The X-ray synchrotron is quite different from conventional radiation sources. This technique may expand the capabilities of conventional radiology and be applied in novel manners for special cases. To evaluate the usefulness of X-ray synchrotron radiation systems for real time observations, mouse fetal skeleton development was monitored with a high resolution X-ray synchrotron. A non-monochromatized X-ray synchrotron (white beam, 5C1 beamline) was employed to observe the skeleton of mice under anesthesia at embryonic day (E)12, E14, E15, and E18. At the same time, conventional radiography and mammography were used to compare with X-ray synchrotron. After synchrotron radiation, each mouse was sacrificed and stained with Alizarin red S and Alcian blue to observe bony structures. Synchrotron radiation enabled us to view the mouse fetal skeleton beginning at gestation. Synchrotron radiation systems facilitate real time observations of the fetal skeleton with greater accuracy and magnification compared to mammography and conventional radiography. Our results show that X-ray synchrotron systems can be used to observe the fine structures of internal organs at high magnification.
Animals ; Bone and Bones/*anatomy & histology/radiography ; Female ; Fetus/*anatomy & histology/radiography ; Histocytochemistry ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Pregnancy ; Synchrotrons ; X-Rays

Background: Peperomia pellucida, locally known in the Philippines as pansit-pansitan, is an annual herb with many ethnomedicinal properties. Objective: The study was conducted to evaluate the antihypercholesterolemic property of P. pellucida methanolic extract (PPME) through measurement of its effects on total blood cholesterol level and liver histology of hypercholesterolemic rats. Methodology: Thirty experimental male rats were divided into six groups: Group I was fed with standard diet; Group II was fed with High Cholesterol Diet (HCD) only; Groups III, IV and V were fed with HCD and treated with PPME at 200, 400 and 800 mg kg-1 bwt respectively; Group VI was fed with HCD and treated with atorvastatin; and, Group 7 was fed with 400mg/kg PPME. Total Blood Cholesterol (TBC) levels were monitored, liver histology was analysed, and results were compared with the control and atorvastatin-treated group. Results: Administration of different doses of PPME in hypercholesterolemic rats significantly reduced total blood cholesterol similar to Atorvastatin, a known anticholesterolemic drug. Furthermore, PPME particularly at a concentration of 400mg kg-1 bwt was effective in ameliorating liver damages induced by high cholesterol diet as shown by qualitative and quantitative histological assessment. Conclusion This investigation suggests that PPME at a concentration of 400 mg/kg bwt is a potential antihypercholesterolemic agent. Further studies have to be taken to better the understanding on the mechanisms of actions of PPME on how it modulates liver damage in hypercholesterolemic conditions.
Liver ; Histology

BACKGROUNDMiniature pig (minipig) is increasingly used as a large animal model for a variety of biomedical studies. Little information is available in the literature on anatomy, histology and sialograghy of the submandibular gland of the minipig. The purpose of this study was to characterize the morphology of a miniature pig's (minipig) submandibular gland as a large animal model for further biomedical studies.

METHODSFive minipigs were subjected to sialographic, anatomic, histologic, histochemical and ultrastructural evaluations for submandibular glands.

RESULTSSialograms showed a long, horizontal main excretory duct and a pear-shaped gland located inferoposterior to the angle of the mandible. The submandibular glands lied superficial to the suprahyoid, and infrahyoid muscle groups, and were covered by the inferior portion of the parotid gland. The submandibular glands were characterized by a mixed parenchyma of mucous and serous secretory acini. Alcian blue (AB) staining and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) reactions demonstrated that minipig submandibular glands synthesized and secreted acid mucous substances by serous cells and polysaccharide, and neutral mucous substances, by mucous cells.

CONCLUSIONThe submandibular gland of the minipig is considered a useful large salivary gland animal model for biomedical studies.

Animals ; Female ; Histocytochemistry ; Submandibular Gland ; chemistry ; cytology ; physiology ; ultrastructure ; Swine ; Swine, Miniature ; anatomy & histology

We conducted an investigation of the relation between RNFL thickness and optic disc size along with an interocular comparison of optic disc size, RNFL thickness, and RNFL density in healthy subjects. A total of 64 normal eyes from 32 Korean volunteers were enrolled in this study. A GDx Nerve Fiber Analyzer with software version 2.0.09 was used to image all subjects. Optic disc size was measured by pi x (horizontal radius) x (vertical radius). The RNFL density of each quadrant was calculated by dividing each quadrant integral by the total integral. Optic disc size was positively correlated with the total RNFL thickness (r = 0.615, p < 0.01). Optic disc size and RNFL density were inversely related in the superior quadrant (r = -0.248, p < 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between optic disc size and RNFL density in the nasal quadrant (r = 0.439, p < 0.01) and the temporal quadrant to a certain degree. A significant positive correlation was found between the right and left eyes in terms of total RNFL thickness in and that of each quadrant. Interocular RNFL density was positively correlated in both the temporal and nasal quadrants. These findings must be considered when one evaluates and compares RNFL measurements between two eyes as is often the case where both eyes are usually affected in the course of glaucomatous RNFL damage.
Adult ; Comparative Study ; Female ; Human ; Lasers/diagnostic use ; Male ; *Nerve Fibers ; Optic Disk/*anatomy & histology ; Optic Nerve/*anatomy & histology ; Perimetry ; Weights and Measures

The three-dimensional (3D) structure of the brain needs to be understood for accurate diagnosis and treatment of brain diseases. The brain of a cadaver may not always be available for dissection when it is needed. To overcome this problem, we attempted to create a 3D image and virtual dissection program of the brain using a Korean cadaver. The brain extracted from a Korean male cadaver was embedded in gelatin solution. 130 MRI of the brain were taken and 130 serially-sectioned specimens were made. All of MRI and specimens were inputted into the computer, and 10 brain components were manually segmented. A 3D image and virtual dissection program of the brain was made. Various virtual dissection functions were established, such as 1) sectioning the 3D image of the brain at free angles to represent its plane as a real image, segmented image, and MRI, 2) identifying the brain components represented in the sectioned plane, and 3) rotating the 3D image of the whole brain or the selected brain components at free angles. The resulting virtual dissection program of the brain is helpful in better understanding the 3D location and shape of the brain components and it is expected to be used as a CD-title or through Internet as an educational tool for medical students and doctors.
Brain/anatomy & histology* ; Comparative Study ; Diagnostic Imaging* ; Dissection* ; Human ; Male ; Middle Age ; Software* ; User-Computer Interface*

Materials: leaves and flowers of Stephanie glabra (Roxb) collected from Ninh Binh and Ha Noi (sample plants) through 3 flowering seasons. Methods: observations by steric microscopy (Nikon-Japan). The botanical features of Stephanie glabra: creeping stem, leaf peduncle (5-10cm), leaf nervure (11), masculine inflorescence, inflorescence pedicle has 5-6 umbels, each umbel has 8 secondary umbels, each secondary umbel has 4 third umbels, the inflorescence ended by 3 flowers with short pedicles. Masculine flower has 6 separate calixes, which were arranged as 2 circles. Ovular calix. Ovular tepal (3), gamo staminate with 6 slight yellow microsporangiums. The microsporangium changed into pill.
anatomy & histology ; anatomy & histology ; Plant Leaves

OBJECTIVETo compare morphological characteristics of pollen of Lonicera japonica in different cultivars cultivated in Shandong and provide a basis for distinguishing different cultivars and selecting fine breeding.

METHODThe scanning electron microscope (SEM) was applied to observe and compare the outside characteristics of pollen,and the data were analyzed by SAS 9.1 software.

RESULTSome difference was found among pollen size, aperture length and the density of spine. The biggest pollen size and aperture length is Dajizhao with 61.97 microm polar axis and 61.79 microm quarter major axis and 18.03 microm aperture length,and the smallest is Honggengzi with 57.46 microm polar axis and 57.29 microm quarter major axis and 18.03 microm aperture length.

CONCLUSIONThe morphological characteristics of pollen can provide a basis for distinguishing different cultivars of L. japonica.

Lonicera ; anatomy & histology ; Pollen ; anatomy & histology

OBJECTIVETo provide theoretical evidences for the identification and selective breeding of different major varieties of Rehmannia glutinosa by comparing their leaf characters such as the shapes, non-glandular hairs and the size and density of stomata.

METHODThe length, width and the ratio of the length to the width of leaves were measured, and the density and length of the non-glandular hair, the density, size and density of the stomata in the epidermis were measured by scanning electron microscope.

RESULTThe results showed that there were obvious differences in length, width and the ratio of the length to the width of leaves, the density and length of the non-glandular hair, the density and size of the stomata in the epidermis.

CONCLUSIONThe morphological characters of the leaves mentioned above may serve as the identification standards of major varieties of R. glutinosa.

Plant Leaves ; anatomy & histology ; Rehmannia ; anatomy & histology

Tubulocystic renal cell carcinoma (TC-RCC) is a recently recognized, rare but distinct malignant entity. Pathologists have endeavored to completely define its histomorphologic, immunohistochemical and molecular features. Recounted is a case where the diagnosis of TC-RCC was confounded by presence of papillary morphology. Immunohistochemical expression of alpha-methyl acyl-CoA-racemase and vimentin with corresponding negativity for CK7 and CD10, following distinctive gross and microscopic findings, confirmed a diagnosis of TC-RCC. This report demonstrates the strategic value of performing immunohistochemistry studies to establish a diagnosis of TC-RCC especially when unusual histologic features are encountered. Immunohistochemistry continues to be the most practical approach to diagnosis as molecular testing methods, such as next generation sequencing, remain unfeasible in the local setting. Cautious prognostication is required as accounts of recurrence and metastasis continue to emerge.
Carcinoma, Renal Cell ; Histology ; Immunohistochemistry ; Diagnosis ; Pathology, Surgical

Intestinal villi morphology in 2.5 to 6.5 month old fetus is studied with scanning electronic Microscopy (SEM). Results show that original form of intestinal villi is finger or cone shape without cross sulci on surface and tip sudden. The big finger forms are divided into small size or leaf shape. Cross sulci and tip sunder are appeared on appeared on intestinal villi in six month old fetus. After delivery, surface of intestinal villi is changed very little.
Microscopy ; Anatomy & histology ; Fetus