ULTRASONOGRAPHIC APPEARANCE OF THE LOWER URINARY TRACT IN FIFTEEN NORMAL HORSES

The purpose of this study was to describe the normal ultrasonographic appearance of the caudal portion of the equine ureters, pelvic urethra, and urinary bladder and to assess ureteral contractility. Fifteen horses with no evidence of urinary tract disease (five females, five intact males and five geldings) were studied. The lower urinary tract was evaluated ultrasonographically using a transrectal approach. The normal ultrasonographic appearance and anatomic location of structures of the lower urinary tract were evaluated and anatomic relationships described. Both ureters were identified dorsal to the bladder and at their openings into the bladder. Their relationship and different appearance from the male deferent ducts/ampullae and vesicular glands was noted. Ultrasonographic measurements of the diameter of the ureters and urethra were obtained and the ureteral, urethral, and urinary bladder wall thickness recorded. The normal parameters established in this study will be useful during sonographic examination of horses with suspected urinary tract disease. Transrectal ultrasonographic examination is valuable in assessing the presence and frequency of ureteral contractions as well as in detecting structural abnormalities of the lower urinary tract. The use of high-frequency transrectal ultrasound transducers allows for excellent visualization of the structures of the equine lower urinary tract.     

COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY FEATURES OF MIDDLE EAR CHOLESTEATOMA IN DOGS

We describe the computed tomography (CT) findings in 11 dogs with middle ear cholesteatoma. The cholesteatoma appeared as an expansile tympanic cavity mass with a mean attenuation value of 55.8±4.2 Hounsfield units. There was no appreciable contrast enhancement of the tympanic bulla contense but ring enhancement was seen in four dogs. Due to the slow progressive growth, the lesion causes severe bone changes at the contour of the tympanic bulla, including osteolysis, osteoproliferation and osteosclerosis, expansion of the tympanic cavity, and sclerosis or osteoproliferation of the ipsilateral temporomandibular joint and paracondylar process. Cholesteatoma can cause lysis of the petrosal part of the temporal bone, leading to intracranial complications. Although not definitive, CT provides useful information for distinguishing a middle ear cholesteatoma from otitis media and neoplasia. In otitis media, enlargement of the tympanic cavity is not routinely observed. In tumors that primarily affect the middle or inner ear, the predominant signs are lysis of the contour of the tympanic bulla or the petrosal part of the temporal bone, soft tissue swelling around the middle ear and marked contrast enhancement. In tumors that arise from the external ear, a soft tissue mass is visible within the external acusticus meatus, and the middle ear is only involved secondarily.     

物理处理对大豆蛋白-磷脂酰胆碱结构影响的拉曼分析

利用拉曼光谱技术分析了超声处理及高压均质作用下大豆蛋白-磷脂酰胆碱复合物结构的变化规律。研究表明,超声处理及高压均质处理均提高了大豆蛋白α-螺旋结构及无规则卷曲结构含量,并降低了大豆蛋白的β-构型结构。大豆蛋白-磷脂酰胆碱交互作用显著降低了蛋白质α-螺旋结构,并转变为无规则卷曲结构及β-折叠结构。超声处理及高压均质作用下大豆蛋白-磷脂酰胆碱复合物中蛋白质α-螺旋结构均低于高速分散处理组,而β-折叠结构及无规则卷曲结构含量较高。超声处理、高压均质作用下大豆蛋白色氨酸、酪氨酸残基趋于"暴露态",促进了与磷脂酰胆碱之间的疏水交互作用。大豆蛋白-磷脂酰胆碱的交互作用位点为大豆蛋白疏水氨基酸侧链及磷脂酰胆碱疏水脂链,两者之间的疏水作用是大豆蛋白-磷脂酰胆碱交互作用的主要形式。超声处理、高压均质作用下大豆蛋白二硫键构型未发生显著变化,仍保持旁-旁-反式构象振动模式。大豆蛋白-磷脂酰胆碱交互作用也未改变二硫键构型。     

薄荷油纳米乳液消化规律与稳定性研究

研究了薄荷油纳米乳液在体外模拟消化过程中乳液包埋对其平均粒径、ζ-电位、游离脂肪酸释放率以及薄荷醇生物可利用度的影响。激光扫描3D共聚焦显微镜观察薄荷油纳米乳液的显微结构,研究发现薄荷油完全被SPI包埋,纳米乳液液滴呈球状形态,表明大豆蛋白完整地吸附于纳米乳液的油-水界面处,呈现出核壳状结构。高压均质处理制备的薄荷油纳米乳液的游离脂肪酸释放率及薄荷醇生物可利用度远大于薄荷油的对照组。薄荷油纳米乳液在模拟胃消化阶段,乳液的平均粒径、ζ-电位均变大,乳液的微观结构表明消化体系出现液滴聚合现象;在模拟肠液消化后,薄荷油纳米乳液的界面蛋白被水解,油滴被消化,乳液的平均粒径减小、ζ-电位绝对值增加。通过多重光散射稳定性分析仪检测薄荷油纳米乳液的稳定性,薄荷油稳定性指数为2.8,且检测过程中并未出现乳液上浮和絮凝等现象。     

Comparison of Chondrogenic Potential in Equine Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Derived from Adipose Tissue and Bone Marrow

Objective— To compare the chondrogenic potential of adult equine mesenchymal stem cells derived from bone marrow (MSCs) or adipose tissue (ASCs). Study Design— In vitro experimental study. Animals— Adult Thoroughbred horses (n=11). Methods— BM (5 horses; mean [±SD] age, 4±1.4 years) or adipose tissue (6 horses; mean age, 3.5±1.1 years) samples were obtained. Cryopreserved MSCs and ASCs were used for pellet cultures in stromal medium (C) or induced into chondrogenesis±transforming growth factor‐3 (TGFβ₃) and bone morphogenic factor‐6 (BMP‐6). Pellets harvested after 3, 7, 14, and 21 days were examined for cross‐sectional size and tissue composition (hematoxylin and eosin), glycosaminoglycan (GAG) staining (Alcian blue), collagen type II immunohistochemistry, and by transmission electron microscopy. Pellet GAG and total DNA content were measured using dimethylmethylene blue and Hoechst DNA assays. Results— Collagen type II synthesis was predominantly observed in MSC pellets from Day 7 onward. Unlike ASC cultures, MSC pellets had hyaline‐like matrix by Day 14. GAG deposition occurred earlier in MSC cultures compared with ASC cultures and growth factors enhanced both MSC GAG concentrations (P<.0001) and MSC pellet size (P<.004) after 2 weeks in culture. Conclusion— Equine MSCs have superior chondrogenic potential compared with ASCs and the equine ASC growth factor response suggests possible differences compared with other species. Clinical Relevance— Elucidation of equine ASC and MSC receptor profiles will enhance the use of these cells in regenerative cartilage repair.