment of tumor type and provides invaluable information to the neurosurgeons. The WHO classification of central nervous system neoplasms underwent a paradigm shift in 2016 with the incorporation of molecular data with the morphological features, such that several new entities came to be distinctly defined. With this paper, we present our experience at intraoperative consultation of brain tumors arising in posterior fossa and aim to apprise the pathologists with the spectrum of cytomorphologic appearances that can occur during such consultation and highlight the diagnostic dilemmas and pitfalls encountered in this setting.

This is a retrospective observational study illustrating the salient morphological features of commonly encountered brain tumors arising in the posterior fossa (prototype example of each type) reported at our institute over a period of seven years. Both squash smears and rapid snap frozen section were prepared and stained with Toluidine blue and rapid hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stains.

While the majority of tumors at this location comprise of pilocytic astrocytoma, ependymoma, and medulloblastoma, some rare examples may also arise; common differentials must be considered and prudently excluded to arrive at the diagnosis which is crucial in guiding the neurosurgeon. Both squash smears and rapid frozen section should be prepared and complement each other for rapid on-site evaluation.

While the majority of tumors at this location comprise of pilocytic astrocytoma, ependymoma, and medulloblastoma, some rare examples may also arise; common differentials must be considered and prudently excluded to arrive at the diagnosis which is crucial in guiding the neurosurgeon. Both squash smears and rapid frozen section should be prepared and complement each other for rapid on-site evaluation.

To assess the feasibility of balloon catheter occlusion of the internal carotid artery (ICA), external carotid artery (ECA), and maxillary artery (MA) in standing horses.

Experimental and clinical cases series.

Eight healthy horses (phase 1) and 11 clinical cases (phase 2).

Occlusions were performed on standing horses under sedation and local anesthesia. In phase 1, four horses underwent bilateral ICA balloon catheter occlusion, and four horses underwent balloon catheter occlusion of the ECA and MA. In phase 2, horses were treated by occlusion of ICA (n = 7), ECA (n = 2), or ECA and ICA (n = 2).

Internal carotid artery occlusion was successful in seven of eight and seven of nine arteries in phases 1 and 2, respectively. The procedures lasted 53 and 50 minutes, respectively, and catheters were inserted over 13 ± 0.7 cm (mean ± SD). External carotid artery occlusion was successful in seven of seven and four of four arteries in phases 1 and 2, respectively, with mean durations of 31 and 26 minutes, respectively, and a mean distance of catheter insertion of 11.9 cm. Maxillary artery occlusion was successful in five of seven arteries (phase 1), with a mean surgical duration of 47 minutes and a mean distance of catheter insertion of 42.8 cm.

Balloon catheter occlusion of the ICA, ECA, and MA was achieved in most standing horses.

Balloon catheter occlusion in standing horses provides an alternative to prevent or treat hemorrhage related to guttural pouch mycosis, particularly in horses in which general anesthesia might pose a risk.

Balloon catheter occlusion in standing horses provides an alternative to prevent or treat hemorrhage related to guttural pouch mycosis, particularly in horses in which general anesthesia might pose a risk.

Porcine ear skin is used in studies of percutaneous penetration as a substitute for human skin. The objective of the present study was to determine the structure of the hair follicles on the dorsal area of porcine ear skin and make a morphometric comparison with the hair follicles of human skin.

Sections of frozen biopsies were cut vertically to the skin surface in longitudinal sections using a cryotome and were investigated using microscopy. For each hair follicle, various parameters were determined.

The follicular density in porcine ear skin varies according to the area studied, and the length of most of the follicles was approximately 1458±286μm. The size of the follicular orifice was also determined in a total of 305 follicles. It showed a diameter of roughly 113±43μm.

The results showed a very good similarity between human and pig hair follicles. Therefore, porcine ear skin can be considered as a very suitable model of human skin in dermal and especially follicular penetration studies.

The results showed a very good similarity between human and pig hair follicles. Therefore, porcine ear skin can be considered as a very suitable model of human skin in dermal and especially follicular penetration studies.The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of zearalenone (ZEA) on the reproductive system morphometry, oestrogen (E2) levels and oocyte quality of beef heifers. Twenty non-pregnant purebred Nellore (Bos indicus) heifers [age, ≥18 months; initial body weight, 348 ± 30 kg (mean ± standard deviation)] were used. The animals were randomly divided into experimental group and a control group of 10 animals each. Group experimental was administered 300 ppb ZEA per os for 98 days, and the control group was administered placebo per os for 98 days. The administration of ZEA was carried out daily by adding mycotoxin to the diet. All heifers were evaluated weekly via rectal ultrasound examinations (12 weeks). Diameters of the right and left uterine horns, right and left ovaries, largest antral follicle and corpus luteum were measured. Vulva size was also measured. GSK2636771 datasheet Blood samples were collected to estimate E2 levels. At the end of 12 weeks, the heifers were slaughtered, and the ovaries were sent to the laboratory for in vitro embryo production.