Determination of the effect of selected diseases on the level of zinc and magnesium in teeth extracted from patients for clinical reasons.

As in other human tissues, determination of the content of elements in dentition may be of significance in disease diagnostics. Zinc and magnesium are bioelements that play an important role in humans. The tissue and serum concentrations of these elements may be linked to numerous diseases; thus, they may be useful biomarkers in the early detection of diseases. The objective of this study was to compare the content of zinc and magnesium in teeth extracted for clinical reasons from patients of both genders in different age groups, who were diagnosed with the following medical conditions: cardiovascular diseases, digestive diseases, infectious disorders, other chronic diseases, and hereditary diseases. Furthermore, the study attempted to determine the effect of the drugs used by the patients on the content of zinc and magnesium in their teeth. After cleaning and fragmenting, the extracted teeth were mineralized, and subsequently the content of the investigated elements was determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. In patients with chronic diseases, who continuously received drugs, a statistically significantly higher level of zinc (p < 0.001) and magnesium (p < 0.001) was observed as compared with the patients who did not take those medicines. People without chronic diseases but having cardiovascular diseases also exhibited a higher level of zinc. The highest zinc level in teeth was determined in people aged above 50 (p = 0.11). Furthermore, the levels of zinc and magnesium in the teeth of the study group were related and an increase in zinc concentration was observed with an increase in the concentration of magnesium (p < 0.001). Moreover, a statistically significant correlation was observed between the age of the examined people and the level of zinc (p > 0.04). The older patient had the higher the level of zinc in teeth. The level of magnesium was statistically significantly higher in the teeth of persons with other chronic diseases (p = 0.01) and those who were on medication (p < 0.001). The accumulation of zinc and magnesium in the teeth of patients is partially a result of the physiological and pathological processes occurring in aged humans. For this reason, determination of the content of these elements in teeth, which are intended for disposal according to standards, could offer diagnostic information and enable restricting the effect of pathological environmental factors on the patient's health status.

Evaluation of the middle ear in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) by gross anatomy and cone-beam computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to provide a description of gross middle ear morphology in water buffaloes, augmented with additional data on the osseous structures of middle ear derived from cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Skulls of 10 young adult male water buffaloes were used to examine their middle ears. RESULTS: Anatomical features noted included the presence of tympanic cells in the tympanic bulla, the location of malleus head and neck, and all of incus in the dorsal epitympanic recess, the oval tympanic membrane, absence of a prominent notch on the articular surface of malleus, positional variations of the lateral process of malleus relative to the muscular process and muscular process relative to the rostral process of malleus, absence of complete coverage of the articular facet of malleus head by incus body, and presence of the lenticular process of incus. In CBCT images, the osseous part of external acoustic meatus, the petrous part of temporal bone and the details of the ossicles were seen, except for stapes. CONCLUSIONS: Although tympanic membrane, malleus and stapes of water buffaloes are similar to those of ox, the incus of water buffaloes is more similar to that of goats. The heaviest ossicles among the ruminants studied belonged to water buffaloes; the mean length of malleus head and neck, total length and width of incus body as well as length of stapes head were greatest in water buffaloes too. The auditory ossicles of water buffaloes show 'transitional type' morphological characteristics. These features suggest a relatively wide frequency range of hearing, but not one biased towards especially low or especially high frequencies.

High-field magnetic resonance imaging of a normal anatomy of the rabbit commoncalcanean tendon.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the visualization of the rabbit common calcanean tendon and adjacent structures in the high-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of 1.5 T field strength and to compare the results with those previously obtained for the low-field MRI (0.25 T). Eight New Zealand rabbits were used in the post-mortem study and the results indicate that the high-field MRI provides more detailed images only in transverse scans, where the outer outline of the tendon was visualized more accurately. Other analysed structures were imaged with a resolution comparable to the low-field MRI.

Chemical Coding of Sensory Neurons Supplying the Hip Joint Capsule in the Sheep.

Immunohistochemical properties of nerve fibres supplying the joint capsule were previously described in many mammalian species, but the localization of sensory neurons supplying this structure was studied only in laboratory animals, the rat and rabbit. However, there is no comprehensive data on the chemical coding of sensory neurons projecting to the hip joint capsule (HJC). The aim of this study was to establish immunohistochemical properties of sensory neurons supplying HJC in the sheep. The study was carried out on 10 sheep, weighing about 30-40 kg. The animals were injected with a retrograde neural tracer Fast Blue (FB) into HJC. Sections of the spinal ganglia (SpG) with FB-positive (FB+) neurons were stained using antibodies against calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) substance P (SP), pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP), nitric oxide synthase (n-NOS), neuropeptide Y (NPY), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), Leu-5-enkephalin (Leu-Enk), galanin (GAL) and vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VACHT). The vast majority of FB+ neurons supplying HJC was found in the ganglia from the 5th lumbar to the 2nd sacral. Immunohistochemistry revealed that most of these neurons were immunoreactive to CGRP or SP (80.7 ± 8.0% or 56.4 ± 4.8%, respectively) and many of them stained for PACAP or GAL (52.9 ± 2.9% or 50.6 ± 19.7%, respectively). Other populations of FB+ neurons were those immunoreactive to n-NOS (37.8 ± 9.7%), NPY (34.6 ± 6.7%), VIP (28.7 ± 4.8%), Leu-Enk (27.1 ± 14.6) and VACHT (16.7 ± 9.6).

Ultrasonography and Low-field Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Common Calcanean Tendon in a Rabbit Model for Tendinopathy Research: a Descriptive Study of Normal Anatomy.

In spite of recent advances in treatment protocols, tendinopathies continue to challenge orthopaedists and surgeons. Due to the complexity of both tendon injuries and the healing processes, animal models are essential for addressing fundamental questions in tendinopathy research. Diagnostic imaging could contribute to the evaluation of animal models, thus providing information, which could be translated to human tendinopathies. The objective of our study was to evaluate in situ appearance of the rabbit common calcanean tendon with ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging. Additionally, we sought to assess and compare the feasibility and usefulness of these techniques in a rabbit model while focusing on the imaging of the particular structures involved in calcaneal tendon disorders. Eight California rabbits were used for post-mortem sonographic and low-field magnetic resonance examination. Morphometry was performed on longitudinal sonograms and sagittal MRI scans. The craniocaudal diameter of the tendon was measured at four points of interest. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance provided good visualisation of the tendon origin, the paratenon and the pre-Achilles fat pad. Magnetic resonance images presented in more detail the structure of the calcaneal insertion. Both modalities failed to visualise the individual components of the common calcanean tendon and the bursa of the calcaneal tendon. Statistical analysis of measurements obtained showed that the craniocaudal diameter of the common calcanean tendon in a rabbit increases significantly with a growing length from the calcaneal tuber. Both magnetic resonance and ultrasonography are feasible, and should be considered complementary, not alternative imaging techniques in a rabbit common calcanean tendon model.

Rabbit common calcanean tendon as an animal model: ultrasonographic anatomy and morphometry.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to evaluate usefulness of ultrasonography in assessment of rabbit common calcanean tendon, to describe its ultrasonographic anatomy and to perform morphometric analysis of this structure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen skeletally-matured New Zealand rabbits were used in the study. Ultrasonographic examinations of common calcanean tendon (CCT) were performed in longitudinal and transverse planes from caudal approach. Sagittal diameters of superficial digital flexor tendon and CCT were measured on longitudinal scans. Sagittal and transverse diameter, cross-sectional area and perimeter of the CCT were assessed on transverse scans. Statistical analysis was performed using StatisticaPL software (StatSoft®, Poland). RESULTS: In longitudinal images structure of CCT was clearly visualised. Its superficial hypoechoic part corresponds to superficial digital flexor tendon and deeper hyperechoic to gastrocnemius tendon. In transverse images cross-sectional area presented varied echotexture. Proximally, CCT was rounded in transverse section and became slightly wider and flattered distally. Statistical analysis showed no differences between results obtained from right and left hindlimb (p > 0.05). Measurements of sagittal diameter of CCT obtained in transverse planes were significantly higher than sagittal diameter measurements obtained in longitudinal plane in corresponding locations (p < 0.001). All performed measurements showed a growing trend with the increasing distance from the calcaneal tuber. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonography is suitable technique for assessment of CCT in a rabbit model and provides satisfactory images for morphometrical evaluation.

Caudal mesenteric ganglion in the sheep - macroanatomical and immunohistochemical study.

The caudal mesenteric ganglion (CaMG) is a prevetrebral ganglion which provides innervation to a number of organs in the abdominal and pelvic cavity. The morphology of CaMG and the chemical coding of neurones in this ganglion have been described in humans and many animal species, but data on this topic in the sheep are entirely lacking. This prompted us to undertake a study to determine the localization and morphology of sheep CaMG as well as immunohistochemical properties of its neurons. The study was carried out on 8 adult sheep, weighing from 40 to 60 kg each. The sheep were deeply anaesthetised and transcardially perfused with 4% paraformaldehyde. CaMG-s were exposed and their location was determined. Macroanatomical observations have revealed that the ovine CaMG is located at the level of last two lumbar (L5 or L6) and the first sacral (S1) vertebrae. The ganglion represents an unpaired structure composed of several, sequentially arranged aggregates of neurons. Immunohistochemical investigations revealed that nearly all (99.5%) the neurons were DßH-IR and were richly supplied by VACHT-IR nerve terminals forming "basket-like" structures around the perikarya. VACHT-IR neurones were not determined. Many neurons (55%) contained immunoreactivity to NPY, some of them (10%) stained for Met-ENK and solitary nerve cells were GAL-positive. CGRP-IR nerve fibres were numerous and a large number of them simultaneously expressed immunoreactivity to SP. Single, weakly stained neurones were SP-IR and only very few nerve cells weakly stained for VIP.

Histological, histochemical and fine structure studies of the lacrimal gland and superficial gland of the third eyelid and their significance on the proper function of the eyeball in alpaca (Vicugna pacos).

The lacrimal gland (LG) and superficial gland of the third eyelid (SGTE) belong to accessory organs of the eye. The aim of the present studies was to evaluate the histological, histochemical and fine structure of the LG and SGTE obtained from 3 adult females and 2 adult males of alpaca (Vicugna pacos). The LG was situated in the dorsolateral angle of the orbit between the dorsal rectus and the lateral rectus muscles. The SGTE was located between the medial rectus muscle, the ventral rectus muscle and was partially covered by the ventral oblique muscle of the eyeball. There were no effect of gender on the morphometry of examined LG and SGTE. The third eyelid resembles an anchor in shape. During histological and ultrastructural analyses using light and transmission electron microscopy, it was established that the LG and SGTE are tubulo-acinar glands with mucoserous characters. The LG contains either lymphocytes or plasma cells, while SGTE had rare plasma cells and numerous lymphocytes in connective tissue. The cartilage of the third eyelid was composed of hyaline tissue. Numerous aggregations of lymphocytes as lymph nodules in bulbar surface of the third eyelid were observed. The LG and SGTE secretory cells exhibited a similar ultrastructure appearance in electron microscopic examination, with secretory cells tightly filled with intracytoplasmatic secretory granules and numerous clusters of mucus of different sizes which were observed in the peripheral cells compartment.

Morphology of the Lingual and Buccal Papillae in Alpaca (Vicugna pacos) - Light and Scanning Electron Microscopy.

The aim of this study was the description of the lingual and buccal papillae in adult alpaca (Vicugna pacos) by light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The tongue consisted of apex, body and root. Four types of lingual papillae (filiform, fungiform, conical and circumvallate) in addition to two types of buccal papillae were observed. The filiform papillae, some with secondary papillae, were distributed on both the corpus and apex of the tongue, with stratified epithelium, and layer of keratin coat were recognized. The short (small) cone papillae had pointed top, while bunoform papillae were wide with smooth apex. The much less numerous circumvallate papillae with pseudopapillae on the each rim of the caudal lingual body were present with weak layer of keratin and intra-epithelial taste buds. The small fungiform papillae were found on the dorsal lingual surface, while the large fungiform papillae were situated on the ventral surface of the tongue, especially, in rostral part and were round in shape with numerous gustatory pores and very thin keratin coat. Pseudopapillae were present on the buccal conical 'bunoform' papillae surface, while 'elongate' buccal papillae surface was rather softly folded with thin coat of keratin. Microridges were observed in the less keratinized parts of each type of papillae. The orientation of either lingual or buccal papillae into the throat side facilitates the emptying of oral cavity from nutrient and swallowing of food. In conclusion, the anatomical features of the alpaca tongue are an adaptation to the feeding habits.

Height at the withers estimation in the horses based on the internal dimension of cranial cavity.

The investigations were carried out on 17 modern half-breed horse skulls and their metacarpal and metatarsal bones. The basal length (BL), total length (TL), internal cranial cavity dimension and maximal length of metacarpus and metatarsus and maximal lateral length of metacarpus and metatarsus were measured according to Kiesewalter and von den Driesch. During height at the withers estimation, the Kiesewaler and Vitt methods were used. The Wyrost and Kucharczyk mathematical formula was modified for height at the withers calculation (Hestmd = 1.016 × D) in horses. All height at the withers estimation methods were statistically analysed and compared. The analysis of variance ANOVA proved the lack of significant difference between the investigated values. The results achieved using Wyrost and Kucharczyk modified method are strongly comparable to Kiesewalter methods results computed using the metacarpal and metatarsal bones measurements. The height at the withers calculated on the basis of TL slightly differs from 2 above-mentioned methods. The BL Vitt's method was the least exact.

The effects of aneurysm repair using an aortic prosthesis on the electrical parameters of the muscular layer of the abdominal aorta.

The study was carried out on 10 swine of 20-30 kg body weight. Five animals were assigned to each of 2 groups. An aneurysm of the abdominal aorta was created experimentally in animals from the first and second study group. After 4 weeks, animals from the second group were subject to aneurysm repair using an aortic prosthesis. During the experiment, we measured the myoelectric activity of the muscular layer of the abdominal aorta and aneurysmal lesion with the ultrasonographic technique. Measurements of the aorta and aneurysmal lesion and histopathological analyses were carried out post-mortem. We found a statistically significant decrease in the myoelectric activity of the aorta on the aorta-straight prosthesis interface and a significant decrease in the thickness of the muscular layer of the aorta on the aorta-prosthesis interface. No similar changes were found for experimentally induced aneurysms of the abdominal aorta. A straight prosthesis graft may not be the perfect option in the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm, as it contributes to the remodelling of the tissue on the prosthesis-aorta interface. This may result in the relapse of an aneurysm and post-operative complications.

Experimental methods of abdominal aortic aneurysm creation in swine as a large animal model.

Animal models of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) enable preclinical studies on new therapeutic approaches and help to understand pathophysiology of the disease. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of selected methods of experimental induction of abdominal aortic aneurysm in swine and to adapt the EMG examination (electromyography) to record the vessel wall changes. The animals were divided into 3 groups comprising 4 individuals in whom AAA was surgically induced. In the first group the AAA was induced by mechanical stretching of the aortic wall and injection of 500 IU elastase under pressure. The second group received elastase and 6000 IU of collagenase. In the third group 0.5 M CaCl2 solution was introduced additionally. Enlargement of abdominal aorta was monitored for 4 weeks. The first group did not show any aorta dilatation. In the second group the aortic lumen was dilated on average by 71±3.5% (P≤0.001) as shown at autopsy and by 76.6±9.3% as measured by the ultrasound method. In the third group aorta was dilatated by 104.2±11.3% as obtained by ultrasound and 72±3% at post-mortem examination. Myoelectric activity of VSMC (vascular smooth muscle cell) was demonstrated and it was characterized by the presence of three types of waves closely related to the pressure changes in the vessel lumen. We conclude that collagen fibers damage plays a significant role in the AAA development in swine. The inflammatory process in the vessel's wall also contributes to AAA development. However, myoelectrical activity of VSMC does not significantly change despite histologically confirmed loss of muscular layer.

Sources of sensory innervation of the hip joint capsule in the rabbit - a retrograde tracing study.

The aim of the study was to investigate the sensory innervation of the hip joint capsule in the rabbit. Individual animals were injected with retrograde fluorescent tracer Fast Blue (FB) into the lateral aspect of the left hip joint capsule (group LAT, n = 5) or into the medial aspect of the hip joint capsule (group MED, n = 5), respectively. FB-positive (FB+) neurons were found within ipsilateral lumbar (L) and sacral (S) dorsal root ganglia (DRG) from L7 to S2 (group LAT) and from L6 to S4 (group MED). They were round or oval in shape with a diameter of 20-90 µm. The neurons were evenly distributed throughout the ganglia. The average number of FB+ neurons was 16 ± 2.8 and 27.6 ± 3.5 in rabbits from LAT and MED, respectively. The largest average number of FB+ neurons in animals of group LAT was found within the S1 DRG (8 ± 1.7), while S2 ganglion contained the smallest number of the neurons (3.6 ± 1). In the L7 DRG, the average number of FB+ neurons was 6.2 ± 1.6. In rabbits of MED group, the largest number of FB+ neurons was found within the S1 DRG (13.4 ± 4), while the smallest one was found within the S3 ganglion (1.4 ± 0.4). In L6, L7, S2 and S4 ganglia, the number of retrogradely labelled neurons amounted to 1.6 ± 0.5, 4 ± 1.5, 4.4 ± 1.5 and 2.8 ± 1.7, respectively. The data obtained can be very useful for further investigations regarding the efficacy of denervation in the therapy of hip joint disorders in rabbits.

Skull typology of Byzantine dogs from the Theodosius Harbour at Yenikapi, Istanbul.

This study presents the results of craniometric analysis of 500 Byzantine Era dog skulls from the ancient site of the Theodosius Harbour in Istanbul (modern Yenikapi neighbourhood). To determine the typology of the skulls, up to 36 craniometric measurements were taken on each specimen. Fourteen indices and ratios were calculated from the measurements. Results show that the majority (97%) of the Byzantine dogs from the Yenikapi excavations were of mesocephalic type. Only 15 of the analysed skulls (3%) were of the dolichocephalic type. Only one dog skeleton has been recovered in situ during the excavations; analysis indicates that this individual belonged to a mesocephalic type dog. Brachycephalic dog skulls were absent in the samples studied from Byzantine Yenikapi. The results give important insight in continuities and discontinuities in dog-breeding traditions from the Roman to the Byzantine Eras, and between the West and the East during Medieval times.

Morphological investigations of the occipital area in adult American Staffordshire Terriers.

Morphological investigations into the occipital area were carried out on the skulls of 24 adult American Staffordshire Terriers. The dorsal notch was found in one skull. The normal height (h) and width (W) of the foramen magnum was measured, and the foramen magnum index was calculated. In the case of the presence of the dorsal notch, total height (H) and normal height (h) of foramen magnum were measured, and dorsal notch height (N) was estimated. The mean value of the foramen magnum index (FMIa = W/H × 100) was 82.7. The foramen magnum index with the exception of the skull with dorsal notch (FMIb = W/h × 100) was 77.89. The dysplasia index (ISD = N/h × 100) was 44.05. A radiographic evaluation was made according to the method introduced by Rusbridge. Occipital dysplasia is not a clinical problem itself but can provoke one.

The clinical evaluation of fillings made witch Ketac-Cem after endodontic treatment in dogs.

The aim of this study was the clinical evaluation of glass-ionomer material Ketac-Cem used after the root canal therapy as filling. The investigations were carried out in 18 dogs. The filling was evaluated according to Rydge's modified scale. The evaluations were done shortly after treatment and repeated after two years. The investigated material is frequently used in veterinary stomatology. Only 22.22% of fillings were qualified to replacement at the second evaluation.

Risk factors for septic complications in kidney transplant recipients.

INTRODUCTION: Septic complications following kidney transplantation are a leading cause of therapeutic failure. An early diagnosis may protect the recipient from the severe consequences of sepsis. We sought to determine the risk factors influencing the occurrence of septic complications among kidney transplant recipients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 146 potential donors included in the study were evaluated for brain stem death criteria. Supportive management included mechanical ventilation to normocapnia, rewarming, as well as fluid and electrolyte replacement. Dopamine infusions and desaminovasopressin were titrated to predetermined mean arterial pressure (MAP). Central venous pressure (CVP) was maintained at 8 to 11 mm Hg. Hemodynamic data were acquired by the thermodilution method prior to organ procurement: MAP, CVP, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), and systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI). Recipient data included age, gender, period of prior hemodialysis, panel reactive antibodies, cold ischemia time, and cause of renal insufficiency. The 232 kidney recipients were examined for occurrence of septic complications including septicemia, pneumonia, peritonitis, or graft infection. RESULTS: Kidney transplants from donors with MAP < 70 mm Hg and SVRI < 1200 dyne x s/cm(5) x m(2) showed a significantly higher occurrence of septic complications in recipients (P < .05) where mortality rate was also significantly greater (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: MAP < 70 mm Hg and SVRI < 1200 dyne x s/cm(5) x m(2) among organ donors predicted greater occurrence of septic complications and increased mortality among kidney transplant recipients.

Morphological analysis of the foramen magnum of dogs from the Iron Age.

The investigations were carried out on 37 skulls from the Van-Yoncatepe early Iron Age necropolis (in eastern Anatolia) (first group) and 11 skulls from the scythians castle from Bileskoje Iron Age (second group). The major distance between both occipital condyles and both bases of the jugular processes, the major width of the foramen magnum, height of the foramen magnum, height of the skull, height of the occipital triangle and the length of the dorsal notch were measured. A dorsal notch was present in seven dogs (six male and one female) from Van-Yoncatepe. The average length of the dorsal notch was 2.5 mm. The investigation states that the dorsal notch occurred in dogs from the Iron Age. This anatomical formation had no association with their death.

Lymphocele after kidney transplantation.

BACKGROUND: One of the most often occurring complications after a kidney transplantation is a lymphocele. MATERIALS: The examined group consisted of 118 patients (70 males and 48 females) with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). RESULTS: Fourteen patients (12%) developed symptoms of lymphocele within an average time of 34 weeks. The clinical symptoms included the following: decreased 24-hour urine collection and increased creatinine level, abdominal discomfort, lymphorrhoea with surgical wound dehiscence, urgency, vesical tenesmus, and/or fever. Increased appearance of lymphocele was noticed in patients with diabetic nephropathy, congenital malformations of the urinary tract, and inflammatory diseases, including glomerulopathy and extraglomerular ones, after high-voltage radiotherapy and after removal of the renal graft. The methods of treatment and their efficacy were as follows: percutaneous aspiration with the ratio of recurrence 100%; ultrasound guided percutaneous drainage 50%; laparoscopic intraabdominal marsupialization 75%; and surgical intervention with favorable results. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage with a success rate greater than 50% should be recommended as the first line of treatment. As a minimal invasive surgery this kind of treatment does not interfere with subsequent internal drainage through an open or a laparoscopic surgery. Laparoscopy, a feasible, safe technique with a success rate of more than 80%, should be used routinely after unsuccessful percutaneous drainage.

The shoulder height estimation in dogs based on the internal dimension of cranial cavity using mathematical formula.

The investigations were carried out on 91 dogs of various breeds. Using the mathematical formula H(estmd) = 1.016 x D - 31.2 (H(estmd), estimated value of the shoulder height; D, internal dimension of the cranial cavity Ethmoideum-Basion) the shoulder height was calculated. Evaluated results were compared with the shoulder height values measured by authors and coming from papers. The results proved the high accuracy of the implemented mathematical formula.