Morphometric study of the diaphragmatic surface of the liver in the human fetus.

This study aimed to examine age-specific reference intervals and growth dynamics of the best fit for liver dimensions on the diaphragmatic surface of the fetal liver. The research material consisted of 69 human fetuses of both sexes (32♂, 37♀) aged 18-30 weeks. Using methods of anatomical dissection, digital image analysis and statistics, a total of 10 measurements and 2 calculations were performed. No statistical significant differences between sexes were found (p>0.05). The parameters studied displayed growth models that followed natural logarithmic functions. The mean value of the transverse-to-vertical diameter ratio of the liver throughout the analyzed period was 0.71±0.11. The isthmic ratio decreased significantly from 0.81±0.12 in the 18-19th week to 0.62±0.06 in the 26-27th week, and then increased to 0.68±0.11 in the 28-30th week of fetal life (p<0.01). The morphometric parameters of the diaphragmatic surface of the liver present age-specific reference data. No sex differences are found. The transverse-to-vertical diameter ratio supports a proportionate growth of the fetal liver. Quantitative anatomy of the growing liver may be of relevance in both the ultrasound monitoring of the fetal development and the early detection of liver anomalies.

Quantitative anatomy of the liver visceral surface in the human fetus.

BACKGROUND: Understanding liver growth is relevant in both determining the status of normative fetal development and prenatal detection of its disorders. OBJECTIVES: This study attempted to examine age-specific reference intervals and the best-fit growth dynamics of the liver visceral surface for hepatic height, length, isthmic diameter, oblique diameters, circumferences of individual lobes, and total liver circumference. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using anatomical, digital and statistical methods, the liver visceral surface was measured in 69 human fetuses of both sexes (32 males and 37 females) aged 18-30 weeks, derived from spontaneous abortions and stillbirths. RESULTS: The statistical analysis showed no sex differences. The best growth models mostly followed natural logarithmic functions, except for the length of the fissure for ligamentum teres hepatis and the length of fossa for gallbladder, which increased commensurately. Neither the length of fissure for ductus venosus nor the length of sulcus for inferior vena cava modeled the best-fit curves. The vertical-to-transverse diameter ratio of the liver was constant and averaged 0.75 ±0.12, while the isthmus ratio significantly altered from 0.78 ±0.07 at 18-19 weeks through 0.68 ±0.05 at 26-27 weeks to 0.72 ±0.07 at 28-30 weeks of gestation. CONCLUSIONS: With no sexual differences, the liver morphometric parameters increased either logarithmically (lengths of: transverse diameter, vertical diameter, right oblique diameter, left oblique diameter, isthmic diameter and porta hepatis, circumferences of: right lobe, left lobe, quadrate lobe, caudate lobe, and total liver circumference) or proportionately (length of fissure for ligamentum teres hepatis, length of fossa for gallbladder). The quantitative data of the growing liver may be relevant in both the ultrasound monitoring of fetuses and early detection of congenital liver anomalies.

The influence of in ovo injection with the prebiotic DiNovo® on the development of histomorphological parameters of the duodenum, body mass and productivity in large-scale poultry production conditions.

BACKGROUND: Among various feed additives currently used in poultry nutrition, an important role is played by bioactive substances, including prebiotics. The beneficial effect of these bioactive substances on the gastrointestinal tract and immune system give rise to improvements in broiler health and performance nutrition, thus increasing the productivity of these birds. An innovative method for introducing bioactive substances into chickens is the in ovo injection into eggs intended for hatching. The aim of the study was to evaluate the development of histomorphological parameters of the duodenum and productivity in chickens injected in ovo with the prebiotic DiNovo® (extract of Laminaria species of seaweed, BioAtlantis Ltd., Ireland) on d 12 of incubation, under large - scale, high density poultry production conditions. RESULTS: There was no significant impact of the injection of DiNovo® prebiotic on the production parameters of broiler chickens (body weight, FCR, EBI and mortality) obtained on d 42 of rearing. No significant impact of the DiNovo® injection on the duodenum weight and length was observed, as well as on the CSA, diameter and muscular layer thickness of the duodenum. The in ovo injection of DiNovo® significantly increased the width of the duodenal villi (P < 0.05) and crypt depth (P < 0.01) of chickens on d 21 of rearing. Other histomorphological parameters of duodenal villi at d 42 of chickens rearing such as: the height, width, and cross section area of villi were significantly greater in chickens from the control group compared to those from the DiNovo® group (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, this study demonstrates that injection of DiNovo® prebiotic into the air chamber of egg significantly influences the histomorphological parameters on d 21 of rearing without negatively affecting productivity in chickens at the end of rearing.

Effects of Prebiotics and Synbiotics Delivered In Ovo on Broiler Small Intestine Histomorphology During the First Days After Hatching.

The objective of the study was to determine the effect of prebiotics and synbiotics administered in ovo on the 12th day of incubation, on the development of the intestinal villi and the number of goblet cells in the small intestine of broiler chickens on the Ist and the 4th days of life of chicks. Two prebiotics: inulin (PI) or Bi2tos (PB) and two synbiotics: inulin + L. lactis subsp. lactis (SI) or Bi2tos + L. lactis subsp. cremoris (SB) were injected in ovo on the 12th day of embryonic development. The control group of the embryos was injected with physiological saline (C). On the 1st day of life, an increase in the height of the villi in the jejunum was reported as a result of the injection of pre- and synbiotics, moreover an increase in the surface area of the villi in the jejunum and the duodenum in chicks from the SB group was also observed. A stimulatory effect of synbiotics on the morphology of the duodenum and thejejunum was also observed on the 4th dh day after hatching. Conversely, in the ileum, in the SB group, a reduction in the height of villi was found both on thse 1t and thte 4h days of life. In contrast, injection of inulin and synbiotic with the addition of inulin resulted in an increase in the number of goblet cells in the duodenum and the jejunum on thst 1" day of life, and caused a significant decrease on the 4th day after hatching.

Volumetric Growth of the Liver in the Human Fetus: An Anatomical, Hydrostatic, and Statistical Study.

Using anatomical, hydrostatic, and statistical methods, liver volumes were assessed in 69 human fetuses of both sexes aged 18-30 weeks. No sex differences were found. The median of liver volume achieved by hydrostatic measurements increased from 6.57 cm(3) at 18-21 weeks through 14.36 cm(3) at 22-25 weeks to 20.77 cm(3) at 26-30 weeks, according to the following regression: y = -26.95 + 1.74 × age ± Z × (-3.15 + 0.27 × age). The median of liver volume calculated indirectly according to the formula liver volume = 0.55 × liver length × liver transverse diameter × liver sagittal diameter increased from 12.41 cm(3) at 18-21 weeks through 28.21 cm(3) at 22-25 weeks to 49.69 cm(3) at 26-30 weeks. There was a strong relationship (r = 0.91, p < 0.001) between the liver volumes achieved by hydrostatic (x) and indirect (y) methods, expressed by y = -0.05 + 2.16x ± 7.26. The liver volume should be calculated as follows liver volume = 0.26 × liver length × liver transverse diameter × liver sagittal diameter. The age-specific liver volumes are of great relevance in the evaluation of the normal hepatic growth and the early diagnosis of fetal micro- and macrosomias.

Expression of myogenic genes in chickens stimulated in ovo with light and temperature.

Since chicken myogenesis is tightly controlled by myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs), the external stimuli (e.g. light or temperature) affecting the proliferation and differentiation of the muscle cells have a primary effect on the gene expression of MRFs. The aim of this study was to analyze the expression of some of MRF genes (MyoD1, myogenin and Myf5) in response to the stimulation of chicken embryos with green light (AL group) or increased temperature (38.5°C; AT group) on day 18 of embryo development (18ED) as well as on days 4 (4PHD) and 8 (8PHD) post hatch. To achieve this goal a quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used. The most prominent differences in gene expression were observed before hatching. Relative expression of MyoD1 on 18ED was higher (p<0.05) in AL and control (AC) groups in comparison to the AT group. Myogenin expression on 18ED was lower (p<0.05) in control chickens than in both treated groups. Light stimulation in ovo decreased (p<0.05) the Myf5 expression on 18ED in comparison to the control group. Green-light illumination applied during in ovo development had more pronounced effects on mRNA level of MRFs genes measured during both the pre- and post hatch development. The elevated temperature applied during embryonic development affected only the 18ED time point. This suggests that the effect of green-light illumination on chicken myogenesis was more prolonged than that of elevated temperature.

The normal growth of the biceps brachii muscle in human fetuses.

BACKGROUND: The biceps brachii muscle, the strongest flexor and supinator at the elbow joint, and an accessory flexor of the glenohumeral joint is characterized by the two heads, long and short. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine the linear parameters (length and width) of the biceps brachii in human fetuses and to provide their mathematical growth models. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using methods of anatomical dissection, digital analysis (Multiscan v.14.02), and statistics (Student's t-test and regression analysis) the authors bilaterally measured the length (mm) and width (mm) of the biceps brachii muscle in 30 fetuses of both sexes (14♂,16♀), aged 17-30 weeks. RESULTS: Neither sex nor laterality differences were found. All the parameters studied increased proportionally with age. Both the mean length (5.68 mm) and widths, measured at its mid-length (0.60 mm) and at the widest level (0.65 mm) of the long head's belly, were found to be statistically shorter (5.93 mm, 0.65 mm and 0.72 mm, respectively) when compared to its short head's belly. For these parameters, the following linear models were generated in relation to the long head's belly: y = -0.801 + 0.276 x Age (R2 = 0.591), y = -0.254 + 0.036 x Age (R2 = 0.201) and y = -0.238 + 0.038 x Age (R2 = 0.226), and in relation to the short head's belly: y = -0.134 + 0.258 x Age (R2 = 0.551), y = -0.227 + 0.038 x Age (R2 = 0.241) and y = -0.316 + 0.044 x Age (R2 = 0.333). The tendon length turned out to be the only significantly greater value for the long head (1.89 mm vs. 1.09 mm). The following linear models y = 1.024 + 0.037 x Age (R2 = 0.084) for the long and y = 0.177 + 0.039 x Age (R2 = 0.157) for the short heads were computed. CONCLUSIONS: Neither sex differences nor laterality differences are observed in morphometric parameters of the biceps brachii muscle. The long head's belly is shorter and thinner than that of the short head's belly. The long head's tendon is longer than that of the short head. The developmental dynamics of the biceps brachii muscle follow proportionately.

Profile of fatty acids, muscle structure and shear force of musculus longissimus dorsi (MLD) in growing pigs as affected by energy and protein or protein restriction followed by realimentation.

Forty-eight gilts were submitted to a 30% restriction of feed (groups F and F1) or protein intake (group P) from 90 to 118 days of age, followed by realimentation from 119 to 168 days of age. Control pigs (C) were fed during the whole experiment according to a semi ad libitum scale. During realimentation all animals were fed according to semi ad libitum scale except pigs F1 which were fed ad libitum. Six pigs from each group were slaughtered at the end of restriction and realimentation. Restriction decreased the weight of musculus longissimus dorsi (MLD) and increased shear force. Restriction of feed intake depressed MUFA concentration and increased n-6/n-3 ratio while protein restriction decreased n-6/n-3 and PUFA:SFA ratios. Structure of fibers was not affected. After realimentation MLD mass was still lower in all previously restricted pigs, shear force was the lowest in F1 pigs. Only percentage of fast twich oxidative fibers was significantly greater in F1 pigs than in others. Significant correlations between parameters investigated during the study were found.

Myogenesis--possibilities of its stimulation in chickens.

Due to selection for increased body weight modern broilers are 3-4 times heavier as compared with chickens of the laying type. The muscle mass is mainly determined by the total number of muscle fibres (hyperplasia), their thickness (hypertrophy) and different fibre types. Hyperplasia occurs during either embryogenesis or the early posthatching period. Skeletal muscles originate from the dermatomyotome, which differentiates into four myogenic cell populations: myotomal cells, embryonic myoblasts, fetal myoblasts and satellite cells; the latter are the adult myoblasts, present within adult skeletal muscles to serve as a cell source for both muscle regeneration and self-renewal. Pax3 keeps migrated precursor cells non-differentiated, thereby controlling transcription of the MyoD gene, whereas Pax7 is a significant regulator of the satellite cell population. Manipulation of temperature and light quality and quantity have been proposed as methods of both pre- and postnatal myogenesis stimulation. Being thermogenic stimulants, both thyroid and adrenal hormones substantially stimulate metabolism. Short-term exposure of embryos to increased temperature between days 16 and 18 of incubation directly influences the proliferation and differentiation of muscle fibres, which manifest themselves in increased hyperplasia. Ultraviolet radiation is an effective means for disinfection of hatching eggs, resulting in a change of embryonic mortality rate during breeding. Especially, green light influences both body weight and the satellite cell number in the first days posthatch, thereby enhancing the growth of embryos, and causing a significant increase in both muscle and body weight. In ovo green stimulation probably enhances the proliferation and differentiation of myoblasts, subsequently causing an increase in muscle weight. The present paper highlights the possibilities of enhancing growth and development of skeletal muscles in birds by manipulation of many aspects of their regulation, thereby contributing to a further increase in production efficiency.

Influence of different stages of experimental chronic kidney disease on rats locomotor and postural skeletal muscles microcirculation.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with muscle excess fatigue and diminished maximal whole body oxygen consumption, which in part could be depended on poor muscle microcirculatory network. The aim of this study was to assume the influence of different stages of CKD on microcirculation vessels in functionally different skeletal muscles--locomotor, the gastrocnemius muscle, and postural, the longissimus thoracis muscle. METHODS: Male Wistar rats underwent sham operation (CON), uninephrectomy (CKD 1/2) and subtotal nephrectomy (CKD 5/6). Muscle samples were stained for an alkaline phosphatase to differentiate capillaries. The number of capillaries was estimated by a single observer in 10 microm transverse sections by point counting at a magnification of x 125 using an Image Analysis System Q 500 MC of Leica. Blood pressure and serum creatinine, haptoglobin, MCP-1, VEGF, and PDGF were measured. RESULTS: There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in CD (number of capillaries per 1 mm(2) of muscle tissue), C:F (capillary to fiber ratio), and CC/F (capillary contact per fiber). The CKD 1/2 group in gastrocnemius and longissimus muscle had 53% and 33% lower C:F; 56% and 33% lower CD; and 44% and 20% less CC/F than CON, respectively. The CKD 5/6 group in gastrocnemius and longissimus muscle had 46% and 20% lower C:F; 47% and 11% lower CD; and 48% and 25% less CC/F versus control, respectively. Blood pressure was higher in CKD 5/6 vs. CKD 1/2 and CON (145/95 vs. 107/87 and 119/77 mmHg, p < 0.05, respectively). CKD 5/6 had higher creatinine than CKD 1/2 and CON (1.22 vs. 0.83 and 0.74 mg/dL, p < 0.05, respectively). Haptoglobin was higher in CKD 1/2 and CKD 5/6 versus CON (1.68 and 1.63 vs. 0.70 mg/mL, p < 0.05, respectively). MCP-1 was higher in CKD 5/6 and CKD 1/2 versus CON (609 and 489 vs. 292 pg/mL, p < 0.05, respectively). There were no significant differences in serum growth factors concentration between groups. CONCLUSION: Capillary rarefaction is present in early stages of CKD. These changes are independent of blood pressure and progression of CKD. We suspected that muscle function has a big impact on microvasculature as capillaries rarefaction has been reduced more in locomotor than postural skeletal muscle.

Structure of skeletal muscles in leghorn type chicken from conservative and parent flocks.

Intensive selection conducted within closed populations has led to the creation of specialized chicken strains that differ significantly in meat yield and reproduction performance. The effect of the selection conducted on the birds is differentiation identified not only on the molecular but also on the cellular level, among other things in the skeletal muscles. The aim of this study was to compare the structure of chosen homological skeletal muscles from Leghorn chickens (LSL), originating from parent flock, intensively selected for reproductive traits and from conservative flock (G99), unselected for many generations. The structure of musculus pectoralis superficialis and musculus biceps femoris (the thickness of the muscle fibres and the share of the fibre types in the bundle) in 8 and 20 week old chickens was compared. A significant impact of the origin on all examined slaughter parameters was recorded. Body weight before slaughter, carcass weight and the weight of breast and leg muscles in 8 weeks old LSL chicken made up from 60% to about 85% of the respective values in the G99 Leghorn. Lack of red fibres in the breast muscles of all the individuals from the parental flock (LSL) was noted, whereas in 12 individuals (among 24) from the conservative flock (G99), red fibres were observed in this muscle from 2.75% up to 7.09%. White fibres in 8 week old chicks were always thicker, both in pectoralis superficialis and biceps femoris muscle in birds with higher body weight as well as higher weight of breast and legs muscles, i.e. in chicks from conservative flock (G99), P<0.01. However, in 20 week old birds, the diameters of the white fibres were similar in both groups. Also the diameters of the red fibres in musculus biceps femoris in 8 week old chickens were higher in cockerels and pullets from conservative flock (G99).

Morphometric study of the aortic and great pulmonary arterial pathways in human foetuses.

In prenatal and pediatric cardiovascular surgery knowledge of luminal diameters of the aortic and great pulmonary pathways is essential. The internal diameters of the aortic and great pulmonary pathways in 131 human foetuses (65 male, 66 female) were studied by means of anatomical, digital and statistical methods. During foetal development the absolute diameters revealed a linear increase. Correlation coefficients between these diameters and foetal age were statistically significant (P< or =0.05) for each age group and reached following values: r1 = 0.70 for the aortic bulb, r2 = 0.79 for the ascending aorta, r3 = 0.77 for the aortic isthmus, r4 = 0.79 for the descending aorta, r5 = 0.63 for the pulmonary trunk, r6 = 0.36 for the arterial duct, r7 = 0.46 for the right pulmonary artery and r8 = 0.49 for the left one. Diameters of the aorta and the pulmonary trunk indicated the relative increase in the values. A different tendency was observed for the internal diameters of the arterial duct and both pulmonary arteries, which were relatively decreased with increased foetal age. The largest diameter was observed in the arterial duct, the intermediate--in the right pulmonary artery and the smallest--in the left pulmonary artery. The cross-sectional area of the descending aorta was equal to the sums of the sectional areas of the aortic isthmus and the arterial duct (r9 = 0.97). The cross-sectional area of the pulmonary trunk was equal to the sums of the sectional areas of the both pulmonary arteries and the arterial duct (r10 = 0.91).

Structure traits of Longissimus lumborum muscle in wild boar/domestic pig hybrids.

The structure of musculus longissimus lumborum (m.l.l.) was evaluated with respect to proportion of three muscle fiber types and their diameters, in gilts and barrows of wild boar/domestic pig hybrids. The experiment was carried out on 29 hybrids (21 barrows and 8 gilts) which originated from crossing Duroc sows with wild boar (Sus scrofa ferus). The diameter of the "red" fibres in barrows was 48.42 microm, significantly greater than in gilts--43.71 microm. The diameters of the remaining two types of fibres in barrows and gilts were similar and amounted to: "intermediate" fibres--39.08 and 40.79 microm, "white" fibres--51.42 and 51.03, respectively. In respect to sex no statistical differences in proportion of any types of fibers were found, which in barrows came to: "red"--12.93%, "intermediate"--30.17% and "white"--57.32%, and in gilts to: 12.50, 27.04 and 60.45%, respectively. In conclusion, in m.l.l. of wild boar/domestic pig hybrids, smaller diameters of all muscle fibers types were identified as well as a higher proportion of intermediate fibers in comparison to m.l.l. of various pig breeds. An increased proportion of the intermediate fibers probably results from the interaction between factors such as age (8-months), physical activity (open-air for running) and the influence of wild boar genes.

Analysis of the laying rhythm and reproductive traits of geese.

The aim of the performed investigations was to analyse the laying rhythm and reproductive traits of Koluda white geese from the W11 reproduction strain and to determine the heritability of these traits as well as correlations between the laying rhythm traits and reproductive traits. The total number of geese participating in the experiment included 383 one-year old layers from the control flock (the first year of reproductive utilisation). The following traits characterizing the laying rhythm were assessed individually for each layer: the number of 2 and 3-egg clutches or more, length (in days) of 2- or more egg clutches as well as the length of intervals between the laid eggs during the entire laying period. The following reproductive traits were also assessed individually for each bird: age at sexual maturity, initial number of eggs (eggs laid during the period from January, 1st to April, 30th), number of eggs during the whole laying period, laying intensity (the total number of eggs x 100/length of the laying period in days) as well as the length of the reproductive period. It was found that Koluda white geese laid most of their eggs (on average 70.2%) singly and not in clutches. With regard to egg clutches, it was found that 2-egg clutches constituted 85.3% of eggs laid in clutches. Moderate or high variability of traits associated with the laying rhythm and reproduction were demonstrated. The observed moderate heritability of the laying rhythm traits indicate that they may be utilised in the selection programs for geese. On the other hand, the reported high, positive genetic correlation coefficients between the number of egg clutches and the initial and total egg number as well as laying intensity confirm the existence of interactions between these traits. This fact may be helpful in breeding programs for determining the optimal selection systems for geese.

Morphometric analysis of the gonadal veins in human foetuses.

Professional literature data demonstrates morphometric features of the gonadal veins in adults. The length of the gonadal veins and their outlet angles in 130 human foetuses (71 males, 59 females), between the 4th and 6th month of prenatal life, were studied by means of anatomical, digital and statistical methods. In all specimens the left gonadal veins entered the left renal artery, and the right gonadal veins terminated in the inferior vena cava. In all age ranges the left gonadal veins were longer than the right ones (P < or = 0.01), and the outlet angles of the left gonadal veins were larger than these angles on the right side (P < or = 0.01). The correlation coefficient between the length of the left and right testicular veins was r1 = 0.975 (P < or = 0.01). The correlation coefficients between the length of the testicular veins and foetal age were r2 = 0.591 for the right testicular vein and r3 = 0.578 for the left testicular vein (P < or = 0.01). A low correlation between the outlet angles of the testicular veins and foetal age was observed, for the right side r4 = 0.187, and for the left side r5 = 0.177 (P < or = 0.05). The correlation coefficient between the length of the left and right ovarian veins in foetuses aged 4-6 months was r6 = 0.855 (P < or = 0.01). The correlation coefficients between the length of the ovarian veins and foetal age were r7 = 0.578 for the right ovarian vein and r8 = 0.566 for the left ovarian vein (P < or = 0.01). No correlation between the outlet angles of the ovarian veins and foetal age was observed (P > 0.05).