Cytology

Neurohormones similar to those of mammals are carried in fish by hypothalamic nerve fibers to regulate directly follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulates the secretion of FSH and LH and the expression of the glycoprotein hormone alpha (GPalpha), FSHbeta, and LHbeta, as well as their secretion. Its signal transduction leading to LH release is similar to that in mammals although the involvement of cyclic AMP-protein kinase A (cAMP-PKA) cannot be ruled out. Dopamine (DA) acting through DA D2 type receptors may inhibit LH release, but not that of FSH, at sites distal to activation of protein kinase C (PKC) and PKA. GnRH increases the steady-state levels of GPalpha, LHbeta, and FSHbeta mRNAs. Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) 38 and neuropeptide Y (NPY) potentiate GnRH effect on gonadotropic cells, and also act directly on the pituitary cells. Whereas PACAP increases all three subunit mRNAs, ...

Background : The main goal of the work was to analyse intraspecific variation in Elettaria cardamomum Maton (cardamom) using genome size, cytological studies and molecular marker data. Nuclear DNA content and molecular marker details furnish data on genome size and genetic diversity respectively among the studied accessions and both complement each other for evolutionary and taxonomic studies.
Results: The relative 2C genome size and total number of base pairs of cardamom was determined through flow cytometric analysis using propidium iodide staining. The nuclear DNA content was estimated in various sections of the species representing individuals from wild and cultivar genotypes following Zea mays L. CE-777 (2C = 5.43 pg) as internal reference standard. Chromosome number from growing root tip was examined following standard protocols. Twenty-six ISSR primers that generated polymorphic bands were used for genetic diversity analysis of the thirty accessions of cardamom. Estimated nuclear 2C DNA content ranged from 2.57 to 3.22 pg demonstrating 1.25-fold variation. The mean amount of 2C nuclear DNA of the cardamom was calculated as 2.87 pg which is equivalent of 2806 Mbp as the diploid genome size. The chromosome number was found to be 2n = 48. Among the thirty accessions of carda-mom studied using ISSR markers, C53 (feral from Bonacaud) showed a very prominent level of genetic diversity and was lowest for C96 (Avinash-I, a released variety from Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode).
Conclusion: These analyses revealed the existence of genetic variability within the studied cardamom accessions. The plant specimens also differed significantly in their genome size. However, the genetic variability parameters did not show any correlation with genome size.

Phytochemical and Proximate analyses of two samples of Aloe vera from variable habitats (highland and lowland) of Sokoto metropolis were accessed. Phytochemical and proximate compositions of highland sample were 8.16mg/100g of Saponin, 3.40mg/100g of Glycoside, 1.80mg/100g of Alkaloid and 2.50mg/100g of Anthraquinone. Proximate constituents’ analysis revealed 6% of Moisture, 10.5% of Ash, 2.5% of Crude lipid, 8.13% of Crude protein, 1% of Crude fibre and 70.57% of Carbohydrate respectively. Sodium (242.5mg/100g), Potassium (3500mg/100g), Calcium (2.35mg/100g), Magnesium (3.7mg/100g) and Phosphorous (3.24mg/100g) in highland, also more concentrated than in lowland sample. More phytochemicals are found in lowland sample than highland sample. Phytochemical constituents of the lowland sample were Saponin, Glycoside, Alkaloid and Anthraquinone at 3.5mg/100g, 1.13mg/100g, 0.89mg/100g and 1.2mg/100g concentrations respectively. Proximate compositions were 11% of Moisture, 9% of Ash, 2% of Crude lipid, 7.38% of Crude protein, 1.5% of Crude fibre and 69.26% of Carbohydrate. Mineral composition of the lowland sample had 202.5mg/100g of Sodium, 4750mg/100g of Potassium, 1.4mg/100g of Calcium, 3.1mg/100g and 3.16mg/100g of Phosphorous. Steroid, Tannin and Volatile oil are the common phytochemicals absent in both samples of the plant.

The duck is one of the indigenous poultry species in Ivory Coast that production is in rudimentary stage. This present study was conducted to identify the systems of breeding, to characterize the number of animal, management practices and the mortality of local ducks through a survey. The survey has been made in participative form of the 375 local duck breeders from the communes of Abobo, Bassam, Bingerville, Port-Bouёt and Songon. The survey showed two (02) systems of breeding: an extensive family system with ducks in divagation (88,62%) and an extensive family system of farmyard with ducks in captivity with (11,38%). The higher breeders (48,26 %) possesses minus or ten local duck in their flock. Local duck breeders provided a shelter of night (98%). The factors that decimate the local duck has been domestic accident (27,75 %), erosion (34 %) and the predatory (20,5%) in the south forest from Ivory Coast. Mortalities has been higher in the females (30,10%) than males (14,98%). However, duckling (62,5%) dead more than the young duck (20,25%) or the adults duck (10,25%). In conclusion, the local duck breeding is confronted to many constraints, but the installation of rational system of management could help the breeders to improve to increase the productivity of these poultries.

Aluminum toxicity is the presumed cause of aluminum-associated osteomalacia. In animal models, osteomalacia has been produced after a prolonged course of aluminum. In the present study, rats with renal failure received 20 mg intraperitoneal aluminum during a 2 day period. This model allows sequential observations in the development of osteomalacia. Rats were sacrificed and studied 5, 12, 25, and 40 days after aluminum administration. No differences were observed in serum calcium, phosphorus, or creatinine as a consequence of aluminum administration. Compared with control rats, parathyroid hormone was decreased at 12 and 25 days. A direct correlation was present between plasma and bone aluminum at 12 days (r = 0.92, p < 0.01), 25 days (r = 0.85, p < 0.005), and 40 days (r = 0.88, p < 0.001) but not 5 days after aluminum administration. Plasma aluminum peaked at 5 days (727 ± 89 μg/liter, mean ± SEM) and bone aluminum at 40 days (273 ± 40 μg/g). Aluminum had profound effect on bone histology. At 5 days there was a decrease in osteoblast surface and osteoid surface; at 12 days osteoblast surface and osteoid surface returned to normal but osteoclast surface decreased. Subsequently there was a progressive increase in osteoid surface and osteoid volume. Bone formation rate measured at 12, 25, and 40 days was decreased at these intervals.In conclusion, (1) high plasma aluminum may be directly toxic to the osteoblast; (2) progressive osteoid accumulation is secondary to matrix (osteoid) deposition, which exceeds the depressed bone formation rate; (3) the progressive decrease in plasma aluminum and increase in bone aluminum suggest that bone has a high affinity for aluminum but may have a relatively slow rate of uptake at any given time; (4) aluminum may directly decrease parathyroid hormone; (5) the correlation between plasma and bone aluminum suggest an exchange is present; and (6) aluminum toxicity may independently affect the osteoblast and bone mineralization.

T. H. Morgan, A. H. Sturtevant, H. J. Muller and C. B. Bridges published their comprehensive treatise The Mechanism of Mendelian Heredity in 1915. By 1920 Morgan&#39;s &quot;Chromosome Theory of Heredity&quot; was generally accepted by geneticists in the United States, and by British geneticists by 1925. By 1930 it had been incorporated into most general biology, botany, and zoology textbooks as established knowledge. In this paper, I examine the reasons why it was accepted as part of a series of comparative studies of theory-acceptance in the sciences. In this context it is of interest to look at the persuasiveness of confirmed novel predictions, a factor often regarded by philosophers of science as the most important way to justify a theory. Here it turns out to play a role in the decision of some geneticists to accept the theory, but is generally less important than the CTH&#39;s ability to explain Mendelian inheritance, sex-linked inheritance, non-disjunction, and the connection...

The actin cytoskeleton is a primary determinant of cell shape and motility. Studies on actin regulatory proteins are now coupled with studies of the signal transduction that directs actin cytoskeleton reorganization, and we have gained insights into how external stimuli such as chemoattractants drive changes in actin cytoskeleton. Chemoattractants regulate actin regulatory proteins such as the Arp2⧸3 complex through WASP family proteins, ADF⧸cofilin downstream of LIM-kinase, and various other phosphoinositide-dependent or -independent pathways. Through branching of actin filaments, Arp2⧸3 complex-dependent actin polymerization is suffcient to generate the force necessary for protrusion.

An approach to the process of undertaking cytology diagnosis for medical students and those who operate with cytology specimens is presented. This simple mnemonic (ABCDE) can be used as a memory aid determining the order in which cells or tissue fragments should be evaluated. When receiving a slide for diagnosis and prior to examining it under the microscope we need to make sure that it is correctly labeled and prepared (Correct) and we also need to know or gather all available information concerning the patient (A, Available Information). Once under the microscope, we check the type of cells and the adequacy of specimen (B, Body & Being Adequate). Next, by taking into consideration the cellular morphology and potentially by performing ancillary studies we proceed to answer if the cells are neoplastic or not (C, Cancer). We then either form a differential diagnosis list or we end up with our final diagnosis (D, Differential diagnosis or Diagnosis), which is followed by the writing of the report (E, Exhibit). These sequential steps (Correct ABCDE) followed as an ad hoc
procedure by most pathologists, are important in order to achieve a complete and clear diagnosis and report, which is intended to support optimal clinical practice. This ABCDE concept is a generic standard approach which is not limited to specific specimens and can help improve both cytology diagnoses and the quality of the final cytology reports.

The &quot;Microbiology&quot; volume of the new revised and updated Handbook of Enology focuses on the vinification process. It describes how yeasts work and how they can be influenced to achieve better results. It continues to look at the metabolism of lactic acid bacterias and of acetic acid bacterias, and again, how can they be treated to avoid disasters in the winemaking process and how to achieve optimal results. The last chapters in the book deal with the use of sulfur-dioxide, the grape and its maturation process, harvest and prefermentation treatment, and the basis of red, white and speciality wine making.

Gram-staining remains the fundamental method for determinative bacteriology, dividing bacteria into Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms. This test provides information as to the origin of any contamination and is a pre-requisite for many microbial identification methods. Despite the longevity of the test, the test is highly reliant upon analyst technique and therefore errors occur. While there are a few studies looking at errors in the clinical context, research has not been extended to the pharmaceutical microbiology laboratory context. In this study, we present a review of over 6,000 Gram-stains and establish an error rate of around 3%, with the most common reason for error being an over-decolourisation step resulting in organisms that should be Gram-positive appearing as Gram-negative. The analysis enables others to benchmark their facilities against.

The morphology and ultrastructure of the Malpighian tubules of Dolycoris baccarum were analyzed by scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy in order to determine their functional organization. The Malpighian tubules are compared with similar structures of other insects based on cell structure and functional organization. The Malpighian tubules of D. baccarum extend from the midgut–hindgut region of the digestive tract. The Malpighian tubules are divided into two regions: the proximal segment is short and flattened and the distal segment is long, stringy in shape and free in hemolymph. The tubules are generally long and narrow. There is a large number of trachea around the tubules. They consist of a single layer of epithelial cells. It is observed in the TEM observation that the epithelial cells have numerous microvilli at the apical side of the cells. At the basal side of the cells, there is a great number of membrane foldings and mitochondria among them. Besides some spherites, mitochondria, lysosome-like bodies, and large or small granules can be distinguished in the cells. With this study, we aimed to demonstrate the ultrastructure of the Malpighian tubules of D. baccarum and differences or similarities with other species.

Initiation of meiosis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is regulated by mating type and nutritional conditions that restrict meiosis to diploid cells grown under starvation conditions. Specifically, meiosis occurs in MATa/MATalpha cells shifted to nitrogen depletion media in the absence of glucose and the presence of a nonfermentable carbon source. These conditions lead to the expression and activation of Ime 1, the master regulator of meiosis. IME1 encodes a transcriptional activator recruited to promoters of early meiosis-specific genes by association with the DNA-binding protein, Ume6. Under vegetative growth conditions these genes are silent due to recruitment of the Sin3/Rpd3 histone deacetylase and Isw2 chromatin remodeling complexes by Ume6. Transcription of these meiotic genes occurs following histone acetylation by Gcn5. Expression of the early genes promote entry into the meiotic cycle, as they include genes required for premeiotic DNA synthesis, synapsis of homologous chromosom...

Reproductive biology of Artibeus lituratus and Artibeus jamaicensis in an urban area of Co-lombia. We investigated the annual reproductive activity of females of Artibeus lituratus and A. jamaicensis inhabiting an urban area and its relation with climate and dietary resources. The reproductive condition of each of 366 females captured during 2012 was evaluated through external morphological characters (nipple condition and abdominal distension) and the characterization of the phases of the oestral cycle using cytologies of vaginal smears. We document a pattern of bimodal polyestrous for the two species, confirming the previously reported bimodal phenology for A. lituratus on the Cordillera Oriental of the Colombian Andes. By using vaginal cytol-ogy, the evaluation of reproductive condition was optimized, recognizing sexual receptivity (oestrus-copula) in females considered as reproductively inactive by their external morphology. We found females in different reproductive condition in the same sampling period, indicating that there is intraspecific asynchrony in reproductive activity. Nevertheless, A. lituratus and A. jamaicensis coincide in gestation and birth periods in the second dry season and in the first wet season of the year. Bats were observed foraging throughout the year, consuming fruits for several months and nectar during the driest season of the year. The species studied do not strictly adjust their reproductive phenology to the climate pattern in the study area and followed a conserved pattern of bimodal polyestry, common with other populations from non-urban habitats.

The nucleus and the microtubular cytoskeleton of eukaryotic cells appear to be structurally and functionally interrelated. Together they constitute a &quot;cell body&quot;. One of the most important components of this body is a primary microtubule-organizing center (MTOC-I) located on or near the nuclear surface and composed of material that, in addition to constitutive centrosomal material, also comprises some nuclear matrix components. The MTOC-I shares a continuity with the mitotic spindle and, in animal cells, with the centrosome also. Secondary microtubule-organizing centers (MTOC-IIs) are a special feature of walled plant cells and are found at the plasma membrane where they organize arrays of cortical MTs that are essential for ordered cell wall synthesis and hence for cellular morphogenesis. MTOC-IIs are held to be similar in origin to the MTOC-I, but their material has been translocated to the cell periphery, perhaps by MTs organized and radiating from the MTOC-I. Many intr...

Subclinical endometritis affects approximately 30% of lactating dairy cows, causing significant economic losses to the dairy industry. Yet, there is no efficient treatment available for this condition. The present study examines the effect of uterine lavage in clinically normal cows with sterile saline solution at 30 days in milk (DIM) on the percentage of polymor-phonuclear cells (PMNs) detected with endometrial cytology as an indicator of subclinical endometritis. It was hypothesized uterine lavage would be a technique to reduce the number of PMNs in the uterus, and hence be beneficial for cows affected by subclinical endometritis. Cytol-ogy samples were taken by low-volume flushing from 50 Holstein Friesian cows on 30 and 40 DIM. On Day 30, cows were clinically examined and randomly assigned into a treatment and control group. In the treatment group, the cytology sampling on Day 30 was immediately followed by uterine lavage with 500–600 mL of sterile physiological saline (35–40 • C). Cytology sampling was repeated in all cows at 40 DIM. Lactation numbers >2, peripheral progesterone concentrations >1 ng/mL and uterine lavage at 30 DIM all were significantly associated with lesser PMN percentages at 40 DIM (P = 0.0041; 0.0187 and 0.0043, respectively). Uterine lavage might, therefore, be a useful and practical method to decrease the number of PMNs in the uterus of cattle. Results from the current study can be used as preliminary data for designing in depth therapeutic protocols for treatment of subclinical endometritis in cattle.

Introduction: Malignant transformation of the Potentially
Malignant Lesions (PML) in the oral cavity is associated with
elevated mortality rate because of its aggressive and exceedingly
invasive nature. Meticulous diagnosis and prompt therapy of
PML may help prevent malignant conversion in oral lesions.
Carcinogenic insult to oral cells results in chromosomal damage
and formation of Micronuclei (Mn), before the development of
clinical symptoms.
Aim: To determine the genotoxic effect of smoking and chewing
tobacco on target tissue using Mn assay and to evaluate the
prevalence of other nuclear anomalies associated with it and
to determine the reliability of feulgen stain for Mn assay over
Papaincolau (PAP) stain.
Materials and Methods: PAP and feulgen staining was done
to study Mn in individuals who were having tobacco habits
(smoking and chewing) without lesion (n=30), individuals who
were having tobacco habit (smoking and chewing) with PML
(n=30) and apparently healthy subjects (n=30). Data was
analysed for statistical significance using SPSS 17.0 by Kruskal
- Wallis Test and Bonferronii test.
Results: Tobacco habits in the form of smoking and chewing
have mutagenic effects on human chromosomes which is
indicated by increased frequency of Mn in oral exfoliative
cells. The mean Mn frequency using feulgen stain was found
to be 12.27 with lesion, 10.23 with without lesion and 3.87
in controls. Whereas, metanucleated analysis revealed no
significant correlation with the formation of Mn. Non-specific
DNA stain (PAP) showed high numbers of Mn cells in all the
groups compared to feulgen. Statistically significant difference
(p<0.0001) was observed when both the stains were compared
for Mn numbers.
Conclusion: These findings indicate that the individuals having
tobacco habits (smoking and chewing) with lesion have high
number of Mn cells, thus supporting the assay to be used as a
reliable biomarker to assess the genotoxic effect of tobacco in
the oral mucosa. The reason for almost twice as high Mn in PAP
stained smears is suggestive of cell injury which is collimated
by formation of keratin bodies, resulting in its misinterpretation
as Mn, leading to false positive results. Hence, it was concluded
that PAP stain can be used to identify abnormal cytological
changes resulting from mutagenic agent but not to interpret
Mn.