Activity of alkaline phosphatase in the major salivary glands of mice at various ages of postnatal life, and during pregnancy and lactation.

Activity of alkaline phosphatase in the major salivary glands of male and female mice at various ages of postnatal life, and in females during lactation was studied histochemically. Enzyme activity was not detected on the day of birth, but was found in the terminal tubules of all major salivary glands during the first postnatal week. Alkaline phosphatase activity was increasing gradually with age and a definitive enzymatic pattern was observed by the age of 6 weeks. No difference in enzyme activity was found among the major salivary glands of young adult and old animals. The parenchyma of fully differentiated submandibular glands showed clear sexually dimorphic patterns of alkaline phosphatase activity. During pregnancy, a significant increase of alkaline phosphatase activity was detected in submandibular gland. From gestation day 15 to the end of pregnancy, enzymic pattern of granular convoluted tubules of pregnant females was the same as in the adult males. Histochemical masculinization of the submandibular gland during pregnancy suggests that besides androgens also progesterone exerts masculinization of the murine submandibular salivary gland.

[Development of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV) activity in postnatal differentiation of the submandibular gland in mice]. / Vývoj aktivity dipeptidyl peptidázy IV (DPP IV) v prubehu postnatální diferenciace submandibulární zlázy mysi.

The localization of a serine exopeptidase--DPP IV--in the male and female submandibular gland of the mouse during gland postnatal development was studied histochemically in the light microscopic level. The present results suggest that localization of DPP IV is closely related to the postnatal differentiation and maturation of acini and male granular convoluted tubules. Remarkable sex differences of DPP IV activity were detected in the submandibular gland of pubescent and adult animals. The possible physiological role of DPP IV in major salivary glands is also discussed in the paper.

[Histochemical activity of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV) in intracerebral transplantation of the submandibular gland in mice]. / Histochemická aktivita dipeptidyl peptidázy IV (DPP IV) v intracerebrálních transplantátech submandibulární zlázy mysi.

Histochemical activity of DPP IV in the intracerebral homotransplants of submandibular gland of the newborn mouse was investigated in the course of a 5-month period after transplantation. Eight weeks after grafting, the enzyme pattern in the parenchyma of transplants was already comparable with the enzyme pattern of a fully mature mouse submandibular gland in situ. At this time, DPP IV was active in the apicolateral cell membranes of numerous acini of the gland transplants. Enzyme activity in apical cell cytoplasm of granular convoluted tubules was found only in transplants located in the brain of male recipients.

Histochemical localization of succinate dehydrogenase in the mouse submandibular gland during postnatal development.

The activity of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) was examined histochemically in the parenchyma of murine submandibular gland (SMG) during postnatal development on light-microscopical level. In this study, SDH appears as a good marker of differentiating and mature striated ducts of both sexes and convoluted granular tubules of males. Enzyme activity in glandular parenchyma increased from the 1st day to the 7th week of postnatal life. Definitive enzymatic pattern was seen in the gland aged 7 weeks. Histochemical differences between male and female SMG of mouse were noted.

Histochemical localization of succinate dehydrogenase in intracerebral mouse submandibular gland transplants.

Histochemical localization of succinate dehydrogenase in developing intracerebral auto- and homotransplants of the mouse submandibular gland was investigated in the course of a 5-month period after transplantation. Eight weeks after grafting, the enzyme pattern in the parenchyma of homotransplants was comparable with the histochemical picture of a fully mature submandibular gland in situ. At this time, numerous acini showed a weak activity, very numerous striated ducts a strong activity, and less frequent developing convoluted granular tubules slightly weaker activity, than in the striated ducts. Beginning histochemical differentiation of convoluted granular tubules was noted only in homotransplants, located in the brain of male recipients. On the other hand, only a weak activity in the cytoplasm of non-differentiated duct--like structures of some autotransplants was seen. Homotransplants of non-differentiated submandibular gland of newborn donors were found to be a more suitable transplantation object capable of postnatal development of gland parenchyma than autografts of fully differentiated gland of adult animals that did not enter the cytodifferentiation stage.

The ABCD rule of dermatoscopy. High prospective value in the diagnosis of doubtful melanocytic skin lesions.

BACKGROUND: The difficulties in accurately assessing pigmented skin lesions are ever present in practice. The recently described ABCD rule of dermatoscopy (skin surface microscopy at x10 magnification), based on the criteria asymmetry (A), border (B), color (C), and differential structure (D), improved diagnostic accuracy when applied retrospectively to clinical slides. OBJECTIVE: A study was designed to evaluate the prospective value of the ABCD rule of dermatoscopy in melanocytic lesions. METHODS: In 172 melanocytic pigmented skin lesions, the criteria of the ABCD rule of dermatoscopy were analyzed with a semiquantitative scoring system before excision. RESULTS: According to the retrospectively determined threshold, tumors with a score higher than 5.45 (64/69 melanomas [92.8%]) were classified as malignant, whereas lesions with a lower score were considered as benign (93/103 melanocytic nevi [90.3%]). Negative predictive value for melanoma (True-Negative divided by [True-Negative+False-Negative]) was 95.8%, whereas positive predictive value (True-Positive divided by [True-Positive+False-Positive]) was 85.3%. Diagnostic accuracy for melanoma (True-Positive divided by [True-Positive+False-Positive+False-Negative]) was 80.0%, compared with 64.4% by the naked eye. Melanoma showed a mean final dermatoscopy score of 6.79 (SD, +/- 0.92), significantly differing from melanocytic nevi (mean score, 4.27 +/- 0.99; p < 0.01, U test). CONCLUSION: The ABCD rule can be easily learned and rapidly calculated, and has proven to be reliable. It should be routinely applied to all equivocal pigmented skin lesions to reach a more objective and reproducible diagnosis and to obtain this assessment preoperatively.

Cuticular spinning structures reveal evolutionary relationships in araneomorph spiders.

The present paper reviews the results from the study of spigots, i.e. cuticular spinning structures obtained by the scanning of 52 genera belonging to 28 families of araneomorph spiders. The finding of eight morphologically different forms of these structures being attached to ducts of the pyriform type of silk glands is of fundamental importance for the final conclusions. The comparative observations enable me to create a hypothesis dealing with the existence of several evolutionary lines of spiders, each of which is represented with their own form of spigots. Nevertheless the character of these spigots undoubtedly reflects phylogenetic relationships between the spider taxa. The detection of a special mechanoreceptive field on top of the anterolateral spinnerets increases the knowledge of the functional morphology of the spider's spinning apparatus.

[Improving clinical diagnosis of pigmented skin changes in childhood with the dermatoscope]. / Verbesserung der klinischen Diagnostik von pigmentierten Hautveränderungen im Kindesalter durch das Dermatoskop.

Prompted by the development of the lightweight, inexpensive and simple to use dermatoscopy, skin surface microscopy can now be applied in daily practice. The case reports presented here document the diagnostic improvement achieved with dermatoscopy in pigment skin lesions of children.

[The dermatoscope. A simplification of epiluminescent microscopy of pigmented skin changes]. / Das Dermatoskop. Eine Vereinfachung der Auflichtmikroskopie von pigmentierten Hautveränderungen.

The poor prognosis of thick malignant melanomas emphasizes the importance of their early detection. Skin microscopy using a stereomicroscope has been shown to increase the accuracy of clinical diagnosis significantly in pigmented skin lesions. Owing to the development of the Heine Delta 10 dermatoscope, skin microscopy has become less difficult and more rapid. Therefore, this technique can now be applied routinely in daily office practice.

[DNA impulse cytophotometry measurements in head and neck tumors. Initial results of a correlation with clinical stage, therapeutic response and pattern of recurrence]. / DNA-Impulscytophotometrische Messungen bei Kopf-Hals-Tumoren. Erste Ergebnisse der Korrelation mit klinischem Stadium, Therapieansprechen und Rezidivmuster.

The DNA index and proliferation rate (percentage of S-phase cells) of 52 head and neck tumours were analysed by flow cytometry. Thirty-one (60%) of these tumours were aneuploid, 21 (40%) diploid. The distribution of aneuploid tumours was nearly equal in all T-stages. In contrast, the number of aneuploid tumours increased with higher N-stages. Locoregional recurrences developed more often (69%) in aneuploid tumours than in diploid tumours (54%). Furthermore, recurrence presented earlier (median 5 months) than in the latter (median 11 months). Regional recurrences were mainly observed in aneuploid tumours, local recurrences in diploid tumours.

[Histochemical detection of enzymes in the spinning glands of spiders]. / Histochemický prukaz enzymu ve snovacích zlázách pavouku.

The spider's spinning apparatus equipped with numerous glands of several types appears to be a suitable model for studying tissues which produce large amounts of fibrillar proteins. Heterogeneous glandular system is of special benefit for study of the function of different enzymes taking part both in the synthesis and the degradation of mentioned proteins. It is evident that the activity of the enzyme is dependent not only on the physiologic condition or a certain phase of spider's life cycle, but it is also given by the type of gland, i. e., defined by the structure and properties of protein to be emitted. Histochemical study of enzymes brings some new and more precise views on the spinning apparatus function. Also a participation of individual gland types in some definite spider's life period is so indicated as well as it is convenient for better understanding biologic function of structures performed by spider.

[Flow cytophotometric measurements before and during radiotherapy of head and neck tumors]. / Impulszytophotometrische Messungen vor und während der Strahlentherapie bei Kopf-Hals-Tumoren.

The DNA index and proliferation activities were determined by flow cytophotometry in 59 tumors of the head and neck area. 35 tumors (59%) were aneuploid, 24 (41%) were diploid. Aneuploid tumors showed a tendency to increased formation of lymph node metastases, an increased risk of relapse as well as a shorter relapse-free interval. No correlation was found between the primary tumor stage and the incidence of aneuploid tumors. Whereas aneuploid tumors developed frequently regional recurrences, only local recurrences were observed in diploid tumors. A number of biopsies was additionally performed during radiotherapy in twelve tumors. After 10 or 20 Gy, aneuploid tumors showed a considerably increased number of S and S2 + M phase cells. In diploid tumors, substantial modifications of the cell cycle phases were not found, because it is not possible in these cases to distinguish between normal cells and tumor cells.

Methods for water resistance testing of sun protection products.

Synopsis Water resistance of sun protection products has been found to be best determined by the following methods: (1) Tests for determining UVL filter adherence to merino wool; this gives a rough value for orientation. Values in excess of 6% are suggestive of satisfactory adherence. (2) Tests for determining water resistance of sunscreen products on pig skin constitute a further essential step. Values in excess of 50% provide a realistic basis for tests in humans. In addition to filter adherence the product base, i.e. primarily the emulsifiers, are of special significance. Adequate results can be obtained with both W/O and O/W systems. Tests on volunteers are best done at the time of determining the sun protection factor, i.e. when simulating the events during a 2-3 h sunbath. Simulation should involve a single application of the test product in a pre-defined quantity and all activities conmmonly done in sunlight, e.g. swimming, as well as intermittent exercises to induce sweating. Values are considered as excellent, if 1 MED is not exceeded after 3 h exposure. Sun protection products with this characteristic qualify as adequate 'all-day' sunscreen for individuals with average sensitivity.

The Skin Blood Supply Factor (SBSF): a useful index for hyperaemia-producing fitness cosmetics.

Synopsis While topical agents cannot really ensure an adequate nutrition of the skin, the natural skin function can at least be stimulated by hyperaemia-producing substances for topical use, which act on the peripheral circulation and thus promote regeneration and nutrition of the skin. In studies involving male and female sports students a given product was applied to the thighs and abdomen. Prior to and 1 h after application skin temperature was measured at accurately defined sites. The quotient computed between the maximum temperatures at treated and untreated test sites was defined to be the Skin Blood Supply Factor. Within the limits of this definition, maximum temperatures of 32.45 degrees C and 32.25 degrees C in treated and untreated skin areas, respectively, give a Skin Blood Supply Factor of 1.04. This is equivalent to a product-induced temperature rise of 4%. Our tests showed that for a physiological effect to be achieved the factor must not be lower than 1.02. In view of peripheral vascular function and considering that product application is virtually unlimited, a factor of 1.08 should not be exceeded.