Morphological alterations in the prostate stroma of rats submitted to chronic nicotine treatment

The stroma plays a fundamental role in the function of different glandular systems. In the prostate, the stroma is responsible for the development and maintenance of the differentiated state of the epithelium. Nicotine induces tobacco dependence and promotes morphological alterations in the epithelial compartment. However, its effects on the prostate stroma are unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the morphology of the stromal microenvironment in the ventral prostate lobe of rats submitted to chronic nicotine administration. Twenty rats (Rattus norvegicus) were divided into two groups: 10 animals received subcutaneous nicotine and 10 animals received physiological saline by the same route. After treatment, samples were collected from the ventral prostate lobe, processed and submitted to histology, histochemistry, and ultrastructural analysis by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The level of circulating testosterone was also analyzed. The results showed a significant increase in the density of type I collagen (56.3% to 85.9%, P < 0.01) and a decrease in the density of type III collagen (43.7% to 14.1%, P < 0.01). In addition, there was a qualitative increase in elastic fibers and in the number of smooth muscle cells with a secretory phenotype. Circulating testosterone levels were significantly reduced (898.3 to 363.1 ng/mL, P < 0.01). The results showed that nicotine modifies different components of the prostate stroma, suggesting that this drug is a risk factor for morphofunctional alterations in the prostate gland.     

经直肠实时组织超声弹性成像在前列腺癌筛查中的应用

目的探讨经直肠实时组织超声弹性成像（TRTE）在前列腺癌筛查中的应用价值。方法对2010年1月~2012年12月我院93例疑似前列腺癌拟行前列腺活检的患者,在穿刺活检前首先分别行TRTE和经直肠超声（TRUS）检查前列腺,再在其引导下穿刺活检,比较2种方法的前列腺癌检出率。结果 93例前列腺癌疑似患者病理检查结果显示：良性45例,恶性48例。TRTE诊断前列腺癌灵敏度93.8%（45/48）,特异度88.9%（40/45）,准确度91.4%（85/93）,阳性预测值90%（45/50）,阴性预测值93%（40/43）,明显优于TRUS检查（灵敏度77.1%,特异度37.8%,准确度58.1%,阳性预测值67.3%,阴性预测值44.7%,2种方法比较差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。结论 TRTE具有无创、经济、简单的优点,可提高前列腺癌的检出率,对于前列腺癌的早期筛查具有较高临床价值。     

The use of three-dimensional ultrasound imaging in breast biopsy and prostate therapy

Minimally invasive techniques are rapidly replacing traditional practices because they result in improved benefits for patients, health care providers, payers, employers and hospitals. While two-dimensional (2D) imaging has been used to guide interventional procedures for many decades, the use of three-dimensional (3D) imaging of the anatomy has the potential to provide more accurate and less variable interventional guidance and monitoring options. Although 3D magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) and angiography are important modalities, the development of 3D ultrasound imaging techniques that are capable of acquiring B-mode, color Doppler and power Doppler images, has allowed the development of image-guided therapy and surgery approaches that are making breast biopsy and prostate therapy more accurate and less variable. The use of 3D ultrasound has the potential to provide inexpensive and near real-time views of the anatomy and pathology enabling minimally invasive interventional procedures. In this paper we present the principles and advantages of 3D ultrasound imaging, review some of the implementations techniques, and present new applications in image-guided prostate therapy and breast biopsy.     

Structural alterations in the workpiece by ultrasonic drilling

The surface integrity of glass workpieces in ultrasonic drilling was investigated. X-ray diffraction studies on glass workpieces drilled by ultrasonic machining revealed the apparent formation of a layer of crystalline material on the surface of the holes drilled, a hitherto unreported phenomenon.     

Objective functional assessment of total hip arthroplasty following two common surgical approaches: the posterior and direct lateral approaches

Despite the high number of total hip arthroplasty (THA) procedures performed each year, there is no common consensus on the best surgical approach. Gait is known to improve following THA although it does not return to what is typically quantified as normal, and surgical approach is believed to be a contributing factor. The current study evaluates postoperative hip function and provides an objective assessment following two common surgical approaches: the McFarland-Osborne direct lateral and the southern posterior. Faced with the common problem of providing an objective comparison from the wealth of data collected using motion analysis techniques, the current study investigates the application of an objective classification tool to provide information on the effectiveness of each surgery and to differentiate between the characteristics of hip function following the two approaches. Seven inputs for the classifier were determined through statistical analysis of the biomechanical data. The posterior approach group exhibited greater characteristics of non-pathological gait and displayed a greater range of functional ability as compared with the lateral approach cohort. The classification tool has proved to be successful in characterizing non-pathological and THA function but was insufficient in distinguishing between the two surgical cohorts.     

Adrenomedullin and proadrenomedullin N-terminal 20 peptide in the normal prostate and in prostate carcinoma

There is increasing evidence for the important role played by regulatory peptides in the physiology of the normal and neoplastic prostate. Adrenomedullin (AM) and pro-adrenomedullin N-terminal 20 peptide (PAMP) are recently discovered regulatory peptides widely expressed in the normal prostate and in prostate carcinoma. AM is produced in secretory, stroma, and endothelial cells and in neurons of the prostate ganglia. PAMP is only produced by neuroendocrine cells. The expression of AM mRNA is regulated by androgens in the rat prostate. The number of neuroendocrine cells expressing PAMP is increased in prostate carcinoma after androgen deprivation, which shows that this peptide could regulate androgen-independent prostate tumor growth. However, the roles of AM and PAMP in the normal prostate and in prostate carcinoma are yet to be elucidated.     

车辆质心纵向位置变化对车辆侧向响应的影响

建立基于非线性轮胎侧偏特性的四轮车辆数值模型,考虑轮胎垂直载荷的侧向转移,用该模型计算车辆转向角阶跃输入下的侧向速度和横摆角度速度响应,计算结果表明,侧向速度稳态值随车辆质心纵向位置近似成指数关系变化,随着车辆质心的前移,侧向速度的响应越快,但超调量也随之增加。     

Atypical cells in the normal guinea pig organ of Corti as revealed by micromanipulation in SEM.

Inner ear tissue of the normal guinea pig was conductively stained (OTOTO-method) for SEM investigations. The Hensen's cells of the organ of Corti were removed using a micromanipulator inside the SEM. By this method atypical bodies of sensory and supporting cells were revealed in the apical turns of the cochlea. Atypical sensory cells showed great variations in size and shape. Several had no contact to Deiter's cells and no or only one nerve supply at their basal end. Atypical Deiter's cells showed alterations in shape and in the form of their phalangeal processes. Additionally altered parts of the organ of Corti were isolated by micromanipulation and embedded for correlative TEM-investigations.     

Distinct vascular zones in the canine prostate

The vascular bed of canine prostate was studied and detailed distinct vascular zones were visualized on corrosion casts by scanning electron microscopy. This study was performed because of scarce information about the zonal vascularization of the prostate gland in dogs. There are no studies for three-dimensional microvascular distribution of the capsular vessels and the capsular microvascular trabeculae. SEM (vascular corrosion casting method) was used to show 3D angioarchitecture of the prostate gland. The lobules on the dorsal and lateral surface of the gland were numerous but small. Their small size is probably due to the abundant blood supply in the region. Few but large ventral lobules were observed. Three prostatic zones were clearly defined: capsular, parenchyma, and urethral. The diameter of the venous blood vessel compared to arterial vessels of the capsule was smaller. Two types of arteries were observed in trabeculae: direct and branched. The direct arteries were straight, with only a few branches. The branched arteries contained many bifurcations, with the vessel's diameter decreasing gradually. The trabeculae capillary network formed loops, with frequent sphincter-like constrictions and pouch-like protuberances.     

戈舍瑞林联合比卡鲁胺间歇治疗对前列腺癌患者血清VEGF和miR-34a的影响

目的 :探讨戈舍瑞林联合比卡鲁胺间歇治疗对前列腺癌患者血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)和miR-34a的影响。方法 :选择2007年12月-2012年6月收治的晚期前列腺癌患者83例为研究对象,采用戈舍瑞林联合比卡鲁胺的间歇内分泌治疗,治疗9个月后评价疗效。测定治疗前后患者血清的VEGF和miR-34a。结果 :患者的前列腺体积和血清前列腺特异性抗原(PSA)在治疗后均有明显减少,与治疗前比较差异显著(P<0.01);前列腺体积变化率平均为36.4%,PSA抑制率为63.6%。治疗后患者血清VEGF均明显降低(P<0.01),治疗后血清miR-34a明显升高(P<0.01)。结论 :戈舍瑞林联合比卡鲁胺间歇内分泌治疗可以明显减少前列腺癌血清VEGF,提高miR-34a的表达。     

剪切干涉仪的定量处理数学原理及采样处理技巧

介绍了剪切干涉仪适时定量处理的方法。通过互相垂直两个方向的剪切图形 ,解算出镜面的实际形状。提出两种处理方法 :即变换系数法和扩展了的联立方程求解法。然后介绍了在采样和处理过程中的技巧 ,最后对剪切干涉棱镜的发展和如何将移相干涉技术应用到剪切干涉中的可能性 ,做了初步的探讨。     

Biochemical and morphological alterations in the Achilles tendon of mdx mice

Dystrophin‐deficient muscles have repeated cycles of necrosis and regeneration, being susceptible to injury induced by muscle contractions. Some studies have demonstrated that tendons are also affected in mdx mice, based especially on the changes in biomechanical properties arising from the respective linked muscles. However, most studies have focused only on alterations in the myotendinous junction. Thus, the purpose of this work was to study biochemical and morphological alterations in the Achilles tendons of 60‐day‐old mdx mice. Hydroxyproline quantification, showed higher collagen concentration in the mdx mice as compared with the control. No difference between the tendons of both groups was found in the noncollagenous proteins dosage, and in the amount of collagen type III detected in the western blotting analysis. The zymography for gelatinases detection showed higher amounts of metaloproteinase‐2 (active isoform) and of metalloproteinase‐9 (latent isoform) in the mdx mice. Measurements of birefringence, using polarization microscopy, showed higher molecular organization of the collagen fibers in the tendons of mdx mice in comparison to the control group, with presence of larger areas of crimp. Ponceau SS‐stained tendon sections showed stronger staining of the extracellular matrix in the mdx groups. Toluidine blue‐stained sections showed more intense basophilia in tendons of the control group. In morphometry, a higher number of inflammatory cells was detected in the epitendon of mdx group. In conclusion, the Achilles tendon of 60‐day‐old mdx mice presents higher collagen concentration and organization of the collagen fibers, enhanced metalloproteinase‐2 activity, as well as prominent presence of inflammatory cells and lesser proteoglycans. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:85–93, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

On the effects of lateral gauge misalignment in shocked targets

Plate-impact experiments have been used to interrogate the influence of gauge alignment on the shock response of wire-element lateral manganin stress gauges in PMMA and aluminium targets. Embedded gauges were progressively rotated relative to the target impact face. Peak stress and lateral gauge rise-times were found be proportional (negatively and positively, respectively) to the resolved angle of the embedded gauge element. However, lateral stress gradients behind the shock were found to be relatively insensitive to gauge alignment. In addition, investigation of the effects of release arrival showed no connection to either peak stress or behaviour behind the shock.     

Identification of cytoplasmic laminar bodies in neurons of the cat lateral geniculate nucleus by phase contrast microscopy.

It is demonstrated that cytoplasmic laminar bodies (CLBs) can be identified in Nissl stained celloidin sections by means of phase contrast microscopy. Provided that the refractive index of the mounting medium is in the range of 1.56 to 1.65, CLBs appear as bright holes in the cytoplasm.     

Three-dimensional reconstruction of the remodeling of the systemic vasculature in early pig embryos

Current research on angiogenesis and vascular regression is mainly focused on pathological conditions such as tumor growth and diabetic retinopathy, while a suitable physiological model to study the controlling factors in these processes is still lacking. The remodeling pattern of the embryonic vasculature into the adult configuration, such as the branchial arch arterial system developing into the aorta or the early embryonic veins building the caudal vena cava can potentially serve as a model. However, practical applications of the embryonic vascular patterning are impeded by the current controversy over the exact development of the caudal vena cava in mammals. To elucidate these ambiguities, specific developmental stages of vascular development in pig embryos were mapped by means of computer-assisted 3D reconstructions starting from histological serial sections of Bouin's fixed embryos. Special attention was given to venous segments in the lumbar region, as their origin and fate are equivocally described in literature. Here we demonstrate that these venous segments originate from the caudal cardinal veins which are forced to migrate during development into a more dorsal position due to the expansion of the developing metanephroi and the more dorsal relocation of the umbilical arteries. These findings are in contrast with the generally accepted theory that the venous segments in the lumbar region arise from newly formed veins that are located dorsal to the early caudal cardinal system.     

Morphological alterations induced by loud noise in the myocardium: the role of benzodiazepine receptors

Noise represents an environmental stress factor affecting several organs and apparati, including the cardiovascular system. In experimental animals undergoing noise exposure, subcellular myocardial changes have been reported, especially at mitochondrial level; in particular, after 6 hours of exposure only the atrium exhibited significant mitochondrial alterations, whereas after 12 hours as well as subchronic exposure both atrium and ventricle were damaged. The first part of the present article overviews the experimental evidence on effects of noise on the myocardium. In the second part, the review analyzes the role of benzodiazepine receptors and the potential efficacy of benzodiazepine ligands in preventing the mitochondrial damage induced by noise exposure. Drugs acting at both central and peripheral benzodiazepine receptors significantly prevent this damage. Differences in the amount and the duration of the protective effect might depend on variability in the potency and pharmacokinetics of the specific drug. The effects of the combined treatment with selective and non-selective peripheral benzodiazepine ligands on noise stimulation are discussed at biochemical level reviewing studies on the effects of noise exposure on mitochondrial fractions.     

Scanning electron microscopy of the tongue papillae in the pig (Sus scrofa)

A clear understanding of the role of different papillae in the pig may permit the development of a more palatable diet, thus, better utilizing anatomical structures and morphological characteristics to enhance health and productivity in this domestic species. The study used ten healthy market-size, mixed-breed pigs to properly describe the surface structure of the tongue papillae using standard scanning electron microscopic techniques. Two types of sharp and blunt filiform papillae were identified. Fungiform papillae, located on the lateral side of the tongue, were circular and large with surface taste pores. The majority of oval papillae on the dorsal surface of the tongue contained multidirectional surface grooves and lacked taste pores. The foliate papillae, located principally on the caudal third and lateral part of the tongue, were comprised of four to five leaves and they had additional pseudopapillae. The two vallate papillae, found in the caudal third and dorsum of the tongue, had a well-defined vallum and pseudopapillae on their surface. At the root of the tongue, two types of conical papillae with or without apex were observed. The entire area covered by conical papillae was deeply occupied by lingual tonsils. The lingual tonsils were scattered with varying sized lymph nodules in the propria mucosa of the conical papillae deep to epithelium. Functionally, the filiform and conical papillae appeared to have a mechanical role whereas fungiform, foliate, and vallate papillae apparently perform a gustatory role in the pig. The tonsillar location at the root of the tongue provides an ideal experimental model for immunohistological and immunological studies on the lymphoid tissue in man.