Pelvic Organ Prolapse Reconstruction with the Chitosan-Based Novel Haemostatic Agent in Ovine Model-Preliminary Report.

This prospective study aimed to assess the feasibility of chitosan biomaterial and subcutaneous gel implantation in an ovine model, with implications for women with genital prolapse. Twenty-four ewes were divided into four groups (n = 6 per group): chitosan type B, chitosan type C, chitosan unmodified injections, and polypropylene mesh. Ovine models were chosen due to their morphological resemblance to human reproductive organs. Animals were sacrificed after 90 days for macroscopic, pathomorphological, and immunohistochemical analysis. In the chitosan type B group, IL-6 and IL-10 levels decreased after 28 days, while chitosan type C and injection groups exhibited higher IL-6 than IL-10 levels. The polypropylene group displayed the highest IL-6 and lowest IL-10 levels. Histological examination of the polypropylene group revealed no degenerative changes or inflammation, whereas chitosan injection induced local inflammation. Other groups exhibited no degenerative changes. Ewes implanted with chitosan displayed reduced inflammation compared to polypropylene-implanted ewes. Chitosan implantation facilitated vaginal tissue healing, in contrast to polypropylene mesh, which led to extrusion. While chitosan holds promise as an alternative to polypropylene mesh, further research is imperative for comprehensive evaluation. This study suggests the potential of a chitosan biomaterial in pelvic organ prolapse treatment, warranting additional investigation.

Cellular Distribution of Aquaporin 3, 7 and 9 in the Male Reproductive System: A Lesson from Bovine Study (Bos taurus).

The increasing incidence of male infertility in humans and animals creates the need to search for new factors that significantly affect the course of reproductive processes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the temporospatial expression of aquaglyceroporins (AQP3, AQP7 and AQP9) in the bovine (Bos taurus) reproductive system using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. The study also included morphological analysis and identification of GATA-4. In brief, in immature individuals, AQP3 and AQP7 were found in gonocytes. In reproductive bulls, AQP3 was observed in spermatocytes and spermatogonia, while AQP7 was visible in all germ cells and the Sertoli cells. AQP7 and AQP9 were detected in the Leydig cells. Along the entire epididymis of reproductive bulls, aquaglyceroporins were visible, among others, in basal cells (AQP3 and AQP7), in epididymal sperm (AQP7) and in the stereocilia of the principal cells (AQP9). In males of all ages, aquaglyceroporins were identified in the principal and basal cells of the vas deferens. An increase in the expression of AQP3 in the testis and cauda epididymis and a decrease in the abundance of AQP7 in the vas deferens with age were found. In conclusion, age-related changes in the expression and/or distribution patterns of AQP3, AQP7 and AQP9 indicate the involvement of these proteins in the normal development and course of male reproductive processes in cattle.

Laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery and laparoscopic nephrectomy for Wilms' tumor.

Introduction: The place of laparoscopy in the resection of Wilms' tumors has remained debatable, but evidence that neoadjuvant chemotherapy causes tumor shrinkage has made laparoscopic nephrectomy (LN) a feasible option. Laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) is technically very demanding and seems to be feasible and effective only when performed by a very experienced surgeon. Aim: We report 7 cases of laparoscopic nephrectomy and 1 case of laparoscopic heminephrectomy for Wilms' tumor. Material and methods: Forty-two consecutive children with primary renal tumor underwent nephrectomy between 2013 and 2020; 11 had an LN. Among them there were 8 children with Wilms' tumor, with age between 13 months and 7 years. All patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy according to the current SIOP protocol. The mean tumor volume before and after chemotherapy was 174.4 ml (range: 14.7-501) and 32.8 ml (range: 4.3-68) respectively. Results: Seven laparoscopic nephrectomies and one heminephrectomy were performed. No patient had an intraoperative tumor rupture. All children had an attempt of lymph node sampling (their number per pathology assessment was in the range 0-5). There were no intraoperative events. One complication after heminephrectomy occurred, which was urine leak. Five patients had stage I tumor and 3 had stage II. Seven patients had an intermediate-risk and one had a high-risk tumor. There were no local or distant relapses. All patients remained disease-free at a median follow-up of 71 months (range: 16-94). Conclusions: This report demonstrates the feasibility of LN in children with Wilms' tumors. The patients should be carefully selected and specific training in laparoscopy is necessary, particularly with regard to laparoscopic heminephrectomy.

Kidney morphology and renal expression of aquaporins 2, 3 and 4 during cerulein - Induced chronic pancreatitis in pigs.

PURPOSE: Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is associated with serious complications and reduced quality of life. Kidney failure is a frequent complication of acute pancreatitis (AP), however limited information is available regarding the impact of CP on this condition. In the kidney, 9 aquaporins (AQPs) are expressed to maintain body water homeostasis and concentrate urine. The purpose of this study was to morphologically assess and analyze the location and expression of AQP2, AQP3 and AQP4 and determine whether CP affects renal structure and expression of AQPs in collecting duct (CD) principal cells. MATERIALS/METHODS: CP was induced in domestic pigs through intramuscular injections of cerulein (1 â€‹µg/kg â€‹bw/day for 6 days; n â€‹= â€‹5); pigs without CP (n â€‹= â€‹5) were used as a control group. Kidney samples were collected 6 weeks after the last injection and subjected to histological examination. Expression of AQPs was determined by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. RESULTS: The kidneys of animals with CP exhibited moderate changes, including glomerular enlargement, increased collagen percentage, numerous stromal erythrorrhages and inflammatory infiltrations compared to control group. Although the total abundance of AQP2 in the CD decreased in pigs after cerulein administration, the difference was not statistically significant. Expression of AQP3 and AQP4 was limited to the basolateral membrane of the CD cells. AQP4 abundance remained relatively stable in both groups, while AQP3 expression increased nearly three-fold in pigs with CP. CONCLUSION: This study identified morphological alterations and a statistically significant increase in the expression of renal AQP3 when pigs developed CP.

Repetitive Cerulein-Induced Chronic Pancreatitis in Growing Pigs-A Pilot Study.

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is an irreversible and progressive inflammatory disease. Knowledge on the development and progression of CP is limited. The goal of the study was to define the serum profile of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the cell antioxidant defense system (superoxidase dismutase-SOD, and reduced glutathione-GSH) over time in a cerulein-induced CP model and explore the impact of these changes on selected cytokines in the intestinal mucosa and pancreatic tissue, as well as on selected serum biochemical parameters. The mRNA expression of CLDN1 and CDH1 genes, and levels of Claudin-1 and E-cadherin, proteins of gut barrier, in the intestinal mucosa were determined via western blot analysis. The study showed moderate pathomorphological changes in the pigs' pancreas 43 days after the last cerulein injection. Blood serum levels of interleukin (IL)-1-beta, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), C-reactive protein (CRP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP), SOD and GSH were increased following cerulein injections. IL-1-beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha and GSH were also increased in jejunal mucosa and pancreatic tissue. In duodenum, decreased mRNA expression of CDH1 and level of E-cadherin and increased D-lactate, an indicator of leaky gut, indicating an inflammatory state, were observed. Based on the current results, we can conclude that repetitive cerulein injections in growing pigs not only led to CP over time, but also induced inflammation in the intestine. As a result of the inflammation, the intestinal barrier was impaired.

Morphokinetic changes and apoptotic cell death in vitrified and non-vitrified in vitro-produced ovine embryos.

This article addresses morphokinetic changes and the extent of apoptosis in vitrified and non-vitrified in vitro-derived ovine blastocysts. Cumulus-oocyte complexes were collected after ovarian scarification obtain after slaughter and in vitro maturation was performed in TCM 199 medium supplemented with Earle's Salt, 10 % of FBS, and 5 µg/mL of LH/FSH at 38 °C for 24 h. After maturation, the oocytes were co-incubated with thawed ram semen (IVF) for 19 h.Embryo development was monitored with the aid of the Primo Vision Time-Lapse (TL) system. Twenty-five out of thirty-one ovine blastocysts that were vitrified using the Cryotop system at the early blastulation stage of development subsequently re-expanded. Both the vitrified (n = 25) and non-vitrified (control group: n = 28) blastocysts were examined for detection of apoptosis (TUNEL assay) and total blastomere counts at the time they attained the expanded blastocyst stage. Blastocyst formation occurred earlier in non-vitrified than in vitrified ovine embryos (147:49 ± 20:23 compared with 156:46 ± 19:24; hours:minutes post-insemination; mean ± SD; P < 0.05). The average number of blastocyst collapses was greater (2.45 ± 1.64 compared with 1.45 ± 1.64), but the number of weak contractions was less for vitrified than non-vitrified ovine blastocysts (P < 0.05). The mean number of blastomeres was greater (131.8 ± 38.6 compared with 91.5 ± 18.3; P < 0.05) while the number of TUNEL-positive cells (4.4 ± 1.6 compared with 6.3 ± 2.3) and apoptotic index (3.4 ± 1.2 % compared with 6.9 ± 2.6 %) were less (P < 0.05) in non-vitrified compared with vitrified blastocysts. Vitrification of ovine embryos was associated with a delayed blastocyst formation, greater numbers of apoptotic cells, significant reduction in the number of blastomeres, and higher/lower incidence of blastocyst collapse/weak contractions.

Surgical management in hepatoblastoma: points to take.

Hepatoblastoma is the most common primary malignant paediatric liver tumour and surgery remains the cornerstone of its management. The aim of this article is to present the principles of surgical treatment of hepatoblastoma. All aspects of surgery in hepatoblastoma are discussed, from biopsy, through conventional and laparoscopic liver resections, to extreme resection with adjacent structures, staged hepatectomy and transplantation.

Parenchyma Sparing Anatomic Liver Resections (Bi- and Uni-Segmentectomies) for Liver Tumours in Children-A Single-Centre Experience.

Purpose: To present a single-centre experience in bi- and uni-segmentectomies for primary liver tumours in children. METHODS: This study included 23 patients that underwent (bi)segmentectomy. There were 15 malignant tumours (hepatoblastoma-13 patients), 7 benign tumours, and 1 calcifying nested stromal epithelial tumour. RESULTS: The median tumour diameter was 52 mm (range 15-170 mm). Bisegmentectomy 2-3 was most frequently performed (seven patients), followed by bisegmentectomy 5-6 (four patients). The median operative time was 225 min (range 95-643 min). Intraoperative complications occurred in two patients-small bowel perforation in one and an injury of the small peripheral bile duct resulting in biloma in the other. The median resection margin in patients with hepatoblastoma was 3 mm (range 1-15 mm). Microscopically negative margin status was achieved in 12 out of 13 patients. There were two recurrences. After a median follow-up time of 38 months (range 12-144 months), all 13 patients with HB were alive with no evidence of disease. Two relapsed patients were alive with no evidence of disease. CONCLUSIONS: From the available literature and data presented here, we propose that (bi)segmentectomy can become a viable surgical option in carefully selected paediatric patients and is sufficient to achieve a cure. Further studies evaluating the impact of parenchymal preservation surgery on surgical and oncological outcome should be conducted with a larger dataset.

Morphokinetic changes in vitrified and non-vitrified in vitro-derived ovine embryos.

The present experiment employed time-lapse (TL) imaging to assess the effects of vitrification on the development of ovine blastocysts and to see if the timing of blastocyst formation and expansion was correlated with the numbers of embryo- and trophoblasts determined through differential staining of the expanded blastocysts. Ovaries were obtained after slaughter from cycling (October-March) Polish Longwool ewes aged 1-3 years and cumulus-oocyte complexes were collected by ovarian scarification. In vitro maturation was performed in TCM 199 medium supplemented with Earle's Salt, 10% of FBS, and 5 µg/mL of LH/FSH at 38 °C for 24 h. After maturation, the oocytes were incubated with thawed ram semen (IVF) for 19 h and all presumptive zygotes were transferred to a 16-well dish containing Cult medium for monitoring with the Primo Vision TL system. A portion of ovine embryos were vitrified (Cryotop system) at the early cavitation stage and TL observations of warmed (n = 30) and non-vitrified (n = 32) blastocysts continued until the attainment of the expanded blastocyst stage, at which point they were differentially stained with bisbenzimide and propidium iodide for microscopic enumeration of embryoblasts (inner cell mass blastomeres) and trophoblast-cells. There were no statistically significant differences in the timing of blastulation (tB) and formation of expanded blastocysts (tEB) between vitrified and non-vitrified ovine embryos, but non-vitrified blastocysts exceeded (P < 0.05) their vitrified and warmed counterparts in the mean number of embryo- and trophoblasts. In addition, the number of trophoblasts was negatively and moderately correlated with tB and tEB, for both vitrified and non-vitrified embryos. It can be concluded that even though vitrification of ovine embryos is associated with a significant reduction in the number of blastomeres, the rate of blastocyst development remains closely linked to the numbers of trophoblastic cells.

Relationships of morphological and phototextural attributes of presumptive ovine zygotes and early embryos to their developmental competence in vitro: a preliminary assessment using time-lapse imaging.

The assessment of morphology and digital image opacity may provide valuable information on the present embryo quality. Time-lapse imaging has been employed in research to establish a means of monitoring the dynamic nature of preimplantation embryo development. The aim of present study was to use time-lapse imaging for assessing various prospective morphometric and phototextural markers of the developmental potential of in vitro-derived ovine embryos. Oocytes were obtained by scarification of ovaries from nine Polish Longwool ewes. After in vitro maturation (IVM) and fertilization (IVF) of oocytes with fresh ram semen, the development of embryos to the blastocyst stage was monitored and evaluated using Primo Vision time-lapse imaging technology. Commercially available Image-Pro® Plus software was used to measure zona pellucida thickness, embryo diameter, total area of the perivitelline space, cellular grey-scale pixel intensity and cellular pixel heterogeneity. Statistical assessment of all attributes was done at various time points during embryo development (i.e., presumptive zygote stage: t(0); first cleavage detected at t(2) or t(3); and second cleavage detected at t(4) or t(6)). Out of thirty-seven zygotes analyzed in this study, five did not divide, 26 arrested before and six developed to the blastocyst stage. Our present results indicate that most parameters analyzed did not differ among embryos varying in their developmental fate except for the perivitelline space area that was greater (P<0.05) for non-dividing zygotes than future blastocysts at the presumptive zygote stage (4040±1850 vs. 857±262 µm2, respectively; means±SEM). Consequently, the measurement of perivitelline space at t(0) can potentially be used to prognosticate developmental potential of in vitro-produced ovine embryos albeit further confirmational studies are needed.

Case Report: Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy Application in Intraperitoneally Disseminated Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor and in the Youngest Patient in the World: New Indication and Modification of Technique.

Introduction: Peritoneal metastases occur in cancers that spread to the peritoneal cavity and indicate the advanced stage of the disease. In children they are mainly seen in sarcomas, Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors and primary disseminated ovarian tumors. Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor (IMT) is a very rare lesion, characterized by an unpredictable clinical course. The absorption of chemotherapeutic agents through the peritoneal-plasma barrier (PPB) is minimized, thus HIPEC procedure limits the systemic exposure to chemotherapy and permits the administration of its higher doses. The main purpose of HIPEC is to remove the visible macroscopic disease in order to achieve complete cytoreduction (CRS). HIPEC Procedure in Children: Several papers deal with the CRS and HIPEC in children and adolescents, however pediatric experience is still limited. Thus far, the HIPEC procedure has been carried out on patients over 2 years old. The most common indication for the surgery and the best outcome was experienced by patients with desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT). Most patients received intraperitoneal cisplatin. HIPEC Modification: A 5-month-old infant was admitted to the Department of Pediatric Oncology due to the abdominal distention and blood in the stool. The Computed Tomography (CT) revealed a solid-cystic mass in the right abdominal area. The primary tumor and numerous peritoneal metastasis were removed and the Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor (IMT) was diagnosed. The patient underwent subsequently CRS and modified HIPEC procedure. To avoid overheating of the infant, the intraperitoneal normothermic chemoperfusion was performed. Due to the low body weight a modified dosage of intraperitoneal doxorubicin was used. The child underwent standard postoperative chemotherapy and received crizotinib therapy. At 12 months follow-up since treatment completion the patient remains in complete remission. To our knowledge this is the youngest patient, the only infant and the first pediatric patient with IMT who underwent the modified HIPEC procedure in the world. Conclusions: CRS and HIPEC is technically possible also in infants. For its safe course patients selection and technique modification are necessary. Use of HIPEC should be also considered in intraperitoneally disseminated IMT. A complete cytoreductive surgery as the first HIPEC step seems to be the key factor in survival.

Correlations among Ultrasonographic, Physicochemical and Sensory Characteristics of Pectoralis Major Muscles in Turkeys Reared in a Sustainable Farming System.

This study set out to examine associations among echotextural, physicochemical and sensory attributes of the pectoralis major muscles in 17-week-old organic turkeys (B.U.T. Big-6) varying in the amount of wheat and oat grain in daily feed rations (Group C: complete feed only; Group Exp1: 5-30% of wheat and 0-20% of oat; and Group Exp2: 5-50% of wheat and 0-50% of oat; n = 15 turkeys/group). Digital ultrasonograms of the left pectoral muscle in four different planes (longitudinal-L, transverse-T, and two oblique planes-O1 and O2) were obtained with a 5.0-MHz linear-array transducer just before slaughter. Mean numerical pixel intensity (MPI) and pixel heterogeneity (MPH) of the muscle parenchyma were computed using the ImageProPlus® analytical software. Ten significant correlations between echotextural attributes and various meat characteristics were recorded in Group C, one in Group Exp1, and eight in Group Exp2. When data were pooled for all birds studied, there were twelve significant correlations (p < 0.05); all but one correlation (between MPH and moisture) were for physical and sensory characteristics of meat samples. Computer-assisted analysis is a potential method to determine moisture as well as physical (e.g., coloration) and sensory (e.g., aroma) characteristics of pectoralis major muscles in organic turkeys.

Laparoscopic resection of liver tumors in children.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopy for the resection of liver tumors in children has remained undeveloped in comparison to adults. Most of the indications for pediatric laparoscopic hepatic surgery have been limited to diagnostic laparoscopy (biopsy). Over the past ten years, however, laparoscopic liver resections for pediatric hepatic diseases have been performed successfully, and many case reports have been published. METHODS: The authors report 6 cases of laparoscopic hepatic resection of benign tumors in children. The most important aspects of surgical technique are presented. There were 3 boys and 3 girls, with age between 4 months and 16 years. The lesions were located in the following segments: II and III (4 patients), I (1), V (1). The maximum tumor size was 7 cm. RESULTS: One anatomical (left bisegmentectomy) and 5 nonanatomical resections were performed. Conversion to laparotomy was necessary in 1 patient owing to bleeding from the posterior branch of the right hepatic artery. There were no postoperative complications and patients were discharged on postoperative day 4, 5, 5, 5, 7 and 3 accordingly. The postoperative pathology of the specimens confirmed their benign nature: infantile hemangioendothelioma (1), nested stromal epithelial tumor (1), focal nodular hyperplasia (3), mixed benign tumor (hamartoma + vascular malformation) (1). CONCLUSIONS: This report demonstrates the feasibility of a laparoscopic hepatic resection in children. On the other hand, laparoscopic liver resection is challenging and teamwork and specific training are necessary.

Timing of cleavage divisions determined with time-lapse imaging is linked to blastocyst formation rates and quality of in vitro-produced ovine embryos.

Time-lapse (TL) imaging provides a practical and safe tool to constantly monitor the development of in vitro-derived embryos. TL may help develop novel methods of predicting the timing of embryo cleavage that will lead to optimizing blastocyst cryopreservation or transfer. The primary objective of the present study was to employ TL imaging to examine associations among the division kinetics of ovine embryos, their quality and rates of development to the blastocyst stage. Oocytes were collected by ovary scarification from 78 Longwool ewes slaughtered in the breeding season (November-March). Cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured for 24 h in TCM 199 media containing 0.1 IU/mL LH/FSH and 10% FBS. In-vitro fertilization was carried out by co-incubation of semen and COCs for 19 h. Presumptive zygotes were placed in microwells, in droplets of Cult medium (Gynemed, Lensahn, Germany). Digital images of developing embryos were captured every 10 min by Primo Vision TL system (EVO+; Vitrolife, Göteburg, Sweden). The following time intervals were recorded: from IVF to the attainment of two-cell (t2), three-cells (t3) or four-cell (t4) stage, to morula detection (tM), blastulation (tSB) and blastocyst formation (tB). Lastly, the duration of the second cell cycle (cc2; t3-t2) and complete synchronous cell division (s2; t4-t3) were calculated, and the incidence of developmental anomalies noted. Out of 147 embryos selected for TL observations, 55 (37.4%) developed to the blastocyst stage (normally developing embryos, NE) and 92 (62.6%) failed to reach the blastocyst stage (arrested embryos, AE; P < 0.05). Mean t2, tM, s2 and cc2 were all less (P ≤ 0.02) in NE compared with AE. Approximately 61.9% of embryos exhibited developmental anomalies (35.5% in the NE group and 78.2% in the AE group; P < 0.05) and AE exceeded (P < 0.05) NE in the proportion of FRG (blastomeric fragmentation), IRR (blastomeres of irregular size after cleavage), DC (direct cleavage) and MA (multi-morphological aberrations). Of all NE, 63.6% were classified as good quality and 36.4% as poor quality blastocysts (P < 0.05). Good quality ovine blastocysts attained t2, t3, t4, tSB and tB stages earlier (P ≤ 0.03) than poor quality blastocysts and none of the poor quality blastocysts was seen to hatch. To recapitulate, the present results indicate that the kinetics of early ovine embryo development are significant predictors of their potential to develop to the blastocyst stage and the markers of blastocyst quality. Time-lapse imaging may serve as a useful technique for predicting the outcome and enhancing efficacy of in vitro embryo production in sheep.

Associations between Mammary Gland Echotexture and Milk Composition in Cows.

Thirty clinically healthy Holstein-Friesian cows underwent twice daily machine milking and ultrasonographic examinations of the udder just prior to and after milking. Digital ultrasonographic images of each udder quarter were subjected to computer-assisted echotextural analyses to obtain mean numerical pixel values (NPVs) and pixel heterogeneity (PSD) of the mammary gland parenchyma. The average milk yield and pH were higher (p < 0.05) in the morning, whereas crude fat, total solids, solids non-fat and citric acid content were higher (p < 0.05) during the evening milking period. Mean NPVs and PSDs of the mammary gland parenchyma were greater (p < 0.05) after than before milking. There were significant correlations among echotextural characteristics of the udder and protein percentage, lactose content and freezing point depression determined in the milk samples collected in the morning and crude protein, casein, lactose and solids non-fat in the evening. Our results can be interpreted to suggest that computerized analysis of the mammary gland ultrasonograms has the makings of a technique for estimating non-fat milk constituents in cows. However, future validating studies are necessary before this method can be employed in commercial settings and research. Moreover, significant inter-quarter differences in udder echogenicity may necessitate further echotextural studies of separate quarters.

Bovine in vitro embryo production using media prepared with Milli-Q® Water or nanowater.

The aim of this study was to compare the efficiency of in vitro embryo production (IVP) following the collection of bovine ovaries and 22-h in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes in media prepared with Milli-Q® Water (n = 509 oocytes) or nanowater (NW; n = 304 oocytes). The mean cleavage (63.8 ± 4.6 % vs. 63.6 ± 6.1 %, respectively; mean ± SEM) and blastocyst formation rate (16.3 ± 3.4 % vs. 16.7 ± 6.7 % of presumptive zygotes, respectively) did not vary (P > 0.05; Student t-test) between the two types of media diluents. NW is a safe substitute for Milli-Q® Water for IVM of bovine oocytes.

Undifferentiated sarcoma of the liver: Multicenter international experience of the Cooperative Soft-Tissue Sarcoma Group and Polish Paediatric Solid Tumor Group.

BACKGROUND: Undifferentiated embryonal sarcomas of the liver (UESL) are extremely rare and continue to pose a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The aim of the study was to present a multicenter experience of the German CWS and Polish PPSTG groups in the treatment of UESL in children. PROCEDURE: Twenty-five patients were treated according to the CWS-96, CWS-2002, and CYVADIC protocols. Distant metastases were observed in four cases (16%). In four cases, an initial disease presentation mimicked other entities. A pure cystic appearance of liver mass led to misdiagnosis of hydatid cyst in three cases. In one case, laparotomy was performed due to the signs of appendicitis, and bleeding from ruptured liver tumor was found. All these patients were finally diagnosed as UESL. RESULTS: Thirteen patients received preoperative chemotherapy. Partial response was observed in 10 cases. Tumor resection was performed in 20 patients (primary resections, 12; delayed resections-, 8). In five patients, the primary tumor never became operable. The macroscopically complete resection rate was 95% (19/20). Postoperative chemotherapy was given to 20 children. Local radiotherapy was used in three children. After a median follow-up time of 136 months, 17 patients (68%) were alive with no evidence of disease. All children with unresectable tumor and three out of four patients with distant metastases died. The five-year overall survival (OS) rate was 72%. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, a complete tumor excision plays the central role in the treatment of UESL. A cystic presentation of the liver lesion on imaging does not exclude the diagnosis of malignant tumor.

Are the spectral Doppler indices of ovarian arteries indicative of antral follicular development and predictive of ovulatory responses and embryo yields in superovulated ewes?

Nineteen ewes received 200 mg of pFSH administered in eight decreasing doses from Days 1 to 4, starting three days before CIDR® device removal. Ten ewes received an injection of 350 µg of estradiol benzoate at CIDR® device insertion (Group E) and nine animals served as controls (Group C). B-mode and spectral Doppler ultrasonographic examinations were performed daily throughout superovulatory treatment to enumerate ovarian antral follicles and to determine ovarian blood flow indices, respectively. There were no differences (P > 0.05) in superovulatory responses between left and right ovaries/uterine horns or the two groups of animals. End-diastolic velocity (EDV) and mean velocity (Vm) values were greater (P < 0.05) on Days 1 and 2, and peak systolic velocity (SVp) was greater (P < 0.05) on Day 3 in Group C than in Group E. In Group E 15 correlations was recorded among indices (SVp, Vm, EDV, flow velocity integral-FVI, and pulsatility index-PI) and follicles numbers in different size classes on Days 1, 2 and 4, and seven correlations among indices (SVp, EDV, Vm, and vascular resistance index-RI) and superovulatory/embryo results (numbers of regressing corpora lutea, numbers/percentages of degenerated embryos and viability rates) on Days 1, 2 and 3. In Group C, there were three correlations among EDV and RI and medium-sized/large follicle numbers on Days 1 and 3, and five correlations among indices (EDV, RI and PI) and superovulatory/embryo results (numbers of luteinized unovulated follicles, degenerated embryos and unfertilized eggs) on Days 2 or 4. There was a lack of consistency in the velocimetric correlates of antral follicle numbers and superovulatory responses between the left and right side. Therefore, the usefulness of ovarian arterial indices to predict ovine superovulatory outcomes remains equivocal and requires further confirmatory studies.

Quantitative Echotextural Attributes of Pectoralis Major Muscles in Broiler Chickens: Physicochemical Correlates and Effects of Dietary Fat Source.

This study examined the relationships among physicochemical properties and ultrasonographic image attributes of pectoralis major muscles in broiler chickens. Forty male Ross 308 chicks were randomly assigned to four equinumerous fat-supplementation groups (Group SO: soybean oil; Group FO: flax oil; Group SO + FO: soybean oil + flax oil; and Group BF: beef fat). Ultrasonograms of birds' pectoral muscles were obtained just before slaughter at 6 weeks of age and were subjected to digital image analyses to determine the mean pixel intensity (MPI) and pixel heterogeneity values (standard deviation of numerical pixel values; MPH). A total of 2, 4, 2, and 6 significant correlations were recorded in Groups SO, FO, SO + FO, and BF, respectively; there were no correlations with the chemical composition of the muscles in Groups SO and SO + FO. The strongest correlations were found between muscle lightness (L*) and MPH in Group BF (physical characteristic; r = -0.82, p = 0.003), and between crude fat/protein content and MPI/MPH of pectoral the major muscles in Groups FO/BF (chemical characteristics; r = 0.72, p = 0.02). There exists a potential application of ultrasonographic imaging and computerized image analysis for predicting certain physicochemical properties of pectoralis major muscles in broiler chickens.

Molecular analysis of small-ruminant lentiviruses in Polish flocks reveals the existence of a novel subtype in sheep.

Small-ruminant lentivirus (SRLV) infections are widespread in Poland, and circulation of subtypes A1, A12, A13, A16, A17, B1 and B2 has been documented. The aim of this study was to characterize the SRLV strains circulating in sheep and goats in mixed flocks in the Malopolska region, where the highest seroprevalence has been detected. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that most of the isolates from sheep belonged to subtype A13, suggesting that this subtype may be predominant in the Malopolska region. Furthermore, the existence of a new subtype, tentatively designated as A18, was described for the first time. This work extends the current knowledge on the distribution of SRLV subtypes in sheep and goats in Poland and provides further information on the genetic diversity of SRLV. The new data are important for both epidemiological studies and eradication programs and provide insight into the evolution of SRLV.