Mature teratoma arising from an undescended testis in a horse: comparison between ultrasonographic and morphological features.

Scant information is available on the ultrasonographic appearance of different testicular tumours in the stallion. Preoperative ultrasound imaging and gross and microscopic features of a testicular teratoma in a horse is described. An asymptomatic 4 years old cryptorchid Arabian horse was admitted for orchiectomy. Combined transabdominal and inguinal ultrasound examination revealed a large complex ovoid mass, containing both solid and cystic elements with internal echoes, located dorsally to the superficial inguinal ring. Two main hypoechoic cavities divided by a linear hyperechoic septum were evident, with a hyperechoic circular structure inside the lumen of the largest one. A tumour of the undescended testis was suspected. Ultrasound findings guided a provisional diagnosis of teratoma that was confirmed by histology following surgical removal of the tumour. Due to the correspondence between ultrasonographic and morphological features, trans-abdominal ultrasonography was conclusive in the preoperative planning.

Growth and setting of gas bubbles in a viscoelastic matrix imaged by X-ray microtomography: the evolution of cellular structures in fermenting wheat flour dough.

X-ray tomography is a relevant technique for the dynamic follow-up of gas bubbles in an opaque viscoelastic matrix, especially using image analysis. It has been applied here to pieces of fermenting wheat flour dough of various compositions, at two different voxel sizes (15 and 5 µm). The resulting evolution of the main cellular features shows that the creation of cellular structures follows two regimes that are defined by a characteristic time of connectivity, tc [30 and 80 min]: first (t ≤ tc), bubbles grow freely and then (t ≥ tc) they become connected since the percolation of the gas phase is limited by liquid films. During the first regime, bubbles can be tracked and the local strain rate can be measured. Its values (10(-4)-5 × 10(-4) s(-1)) are in agreement with those computed from dough viscosity and internal gas pressure, both of which depend on the composition. For higher porosity, P = 0.64 in our case, and thus occurring in the second regime, different cellular structures are obtained and XRT images show deformed gas cells that display complex shapes. The comparison of these images with confocal laser scanning microscopy images suggests the presence of liquid films that separate these cells. The dough can therefore be seen as a three-phase medium: viscoelastic matrix/gas cell/liquid phase. The contributions of the different levels of matter organization can be integrated by defining a capillary number (C = 0.1-1) that makes it possible to predict the macroscopic dough behavior.

Anomalous diffraction and Abel transformation of astigmatic beams in photonic lattices.

We identify a novel and counterintuitive regime of discrete diffraction for astigmatic light beams in 2D tight-binding photonic lattices, in which diffraction is almost inhibited along the axis with strongest localization, whereas it is enhanced along the axis with weakest localization. Furthermore, beams of these kind exhibit dichotomy wave packet splitting during propagation, and each of the two wings of the wave packet turns out to implement an Abel transformation of the initial envelope of the astigmatic beam.

Evaluation of extruded starch foam for glucose-supplying biomaterials.

The survival rate of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), a crucial factor in tissue engineering, is highly dependent on glucose supply. The purpose of this paper is to study the potential of starch foams as glucose suppliers. It is investigated through in vitro hydrolysis by amyloglucosidase in conditions that respect physiological constraints (37 °C and pH 7.4), including a duration of 21 days, and no stirring. Nine extruded starch foams with amylose contents ranging from 0 to 74 %, with various cell wall thicknesses (50 to 300 µm), and different crystallinities (0-30 %) were hydrolysed. These kinetics were fitted by a model which shows that the maximum rate of hydrolysis varies from 7 to 100 %, and which allows the rate of hydrolysis at 21 days to be calculated precisely. The results reveal the major role of amylose in glucose delivery kinetics, and the secondary roles of crystallinity and cell wall thickness of the foams. Additional hydrolysis of starch films revealed that thickness positively influences the amylose chain reorganisation during hydrolysis, which, in slows down and limits glucose delivery. A simple glucose delivery kinetics analysis procedure is proposed to select samples for testing as MSC glucose suppliers.

Detection of anti-HEV antibodies but no molecular positivity in dogs in the Campania region, southern Italy.

Paslahepevirus balayani genotypes 3 and 4 (HEV-3 and 4) have zoonotic potential and can be transmitted to humans and animals through the consumption of contaminated raw or undercooked meat. Although it has been demonstrated that dogs are susceptible to the infection and produce specific antibodies, the epidemiological role of this species is not yet well defined. This study aimed to evaluate the circulation of HEV at the serological and molecular level in the dog population of the Campania region, southern Italy. A total of 231 dogs were sampled, divided according to several variables (sex, age, origin, lifestyle, location, size, and breed), and tested for the presence of HEV antibodies using a commercial multi-species ELISA. A total of 197 blood samples and 170 stool samples were tested with two specific PCRs in order to detect viral RNA. A total of 19 out samples of 231 were seropositive, obtaining an exposure (8.2%) similar to that observed in other European countries. The univariate and multivariate analysis revealed a wide exposure to stray dogs and animals from the province of Salerno. All samples tested with molecular methods were negative. Defining the role of domestic carnivores continues to be a "one health" challenge, although it appears that they do not eliminate the virus and therefore do not pose a danger to humans. In the absence of other evidence, it is advisable to continue to carry out surveillance also for domestic animals, which, due to ethological characteristics or their position in the food chain, could be predisposed to being exposed to HEV.

Observation of surface states with algebraic localization.

We introduce and experimentally demonstrate a class of surface bound states with algebraic decay in a one-dimensional tight-binding lattice. Such states have an energy embedded in the spectrum of scattered states and are structurally stable against perturbations of lattice parameters. Experimental demonstration of surface states with algebraic localization is presented in an array of evanescently coupled optical waveguides with tailored coupling rates.

Variations of the viscous properties of a sponge cake artificial bolus with some physiological parameters.

Artificial boluses were prepared from sponge cake by grinding the food to a given particle size and hydrating with artificial saliva. The shear viscosity of the artificial food bolus was then measured by capillary rheometry, and its variations with shear rate were studied as a function of four main factors: bolus water content, particle size, temperature and saliva viscosity. The flow curves can be fitted according to the Herschel-Bulkley model, which allows for the derivation of two main properties: yield stress and consistency. Saliva plasticizing coefficients are defined by the variations of these properties as a function of the water content. Their value, close to 12, is in good agreement with values obtained for molten starch (10 < α < 20). Particle size has little influence, whereas the effect of temperature and saliva viscosity is not monotonous. They underline the complexity of the structure of the bolus and the interplay between the saliva, acting as a lubricant and a swelling agent. Finally, the extensional viscosity of the artificial bolus is also determined by capillary rheometry, and it is shown to be of importance when comparing the viscous properties of the artificial bolus with those of real ones from literature.

Cell walls of extruded pea snacks: Morphological and mechanical characterisation and finite element modelling.

Pulses extruded foods can be envisaged asall solid foams with voids and walls, the latter being considered as a dense starch/protein composite. Pea flour (PF) and blends of pea starch and pea protein isolate (PPI) with different protein contents (0.5-88% dry basis) were extruded to obtain models of dense starch-protein composites. Their morphology was revealed by CLSM microscopy, and their mechanical properties were investigated using a three-point bending test complemented by Finite Element Method (FEM) modelling. Composite morphology revealed protein aggregates dispersed in the starch matrix. It was described by a starch-protein interface index Ii computed from the measured total area and perimeter of protein aggregates. The mechanical test showed that the extruded PF and PPI ruptured in the elastic domain, while the extruded starch-PPI (SP) blends ruptured in the plasticity domain. The mechanical properties of pea composites were weakened by increasing the particle volume fractions, including proteins and fibres, probably due to the poor adhesion between starch and the other constituents. The mechanical behaviour of pea composites did not accurately follow simple mixing laws because of their morphological heterogeneity. Modelling results show that the elastoplastic constitutive model using the Voce plasticity model satisfactorily described the hardening behaviour of SP blend composites. Reasonable agreement (2-10%) was found between the experimental and modelling approaches for most materials. The computed Young's modulus (1.3-2.5 GPa) and saturation flow stress (20-45 MPa) increased with increasing Ii (0.7-3.1), reflecting the increase of interfacial stiffening with the increase of contact area between starch and proteins. FEM modelling allowed to identify the mechanical effect of structural heterogeneities.

New insights into centromere organization and evolution from the white-cheeked gibbon and marmoset.

The evolutionary history of alpha-satellite DNA, the major component of primate centromeres, is hardly defined because of the difficulty in its sequence assembly and its rapid evolution when compared with most genomic sequences. By using several approaches, we have cloned, sequenced, and characterized alpha-satellite sequences from two species representing critical nodes in the primate phylogeny: the white-cheeked gibbon, a lesser ape, and marmoset, a New World monkey. Sequence analyses demonstrate that white-cheeked gibbon and marmoset alpha-satellite sequences are formed by units of approximately 171 and approximately 342 bp, respectively, and they both lack the high-order structure found in humans and great apes. Fluorescent in situ hybridization characterization shows a broad dispersal of alpha-satellite in the white-cheeked gibbon genome including centromeric, telomeric, and chromosomal interstitial localizations. On the other hand, centromeres in marmoset appear organized in highly divergent dimers roughly of 342 bp that show a similarity between monomers much lower than previously reported dimers, thus representing an ancient dimeric structure. All these data shed light on the evolution of the centromeric sequences in Primates. Our results suggest radical differences in the structure, organization, and evolution of alpha-satellite DNA among different primate species, supporting the notion that 1) all the centromeric sequence in Primates evolved by genomic amplification, unequal crossover, and sequence homogenization using a 171 bp monomer as the basic seeding unit and 2) centromeric function is linked to relatively short repeated elements, more than higher-order structure. Moreover, our data indicate that complex higher-order repeat structures are a peculiarity of the hominid lineage, showing the more complex organization in humans.

Femtosecond laser written optical waveguide amplifier in phospho-tellurite glass.

We report on the first demonstration of an optical waveguide amplifier in phospho-tellurite glass providing net gain at 1.5 µm. The device was fabricated using a high repetition rate femtosecond laser and exhibited internal gain across 100-nm bandwidth covering the entire C + L telecom bands.

Subwavelength diffraction control and self-imaging in curved plasmonic waveguide arrays.

We study subwavelength light propagation in arrays of coupled metal-dielectric waveguides with a periodically curved axis and show analytically and numerically that subwavelength diffraction management, including self-imaging effects, can be achieved by a suitable engineering of the bending geometry.

Oral processing and comfort perception of soft cereal foods fortified with pulse proteins in the elderly with different oral health status.

This study investigated the oral processing and bolus formation mechanisms of two soft cereal products fortified with pulse proteins, sponge-cake (FSC) and brioche (FB), in the elderly population, and their relationship with the perception of oral comfort. Twenty subjects aged 65 and over participated in the study. They were classified in two groups according to dental status (poor vs. satisfactory) and presented varying stimulated salivary flow rate (SSF). Bolus properties (hydration ratio, apparent viscosity and particle size) were characterized after three chewing stages. Results showed that subjects with a poor dental status (DS) had a longer chewing duration for FB, while individuals with a higher SSF had a shorter duration for FSC. Compared to FSC, more saliva was added to the FB boli, and the viscosity and particle size of FB bolus were also higher. Based on the bolus particle size evolution during chewing, FB was considered to be more difficult to fragment than FSC, this latter showing a dramatic particle size reduction from the beginning of chewing. From the viscosity data, a model was used to represent the variations of the bolus structure index during chewing and a coefficient of interaction of saliva with food was defined. For both products, the perception of comfort depended more on the DS than on SSF. Bolus apparent viscosity was related to the perception of oral comfort in FSC, while the chewing duration and the bolus particle size at the beginning of chewing contributed to explain oral comfort in FB. Finally, the comparison of these results with those obtained previoulsy with standard (i.e. non enriched) sponge cake and brioche suggested that the proposed protein fortification did not challenge the oral comfort perception by the elderly.

Isolation of sequences that span the fragile X and identification of a fragile X-related CpG island.

Yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs) were obtained from a 550-kilobase region that contains three probes previously mapped as very close to the locus of the fragile X syndrome. These YACs spanned the fragile site in Xq27.3 as shown by fluorescent in situ hybridization. An internal 200-kilobase segment contained four chromosomal breakpoints generated by induction of fragile X expression. A single CpG island was identified in the cloned region between markers DXS463 and DXS465 that appears methylated in mentally retarded fragile X males, but not in nonexpressing male carriers of the mutation nor in normal males. This CpG island may indicate the presence of a gene involved in the clinical phenotype of the syndrome.

Relationships of oral comfort perception and bolus properties in the elderly with salivary flow rate and oral health status for two soft cereal foods.

The aim of this study was to investigate food oral processing and bolus formation in the elderly population, and their relationship with the perception of oral comfort, for two soft cereal products of different composition: sponge-cake and brioche. Twenty subjects aged 65 and over participated in the study. They were classified in two groups according to dental status (poor vs. satisfactory) and presented various stimulated salivary flow rate (SSF) in each group. Food bolus properties (hydration ratio and apparent viscosity) were characterized after three chewing stages for both groups. Results showed that chewing duration did not depend on food product but rather on physiology: subjects with a poor dental status had a shorter chewing duration. For each chewing stage, sponge-cake boli showed a higher hydration ratio than brioche boli, which showed higher apparent viscosity. For sponge-cake, perception of oral comfort was primarily driven by SSF rate, irrespective of the dental status. In the case of brioche, oral comfort was also partially explained by SSF in the case of subjects with poor dental status. This result suggests that perception of oral comfort in brioche could be driven by product related attributes rather than oral health. For both foods, a phenomenological model of bolus viscosity as a function of stimulated salivary flow and chewing duration was proposed.

Morphology and mechanical behaviour of pea-based starch-protein composites obtained by extrusion.

Starch-legume protein composites were obtained by extrusion of pea flour and pea starch-protein blend at various specific mechanical energies (100-2000 kJ/kg) and a temperature low enough to avoid expansion. The morphology of these composites displayed protein aggregates dispersed in a starch matrix, revealed by microscopy. Image analysis was used to determine the median width of protein aggregates (D50), their total perimeter and surface, from which a protein/starch interface index (Ii) was derived. The mechanical properties of composites were determined by a three-point bending test. The pea flour composites had a higher interface index Ii (1.8-3.1) with lower median particle width D50 (8-18 µm) and a more brittle behaviour than the blend composites that had a lower Ii (1-1.1) and higher D50 (22-31 µm). For both materials, rupture stress and strain were negatively correlated with Ii. This result suggested that there was a poor interfacial adhesion between the pea starch and proteins.

Plasmon-polariton nano-strip resonators: from visible to infra-red.

Dispersion of the resonant properties exhibited by silver and gold nano-strips in a wide range of wavelengths is considered. The tunability and Q-factor of scattering resonances as well as the field enhancement achieved at strip terminations are analyzed in the wavelength range from visible to near infrared (400-1700 nm), confirming that the resonant behaviour is dominated by dispersion properties of short-range surface-plasmon polaritons (SR-SPPs) propagating along the strip. It is found that, while the Q-factor decreases for longer wavelengths due to the SR-SPP dispersion curve moving closer to the light line, the field enhancement depending also on the metal susceptibility magnitude remains largely unaffected. The results obtained are also used to estimate the phase change involved in the SR-SPP reflection by strip terminations.

Single-mode and high power waveguide lasers fabricated by ion-exchange.

We report on a single-end diode-pumped waveguide laser providing output power in excess of 20 mW with 17% slope efficiency in robust single longitudinal and transverse mode operation at 1533.5 nm. The active medium was an Er:Yb-doped waveguide only 9-mm long fabricated by Ag-Na ion-exchange in a phosphate glass. The overall cavity length including butt-coupled fiber-Bragg-grating mirrors was <60 mm. We also report on high power waveguide lasers providing more than 160 mW output power and 46% slope efficiency in multimode operation. Feasibility of high power single mode waveguide lasers based on ion-exchange technology in phosphate glasses is also experimentally investigated by using a 50-mm long active waveguide specially designed for efficient single-end pumping.

Active waveguides written by femtosecond laser irradiation in an erbium-doped phospho-tellurite glass.

We report on fs-laser micromachining of active waveguides in a new erbium-doped phospho-tellurite glass by means of a compact cavity-dumped Yb-based writing system. The spectroscopic properties of the glass were investigated, and the fs-laser written waveguides were characterized in terms of passive as well as active performance. In particular, internal gain was demonstrated in the whole C+L band of optical communications (1530- 1610 nm).

Experimental demonstration of the optical Zeno effect by scanning tunneling optical microscopy.

An experimental demonstration of a classical analogue of the quantum Zeno effect for light waves propagating in engineered arrays of tunneling-coupled optical waveguides is reported. Quantitative mapping of the flow of light, based on scanning tunneling optical microscopy, clearly demonstrates that the escape dynamics of light in an optical waveguide side-coupled to a tight-binding continuum is slowed down when projective measurements, mimicked by sequential interruptions of the decay, are performed on the system.

Ocular ultrasonographic and biometric features of European brown hares (Lepus europaeus).

The aim of this work is to assess the normal ultrasonographic features and dimensions of eyes in European hares. Corneal thickness, anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, vitreous chamber depth and eye axial length were measured by ultrasound in 40 healthy hares (Lepus europaeus), 20 males and 20 females, mean age of 5.5 months (range 2-15 months). The effects of sex, side, age and body weight on each feature were recorded. Results show that ocular dimensions were not affected by considered variables except for the lenses thickness and axial length that were correlated with age and body weight. Our study concludes that although ocular structures had similar feature compared to other species, the description of the characteristics of the eye of the European hare is important to widen the knowledge of a species not completely known from the normal anatomical point of view. The lens dimensions could have a predictive value in determining the age of young hares.