Meckel's Diverticulum in Adult Geese (Alopochen egyptiacus): A Comprehensive Study of Structure Using Histological, Electron Microscopy, and Immunohistochemical Methods.

The intestine plays an important role in mediating between the bird and its nutritional environment. The yolk stalk, also known as Meckel's diverticulum, is a landmark between the jejunum and ileum. This work aimed to investigate the anatomical, histological, and electron microscopical features of cellular components of the Meckel's diverticulum (MD) in adult geese. The intestine was dissected from the bird's body cavity, and Meckel's diverticulum was exposed and prepared for light and electron microscopical examinations. Our results revealed that the MD mucosa is thrown up into villi and crypts, and the mucosal epithelium is a columnar epithelium with goblet cells as well as intraepithelial lymphocytes. Lymphoid follicles and numerous immune cells were demonstrated within the lamina propria. The mucous glands were also observed within the lamina propria and amongst the lymphoid follicles. The lining epithelium of MD appeared with different staining affinities: dark cells (electron-dense) and light cells (electron-lucent) contained few mitochondria and more secretory vesicles, while dark cells contained more mitochondria and fewer secretory vesicles. Immunohistochemical analysis of MD revealed positive immunoreactivity for several markers, such as CD 117, chromogranin, PLCß, cytokeratin, MHC II, and S 100. Taken together, our findings suggest that MD is considered an immune organ in adult geese.

Morphology of the soft palate and palatine tonsil of the goat (Capra hyricus).

The present study was carried out to study the morphology of the goat's soft palate and palatine tonsil by gross anatomy, morphometry, light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Twelve heads of normal adult (18-24 months) apparently healthy goats of both sexes were collected from local commercial slaughterhouses in Qena Governorate, Egypt. The oral cavity was dissected, and samples were collected for both light and SEM. The soft palate of the goat formed the caudal continuation of the hard palate. It was relatively short, it extended from the level of the caudal border of the last upper molar tooth to terminate caudally against the base of the epiglottis. The oral mucous membrane of the soft palate was covered by non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. The lamina propria and submucosa contained connective tissue fibers, diffuse and nodular lymphatic tissue, striated muscle fibers, and a large number of mucous and serous palatine glands. By SEM, the ventral surface had several rounded openings occupied by flower-like structures. These openings represented the entrances to the palatine glands. The palatine tonsil was large and protruded from a fossa in the lateral wall of the oropharynx. It had 2-3 elongated irregular openings that lead to the underlying crypts. These crypts were well-developed and lined by non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. The epithelium of the tonsillar crypts directly covered lymphoid tissue and was infiltrated by lymphocytes. Tonsillar glands of pure mucous type were demonstrated. In conclusion, the study provides the basic morphological features of soft palate, as well as the palatine tonsil of the goat by gross observation, light and SEM. The palatine tonsils of goat were well-developed with extensive crypt system, suggesting their essential role in the immunological response against antigens that enter through the oral cavity. The current findings may be useful to understand the role of the palatine tonsil in immunity and disease pathogenesis. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The study reported the basic morphological features of soft palate and palatine tonsil of goat. The ventral surface of the soft palate had several rounded openings occupied by flower-like structures. The palatine tonsils of goat were well-developed with extensive crypt system. The findings might help to understand the role of the palatine tonsil in immunity and disease pathogenesis.

DTI of the Olfactory Bulb in COVID-19-Related Anosmia: A Pilot Study.

This study aimed to assess the utility of DTI in the detection of olfactory bulb dysfunction in COVID-19-related anosmia. It was performed in 62 patients with COVID-19-related anosmia and 23 controls. The mean diffusivity and fractional anisotropy were calculated by 2 readers. The difference between the fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity values of anosmic and control olfactory bulbs was statistically significant (P = .001). The threshold of fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity to differentiate a diseased from normal olfactory bulb were 0.22 and 1.5, with sensitivities of 84.4% and 96.8%, respectively, and a specificity of 100%.

The potential of dimetindene maleate inducing resistance to blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae through activating the salicylic acid signaling pathway in rice plants.

BACKGROUND: Rice blast disease (Magnaporthe oryzae) is considered the most destructive rice disease all over the world. Dimetindene maleate is used in medication against allergic reactions in humans. Dimetindene maleate used to induce systemic acquired resistance (SAR) in rice (Oryza sativa L.) in order to protect rice plants from blast disease. RESULTS: Dimetindene maleate was not effective against fungus linear growth in vitro. In glasshouse conditions, dimetindene maleate significantly improved resistance at 25, 50, 125, 250, 500 and 1000 mg L-1 concentrations. Leaf blast severity reached 14.18% on plants treated with the most effective concentration of 125 mg L-1 compared with control plants. In field conditions during both seasons (2016 and 2017), 125 mg L-1 dimetindene maleate decreased the disease severity to 1.1% and 2.7%, respectively, after 30 days of treatment. Also, grain yield was increased to 13.27 and 12.90 t ha-1 in 2016 and 2017 seasons, respectively. Moreover, dimetindene maleate induces some of the indicators for salicylic acid and jasmonic acid pathways via gene expression. These genes include OsWRKY45, OsNPR1, AOS2, JAMYB and PBZ1 (OsPR10), recording 15.14-, 16.47-, 5.3-, 5.37- and 5.1-fold changes, respectively, 12-h postinoculation. CONCLUSION: The results overview investigated the effectiveness of dimetindene maleate for increasing rice resistance to blast disease through inducing SAR in rice plants under glasshouse and field conditions, which could be through the SA defense pathway by expression of genes (OsWRKY45 and OsNPR1). © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Developmental stages and growth of the proventriculus of post-hatching Muscovy duck: Light and electron microscopic study.

The present study was implemented to provide comprehensive information on the developmental sequence of the proventriculus of Muscovy ducks by gross examination, macro-micrometric analysis and by using light microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Samples from 55 healthy post-hatching Muscovy ducks of both sexes ranging from 1 to 60 days old. The proventriculus began cranially opposite to the cranial end of the liver at 1-15 days old, but in front this level at 30 and 60 days old. Morphometrically, the length of the proventriculus was increased by about four folds while weight by 19 folds at 60 days old when compared with those at one day old. Scanning electron microscopy of the proventricular lumen at one day old exhibited numerous small mostly rounded irregularly distributed openings of the glands, but uniformly distributed and surrounded by closely packed concentrically arranged mucosal folds resembling a rosette shape at the older ages. Histologically, in all studied stages, rounded, elongated oval or polymorphic shaped lobules of the proventricular glands were occupied within the muscularis mucosa. The tubuloalveolar secretory units lined with secretory (oxyntico-peptic) cells with variable shapes had secretory granules increased by the development. Numerous argyrophilic endocrine cells were demonstrated away from the glandular lumen at older ages. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the cytoplasm of the secretory cells contained homogeneously electron-dense granules at a young age, but two types of these granules could be recognized at 60 days old. In conclusion, this study provides a wide difference in the morphometric and the structure of the proventriculus from one day to 60 days old. This difference between the examined age-stages may be related to the feeding strategy (behavior) and the functional adaptations from the young to the older ages.

Trimethoprim Antibiotic Adsorption from Aqueous Solution onto Eco-Friendly Zr-Metal Organic Framework Material.

The synthesis of Bio-MOF using aspartic acid as an organic linker and water as a solvent was performed to create an environmentally friendly material. The chemical composition, structure, and morphology of the synthesized zirconium Bio-MOF (MIP-202) was evaluated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The synthesized Bio-MOF was used as an adsorbent for trimethoprim antibiotic as pollutants from an aqueous solution under various operating parameters. The increase in the initial trimethoprim concentration from 2.5 mg/L to 20 mg/L decreased the decontamination efficiency from 77.6% to 35.9% at a solution pH of 7 with 0.5 g/L adsorbent dose after 60 min reaction time. The rise of adsorbent dose from 0.1 g/L to 1.5 g/L increased the removal efficiency from 47.7% to 87.6%. The maximum trimethoprim removal efficiency of 95% was attained at a solution pH of 11. Langmuir and pseudo-second order models described the adsorption process of trimethoprim antibiotic onto zirconium Bio-MOF and the chemo-physical nature of trimethoprim adsorption onto the synthesized zirconium Bio-MOF. Accordingly, it was evident that the prepared zirconium Bio-MOF (MIP-202) is an ecofriendly and efficient adsorbent for antibiotic decontamination from polluted water.

Bio-Zirconium Metal-Organic Framework Regenerable Bio-Beads for the Effective Removal of Organophosphates from Polluted Water.

Organophosphate-based pesticides, such as diazinon, are among the most toxic organic contaminants to human and environment. Effective removal of diazinon from contaminated water sources is critical. Zirconium Metal-organic frameworks (Zr-MOFs) are promising candidates for the removal of organic contaminants from wastewater. Herein, we report the adequacy of a bio based Zr-MOF named MIP-202 for the removal of diazinon from water. On the other hand, the use of these materials in powder form is not workable, the development of scalable and economical processes and integrative of these materials onto beads is paramount for industrial processes. Hence, it was reported a scalable, bio aqueous solution-based preparation strategy for Bio Zr-MOF beads production. The composite material exposed identical reactivity under the same ambient parameters compared to powdered material in an aqueous solution. These results signify a critical procedure to an integrated strategy for organophosphates removal using bio-based MOFs, which demonstrates high potential for manufacturing applications such as continued removal of organophosphates from wastewater supplies.

Durability of Adult Plant Resistance Gene Yr18 in Partial Resistance Behavior of Wheat (Triticum aestivum) Genotypes with Different Degrees of Tolerance to Stripe Rust Disease, Caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici: A Five-Year Study.

Adult plant resistance in wheat is an achievement of the breeding objective because of its durability in comparison with race-specific resistance. Partial resistance to wheat stripe rust disease was evaluated under greenhouse and field conditions during the period from 2016 to 2021. Misr 3, Sakha 95, and Giza 171 were the highest effective wheat genotypes against Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici races. Under greenhouse genotypes, Sakha 94, Giza 168, and Shandaweel1 were moderately susceptible, had the longest latent period and lowest values of the length of stripes and infection frequency at the adult stage. Partial resistance levels under field conditions were assessed, genotypes Sakha 94, Giza 168, and Shandaweel1 exhibited partial resistance against the disease. Leaf tip necrosis (LTN) was noted positively in three genotypes Sakha 94, Sakha 95, and Shandaweel1. Molecular analyses of Yr18 were performed for csLV34, cssfr1, and cssfr2 markers. Only Sakha 94 and Shandaweel1 proved to carry the Yr18 resistance allele at both phenotypic and genotypic levels. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observed that the susceptible genotypes were colonized extensively on leaves, but on the slow-rusting genotype, the pustules were much less in number, diminutive, and poorly sporulation, which is similar to the pustule of NIL Jupateco73 'R'.

Biocompatible MIP-202 Zr-MOF tunable sorbent for cost-effective decontamination of anionic and cationic pollutants from waste solutions.

This reported work aims to fabricate an eco-friendly Zr bio-based MOF and assessment its adsorption efficiency towards the cationic and anionic dye pollutants including methylene blue (MB) and direct red 81 (DR-81), respectively. Also, its adsorption tendency for the highly toxic heavy metal of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) was compared with dyes. The adsorption performance of bio-MOF showed that the maximum monolayer adsorption capacities were recorded as 79.799 mg/g for MB, 36.071 mg/g for DR-81, and 19.012 mg/g for Cr(VI). Meanwhile, the optimum dosage of as-synthesized MIP-202 bio-MOF was 0.5, 1, and 2 g L-1 for MB, DR-81, and Cr(VI), respectively. Thermodynamic analysis demonstrated the spontaneous, thermodynamically, and endothermic nature of the decontamination processes onto the fabricated Zr bio-based MOF. The adsorption data were fitted by Langmuir isotherm model compared with Freundlich and Temkin models for all studied water pollutants. Pseudo-second-order kinetic model was a fit model for description of the adsorption kinetics of the different cationic and anionic pollutants onto Zr bio-based MOF. These outcomes indicated that Zr bio-based MOF has potential application for adsorption of different types of industrial water pollutants including cationic and anionic dyes and heavy metals.

Morph-anatomic and histochemical study of ileum of goose (Alopochen egyptiacus) with special references to immune cells, mucous and serous goblet cells, telocytes, and dark and light smooth muscle fibers.

The morphological characteristics of the ileum of 20 adult male Egyptian geese were determined using LM, SEM, and TEM. The mean length of the ileum in the male goose was approximately 158.71 mm, representing nearly 10.19% of the total length of the small intestine. The ileum is composed of four layers: mucosa, submucosa, muscular layer, and serosa. The mucosal layer comprises the epithelium, lamina propria, and muscularis mucosa. The mucosa forms finger-like villi and is invaginated at the bases, forming the crypts of Lieberkühn. The ileum is lined by simple columnar epithelium that contains absorptive dark and light enterocytes with two types of goblet cells (mucous and serous varieties) microfold like cells, dendritic reticulum cells, Paneth cells, and a closed type of enteroendocrine cells. The lamina propria has diffuse lymphoid tissue containing lymphocytes, macrophages, mast cells, plasma cells, and heterophils as well as telocytes. The muscularis mucosa comprises circular smooth muscle fibers extending into the core of the villi. The submucosa is a thin layer of elastic-rich connective tissue. The muscular level consists of four layers, with light and dark smooth muscle fibers. We described in detail the structure of all cellular components and histomorphometric measurements.

Morphological and scanning electron microscopic studies of the lingual papillae of the tongue of the goat (Capra hircus).

The morphology of different lingual papillae of the Egyptian goats was studied by gross observation, scanning electron microscopy, and light microscopy. According to function, two types of papillae were present; mechanical (filiform, conical and lenticular papillae) and gustatory papillae (fungiform and vallate papillae). Two types of filiform papillae were detected with different shape and position. Moreover, two types of conical and lenticular papillae could be recognized on the lingual torus. Abundant fungiform papillae were found on the dorsal and ventral surfaces of the tip of the tongue. The vallate papillae had also different shapes. Taste buds were demonstrated within the epithelium of the dorsal surfaces of the fungiform papillae and the lateral surfaces of the vallate papillae. In addition, a longitudinal row of large papillae was located on the lateral aspect of the tongue in relation to the filiform papillae. These papillae were suggested to be called elongated conical papillae and may be considered as ones of the lingual papillae. In conclusion, the current study provides a detailed description of the different lingual papillae of the Egyptian goat's tongue. Presence of different types and shapes of mechanical and gustatory lingual papillae in goats' tongue suggests a high degree of functional adaptation to their diet.

Biomimetic 3D Models for Investigating the Role of Monocytes and Macrophages in Atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis, the inflammation of artery walls due to the accumulation of lipids, is the most common underlying cause for cardiovascular diseases. Monocytes and macrophages are major cells that contribute to the initiation and progression of atherosclerotic plaques. During this process, an accumulation of LDL-laden macrophages (foam cells) and an alteration in the extracellular matrix (ECM) organization leads to a local vessel stiffening. Current in vitro models are carried out onto two-dimensional tissue culture plastic and cannot replicate the relevant microenvironments. To bridge the gap between in vitro and in vivo conditions, we utilized three-dimensional (3D) collagen matrices that allowed us to mimic the ECM stiffening during atherosclerosis by increasing collagen density. First, human monocytic THP-1 cells were embedded into 3D collagen matrices reconstituted at low and high density. Cells were subsequently differentiated into uncommitted macrophages (M0) and further activated into pro- (M1) and anti-inflammatory (M2) phenotypes. In order to mimic atherosclerotic conditions, cells were cultured in the presence of oxidized LDL (oxLDL) and analyzed in terms of oxLDL uptake capability and relevant receptors along with their cytokine secretomes. Although oxLDL uptake and larger lipid size could be observed in macrophages in a matrix dependent manner, monocytes showed higher numbers of oxLDL uptake cells. By analyzing major oxLDL uptake receptors, both monocytes and macrophages expressed lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX1), while enhanced expression of scavenger receptor CD36 could be observed only in M2. Notably, by analyzing the secretome of macrophages exposed to oxLDL, we demonstrated that the cells could, in fact, secrete adipokines and growth factors in distinct patterns. Besides, oxLDL appeared to up-regulate MHCII expression in all cells, while an up-regulation of CD68, a pan-macrophage marker, was found only in monocytes, suggesting a possible differentiation of monocytes into a pro-inflammatory macrophage. Overall, our work demonstrated that collagen density in the plaque could be one of the major factors driving atherosclerotic progression via modulation of monocyte and macrophages behaviors.

Artificial Biosystem for Modulation of Interactions between Antigen-Presenting Cells and T Cells.

T cell activation is triggered by signal molecules on the surface of antigen-presenting cells (APC) and subsequent exertion of cellular forces. Deciphering the biomechanical and biochemical signals in this complex process is of interest and will contribute to an improvement in immunotherapy strategies. To address underlying questions, coculture and biomimetic models are established. Mature dendritic cells (mDC) are first treated with cytochalasin B (CytoB), a cytoskeletal disruption agent known to lower apparent cellular stiffness and reduction in T cell proliferation is observed. It is attempted to mimic mDC and T cell interactions using polyacrylamide (PA) gels with defined stiffness corresponding to mDC (0.2-25 kPa). Different ratios of anti-CD3 (aCD3) and anti-CD28 (aCD28) antibodies are immobilized onto PA gels. The results show T cell proliferation is triggered by both aCD3 and aCD28 in a stiffness-dependent manner. Cells cultured on aCD3 immobilized on gels has significantly enhanced proliferation and IL-2 secretion, compared to aCD28. Furthermore, ZAP70 phosphorylation is enhanced in stiffer substrate a in a aCD3-dependent manner. The biosystem provides an approach to study the reduction of T cell proliferation observed on CytoB-treated mDC. Overall, the biosystem allows distinguishing the impact of biophysical and biochemical signals of APC and T cell interactions in vitro.

Collagen Fibril Density Modulates Macrophage Activation and Cellular Functions during Tissue Repair.

Monocytes circulate in the bloodstream, extravasate into the tissue and differentiate into specific macrophage phenotypes to fulfill the immunological needs of tissues. During the tissue repair process, tissue density transits from loose to dense tissue. However, little is known on how changes in tissue density affects macrophage activation and their cellular functions. In this work, monocytic cell line THP-1 cells were embedded in three-dimensional (3D) collagen matrices with different fibril density and were then differentiated into uncommitted macrophages (MPMA) using phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA). MPMA macrophages were subsequently activated into pro-inflammatory macrophages (MLPS/IFNγ) and anti-inflammatory macrophages (MIL-4/IL-13) using lipopolysaccharide and interferon-gamma (IFNγ), and interleukin 4 (IL-4) and IL-13, respectively. Although analysis of cell surface markers, on both gene and protein levels, was inconclusive, cytokine secretion profiles, however, demonstrated differences in macrophage phenotype. In the presence of differentiation activators, MLPS/IFNγ secreted high amounts of IL-1ß and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), while M0PMA secreted similar cytokines to MIL-4/IL-13, but low IL-8. After removing the activators and further culture for 3 days in fresh cell culture media, the secretion of IL-6 was found in high concentrations by MIL-4/IL-13, followed by MLPS/IFNγ and MPMA. Interestingly, the secretion of cytokines is enhanced with an increase of fibril density. Through the investigation of macrophage-associated functions during tissue repair, we demonstrated that M1LPS/IFNγ has the potential to enhance monocyte infiltration into tissue, while MIL-4/IL-13 supported fibroblast differentiation into myofibroblasts via transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-ß1) in dependence of fibril density, suggesting a M2a-like phenotype. Overall, our results suggest that collagen fibril density can modulate macrophage response to favor tissue functions. Understanding of immune response in such complex 3D microenvironments will contribute to the novel therapeutic strategies for improving tissue repair, as well as guidance of the design of immune-modulated materials.

Morphological investigations on the lips and cheeks of the goat (Capra hircus): A scanning electron and light microscopic study.

The current study was done to provide comprehensive information on the anatomical features of the lips and cheeks of the goat by gross examination and morphometric analysis in addition to scanning electron microscope (SEM). Samples from 12 normal healthy adult goat's heads of both sexes were collected directly after slaughtering. The lips and cheeks were dissected, and specimens were collected for both light and SEM. The lips of goat were soft and mobile. The free border of both lips was characterized rostrally by the presence of labial projections. The number, size, and arrangement of labial projections differed in the upper and lower lips. On the other hand, the buccal papillae were arranged into 6-8 longitudinal rows parallel to the cheek teeth. The length of these papillae decreased caudally while they were absent on the most caudal part of the cheek. Presence of several types and shapes of labial projections and papillae, and buccal papillae suggest a high degree of mechanical adaptation of the lips and cheeks of the goat. This study provides baseline data for clinical studies. This study is the first report to shed light on the morphology of the lips and cheeks of the goat by gross and scanning electron microscopy.

Adherence to endocrine therapy and its relation to disease-free survival among breast cancer patients visiting an out-patient clinic at Khartoum Oncology Hospital, Sudan.

RATIONALE: Adherence to endocrine therapy provides substantial reduction in breast cancer (BC) relapses and improve survival. Hence, non-adherence remains an under reported issue mainly in developing countries. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate the adherence to endocrine therapy (tamoxifen [TAM] and aromatase inhibitors [AIs]) among BC patients visiting an out-patient clinic (2015-2016) in Khartoum Oncology Hospital, Sudan. METHODS: Adherence was assessed using pills count and self-reporting methods. A total of 172 patients were interviewed. Also, records were reviewed for demographic and other cancer characteristics. RESULTS: The patients' mean age at diagnosis was 53 years, with the highest frequency at (41-60) years. Invasive ductal carcinoma 69.2% formed the main pathological diagnosis. T2 tumour size (51.2%) and lymph node involvement (N1) (31.4%) were most evident. Also, the majority of patients were stage III (45.9%) and grade II (48%). The studied women were postmenopausal (49.4%) and premenopausal (47.7%). Regarding hormonal receptors, about 68% were oestrogen (ER)+/progesterone (PR)+ and 23.3% were ER+/PR-. Studying adherence, almost (93%) of the studied group were ≥80% adherent to TAM and AIs. The hormonal therapy persistence mean was 27.2 ± 22.5 months (40-96). While adherence percentage mean was 93.7 ± 13.6% (0%-100%). Also disease-free survival (DFS) mean was 36.3 ± 32.7 months (4-312). Adherence to hormonal therapy and persistence were significantly correlated (P < .000). Also, statistically significant association was found between hormonal therapy adherence (≥80%) and patient poor to average economic status (P = .006), and the marital status "married" (P = .008). CONCLUSIONS: A high rate of adherence (93%) to endocrine therapy was estimated in the present study. Also, a positive association was found between the hormonal therapy persistence, and the DFS year's groups (P = .000), and the hormonal therapy types (P = .000). Adherence to hormonal therapy and persistence were significantly correlated (P < .000).

In transition: current health challenges and priorities in Sudan.

A recent symposium and workshop in Khartoum, the capital of the Republic of Sudan, brought together broad expertise from three universities to address the current burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases facing the Sudanese healthcare system. These meetings identified common challenges that impact the burden of diseases in the country, most notably gaps in data and infrastructure which are essential to inform and deliver effective interventions. Non-communicable diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, renal disease and cancer are increasing dramatically, contributing to multimorbidity. At the same time, progress against communicable diseases has been slow, and the burden of chronic and endemic infections remains considerable, with parasitic diseases (such as malaria, leishmaniasis and schistosomiasis) causing substantial morbidity and mortality. Antimicrobial resistance has become a major threat throughout the healthcare system, with an emerging impact on maternal, neonatal and paediatric populations. Meanwhile, malnutrition, micronutrient deficiency and poor perinatal outcomes remain common and contribute to a lifelong burden of disease. These challenges echo the United Nations (UN) sustainable development goals and concentrating on them in a unified strategy will be necessary to address the national burden of disease. At a time when the country is going through societal and political transition, we draw focus on the country and the need for resolution of its healthcare needs.

Primary Hepatic Lymphoma Presenting as an Acute Abdomen in a Young Female Patient: A Case Report and Literature Review.

We report a rare case of primary hepatic lymphoma (PHL) in a hepatitis B virus- (HBV-) infected young female patient who presented with right upper abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting for a few days. The preoperative diagnosis was difficult due to the rarity of the disease and the presence of a solitary hypodense mass in the left lobe of the liver on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan with a normal alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and negative cytology. She underwent an uneventful extended left hemihepatectomy, and the surgical biopsy revealed a PHL-of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) type-with negative resection margins. She received adjuvant combination chemotherapy and remained disease-free with normal serial radiology over a 2-year follow-up period.

Granular cell tumor of the gallbladder: case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Granular cell tumors (GCTs) are rare benign tumors, which originate in the tongue, ovary, oropharynx, GIT and respiratory tract. Biliary GCTs are rarities. Clinical presentations depend on tumor site. CASE REPORT: A 62-year-old male, presented with acute and severe abdominal pain for fifteen days. He was in pain, not pale or jaundiced. Abdominal imaging showed thick-walled gallbladder with multiple stones suggestive of calcular cholecystitis and liver cirrhosis. The diagnosis of acute-on-chronic cholecystitis was made. Following informed consent open cholecystectomy showed a cirrhotic liver with enlarged Calot's lymph node and thick adhesions. Histopathology revealed a benign GCT of the gallbladder. The patient recovered uneventfully. The patient was well with no tumor recurrence after one year follow up. CONCLUSION: GCT of the gallbladder should be considered in patients presenting as acute-on-chronic cholecystitis without imaging evidence of tumor. Surgical removal with wide safety margins should be contemplated.

Surgical treatment of mucocele of the appendix: a systematic review and case report.

INTRODUCTION: Appendicular mucocele is a rare well-described clinico-pathological occurrence. It denotes an obstructive dilatation of the appendicular lumen by mucinous secretions. CASE REPORT: A 60-year-old patient presented with right lower abdominal pain and nausea for 2 years. Abdominal CT scan suggested a diagnosis of a appendicular mucocele. Following informed consent, surgical exploration revealed a cystic mass arising from the body of the appendix with inflamed walls with no evidence of perforation. Simple appendectomy was performed as the caecum and the mesenteric nodes were free of pathological involvement. The final diagnosis of mucinous cystadenoma was confirmed by histopathology. Postoperative course was uneventful. The patient was in good health during a four years regular follow-up. DISCUSSION: Appendicular mucocele is a rare disease with vague symptoms. Abdominal imaging is an important diagnostic tool, but histopathology is the standard for definitive diagnosis. Surgery for benign appendicular mucoceles has an excellent long-term prognosis.