Developmental changes in tibia and humerus of goose: morphometric, densitometric, and mechanical analysis.

The skeletal system of young animals undergoes a series of intensive and rapid changes. In this study, we aimed to verify the hypothesis that geese exhibit a distinct pattern of bone growth compared to gallinaceous species. Specifically, we hypothesised that geese would experience an accelerated growth rate in the humerus bone, which can be attributed to the increased wing mobility facilitated by their rearing in free-range systems. This need for access to both ground and water environments contributes to the unique demands placed on their skeletal development. We focused on evaluating the mechanical properties and geometry of the humerus as the forelimb bone, and the tibia as the hindlimb bone. The 320 geese used in this study were divided into 12 groups according to sex (females and males) and age (0-,1-,3-,6-,8-,12-,14-week-old). To assess bone mechanical properties, a three-point bending test was performed, along with densitometry and morphological measurements. The tibiae of the geese showed the most intensive growth until 6 weeks of age and then stabilised. The wing bones (humerus) showed only slight changes in the first weeks after hatching, and then a rapid growth between the third and sixth week, both in terms of mechanical and morphological properties. This is most likely due to a change in the geese's living environment during this period, i.e., allowing them to leave their enclosures and enter open space, which gives them the opportunity to use their wings, resulting in the rapid growth of the wing bones to support increasing muscle mass in this area. This study increases our understanding of bone growth and development in domesticated birds, specifically waterfowl species, and highlights the importance of rearing methods on the proper bone development and functionality of the entire skeletal system, and thus, on their welfare.

Estimated Radiation Dose to the Lens During Endourologic Procedures: The Role of Leaded Glasses and the ALARA Protocol-An ESU/ESUT-YAU Endourology Group Collaboration.

Purpose: On February 6, 2018, the European Atomic Energy Community reduced the annual equivalent dose limit for the lens from 150 to 20 mSv/year, because of its association with cataracts at low radiation doses. Our aim was to estimate the radiation doses received by the lens during endourologic procedures that require fluoroscopy. Materials and Methods: Multicenter study including prospective data of annual eye dosimeters between 2017 and 2020. Four endourologists used an eye dosimeter in endourologic procedures that require fluoroscopy (ureteroscopy, retrograde intrarenal surgery, and percutaneous nephrolithotomy). Surgeons 1 and 2 wore leaded glasses; surgeon 1 also used the as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) protocol. Descriptive statistical analysis using SPSS 25.0 was conducted. Results: Surgeons 1, 2, 3, and 4 performed a median of 159, 586, 102, and 129 endourologic procedures per year, respectively, for a total of 641, 2340, 413, and 350 procedures between 2017 and 2020. The median annual dose of lens radiation exposure was 0.16, 1.18, 3.79, and 1.42 mSv per year, respectively, which corresponds to 0.001, 0.009, 0.024, and 0.012 mSv per procedure. The two surgeons who used leaded glasses registered a lower radiation dose per procedure (0.001 vs 0.027). Similarly, the urologist who used the ALARA protocol registered the lowest lens radiation dose compared with the three surgeons who did not use it (0.001 vs 0.023). Conclusions: The endourologists who participated in this study effectively comply with current guidelines on radiation exposure to the lens. Registered eye lens radiation does not seem to be related to the number of procedures but rather to the use of leaded glasses and the ALARA protocol.

New Generation Pulse Modulation in Holmium:YAG Lasers: A Systematic Review of the Literature and Meta-Analysis.

(1) Background: New pulse modulation (PM) technologies in Holmium:YAG lasers are available for urinary stone treatment, but little is known about them. We aim to systematically evaluate the published evidence in terms of their lithotripsy performance. (2) Methods: A systematic electronic search was performed (MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane databases). We included all relevant publications, including randomized controlled trials, non-randomized comparative and non-comparative studies, and in-vitro studies investigating Holmium:YAG lithotripsy performance employing any new PM. (3) Results: Initial search yielded 203 studies; 24 studies were included after selection: 15 in-vitro, 9 in-vivo. 10 In-vitro compared Moses with regular PM, 1 compared Quanta's, 1 Dornier MedTech's, 2 Moses with super Thulium Fiber Laser, and 1 compared Moses with Quanta PMs. Six out of seven comparative studies found a statistically significant difference in favor of new-generation PM technologies in terms of operative time and five out of six in fragmentation time; two studies evaluated retropulsion, both in favor of new-generation PM. There were no statistically significant differences regarding stone-free rate, lasing and operative time, and complications between Moses and regular PM when data were meta-analyzed. (4) Conclusions: Moses PM seems to have better lithotripsy performance than regular modes in in-vitro studies, but there are still some doubts about its in-vivo results. Little is known about the other PMs. Although some results favor Quanta PMs, further studies are needed.

Stage of goose embryo development at oviposition depending on genotype, flock age, and period of laying.

Embryo development and chick quality are influenced by parental genotype, age, nutrition, environment, and flock management. The aim of study was to determine if genotype, age of goose or eggs laid near the onset of egg production vs. eggs laid near the end of reproduction influence the stage of embryo at oviposition. Three experiments were undertaken. To compare genotypes (Experiment 1) 150 eggs were collected from 3-year-old commercial line White Koluda (WK) geese and from two breeds involved in a genetic resources conservation program, Zatorska (Za) and Bilgoraj (Bi). Age comparison (Experiment 2) was conducted with 200 eggs collected from 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-year-old WK geese. To compare laying periods (Experiment 3), 150 WK eggs were collected at the first week of March and 100 at the second half of June. Eggs were stored for 72 h at 16°C, staged using Eyal-Giladi and Kochav (EGK, Roman numerals) and Hamburger and Hamilton (HH, Arabic numerals) procedures. Experiment 1: Individual breed differences were evident with Stage X EGK embryos comprising 42.4, 33.3, and 38.7% in the eggs examined from the WK, Bi, and Za, respectively. For all breeds combined, 38.8% of the embryos were in Stage X, but in the next order in WK there was stage XI (18.2%), while in geese from the genetic reserve it was stage XIII (Bi - 33.3; Za - 29.0%). Experiment 2: In eggs of 1-, 2-, and 3-year-old WK geese, the majority of embryos (38.7, 32.4 and 42.2%, respectively) were in Stage X. In contrast, in 4-year-old geese the embryos were in Stage XI (36.1%). Experiment 3: In eggs collected in March and in June most of embryos were in Stage X (33.7% and 43.6%, respectively). In addition, more developmentally advanced stages (XI-XIII) were similar in both periods. However, embryos in Stage 2 HH were only observed in eggs collected at the end of laying season. Interestingly, earlier stages (VI-IX) were observed exclusively in the eggs collected in March.

Genetic evaluation of laying performance in the Zatorska goose: contribution to the conservation programme.

1. The aim of the study was to estimate the heritability of the laying performance in the cumulative and partial production of eggs and predict the breeding values of native Zatorska geese in a conservation programme using Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP) methodology. Second, the trajectory of the egg production curve was examined. 2. The data contain information about the laying performance of 1831 individuals in the first year of laying. To describe the trajectory of the laying performance, 10 mathematical models were tested. For the genetic parameter estimation of egg production, data from 1038 birds were used with a production higher than 20 eggs during the first season of laying. 3. The analysis of egg production was based on single and multi-trait models. Heritability, genetic and phenotypic correlations between phases of the laying performance as well as breeding values were estimated. 4. The best adaptation to the goose egg laying curve was the Ali and Schaeffer model. The estimates of heritability were 0.20 (0.06 SE) using the single-trait model and ranged from 0.12 to 0.24 using the multi-trait model. 5. The results suggest that the BLUP method can support the conservation programme.

The use of megavoltage radiation therapy in the treatment of thymomas in rabbits: 19 cases.

An overall median survival time (MST) and prognostic factors in rabbits with thymomas treated with megavoltage radiation therapy (RT) were determined in this multi-institutional retrospective case analysis. Medical records for 19 rabbits with suspected or confirmed thymomas treated with RT were evaluated for data including signalment, haematological and serum biochemistry abnormalities, presence of pleural effusion, radiation plan, body weight, total radiation dose and institution administering RT. Statistical significance of these factors related to overall survival was assessed. An overall MST for all 19 rabbits was 313 days; exclusion of 3 rabbits that died acutely during the first 14 days of RT yielded a MST of 727 days. The only factor associated with a significantly decreased survival time was having a body weight lower than mean body weight of 1.57 kg. Radiation treatment-associated complications were infrequent and included radiation-induced myocardial failure, radiation pneumonitis and alopecia.

Imiquimod 5% cream for the treatment of superficial and nodular basal cell carcinoma: randomized studies comparing low-frequency dosing with and without occlusion.

BACKGROUND: Imiquimod 5% cream has been investigated for non-surgical treatment of superficial and nodular basal cell carcinoma (BCC) tumours. OBJECTIVES: Two studies were conducted to examine the effect of occlusion at low dosing frequencies on the safety and efficacy of topical imiquimod 5% cream for the treatment of superficial and nodular BCC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Both open-label studies were conducted in Europe. Patients diagnosed with BCC were enrolled into either the superficial (93 patients) or nodular (90 patients) study, depending on the histological confirmation of the patient's tumour subtype. Patients were randomized to one of four groups to apply imiquimod 5% cream 2 or 3 days per week either with or without occlusion. Six weeks following a 6-week treatment period, the entire target tumour area was excised and histologically examined for evidence of residual tumour. RESULTS: In both studies, the highest histologically complete response rate was seen in the 3 days per week with occlusion groups, with complete response rates of 87% and 65% for the superficial and nodular studies, respectively. Occlusion did not have a statistically significant effect on response rate at either dosing frequency. Response rates for superficial and nodular BCC tumours treated 3 days per week without occlusion were 76% and 50%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In the superficial study, the complete response rate of 87% in the 3 days per week with occlusion group was similar to that of daily and 5 days per week dosing without occlusion in a previous 12-week study and one study of daily dosing without occlusion for 6 weeks. All treatment groups had acceptable safety profiles in both studies. Occlusion did not have a statistically significant effect on efficacy for either superficial or nodular BCC tumours.

Three-dimensional co-culture of primary human liver cells in bioreactors for in vitro drug studies: effects of the initial cell quality on the long-term maintenance of hepatocyte-specific functions.

In vitro culture models that employ human liver cells could be potent tools for predictive studies on drug toxicity and metabolism in the pharmaceutical industry. A bioreactor culture model was developed that permits the three-dimensional co-culture of liver cells under continuous medium perfusion with decentralised mass exchange and integral oxygenation. We tested the ability of the system to support the long-term maintenance and differentiation of primary human liver cells. The effects of the initial cell quality were investigated by comparing cultures from resected, non-preserved liver with cultures from liver graft tissue damaged by long-term preservation. In cultures originating from non-preserved liver, protein and urea synthesis, glucose metabolism, and cytochrome (CYP450) activities were stable over the 2-week culture period, with maximal activities at the end of the first week in culture. Enzyme induction led to increased 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase activities of up to 20 times the basal value. In cultures from preservation-damaged liver, recovery of metabolic activities was detected during bioreactor culture. After two weeks, most biochemical parameters approached those of cultures from non-preserved human liver. Light microscopy demonstrated the three-dimensional reorganisation of hepatocytes and non-parenchymal cells in co-culture. Long-term maintenance, and even the regeneration of specific functional activities of human liver cells, can be achieved in the bioreactor. This could facilitate the introduction into the pharmaceutical industry of in vitro drug testing with primary human liver cells.

Nerve fibers innervating the cranial and spinal meninges: morphology of nerve fiber terminals and their structural integration.

Pachymeninx and leptomeninx of cranial cavity and spine are considerably different in their collagenous fiber texture, cellular composition, vascularization, and innervation. The majority of meningeal nerve fibers terminate as free nerve endings whereas encapsulated and lamellated nerve terminals additionally occur in higher vertebrates including man. With respect to nerve fiber classification, arborization pattern, topography, and organization of the microenvironment at the termination site afferent and efferent nerve terminals are differentiated. Only the dura mater and the pial subcompartment of the leptomeninx possess the morphological prerequisites for neurogenic inflammation. In the current review, the results of morphological studies regarding the meningeal innervation including the sites of CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) production and absorption are discussed with emphasis on their structure-function relationships.

Effects of a coping-orientated group therapy for schizophrenia and schizoaffective patients: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: This controlled pilot study was designed, first, to examine the efficacy of two different group therapy formats for schizophrenia and schizoaffective patients: a patient-centred, psychoeducative and coping-orientated group therapy approach and a supportive therapy group. Secondly, it intended to establish preliminary hypotheses on the therapeutically relevant factors. METHOD: In a sample of 32 patients suffering from schizophrenia or a schizoaffective disorder the effect sizes of the coping-orientated therapy approach and a supportive group therapy on several outcome variables were examined and the predictive power of different effect variables on outcome was analysed. RESULTS: The effect sizes show improvements in the cognizance of the disorder and the related pharmacotherapy, the psychopathology and the social functioning for both therapy conditions. Moreover, outcome as measured after 1 year was best predicted by the patient's mastery of active, problem-focused coping strategies. CONCLUSION: The results corroborate the appropriateness of focusing on aspects of coping-behaviour in psychological interventions.

Subnuclear organization of the rat habenular complexes.

The habenular complexes represent phylogenetically constant structures in the diencephalon of all vertebrates. Available evidence suggests that this area is engaged in a variety of important biological functions, such as reproductive behaviors, central pain processing, nutrition, sleep-wake cycles, stress responses, and learning. Based on Nissl-stained sections, one medial nucleus and two lateral nuclei (divisions) have been widely accepted in the rat. Cytochemical, hodologic, and functional studies suggest a considerably more complex subnuclear structure. To improve our knowledge of the precise structural composition of the habenular complexes, we have systematically investigated their fine ultrastructure in the rat. Based on the detailed analysis of complete series of large, semithin sections supplemented with electron photomicrographs of selected fields, clear criteria for the delineation of five distinct subnuclei of the medial and ten subnuclei of the lateral habenular complexes were elaborated for the first time. All 15 subnuclei were reconstructed, and their dimensions were determined. A medial and lateral stria medullaris were described. Different roots of the fasciculus retroflexus were differentiated within the medial and lateral habenular complexes. The topographical relationships with respect to the adjacent habenular areas as well as to the neighboring thalamic nuclei were identified and demonstrated. The new understanding of the subnuclear organization of the habenular complexes certainly will facilitate further functional investigations. Whether the newly identified subnuclei finally will be recognized as functionally distinct awaits ongoing immunocytochemical, hodologic, and functional studies.

[Coping-oriented group therapy for patients with schizophrenic or schizoaffective disorders. An exploratory study]. / Bewältigungsorientierte Gruppentherapie für Patienten mit schizophrenen oder schizoaffektiven Störungen. Eine explorative Studie.

The controlled study presented here was designed to examine the influence of the degree of structure of a coping-orientated therapy, the changes between the beginning and the end of therapy concerning satisfaction with therapy, psychopathology, attitude towards medication, coping behaviour and social variables, the effects on the days of hospitalisation within one year after the end of treatment and the relevant variables to predict the outcome twelve months later. It could be shown that patients in a relatively unstructured supportive group therapy wished to discuss topics that are very similar to those of coping-orientated therapy, that coping-orientated therapy results especially in an increase in knowledge about illness and treatment and that the therapeutic outcome after a one-year period can best be predicted by the degree of active coping strategies, social adaptation, trust in medication and cognitive variables.

Topography and immunocytochemical characterization of nerve fibers in the leptomeningeal compartments of the rat. A light- and electron-microscopical study.

The localization of peptidergic, catecholaminergic, and nitroxidergic nerve fibers in the ventral leptomeningeal connective tissue compartment was studied in whole-mount preparations and serial semithin and ultrathin sections. For immunocytochemistry, whole-mount preparations of the leptomeninges and ventral brain slices with the meninges were incubated as free-floating specimens with primary antibodies against protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5), substance P (SP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DbetaH), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), neuropeptide Y (NPY), and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) using the avidin-biotin-peroxidase method. Based on the regional differences of the connective tissue organization, the leptomeninx is subdivided into the pial, trabecular, and adventitial leptomeninx. The antibody PGP 9.5 stains all unmyelinated nerve fibers in the leptomeninx. Although the highest density of nerve fibers occurs in the adventitial leptomeninx, nerve fibers, and terminals are additionally present in the trabecular and pial leptomeninx. DbetaH-, NPY-, VIP- and NOS-immunoreactive (IR) nerve fibers occur exclusively in the adventitial leptomeninx forming neuromuscular junctions. CGRP- and SP-IR nerve fibers are localized in all three leptomeningeal compartments where they terminate close to the subarachnoid space (type 1) or within the connective tissue (type 2). Due to their morphological and immunocytochemical characterization a possible chemo-, mechano- or nociceptive function is discussed in the context of pathophysiological aspects.

Topography and fine structure of proprioceptors in the hagfish, Myxine glutinosa.

Topography and ultrastructural organization of proprioceptors in the striated parietal muscle of the hagfish, Myxine glutinosa, are described. Due to the topographical location of the afferent nerve terminals four subtypes of proprioceptors are distinguished. Type 1-receptor and type 2-receptor are localized in an encapsulated and lamellated corpuscular organ located along and above the myosepta of the parietal muscle. Type 3-receptor is composed of a complex of free en plaque nerve endings within the dense collagen fibre texture at the site where myoseptum, muscle fascia and body fascia fuse to a raphe. Type 4-receptor resembles type 3 but it is localized in the straight collagen fibre bundles of the myoseptum and the body fascia. A proprioceptive function of the nerve terminals is discussed.

Lamellated receptors in the skin of the hagfish, Myxine glutinosa.

The adult hagfish, Myxine glutinosa, does not exhibit a lateral line system. The hypodermal layer of the dorsal head and body skin contains a prominent receptor system--lamellated corpuscles--arranged in a segmental pattern close to the body fascia. The topography and the structural organization of the lamellated receptors are described at the light- and electronmicroscopical levels. Spinal nerves supply the lamellated receptor organs. A mechanoreceptive function and evolutionary aspects are discussed.

[Empirical study of a physically oriented therapy with schizophrenic patients]. / Empirische Untersuchung einer leiborientierten Therapie mit schizophrenen Patienten.

Ten predominantly chronic schizophrenics were given body therapy, including massage to the feet, back and neck. The aim of the therapy was to increase patients' awareness of their own bodily limits. This objective is based on the view that schizophrenia is a problem of delimitation, that psychic problems have their physical embodiment, and that problems of delimitation can therefore be tackled at the physical level by enhancing the patients' ability to experience their own bodily limits. The relaxing effect of the therapy is indicated in physiological measurements of skin conductance and heart rate, plus patients' self-perceptions. The close physical presence of the therapist did not trigger any anxiety conditions. The study shows that this body-oriented therapy is worthy of consideration as a method for giving schizophrenic patients a greater awareness of their own bodily limits.

[Concepts of anthroposophic psychiatry and their contribution to understanding schizophrenia]. / Konzepte der anthroposophischen Psychiatrie und deren Beitrag zum Verständnis der Schizophrenie.

A concept of central importance in alternative forms of psychiatry, namely the concept of the etheric body, is elaborated in reference to disturbed body sensations of schizophrenic patients. In the non-orthodox approach the etheric body, i.e. a spatial organisation of forces active in the organism that is perceived only under specific circumstances, is a mediating medium between body and soul. The concept of the etheric body proves to be associated with both, the still unsolved body-mind-problem and the problem of conceptualising psychic energy. Schizophrenia is interpreted as a disorder in which the connections between body, etheric body and mind have come loose.