Age-Related Histological Changes in Vena Caval System of Human Foetus and Adult: A Comparative Study

BACKGROUND: It has been documented that cardiac musculature is present in both venae cavae, and they contract together with the atrium, contributing to the pumping mechanism of the heart. So, in the present study, we measured the relative thicknesses of the three histological layers at formation, termination and intermediate levels of the venae cavae along with their histological characteristics.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten foetal and 10 adult cadavers were used. The Superior and Inferior Venae Cavae from all three regions were excised and processed for histology. The qualitative and quantitative features of the vessels were observed and recorded. The data thus obtained was then assessed statistically.RESULTS: In superior vena cava, the tunica intima grows actively especially during late gestation. The tunica media shows active growth. The tunica adventitia growth is significant at the middle and termination levels. In inferior vena cava, the tunica intima grows actively at the level of formation. The tunica media shows the active overall growth during early gestation. The tunica adventitia shows active growth during late gestation. In qualitative analysis the plump, spindle-shaped primitive mesenchymal cells were observed. Muscle and collagen fibers show reciprocal abundance with increasing age, with the former being lesser in amount than the latter in earlier stages. Appearance of vasa vasorum was notable from 2nd trimester. The cardiac myocytes were located in the middle and outer tunics of the superior vena cava.CONCLUSION: Cardiac musculature was absent in the inferior vena; however, the vessel shows advanced rate of overall development

Influence of peptide dendrimers and sonophoresis on the transdermal delivery of ketoprofen

The aim of this study was to determine the individual and combined effects of peptide dendrimers and low frequency ultrasound on the transdermal permeation of ketoprofen. Arginine terminated peptide dendrimers of varying charges (4(+), 8(+) and 16(+), named as A4. A8 and A16 respectively) were synthesized and characterized. Ketoprofen was subjected to passive, peptide dendrimer-assisted and sonophoretic permeation studies (with and without dendrimer application) across Swiss albino mouse skin, both in vitro and in vivo. The studies revealed that the synthesized peptide dendrimers considerably increased the transdermal permeation of ketoprofen and displayed enhancement ratios of up to 3.25 (with A16 dendrimer), compared to passive diffusion of drug alone in vitro. Moreover, the combination of peptide dendrimer treatment and ultrasound application worked in synergy and gave enhancement ratios of up to 1369.15 (with ketoprofen-A16 dendrimer complex). In vivo studies demonstrated that dendrimer and ultrasound-assisted permeation of drug achieved much higher plasma concentration of drug, compared to passive diffusion. Comparison of transdermal and oral absorption studies revealed that transdermal administration of ketoprofen with A8 dendrimer showed comparable absorption and plasma drug levels with oral route. The excised mouse skin after in vivo permeation study with dendrimers and ultrasound did not show major toxic reactions. This study demonstrates that arginine terminated peptide dendrimers combined with sonophoresis can effectively improve the transdermal permeation of ketoprofen. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

Early prepubertal cyclophosphamide exposure in mice results in long-term loss of ovarian reserve, and impaired embryonic development and blastocyst quality.

BackgroundDue to improved treatment, there is an increasing focus on the reproductive potential of survivors of childhood cancer. Cytotoxic chemotherapy accelerates the decline in the number of primordial follicles within the mammalian ovary at all ages, but effects on the developmental potential of remaining oocytes following prepubertal cancer treatment are unclear.ObjectivesTo investigate whether cyclophosphamide (CY) exposure in the prepubertal period in female mice influences ovarian function and the functional competence of oocytes in adulthood.MethodsThis study used Swiss albino mice as the experimental model. Female mice were treated with 200 mg/kg CY on either postnatal day 14 (CY14), 21 (CY21) or 28 (CY28) i.e at a prepubertal and 2 young postpubertal ages. At 14 weeks of life, ovarian function, functional competence of oocytes, and embryo quality were assessed.ResultsThe number of primordial follicles decreased significantly in CY14 and CY21 groups compared to control (p ConclusionOur results indicate long-term effects on the developmental competence of oocytes exposed to CY in early but not adult life. These data provide a mechanism whereby long-term fertility can be impaired after chemotherapy exposure, despite the continuing presence of follicles within the ovary, and support the need for fertility preservation in prepubertal girls before alkylating agent exposure

Oncofertility awareness among primary care physicians in India [version 2; peer review: 2 approved, 1 not approved]

Background: Primary care physicians not only coordinate referrals to oncology services but can play a crucial role in successful fertility preservation referrals in cancer-diagnosed patients. Hence, it is important to assess their knowledge and attitudes towards fertility preservation. Methods: An eighteen-item oncofertility survey was administered to primary care physicians between May 2019 to September 2020.  Results: A total of forty-six responses were received and analysed. About 60% of primary care physicians did not have adequate knowledge about available fertility preservation options and only 26-32% were aware of international guidelines recommending fertility preservation in cancer patients.  Conclusions: Imparting awareness and knowledge of fertility preservation and its options to primary care physicians could enable an integrated cancer care model while also facilitating successful oncofertility referrals in countries like India

Oncofertility awareness among primary care physicians in India [version 1; peer review: 2 approved, 1 not approved]

Background: Primary care physicians not only coordinate referrals to oncology services but can play a crucial role in successful fertility preservation referrals in cancer-diagnosed patients. Hence, it is important to assess their knowledge and attitudes towards fertility preservation. Methods: An eighteen-item oncofertility survey was administered to primary care physicians between May 2019 to September 2020.  Results: A total of forty-six responses were received and analysed. About 60% of primary care physicians did not have adequate knowledge about available fertility preservation options and only 26-32% were aware of international guidelines recommending fertility preservation in cancer patients.  Conclusions: Imparting awareness and knowledge of fertility preservation and its options to primary care physicians could enable an integrated cancer care model while also facilitating successful oncofertility referrals in countries like India

Toxic Effects of Different Doses of Cyclophosphamide on Liver and Kidney Tissue in Swiss Albino Mice: A Histopathological Study

BACKGROUND: Cyclophosphamide (CPA) is an anti- cancer drug, used in chemotherapy. This is a toxic drug which targets the cancer cells and also the normal cells of the body. The original compound is inactive in vitro and exercises its biologic action through metabolites, chiefly phosphoramide mustard. The objective is to study the harmful effects of this drug on liver and kidney tissues.METHODS: To study the effect of cyclophosphamide on histology of liver and kidney, 40 adult male mice were taken and divided into two groups: control and test. Those in the test group were injected with the drug at doses of 100, 200, 250 mg/kg body weight. They were then sacrificed on day 7, 28 and 42. The liver and kidney tissue was processed, sectioned and stained with Haematoxylin and Eosin.RESULTS: Pathological changes were seen in the tissue within 7 days in high doses and after 28 days in low doses. As the dosage and the days administered increased, the changes were prominently seen and widespread. Pathology ranging from mild infiltration to necrosis and finally cytolysis were seen in liver and kidney tissue.CONCLUSION: Our study has demonstrated the effect of a progressive increase in dosage of cyclophosphamide in albino mice, and pathological alterations were observed in histology of liver and kidney by sequentially increasing both the dosage and duration of treatment. Subsequently, regular monitoring of liver and kidney function tests in patients undergoing chemotherapeutic regimen with administration of ahepato and nephroprotective agent becomes vital.&nbsp

Anatomical study of diaphyseal nutrient foramina in human adult humerus

Purpose: The objective of the following study is to determine the variation in diaphyseal nutrient foramen (NF) of humerus with respect to their number, location, direction and size. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted on 100 humeri. The number and direction of diaphyseal NF were observed in all bones with the help of a hand lens. Position was described into horizontal and vertical zones; caliber was determined using hypodermic needles. Foraminal index was also calculated. Results: The mean length of humerus observed in the present study was 30.7 cm. The NF was situated at 17.8 cm from the proximal end, 12.4 cm from the distal end and ~2.9 cm below the mid length of humerus. The mean foramina index and circumference of NF was 57.7 and 6.2 cm respectively. Majority of the humeri (77%) had single NF while in 3% of humeri NF was absent. Middle one-third and on the antero-medial surface of the humerus was the most common location of the foramen. Majority of the dominant foramen was large in size and all were directing toward the distal end. Conclusion: The results of the present investigation indicate that there is variation in the number, location and size of NF in humeri among Indian population. An accurate knowledge of the location of the NF in long bones can be useful in certain surgical procedures such as bone grafting, microsurgical vascularized bone transplantation and in fractures

Unilateral Axillary Arch and Variations in the Axillary Vein and Intercostal Nerves: A Case Report

Knowledge of muscular, vascular, and neural variations in the axilla is of great clinical importance, especially in mastectomies, breast reconstruction, and axillary bypass operations. In the present paper, we report unilateral variations observed in the axillary region of a male cadaver. A fibromuscular axillary arch was observed on the right side. On the same side, there was a bifurcated axillary vein; a medial cutaneous nerve of the arm passed through and later ran beneath this axillary vein. In addition, the intercostobrachial nerve was absent on the right side. The clinical significance of the variations observed and their embryological basis are discussed in this paper

Arched abdominal aorta and altered course of right ovarian vessels in a female cadaver: Clinical significance and embryological explanation

Variations in the vascular origin of ovarian artery have been reported in the past. However, the reports on altered course of ovarian artery are very few. In the present paper, we discuss about multiple variations observed in formalin fixed female cadaver. The right ovarian artery was 22 cm long and ran unusually behind the inferior vena cava (IVC). The right ovarian vein drained in to right renal vein at right angle instead of draining into IVC directly. In addition, to these variations, the cadaver had arched abdominal aorta and retro-aortic left renal vein