3D Segmentation Algorithms for Computerized Tomographic Imaging: a Systematic Literature Review.

This paper presents a systematic literature review concerning 3D segmentation algorithms for computerized tomographic imaging. This analysis covers articles published in the range 2006-March 2018 found in four scientific databases (Science Direct, IEEEXplore, ACM, and PubMed), using the methodology for systematic review proposed by Kitchenham. We present the analyzed segmentation methods categorized according to its application, algorithmic strategy, validation, and use of prior knowledge, as well as its general conceptual description. Additionally, we present a general overview, discussions, and further prospects for the 3D segmentation methods applied for tomographic images.

Physical characteristics and fertility of fractionated donkey semen cooled at 5°C / Características físicas e fertilidade do sêmen asinino fracionado e resfriado a 5ºC

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of two different extenders (Skimmed Milk Glucose - SMG or Lactose - Egg Yolk - LEY) on physical characteristics and fertility of fractionated donkey semen cooled at 5°C. For this, four Pêga donkeys were used as semen donors. The sperm rich fraction of the ejaculate was diluted preparing insemination doses containing 400 x 106 motile spermatozoa in a volume of 22 mL, cooled to 5°C and stored up to 48 hours in a container proposed by Palhares (1997). Sperm motility and vigor were assessed in fresh semen, after first semen dilution, before insemination, at 24 and 48 hours after storage. For the fertility evaluation, 44 mares were inseminated with semen stored for a period between 12 and 24 hours. The mares were inseminated on fixed days (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays) after the detection of a follicle greater than a 30mm diameter in one of the ovaries through ovulation. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed on day 12 post-ovulation, using transrectal ultrasonography. Semen diluted in SMG showed superior sperm motility than LEY, at the Pre-AI evaluation (P<0.05). At 48 hours of storage, all donkeys had motility values between 45 and 53% for semen diluted in SMG, while only one donkey showed motility greater than 30% in the LEY treatment. The pregnancy rate/cycle for mares inseminated with semen diluted in SMG was superior than that obtained using LEY (56.52% vs 4.76%, respectively).(AU)

Objetivou-se com o presente experimento avaliar o efeito de dois diferentes diluidores (leite em pó desnatado glicose - SMG ou lactose gema de ovo - LEY) sobre as características físicas e a fertilidade do sêmen asinino coletado de forma fracionada e resfriado a 5ºC. Para isso, quatro jumentos da raça Pêga foram utilizados como doadores de sêmen. A fração espermática rica do ejaculado foi diluída preparando-se doses inseminantes contendo 400 x 106 espermatozoides móveis em um volume de 22 mL, resfriadas a 5ºC e armazenadas por até 48 horas em contêiner proposto por Palhares (1997). A motilidade e o vigor espermáticos foram avaliados no sêmen fresco, após a pré-diluição, antes das inseminações, às 24 e 48 horas de armazenamento. Para avaliação de fertilidade, 44 éguas foram inseminadas com sêmen armazenado por um período entre 12 e 24 horas, em dias fixos (segundas, quartas e sextas-feiras), após a detecção de um folículo de diâmetro maior ou igual a 30mm em um dos ovários, até a ovulação. O diagnóstico de gestação foi realizado a partir de 12 dias após a ovulação, por meio de ultrassonografia transretal. O sêmen diluído em SMG apresentou motilidade espermática superior à do LEY, já a partir do tempo pré-IA. Às 48 horas de armazenamento, todos os jumentos apresentaram valores de motilidade entre 45% e 53%, quando o sêmen foi diluído em SMG, enquanto apenas um jumento apresentou motilidade superior a 30% no tratamento utilizando LEY. A taxa de concepção/ciclo das éguas inseminadas também foi superior para o sêmen diluído em SMG em relação ao diluído em LEY (56,52% versus 4,76%, respectivamente).(AU)

Vascular Reconstruction Technique Using a Tubular Graft for Leiomyosarcoma of the Inferior Vena Cava: A Case Report.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: This study is a case report that addresses the key aspects of vascular reconstruction, as well as the intraoperative complications, postoperative morbidity, and possibility of adjunctive therapy. METHODS: This article reports the case of a 46 year old female patient with a leiomyosarcoma located in the middle segment of the inferior vena cava (between the renal and hepatic veins) who underwent surgical resection with vena cava reconstruction and insertion of a tubular graft made of a synthetic material. RESULTS: This case report reveals that surgical resection of the tumor with the insertion of a smaller-caliber tubular graft provide better patency of the vena cava reconstruction, which was maintained for a year after surgery. In addition, the patient was asymptomatic for lower limb edema, despite having a local recurrence after one year. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice for leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava (LIVC) and is the only therapy that offers a chance of cure. Several surgical techniques are used for this condition, especially, reconstruction with a vascular graft using natural or synthetic materials. CONCLUSION: Due to the aggressiveness of the disease, this study suggests that surgical intervention used may have no influence on a patient's survival outcome. However, vascular reconstruction with a smaller-caliber tubular graft may yield a better prognosis for patients in terms of postoperative symptoms, such as edema and thrombosis.

Reproductive biology of Pêga Jackasses: characteristics of sperm-rich fraction collected using the split-ejaculate method / Biologia reprodutiva de jumentos da raça Pêga: características da fração rica em espermatozoides coletada de forma fracionada

The aim of this study was to evaluate the physical and morphological characteristics of the sperm-rich fraction of jackass semen. To this end, 130 ejaculates from five Pêga jackasses were collected using an open model artificial vagina. The sperm-rich fraction was collected using the split-ejaculate method and assessed for the number of mounts/ejaculate, for physical and morphological characteristics of the semen and number of doses produced/ejaculate. It was observed that all characteristics evaluated differed among the five jackasses, except for the head defect rates. The mean values obtained for the jackass sperm-rich fraction collected were: number of mounts/ejaculate - 1.27; semen volume - 20.21mL; motility - 84.53%; vigor - 4.46; motility after dilution - 80.10%; sperm concentration/mL - 894.38 x 10 6; total sperm/ejaculate - 16.14 x 10 9; number of insemination doses/ejaculate (400x10 6 motile sptz) - 33.39; number of insemination doses/ejaculate (800 x 10 6 motile sptz) - 16.69; and percentage of normal sperm - 90.46%. Thus, in the present experiment the split-ejaculate method using an open artificial vagina worked well with the jackasses, and the sperm-rich fraction of the ejaculate of Pêga jackasses had high quality and sperm concentration, allowing its use for semen processing without reducing the number of insemination doses produced per ejaculate.(AU)

Foram coletados 130 ejaculados de cinco jumentos da raça Pêga, utilizando-se vagina artificial modelo aberta, com o objetivo de se avaliar as características físicas e morfológicas da fração rica em espermatozoides do ejaculado de asininos. Para tal, a fração rica em espermatozoides, composta pelos três primeiros jatos ejaculados, foi coletada e avaliada quanto ao número de montas/ejaculado, quanto às características físicas e morfológicas do sêmen, bem como quanto ao número de doses inseminantes produzidas/ejaculado. Observou-se que todas as características avaliadas diferiram entre os cinco reprodutores avaliados, com exceção do percentual de defeitos de cabeça. Os valores médios obtidos da coleta da fração rica do ejaculado de jumentos foram: número de montas/ejaculado - 1,27; volume de sêmen - 20,21mL; motilidade - 84,53%; vigor - 4,46; motilidade pós-diluição - 80,10%; espermatozoides/mL - 894,38 x 10 6; espermatozoides/ejaculado - 16,14 x 10 9; número de doses inseminantes/ejaculado (400x10 6 sptz móveis) - 33,39; doses inseminantes/ejaculado (800 x 10 6 sptz/móveis) - 16,69; e percentual de espermatozoides normais - 90,46%. Assim, no presente experimento, observou-se boa aceitação dos reprodutores à coleta fracionada utilizando-se a vagina artificial aberta, sendo a fração rica do ejaculado de jumentos da raça Pêga caracterizada por alta qualidade e concentração espermática, o que viabilizou sua utilização para o processamento do sêmen, sem prejuízos quanto ao número de doses inseminantes produzidas/ejaculado.(AU)

Physical and morphological characteristics of the first three jets of Pêga jackasses sperm-rich fraction / Características físicas e morfológicas dos três primeiros jatos da fração rica do ejaculado de jumentos da raça Pêga

The first three jets of the sperm-rich fraction of Pêga jackasses were collected and assessed separately. Five fertile Pêga jackasses were used as semen donors and underwent fractionated semen collection, using an open model artificial vagina. The first three jets of the semen were collected separately and assessed for volume, sperm motility, vigor, concentration/mL of semen, and sperm morphology. These characteristics were compared between first, second and third jets and between jackasses. It was observed that the jet volume differed (P<0.05) between jackasses, although it was similar (P>0.05) between first, second and third jets. Sperm motility did not differ (P>0.05) between jets and jackasses. Vigor was similar (P>0.05) between jets of the same jackass, and only the first jet differed (P<0.05) between jackasses. The first, second and third jets of the sperm-rich fraction had decreased sperm concentrations (P<0.05) of 955.56, 725.56 and 280.56x 106 sperm/mL of semen, respectively. Sperm morphology differed between the first three jets only for the incidence of mid-piece defect, higher in the third one (4.26%), compared to the first (3.36%) and second (3.38%) ones. When comparing the morphological characteristics of the sperm-rich fraction between five jackasses, regardless of the jet, there were differences in the percentage of normal sperm, proximal cytoplasmic droplet, mid-piece and head defects.(AU)

Objetivou-se, no presente experimento, caracterizar os três primeiros jatos da fração rica do ejaculado de jumentos da raça Pêga. Para tal, cinco jumentos foram submetidos à coleta fracionada do sêmen, utilizando-se vagina artificial modelo aberta. Os três primeiros jatos da fração rica do ejaculado foram coletados separadamente e avaliados quanto ao volume, à motilidade e ao vigor espermáticos, à concentração espermática/mL de sêmen e à morfologia espermática. Comparações foram realizadas entre jatos e entre jumentos. Observou-se que o volume do jato diferiu (P<0,05) entre os jumentos, embora fosse similar (P>0,05) entre os jatos. A motilidade espermática não diferiu (P>0,05) entre jatos nem entre jumentos. O vigor espermático foi similar (P>0,05) entre os jatos de um mesmo jumento, e apenas o vigor do jato 1 diferiu (P<0,05) entre os jumentos. Independentemente do jumento, a fração rica do ejaculado foi composta por três jatos apresentando concentrações espermáticas decrescentes (P<0,05), com 955,56; 725,56 e 280,56 x 106 espermatozoides/mL de sêmen. A morfologia espermática diferiu entre os três jatos avaliados apenas para a incidência de defeitos de peça intermediária, sendo maior no jato três (4,26%), em relação aos jatos um (3,36%) e dois (3,38%). Comparando-se as características morfológicas do sêmen entre os cinco jumentos avaliados, independentemente do jato, observaram-se diferenças entre os reprodutores quanto ao percentual de espermatozoides normais, com gota citoplasmática proximal, com defeitos de peça intermediária e de cabeça.(AU)

Optimizing the transport of porcine semen: a proposal for Brazil / Otimizar o transporte do sêmen suíno: uma proposta para o Brasil

Semen from the first 15mL of the ejaculate (P1) obtained from two boars (30mL) was diluted in glycine-egg yolk extender, cooled at 5°C in a special container and rediluted in standard doses of 3x109 mobile spermatozoa after 12h of storage. Semen was also stored up to 24h after redilution. The physical characteristics of the semen were evaluated at different storage periods (fresh, 0h, 12h, rediluted, 24h, and 36h). The reproductive performance of the boars and their fertility regarding the insemination of primiparous sows were also determined. Two treatments were used: T1-15B sows inseminated with semen originated from hyperconcentrated heterospermic doses (15x109 mobile spermatozoa per dose), rediluted after 12h of storage at 5°C for standard doses of 3x109 mobile spermatozoa per dose and stored at 5°C up to 24h after redilution (n=10); T2-3B sows inseminated with standard heterospermic doses (3x109 mobile spermatozoa per dose), stored at 5°C up to 36h after semen collection (n=10). There was no effect (P>0.05) of treatments on the spermatic motility, even though a pronounced decrease (P>0.05) of their values at 12h of storage was recorded. However, they remained higher than 70% until 36h. There was effect of treatments on spermatic vigour at 0h (P<0.05), when T1-15B vigour was higher. There was also effect of the storage period for both treatments with a progressive decrease throughout 36h of storage, although the differences were not always significant. Pregnancy rates (90%) and the number of total farrowed piglets (15, 11-T1-15B; 13, 44- T2-3B) did not differ (P>0.05) between the treatments. It was concluded that the semen hyperconcentration of 15 billion of mobile spermatozoa per dose, stored at 5°C for 12h, did not result in drawbacks considering the physical characteristics of the semen, maintaining the pregnancy rates and prolificacy of the inseminated sows.

Os primeiros 15mL do ejaculado (P1) de dois varrões foram coletados (30mL) e diluídos em diluidor glicina-gema de ovo, resfriados a 5°C em contêiner especial e rediluídos para doses padrão de 3x109 espermatozoides (sptz) móveis, após 12 horas de armazenamento. Além disso, foram armazenados por até 24 horas após a rediluição, sendo as características físicas avaliadas em diferentes períodos de estocagem (fresco, zero hora, 12h, Red12h, 24h e 36h) e a fertilidade avaliada por meio de fêmeas primíparas inseminadas. Foram realizados dois tratamentos: T1-15B: porcas inseminadas com sêmen de doses heterospérmicas hiperconcentradas (15x109 sptz móveis/dose), rediluídas após 12 horas de armazenamento a 5°C para doses padrão de 3x109 sptz móveis/dose, e armazenadas a 5°C por até 24 horas após a rediluição (n=10); T2-3B: porcas inseminadas com doses heterospérmicas padrão (3x109 sptz móveis/dose), armazenadas a 5°C por até 36 horas após coleta. Não houve efeito (P>0.05) dos tratamentos sobre a motilidade espermática e, embora tenha ocorrido queda (P<0.05) às 12 horas, a motilidade foi superior a 70% durante as 36 horas de armazenamento. Houve efeito (P<0.05) dos tratamentos no tempo zero hora quanto ao vigor espermático, sendo E1T1-15B superior. Além disso, houve efeito do período de estocagem para os dois tratamentos, com queda progressiva do vigor ao longo das 36 horas, embora nem sempre as diferenças tenham sido significativas. As taxas de gestação (90%) e o número total de leitões nascidos (15, 11 - T1-15B; 13, 44 - T2-3B) não diferiram (P>0.05) entre os tratamentos. Concluiu-se que a hiperconcentração do sêmen para 15x109 sptz móveis/dose, armazenado a 5°C por 12 horas não resultou em prejuízos quanto à manutenção das características físicas do sêmen e ao desempenho reprodutivo dos varrões, sendo capaz de manter a taxa de gestação e a prolificidade das fêmeas inseminadas.

Efeito do tipo de envase, flatpacks ou palhetas, sobre a criopreservação da fração rica do sêmen asinino / The effect of the type of package, FlatPacks or straws, on cryopreservation of the jackass sperm-rich fraction

Com o objetivo de se estudar o efeito do tipo de envase sobre a criopreservação do sêmen asinino, coletado de forma fracionada, utilizou-se o sêmen de cinco jumentos da raça Pêga, submetido a um protocolo de congelamento envolvendo um diluidor e duas formas de envase, flatpacks ou palhetas de 0,55mL, tendo como ponto final a avaliação dos parâmetros seminais in vitro após o descongelamento do sêmen. Os resultados de motilidade espermática para as amostras envasadas em flatpacks ou em palhetas foram de 24,67% e 35,34%, no momento do descongelamento; de 13,39% e 25,83%, 60 minutos após o descongelamento; e de 7,86% e 13,33%, aos 120 minutos após o descongelamento, respectivamente. Já os valores para o vigor espermático foram de 2,55 e 3,33, no momento do descongelamento; de 1,57 e 2,48, após 60 minutos do descongelamento; e de 1,11 e 1,67, após 120 minutos do descongelamento, na mesma ordem anterior. As características seminais diferiram entre os jumentos, evidenciando uma grande variação individual. O percentual de ejaculados aprovados (motilidade ≥30%, vigor ≥3) foi influenciado pelo reprodutor e pelo tipo de envasamento, estando o melhor resultado (P<0,05), de 86,21%, associado ao sêmen envasado em palhetas, quando comparado ao valor de 56,67%, obtido para o sêmen envasado em flatpacks.

The effect of the type of package on the cryopreservation of jackass semen was studied, using the sperm-rich fraction of five jackasses and a special cryopreservation semen protocol, related to one extender and two different packages, FlatPacks or straws. The characteristics of the in vitro semen were evaluated after thawing. The motility results were 24.67% and 35.34% after thawing; 13.39% and 25.83% 60 minutes after thawing and 7.86% and 13.33%, 120 minutes after thawing. The vigor results were 2.55 and 3.33 after thawing, 1.57 and 2.48 60 minutes after thawing and 1.11 and 1.67 120 minutes after thawing, for FlatPacks or straws packages, respectively. The jackasses used were different regarding seminal characteristics, with great individual variation. The approved post-thaw viability (motility ≥ 30%, vigor ≥ 3) was affected by jackass and type of package, with the best results (P<0.05) for semen packed in straws (86.21%), compared to semen packed in FlatPacks (56.67%).

Níveis de inclusão do farelo de arroz parboilizado em rações para leitões na fase de creche / Inclusion levels of parboiled rice bran in piglet diets in the nursery phase

Foram conduzidos dois ensaios para avaliar a utilização do farelo do farelo integral de arroz parboilizado (FIAP) em rações para leitões na fase de creche. No primeiro, foram utilizados 14 suínos machos castrados para a avaliação nutricional do ingrediente em ensaio de digestibilidade. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente ao acaso, com dois tratamentos e sete repetições por tratamento. O FIAP apresenta 17,15% de PB, elevado teor em fibras (33,75% de FDN e 15,91% de FDA) e teor reduzido de energia metabolizável, próximo a 2320kcal/kg. No segundo experimento, foram utilizados 60 leitões machos castrados, com o objetivo de avaliar o desempenho zootécnico, a ocorrência de diarreia e a viabilidade econômica do farelo de arroz parboilizado. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos (0, 4, 8, 12 e 16% de inclusão) e seis repetições. Não houve diferença significativa entre o tratamento controle e os tratamentos teste (P>0,05), assim como para a análise de regressão, em que os crescentes níveis de inclusão do ingrediente não resultaram em piora no desempenho (P>0,05). O FIAP pode ser incluído até o nível de 16% em rações para leitões na fase de creche...

Two assays were conducted to evaluate the parboiled rice bran in piglet's diets in the nursery phase. In the first, 14 male castrated piglets were allotted to determine the nutritional value of parboiled rice bran in a digestibility assay. A completely randomized design, with 2 treatments and 7 replicates per treatment were used. The parboiled rice bran presents 17.15% of CP and high fiber content (33.75% of NDF and 15.91% of ADF) and low metabolizable energy (2320kcal/kg). In the second assay, 60 male castrated piglets were used to evaluate the effect of inclusion on productive performance, diarrhea incidence and economic viability of parboiled rice bran. A randomized block design was used, with 5 treatments (0, 4, 8, 12 and 16%) and 6 replicates. There was no difference between treatments and control treatment as well as in regression analysis, and the increasing levels of parboiled rice bran did not reduce the performance of animals. In conclusion, parboiled rice bran can be included up to 16% in diets for piglets in the nursery phase...

Living donor liver transplantation combined with Whipple's procedure for metastatic gastrinoma: a clinical case with 5 years follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: Most patients with gastro-enteropancreatic neuro-endocrine tumours present with liver metastases at the time of diagnosis. As metastases are usually widespread in the liver, though remain confined to this organ for long periods of time, liver transplantation could be in some cases a possible treatment option. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We herein report the case of a 24-year-old male with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, who was referred to our department after having had a right hepatectomy for metastatic lesions, followed by chemotherapy. At that time, the site of the primary tumour was undefined. Following the diagnosis of a primary gastrinoma in the pancreatic head after selective angiography of the pancreatic vessels with hormonal sampling tests in our institution, the decision was made to offer a living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). RESULTS: A right lobe LDLT was carried out together with a Whipple's procedure. The operation was uneventful and five years later the patient remains in an excellent clinical condition, although with a suspicion of relapsed gastrinoma. DISCUSSION: According to the literature, some conditions, such as the 1-step combined surgery, gastrinoma primary tumour and duodeno-pancreatical localisation are considered as poor prognostic factors, whereas young age and tumour expression of Ki-67 < 5% are linked to a more favourable outcome. We think that in cases of long-lasting stability of the disease under chemotherapy, together with the presence of a low Ki-67 expression index, such a treatment could be proposed to young and symptomatic patients, provided the resection of the primary tumour is feasible. Long-term survival may be achieved in metastatic gastro-enteropancreatic neuro-endocrine tumours after LDLT combined with Whipple's procedure, despite tumour relapse.