This paper investigates the ultrastructure of human bulbo-urethral glands using specimens obtained at surgery. The tubulo-alveolar endpieces of these glands are lined by typical mucous cells in different stages of the secretory cycle. The most interesting features of their cytoplasm are membrane-bounded bodies with a filamentous texture that usually fuse with the mucous droplets before they discharge into the lumen. Cells with apical dark granules are sometimes encountered in the ductal portions of the gland, which are probably ductal cells endowed with a scanty synthetic and secretory activity. Myoepithelial cells are not very numerous and are observed around mucous cells only.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

General method of synthesis for natural long-chain beta-diketones.

Two general methods of synthesis have been developed for the preparation of long-chain beta-diketones. The first relies on malonate-type alkylation of acid chlorides derived from fatty acids, while the second, more direct method, involves coupling and subsequent hydrolysis of long-chain acetylenes with acid chlorides of fatty acids.

Alkylation↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Three-dimensional structure of oncocyte mitochondria in human salivary glands: a scanning electron microscope study.

Oncocytes occurring in otherwise normal human salivary glands were examined by scanning electron microscopy after being subjected to a maceration technique that removes all soluble cytoplasmic components and leaves only membranes in place. The three-dimensional images resulting from this procedure confirm that the majority of oncocyte mitochondria have shelf-like cristae that are attached to the inner boundary membrane, often by means of tubular structures. In some mitochondria, the cristae are digitiform and, when transected, give rise to putative vesicles. The oncocytic mitochondria in human salivary glands, by and large, lack the structural irregularity that has been reported for these organelles occurring in oncocytes in other organs.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Scanning electron microscopy of the interior of cells in Hürthle cell tumors.

Four cases of Hürthle cell tumor were examined by scanning electron microscopy after being macerated to remove all soluble components. By all morphological criteria, Hürthle cells are oncocytes with their usual augmented complement of mitochondria. The Hürthle cell mitochondria either are ovate with central stacks of cristae or elliptical or rod-like with cristae that often are finger-like. As in salivary gland oncocytes, the shelf-like cristae are anchored to the inner boundary membrane by tubular necks. In some Hürthle cells, all of the mitochondria exhibit reticulate cristae. A few mitochondria harbor a globular inclusion in their inner compartment. The Golgi apparatuses are relatively simple, consisting of imbricated saccules that are edged by small, bud-like structures. The rare lumina in the midst of clusters of Hürthle cells are lined by numerous microvilli. Thus, scanning electron microscopy of macerated Hürthle cell tumors has revealed a number of features, especially of their mitochondria, that have escaped detection by transmission electron microscopy.

Adenoma, Oxyphilic↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Clinical effects of a standardized soy extract in postmenopausal women: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: This double-blind, randomized study was aimed at evaluating comparatively, in postmenopausal women, the activity of a standardized soy extract (SOYSELECT) and placebo when given alone or in combination with conjugated equine estrogens (CEE) on early climacteric symptoms. Lipid profile, pituitary hormones, osteocalcin and endothelin levels, and vaginal and endometrial parameters were also evaluated. DESIGN: Participants in the control group were given placebo, and participants in the treated group were given 400 mg/day of a standardized soy extract, corresponding to 50 mg/daily of isoflavones. After 6 weeks of treatment, CEE was also then given to each participant at a dose of 0.625 mg/day for 4 weeks. At the end of this period, soy and placebo treatment were suspended, and, until the end of the study (week 12), participants were administered 10 mg/day of medroxyprogesterone acetate in association with CEE (0.625 mg/day). RESULTS: When compared with pretreatment data, on week 6 of the study, a significant (p < 0.01) reduction in the mean number of hot flushes per week was observed in participants who were receiving the standardized soy extract, whereas a more marked relief was observed in both soy and placebo groups during CEE administration. Concurrently, the severity of hot flushes, assessed by means of the Greene climacteric scale, was also reduced in the soy group participants (p < 0.001, by paired t-test). No soy-related changes were observed on vaginal cytology, endometrial thickness, uterine artery pulsatility index, or metabolic and hormonal parameters tested. Finally, CEE-related changes on genital tract, uterine vascular compartment, and pituitary hormones were not modified by soy treatment. CONCLUSIONS: SOYSELECT may be a safe and efficacious therapy for relief of hot flushes in women who refuse or have contraindications for hormone replacement therapy.

Double-Blind Method↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Morphology and functions of the human seminal vesicle.

The seminal vesicles originate in embryos of about 58 mm crown-rump-length from the Wolffian duct under the influence of testosterone. Along with the ampulla of the vas deferens and the ejaculatory duct, they form a functional unit that develops slowly until the onset of puberty. Developmental malformations occur as uni- or bilateral agenesis, aplasia, cysts, or ureterovesicular fistules. After puberty, the glands form sac-like structures which have a capacity of about 3.4-4.5 ccm and contribute about 70% of the seminal fluid. In addition to secretion, they are capable of reabsorption of fluids or dissolved substances, and of spermatophagy (ingestion and degradation of damaged spermatozoa by epithelial cells). Secretory activity of the glands is a measure of testosterone supplementation to the epithelium. Nervous regulation of secretion is realized by cholinergic post-ganglionic, sympathetic (and perhaps parasympathetic) fibres, derived from pelvic plexus. Contraction of the muscular wall occurs under the influence of excitatory adrenergic and modulatory NPY-encephalin-peptidergic nerve fibres. The secretory products of the seminal vesicles encompass (1) ions (K+: 1.1 mM ml-1) (2) low molecular weight substances (fructose: above 1.2 mg ml-1; prostaglandins above 250 microliters ml-1, (3) peptides (endorphin: 330 pg ml-1), and (4) proteins. In addition to plasma protein related forms such as transferrin, lactoferrin, and fibronectin, specific proteins such as semenogelin (52 kDa) are synthesized, the scaffold protein of semen coagulate forming the substrate for PSA (prostate specific antigen), sperm motility inhibitor (ca. 18 kDa), and others (placental protein 5, protein kinase inhibitor, carboanhydrase, 5'-nucleotidase), some of which are immunosuppressive. Therefore, functions of the seminal vesicles concern (a) formation of seminal coagulum, (b) modification of sperm functions (motility, capacitation), and (c) immunosuppression. Additional functions within the female genital system, perhaps during pre-implantation period, are likely, but remain to be proven experimentally.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Stroke Vignettes. Aneurysm and TIAs.

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Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Altered serous granules in acinar cells of a human parotid gland.

A peculiar alteration of secretory granule morphology was observed in serous cells of the parotid gland from a patient undergoing radical neck surgery for oral cancer. The granules were half filled with a dense material that in early stages of formation appeared to consist of filaments or fine tubules. Growth of these apparently rigid fibrillar structures caused the formation of long pseudopodia on the granule surface. Granule alterations were not due to preoperative treatment because the patient had had none. It is postulated that the granule alterations were due to a perturbation in granule composition, possibly because of a genetic mutation that led to changes in one or more of the proline-rich proteins that normally reside in parotid serous granules.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Acetylsalicylic acid and platelet aggregation. Clinical study].

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Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Evaluation and quantification of biologic risk in the hospital setting with ATP determination on work surfaces].

The purpose of this study was to establish whether a method of determining ATP levels using the HY-Lite system could be reliably applied in the various hospital workplaces. We estimated the correlation between ATP levels and the number of C.F.U. (Colony Forming Units), observed correlation r = 0.96. We established hygienically acceptable values for each environment, and drew up reference tables. The study reveals that conditions of high bacterial and fungine contamination can occur, albeit the agents are not normally pathogenic is so far as they consist of common environmental pollutants. Consequently, these results emphasize the need to apply strict sanitization and hygienic measures, that health workers must be suitably trained to deal with follow. The results of the sampling appear to suggest that condition of potential biological risk for workers are largely due to incorrect work procedure in workplaces where pathologic agents are present.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗