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Objective: Determine if superior canal dehiscence (SCD) found on flat-panel CT increases the risk for other defects in the otic capsule., Study Design: Retrospective cohort study., Setting: Tertiary care center., Patients: One hundred ears (50 with SCD and 50 matched controls without SCD)., Interventions: Flat-panel CT imaging., Main Outcome Measures: (1) Prevalence of other dehiscences in SCD ears, (2) dehiscences in controls, and (3) otic capsule thickness in other reported dehiscence locations (cochlea-carotid, lateral semicircular canal [SCC] and mastoid, facial nerve-lateral SCC, vestibular aqueduct, posterior SCC-jugular bulb, posterior SCC-posterior fossa). Between-group comparisons were considered significant at p < 0.007 after applying the Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons., Results: Not including the SCD, there was a mean of 0.04 additional dehiscences in the SCD group (n = 2/50, 4%) and 0.04 non-SCD dehiscences in the controls (n = 2/50, 4%, p > 0.007). In the SCD group, there was one dehiscence between the cochlea and carotid artery and one between the posterior SCC and posterior fossa. The control group had one enlarged vestibular aqueduct and one dehiscence between the facial nerve and lateral SCC. As a group, SCD ears had wider vestibular aqueducts (0.68 ± 0.20 vs 0.51 ± 0.30 mm, p < 0.007) and thinner bone between the posterior SCC and posterior fossa (3.12 ± 1.43 vs 4.34 ± 1.67 mm, p < 0.007). The bone between the facial nerve and lateral SCC was thicker in SCD ears (0.77 ± 0.23 vs 0.55 ± 0.27 mm, p < 0.007) and no different for cochlea-carotid, and lateral SCC and mastoid (p > 0.007)., Conclusions: SCD does not increase the likelihood of a second dehiscence in the same otic capsule. SCD patients may have congenitally thinner otic capsule bones compared to controls, particularly near the posterior SCC, where the vestibular aqueduct may be enlarged., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript; or in the decision to publish the results., (Copyright © 2024, Otology & Neurotology, Inc.)

Wildlife disease outbreaks can lead to population declines, which are usually attributed to increased direct or indirect mortality. Alternatively, behavior associated with sickness can lead to social isolation, potentially decreasing fitness of affected individuals. A useful case study to examine this dynamic is chronic wasting disease (CWD), a neurological disease of cervids, known to affect behavior and movement. In this study, we monitored scraping, a White-tailed Deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ; WTD) breeding season behavior, in an area of high CWD prevalence to determine if this reproductive behavior is affected by CWD. At 107 scrape sites, we detected 3,063 scrape interactions and 218 unique bucks. Bucks engaged with scrapes most often, performing 73% of interactions-compared to 23% by does, and 4% by fawns. Twenty-one bucks captured on camera traps at scrape sites were harvested through recreational hunting, 13 testing CWD-positive and 8 CWD not-detected. We found no significant effect of CWD status on specific scraping behaviors. There may, however, have been population-level effects, with shifts toward greater proportions of scraping by yearling bucks and during daylight hours compared to findings from past studies., Competing Interests: None declared., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Society of Mammalogists.)

Background: This case series describes the technical considerations and effectiveness of 'endovascular embolic hemispherectomy' for the treatment of medically intractable seizures in neonates and young infants with hemimegalencephaly (HME) and in whom surgical hemispherectomy is not a viable option., Methods: This is a descriptive review of the endovascular technique used to treat consecutive pediatric patients with serial transarterial embolization for intractable seizures due to HME between 2018 and 2022. Clinical presentation, endovascular procedural details and complications, and efficacy were examined., Results: Three infants (13-day-old, 13-week-old and 15-day-old) with HME and intractable seizures underwent a total of 10 transarterial embolizations. Anticipated intraprocedural events included vasospasm and focal subarachnoid hemorrhage in all three infants, effectively controlled endovascularly, and non-target embolization in one infant. No infants had symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage or femoral artery occlusion. EEG background quiescence and seizure cessation was achieved after the final stage of embolization in all patients. All infants were discharged home from the neonatal ICU (median length of stay 36 days, range 27-74 days) and remain seizure-free to date (4 years, 9 months, and 8 months). None have developed hydrocephalus, required surgical hemispherectomy or other neurosurgical interventions., Conclusion: Endovascular hemispherectomy can be safely used to provide definitive treatment of HME-related epilepsy in neonates and young infants when intraprocedural events are managed effectively. This less invasive novel approach should be considered a feasible early alternative to surgical hemispherectomy. Further studies are needed to enhance the safety profile and to assess long-term neurodevelopmental outcome and durability of freedom from seizures., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2024. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

The infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) causes a severe immunosuppressive disorder in young chickens. IBDV evolution resulted in the emergence of strains with divergent genetic, antigenic, and pathogenic characteristics. Genetic classification is typically performed by sequencing the coding region of the most immunogenic region of the viral protein 2 (VP2). Sequencing both double-stranded RNA genome segments is essential to achieve a more comprehensive IBDV classification that can detect recombinants and reassortments. Here, we report the development and standardization of a tiled PCR amplicon protocol for the direct and cost-effective genome sequencing of global IBDV strains using next-generation technology. Primers for tiled PCR were designed with adapters to bypass expensive and time-consuming library preparation steps. Sequencing was performed on Illumina MiniSeq equipment, and fourteen complete genomes of field strains were assembled using reference sequences. The PCR-enrichment step was used to obtain genomes from low-titer biological samples that were difficult to amplify using traditional sequencing. Phylogenetic analyses of the obtained genomes confirmed previous strain classification. By combining the enrichment methodology with massive sequencing, it is possible to obtain IBDV genomic sequences in a fast and affordable manner. This procedure can be a valuable tool to better understand virus epidemiology., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest There is not any conflict of interest in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The cochlear aqueduct (CA) connects the scala tympani to the subarachnoid space and is thought to assist in pressure regulation of perilymph in normal ears, however, its role and variation in inner ear pathology, such as in superior canal dehiscence syndrome (SCDS), is unknown. This retrospective radiographic investigation compared CA measurements and classification, as measured on flat-panel computerized tomography, among three groups of ears: controls, n = 64; anatomic superior canal dehiscence without symptoms (SCD), n = 28; and SCDS, n = 64. We found that in a multinomial logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, and BMI, an increase in CA length by 1 mm was associated with a lower odds for being in the SCDS group vs. control (Odds ratio 0.760 p = 0.005). Hierarchical clustering of continuous CA measures revealed a cluster with small CAs and a cluster with large CAs. Another multinomial logistic regression adjusted for the aforementioned clinical covariates showed an odds ratio of 2.97 for SCDS in the small CA cluster as compared to the large ( p = 0.004). Further, no significant association was observed between SCDS symptomatology-vestibular and/or auditory symptoms-and CA structure in SCDS ears. The findings of this study lend support to the hypothesis that SCDS has a congenital etiology.

Escherichia coli (E. coli) are typically present as commensal bacteria in the gastro-intestinal tract of most animals including poultry species, but some avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC) strains can cause localized and even systematic infections in domestic poultry. Emergence and re-emergence of antimicrobial resistant isolates (AMR) constrain antibiotics usage in poultry production, and development of an effective vaccination program remains one of the primary options in E. coli disease prevention and control for domestic poultry. Thus, understanding genetic and pathogenic diversity of the enzootic E. coli isolates, particularly APEC, in poultry farms is the key to designing an optimal vaccine candidate and to developing an effective vaccination program. This study explored the genomic and pathogenic diversity among E. coli isolates in southern United States poultry. A total of nine isolates were recovered from sick broilers from Mississippi, and one from Georgia, with epidemiological variations among clinical signs, type of housing, and bird age. The genomes of these isolates were sequenced by using both Illumina short-reads and Oxford Nanopore long-reads, and our comparative analyses suggested data from both platforms were highly consistent. The 16 s rRNA based phylogenetic analyses showed that the 10 bacteria strains are genetically closer to each other than those in the public database. However, whole genome analyses showed that these 10 isolates encoded a diverse set of reported virulence and AMR genes, belonging to at least nine O:H serotypes, and are genetically clustered with at least five different groups of E. coli isolates reported by other states in the United States. Despite the small sample size, this study suggested that there was a large extent of genomic and serological diversity among E. coli isolates in southern United States poultry. A large-scale comprehensive study is needed to understand the overall genomic diversity and the associated virulence, and such a study will be important to develop a broadly protective E. coli vaccine., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Recently, Bächinger et al. developed a software that measures the angle between the vestibular aqueduct proximal to the vestibule and the distal vestibular aqueduct on computed tomography (CT) scans and found differences in the vestibular aqueduct angle between the hypoplastic and degenerative categories of Meniere’s disease (MD). Hypoplastic radiological findings were associated with the development of bilateral MD and hypoplastic changes were not found outside of fetal temporal bones and individuals with MD. The purpose of this study is to examine how the software developed by Bächinger et al. performs when applied to a large dataset of adult patients with varied otologic diagnoses. Adult patients who underwent high resolution flat panel CT scans without intravenous contrast (n = 301) were retrospectively reviewed. Measurements of the angle of the vestibular aqueduct were made using the previously developed software tool. The tool could be applied to measure the vestibular aqueduct angle in most CT scans of the temporal bones (n = 572 ears, 95%). While the majority of ears fell within the normal range of <120 degrees (n = 462, 80%), fourteen ears (2.3%) in 13 patients were found to have vestibular aqueduct angles that meet criteria for hypoplastic MD (>140 degrees). Only one of the 13 patients had a diagnosis of MD and not in the ear in the hypoplastic category. An inconsistent pattern of other otologic diagnoses were found among the 13 individuals meeting criteria for hypoplastic MD. Although prior reports indicate the software has prognostic value in individuals with MD, these results suggest that the software may have lower positive predictive value when applied to a large population of individuals with varied otologic diagnoses.

Cerebrovascular disorders are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in children. Although minimally invasive, cerebral digital subtraction angiography (DSA) has been shown to be safe in children and is a valuable, and perhaps underutilized, technique for the diagnosis and management of pediatric cerebrovascular disorders in the critical care setting. Through a case-based approach, we explore the utility of DSA in critically ill children with acute intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). We discuss the use of DSA in the acute management of aneurysm and arteriovenous malformation rupture as well as cerebral vasospasm. Those caring for critically ill children with acute ICH should consider cerebral DSA as part of a comprehensive approach to the diagnosis and management of these conditions.

Lymphoproliferative disease virus (LPDV) is an exogenous alpharetrovirus that sporadically causes fatal lymphoid neoplasia in affected turkeys. Previous studies of wild turkeys ( Meleagridis gallopavo ) in the United States have demonstrated geographically widespread LPDV infection and frequent coinfection with avian poxvirus (APV) and reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV). This study was conducted to better understand health risks to Mississippi wild turkeys, including the relative importance of LPDV, APV, and REV in contributing to mortality. Thirteen wild turkeys, which died naturally or were euthanized due to illness, were submitted to Mississippi State University's Poultry Research and Diagnostic Laboratory for postmortem examinations. Birds originated from nine counties across the state over the past 5 yr. Carcasses were submitted as fresh (nonfrozen) or frozen. At autopsy, 9 of 13 turkeys had severe, proliferative cutaneous lesions on the head and neck, with diphtheritic or proliferative oral and esophageal lesions. Samples were collected for molecular diagnostic testing (LPDV and REV PCR), histopathology, and bacterial culture and isolation. External and internal parasites were preserved in formalin for identification. APV (cutaneous and/or diphtheritic forms) was diagnosed in 9 of 13 birds by identification of pathognomonic histologic lesions (including intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies). Interestingly, all birds with APV were also REV PCR positive. Furthermore, eight turkeys were positive for LPDV, and LPDV was commonly associated with coinfections with APV and REV.

This case report describes the clinical, parasitologic, pathologic, and histologic characteristics of a golden pheasant ( Chrysolopus pictus ) with an infection of Heterakis isolonche in Mississippi. An approximately 2-yr-old golden pheasant from a flock of 8 to 10 birds was submitted to the Poultry Research and Diagnostic Laboratory in Pearl, MS, for necropsy. Clinical history indicated that three flock mates had died of unknown causes in the past. At necropsy, the submitted pheasant showed severe nodular typhlitis associated with the presence of numerous whitish small nematodes inside the cecal walls and lumen with morphologic features consistent with H. isolonche . The histologic examination showed multifocal to coalescing, nodular, granulomatous, and lymphocytic typhlitis with fibroplasia, and multiple intralesional nematodes. Furthermore, the presence of similar nematodes in the lung indicated a possible aberrant migration of Heterakis sp. to this organ. The flock was subsequently treated with an oxfendazole-containing dewormer and suffered no further losses.

Necrotic enteritis (NE) is an important intestinal disease of commercial poultry associated with poor performance, high mortality, and significant economic loss. In this case report, a novel presentation of NE is described in young broilers. Initially, affected farms presented with a moderate increase in mortality at or before 19 days of age. Farms experiencing the disease syndrome belonged to two complexes of the same company. However, all farms sourced chicks from the same hatchery. Farm postmortem examinations revealed moderate to severe enteritis of the upper small intestine characterized by multifocal, irregular, plaque-like, mucosal ulcerations. Additionally, thinning of the intestinal wall with consequential distension and ballooning and a necrotic, pseudomembranous layer covering the mucosa were observed in some birds. Clinically affected birds were submitted to the Poultry Research and Diagnostic Laboratory at Mississippi State University for further evaluation. Birds were between 5 and 11 days of age and presented with similar gross lesions. Anaerobic culture was performed, and Clostridium perfringens was isolated from affected intestinal sections. Environmental sampling at the hatchery was also performed to evaluate the presence and load of clostridial organisms. Clostridium perfringens was isolated from samples collected in the egg room, hatchers/hatch halls, separator room, processing room, and transport trucks. Furthermore, VITEK ® mass spectrometry matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight results indicated a 99.9% genetic relatedness between hatchery and live bird isolates, demonstrating an epidemiologic link between clinically affected birds and the hatchery as a point source. This novel presentation of C. perfringens in young broilers warrants attention because proper development of the gastrointestinal tract in the first weeks of life is critical for competitive production in the modern broiler.

The control of poultry diseases has relied heavily on the use of many live and inactivated vaccines. However, over the last 30 yr, recombinant DNA technology has been used to generate many novel poultry vaccines. Fowlpox virus and turkey herpesvirus are the two main vectors currently used to construct recombinant vaccines for poultry. With the use of these two vectors, more than 15 recombinant viral vector vaccines against Newcastle disease, infectious laryngotracheitis, infectious bursal disease, avian influenza, and Mycoplasma gallisepticum have been developed and are commercially available. This review focuses on current knowledge about the safety and efficacy of recombinant viral vectored vaccines and the mechanisms by which they facilitate the control of multiple diseases. Additionally, the development of new recombinant vaccines with novel vectors will be briefly discussed.

Endovascular therapies for acute childhood stroke remain controversial and little evidence exists to determine the minimum age and size cut-off for thrombectomy in children. Despite this, an increasing number of reports suggest feasibility of thrombectomy in at least some children by experienced operators. When compared with adults, technical modifications may be necessary in children owing to differences in vessel sizes, tolerance of blood loss, safety of contrast and radiation exposure, and differing stroke etiologies. We review critical considerations for neurologists and neurointerventionalists when treating pediatric stroke with endovascular therapies. We discuss technical factors that may limit feasibility of endovascular therapy, including size of the femoral and cervicocerebral arteries, which contributes to vasospasm risk. The risk of femoral vasospasm can be assessed by comparing catheter outer diameter with estimated femoral artery size, which can be estimated based on the child's height. We review evidence supporting specific strategies to mitigate cervicocerebral arterial injury, including technique (stent retrieval vs direct aspiration) and device size selection. The importance of and strategies for minimizing blood loss, radiation exposure, and contrast administration are reviewed. Attention to these technical limitations is critical to delivering the safest possible care when thrombectomy is being considered for children with acute stroke., Competing Interests: Competing interests: PG reports personal fees from Cerenovus and grants from Siemens Medical outside the submitted work., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2021. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared.

Pediatric patients with moyamoya arteriopathy are at high risk for developing new onset transient or permanent neurologic deficits secondary to cerebral hypoperfusion, particularly in the perioperative period. It is therefore essential to carefully manage these patients in a multidisciplinary, coordinated effort to reduce the risk of new permanent neurologic deficits. However, little has been published on perioperative management of pediatric patients with moyamoya, particularly in the early postoperative period during intensive care unit admission. Our pediatric neurocritical care team sought to create a multidisciplinary periprocedural evidence- and consensus-based care pathway for high-risk pediatric patients with moyamoya arteriopathy undergoing anesthesia for any reason to decrease the incidence of periprocedural stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). We reviewed the literature to identify risk factors associated with perioperative stroke or TIA among patients with moyamoya and to gather data supporting specific perioperative management strategies. A multidisciplinary team from pediatric anesthesia, neurocritical care, nursing, child life, neurosurgery, interventional neuroradiology, neurology, and hematology created a care pathway for children with moyamoya undergoing anesthesia, classifying them as either high or standard risk, and applying an individualized perioperative management plan to high-risk patients. The incidence of neurologic sequelae before and after pathway implementation will be compared in future studies., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest None declared., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Infecting large portions of the global poultry populations, the avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) remains a major economic burden in North America. With more than 30 serotypes globally distributed, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, and Massachusetts are among the most predominant serotypes in the United States. Even though vaccination is widely used, the high mutation rate exhibited by IBV is continuously triggering the emergence of new viral strains and hindering control and prevention measures. For that reason, targeted strategies based on constantly updated information on the IBV circulation are necessary. Here, we sampled IBV-infected farms from one US state and collected and analyzed 65 genetic sequences coming from three different lineages along with the immunization information of each sampled farm. Phylodynamic analyses showed that IBV dispersal velocity was 12.3 km/year. The majority of IBV infections appeared to have derived from the introduction of the Arkansas DPI serotype, and the Arkansas DPI and Georgia 13 were the predominant serotypes. When analyzed against IBV sequences collected across the United States and deposited in the GenBank database, the most likely viral origin of our sequences was from the states of Alabama, Georgia, and Delaware. Information about vaccination showed that the MILDVAC-MASS+ARK vaccine was applied on 26% of the farms. Using a publicly accessible open-source tool for real-time interactive tracking of pathogen spread and evolution, we analyzed the spatiotemporal spread of IBV and developed an online reporting dashboard. Overall, our work demonstrates how the combination of genetic and spatial information could be used to track the spread and evolution of poultry diseases, providing timely information to the industry. Our results could allow producers and veterinarians to monitor in near-real time the current IBV strain circulating, making it more informative, for example, in vaccination-related decisions., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Jara, Crespo, Roberts, Chapman, Banda and Machado.)

Septicemia-toxemia (sep/tox) falls under U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) food safety Category 1 and is the most common and economically significant cause of broiler carcass condemnations. Hepatic lesions are considered a possible consequence of septicemia and associated bacterial contamination of the carcass. Thus, these lesions are considered an indicator of sep/tox (sep/tox hepatitis). This study was undertaken to analyze the histologic lesions preceding grossly visible liver lesions leading to condemnation because of sep/tox at the processing plant. Livers from carcasses of broilers condemned by USDA inspectors for sep/tox were used to establish microscopic and gross criteria of end-stage sep/tox hepatitis. Following the characterization of sep/tox hepatitis, broilers from a farm with a history of sep/tox condemnations were submitted for postmortem examination and bacteriologic investigation at four intervals during the final 20 days of production. Five healthy and five clinically ill chickens were submitted from four houses at 18, 25, 32, and 38 days of production (160 total). Microscopic lesions representing hepatic perisinusoidal myofibroblast proliferation (HPMP), periportal extramedullary granulopoiesis (PEMG), splenic follicular histiocytosis, and bone marrow cellularity (BMC) were graded subjectively for each bird, and subjective grading was evaluated with digital quantitative techniques. Perisinusoidal hepatic stellate cell morphology and progressive transformation of these cells into myofibroblasts was confirmed by immunohistochemistry for smooth muscle actin and desmin. Aerobic cultures of livers and gall bladders from sep/tox birds yielded no growth of bacteria associated with septicemia. Mild to severe HPMP was observed in all age groups, representing 28% of examined birds. Increases in inflammatory cells observed by PEMG and BMC were positively correlated with progressive HPMP and end-stage sep/tox hepatitis in broiler chickens.

Severity of the tracheal histologic inflammatory response induced in broilers by ocular inoculation of two infectious bronchitis (IBV) and three Newcastle disease virus (NDV) commercial vaccines were evaluated. The vaccine was delivered by eye drop with a coarse spray to day-old chicks. The vaccines were given individually or in various combinations and were evaluated relative to nonvaccinated controls. Evaluations were performed on postvaccination (PV) days 7 and 14. Histologic endpoints included semiquantitative severity scoring of inflammatory components and quantitative morphometric determinations of inflammatory cell concentration, mucosal thickness, and percentage of ciliated mucosal surface. Strong positive correlations were observed between routine severity scoring and morphometric inflammatory parameters, whereas a negative correlation was present between inflammation severity and the percentage of mucosal ciliation. Variable, sometimes extensive, and often statistically significant differences in inflammatory responses were observed between the various vaccines. One IBV Massachusetts strain vaccine (IBV-A) produced the greatest overall inflammatory response when given alone or in combination with the NDV vaccines. Enhancement of tracheitis was seen on PV day 14 by covaccination of IBV-A with the NDV vaccines, but not by covaccination of another IBV Massachusetts strain vaccine (IBV-B) with NDV. Reduction in cilia percentage was observed for all vaccine groups relative to controls on PV day 7. However, although reactive cilia regeneration occurred on PV day 14 for most vaccine groups, a cilia regenerative response was not apparent for individual or NDV combination vaccination for IBV-A. The study also demonstrates that substantial microscopic trachea pathology may be present in vaccinated birds not exhibiting apparent clinical respiratory signs.

Background: Transverse sinus (TS) stenting is a valid treatment alternative for patients with intracranial hypertension caused by underlying bilateral TS stenoses. Its mid-term patency has, however, not been well documented., Objective: To assess the 6-month patency of TS stenting using subtracted CT venography (CTV)., Methods: A retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database of patients undergoing TS stenting was performed. The cohort was a single-center, single-operator series of 125 consecutive patients treated between 2008 and 2018. Mid-term follow-up 320-row detector CTV was available for review in 104 patients., Results: Follow-up CTV was obtained on average 6 months after stenting. Stents in all patients (100%) were patent. Subtracted reconstructions showed no intraluminal thrombus or neointimal hyperplasia. Native reconstructions confirmed the structural integrity of the stents. De novo stenosis proximal to the stent was noted in 10 cases (10%). A total of 10 patients (10%) received additional treatment due to recurrent symptoms. In univariate analysis, both high body mass index and stent size (>6 mm) were associated with development of de novo stenoses: OR 1.12 (95% CI 1.01 to 1.25, p=0.037) and OR 5.63 (95% CI 1.16 to 27.22, p=0.032), respectively. In multivariate analysis, only stent size (>6 mm) remained significant: OR 7.19 (95% CI 1.03 to 50.01, p=0.046)., Conclusion: TS stenting is an effective treatment for intracranial hypertension secondary to dural sinus stenosis in an appropriately selected patient population. A 320-row dynamic CTV is a high-quality non-invasive imaging method that can assess both the physical integrity of the stent and its patency. At mid-term follow-up, all imaged stents were patent. The occurrence of de novo stenoses proximal to the stent (10%) correlated with stent size (>6 mm)., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2021. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Interventional neuro-oncology encompasses an array of image-guided therapies-intra-arterial chemotherapy, regional drug delivery, chemoembolization, tumor ablation-along with techniques to improve therapy delivery such as physical or chemical blood-brain barrier disruption and percutaneous catheter placement. Endovascular and percutaneous image-guided approaches to the treatment of the brain, eye, and other head and neck tumors will be discussed., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Histologic and bacteriologic features for groups of average 31-day-old broilers displaying three gross categories of femoral head alterations were documented. Categories included simple femoral head separation (FHS), femoral head transitional changes (FHT), and femoral head necrosis (FHN). Groups with grossly normal (NORM) femoral heads and cull birds with FHN and having gross signs of sepsis (Cull-FHN) were also included in the study. There was a 10% occurrence of positive bacterial cultures for all birds tested. Most positive cultures (33%) were found in the Cull-FHN group, while only a 12% occurrence was seen in the FHS group, and no positives were present in the FHT or FHN groups. A 14% total occurrence of femoral bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis or simple osteomyelitis (BCO-O) was observed. A progressive increase in the prevalence of BCO-O was apparent between groups going from NORM (0%), FHS (4%), FHT (14%), FHN (13%), and reaching a maximum of 67% in the Cull-FHN group. Minimal to mild femoral head cartilage necrosis was present in 40% of NORM broilers and 100% of the FHS, FHT, and FHN groups, but at moderate severity in 20% of the Cull-FHN group. Thus, the majority of FHN cases were associated with aseptic cartilage necrosis rather than BCO-O. These findings suggest that aseptic cartilage necrosis may be as important as septic necrosis as a cause of gross femoral head disease. A 26% overall occurrence was seen for hip synovitis-arthritis, but group differences were not statistically significant. Synovitis was not seen in the NORM group and was present in some (12%) of the FHS group but was observed at a high rate in both the FHN (43%) and the Cull-FHN (50%) groups. Morphometric measurements demonstrated that the area size of femoral fibrous cortical defects or "cutback zones" were generally larger for all gross categories relative to NORM, with a significant difference between NORM and FHS groups. This study underscores the multifactorial etiology of FHN and the importance of conducting both histologic and bacteriologic evaluations in which gross evidence of FHN or BCO-O occurs.

Many of the sample matrices typically used for veterinary molecular testing contain inhibitory factors that can potentially reduce analytic sensitivity or produce false-negative results by masking the signal produced by the nucleic acid target. Inclusion of internal controls in PCR-based assays is a valuable strategy not only for monitoring for PCR inhibitors, but also for monitoring nucleic acid extraction efficiency, and for identifying technology errors that may interfere with the ability of an assay to detect the intended target. The Laboratory Technology Committee of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians reviewed the different types of internal controls related to monitoring inhibition of PCR-based assays, and provides information here to encourage veterinary diagnostic laboratories to incorporate PCR internal control strategies as a routine quality management component of their molecular testing.

The use of mechanical thrombectomy for the treatment of acute childhood arterial ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion is increasing, with mounting evidence for its feasibility and safety. Despite this emerging evidence, clear guidelines for patient selection, thrombectomy technique, and postprocedure care do not exist for the pediatric population. Due to unique features of stroke in children, neurologists and interventionalists must consider differences in patient size, anatomy, collateral vessels, imaging parameters, and expected outcomes that may impact appropriate patient selection and timing criteria. In addition, different causes of stroke and comorbidities in children must be considered and may alter the safety and efficacy of thrombectomy. To optimize the success of endovascular intervention in children, a multidisciplinary team should take into account these nuanced considerations when determining patient eligibility, developing a procedural approach, and formulating a postprocedure neurological monitoring and therapeutic plan.

Background Spinal digital subtraction angiography (DSA) exposes patients and operators to substantial amounts of radiation. Antiscatter grid (ASG) removal is used to decrease radiation exposure but may reduce image quality. Purpose To determine whether ASG removal during spinal DSA in adults reduces radiation dose while maintaining diagnostic image quality and whether dose reduction is related to body mass index (BMI). Materials and Methods This Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant prospective study included adults undergoing spinal DSA between January and December 2016. Each procedure included an additional angiographic acquisition performed twice, once with and once without ASG, either documenting the artery of Adamkiewicz (no pathology group) or the condition leading to the procedure (pathology group). Dose differences between study acquisitions and the influence of BMI were evaluated via paired t test. Two neurointerventionalists blinded to acquisition protocols were asked to independently evaluate a sample of 40 study acquisitions (20 with ASG, 20 without ASG) from 20 randomly selected participants to (a) rate image quality, (b) categorize findings, and (c) determine whether images had been obtained with or without ASG. Percentage agreement on image quality, findings categorization, and ability to correctly identify the acquisition protocol was calculated for both readers. Results Fifty-three participants (mean age ± standard deviation, 51 years ± 15.2; 32 men) were evaluated. ASG removal reduced the mean dose per acquisition by approximately 33% (mean dose-area product and air kerma decreased from 202 to 135.6 µGy/m 2 and from 35.3 to 24 mGy, respectively; P < .001) independently of BMI ( P = .3). Both readers evaluated all images (40 of 40) as being of diagnostic quality and correctly categorized findings in 19 of 20 (95%) cases. Overall percentage agreement for correct protocol identification was 60% (12 of 20) for grid-in and 45% (nine of 20) for grid-out images. Conclusion Antiscatter grid removal during spinal digital subtraction angiography decreased participants' radiation exposure while preserving diagnostic image quality. © RSNA, 2020.

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a highly contagious disease of wild and domestic mammals. Maintenance of CDV among wildlife plays an important role in the disease epidemiology. Wild animals, including raccoons ( Procyon lotor ) and gray foxes ( Urocyon cinereoargenteus ), serve as reservoirs of CDV and hamper the control of the disease. Recently, we discovered that at least three different CDV lineages (America-3 [Edomex], America-4, and America-5] that are genetically different from the available vaccine strains are circulating in domestic dogs in the United States. Because wildlife serve as a reservoir for the virus, it is important to determine if wildlife play a role in the maintenance and spread of these lineages. To determine the genetic characteristics of circulating strains of CDV in wildlife in various geographic regions in the United States, we studied the nucleotide sequences of the hemagglutinin (H) gene of 25 CDV strains detected in nondomestic species. The species included were free-ranging wildlife: three fishers ( Martes pennanti ), six foxes, one skunk ( Mephitis mephitis ), 10 raccoons, two wolves ( Canis lupus ), and one mink ( Neovison vison ). Strains from two species in managed care, one sloth ( Choloepus didactylus ) and one red panda ( Ailurus fulgens ), were also evaluated. Phylogenetic analysis of the H genes indicated that in addition to America-3, America-4, and America-5 lineages, there are at least two other lineages circulating in US wildlife. One of these includes CDV nucleotide sequences that grouped with that of a single CDV isolate previously detected in a raccoon from Rhode Island in 2012. The other lineage is independent and genetically distinct from other CDV strains included in the analysis. Additional genetically variable strains were detected, mainly in raccoons, suggesting that this species may be the host responsible for the genetic variability of newly detected strains in the domestic dog population.

We describe a 2-year-old girl with bow hunter syndrome complicated by vertebral artery dissection and multiple ischemic infarcts. Pediatric bow hunter syndrome is a rare and likely under-recognized disorder. Interestingly, our patient had atlanto-occipital ligament calcification on CT scan, an imaging finding that has not been reported in association with bow hunter syndrome and one that might help increase recognition of this dynamic disorder of the posterior circulation.

Low atmospheric pressure stunning (LAPS) is a novel approach to pre-slaughter stunning of chickens using progressive hypobaric hypoxia by the application of gradual decompression (280s cycle) according to a set of prescribed pressure curves. Low atmospheric pressure stunning produces a non-recovery state. Concerns have been raised relating to the possible pathological and welfare consequences of expansion of air in the body during LAPS. In a randomised trial, we compared the gross pathology of broilers exposed to LAPS with a control group euthanised by intravenous injection of pentobarbital sodium (60 mixed sex broilers per treatment). The birds were exposed to each treatment in triplets and all birds were subject to necropsy examination to detect and score (1 to 5, minimal to severe) haemorrhagic lesions or congestion for all major organs and cavities (e.g. air sacs, joints, ears and heart) as well as external assessment for product quality (e.g. wing tips). Behavioural data (latency to loss of posture and motionless) and chamber cycle data (temperature, humidity, pressure and oxygen availability) confirmed that LAPS had been applied in a manner representative of the commercial process. All of the organs observed were structurally intact for both treatment groups. No lesions were observed in the external ears, oral cavity, tracheal lumen, crop and air sacs of birds from either treatment group. There was no difference between treatments in the wingtips, nasal turbinates, thymus, biceps femoralis and colon. Haemorrhagic lesions were observed in the calvaria, brains, hearts and lungs of both treatment groups, but lesions in these areas were more severe in the LAPS treatment group. It was not possible to distinguish between pathological changes induced by decompression or recompression. In the barbiturate group, more severe haemorrhagic lesions were observed in the superficial pectoral muscles as well as greater congestion of the infraorbital sinuses, liver, spleens, duodenum, kidneys and gonads. These findings provide evidence that LAPS did not result in distension of the intestines and air sacs sufficient to cause changes, which were grossly visible on postmortem examination. There was also no evidence of barotrauma in the ears and sinuses. The pathological changes observed in the barbiturate treatment were as expected based on barbiturate toxicity. Low atmospheric pressure stunning appears to produce pathological changes by a variety of well-established mechanisms, and while these pathological data have limited value as welfare indicators, the results confirm that organ integrity was not compromised by the process.

Routine and quantitative histologic studies on femoral head separation (FHS) associated with coxofemoral joint disarticulation at necropsy were conducted on 125 femoral heads collected from 21- to 50-day-old clinically normal broilers. The study compared groups demonstrating grossly detached femoral heads (DFHs) with those having attached femoral heads (AFHs). Marked microscopic lesions compatible with osteochondrosis (OCD) consistently occurred along the separation surface in the DFH population. The histologic changes consisted of cartilage degeneration and necrosis sometimes forming small clefts or microfractures. Hemorrhage and less frequent inflammatory cells were often present along the separation surfaces. Small foci of OCD in the femur occurred in the AFH group with lesser frequency and severity. The histologic changes were mainly found within the proximal proliferative zone of the physis near the epiphyseal junction. Histomorphometry disclosed significant quantitative reductions in chondrocyte density with increased pyknosis occurring adjacent to the separation site and to a lesser extent in deeper regions of the growth plate for the DFH compared with AFH. Measurements made along the separation surface of the percentage length occupied by osteochondrotic defects and actual separated cartilage disclosed significant differences between evaluation groups. However, determinations of vascular canal areas present within two or more regions of the growth plate revealed a slight and significant increased area for DFH compared with AFH. Severity scores for the occurrence of microthrombi within the growth plate showed no difference between the groups. The pathogenesis of FHS in broilers is related to defective cartilage production or degeneration resulting in increased fragility. This contrasts with the proposed pathogenesis of OCD in mammals, which involves ischemic necrosis due to underlying vascular defects. The results for the FHS-disarticulation model also differ from those reported for glucorticoid-induced femoral head necrosis in broilers. The FHS-associated lesions occurred without histologic evidence of bacterial chondritis or osteomyelitis.

Patients suffering from malignant brain tumors are burdened with a grim prognosis. The blood brain barrier is considered a primary obstacle in therapeutic drug delivery to the brain. Intra-arterial (IA) delivery of therapeutic agents following osmotic BBB opening has been attempted for years, but high variability has limited its widespread implementation. It has been recently shown in animal studies that MRI is superior to X-ray for guiding IA infusions, as it allows direct visualization of the brain parenchyma perfused and facilitates predictable drug targeting. Moreover, PET imaging has revealed that IA, not intravenous, delivery of bevacizumab results in brain accumulation, providing strong rationale for utilizing the IA route. Here, we present our experience in a patient with recurrent butterfly glioblastoma enrolled in first-in-man MRI-guided neurointervention for targeted IA drug delivery., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2019. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Background: Mechanical thrombectomy has emerged as a standard of care for acute stroke from large vessel occlusion in adults but remains controversial in children. Cerebral vessels are nearly adult size by 5 years of age but the technical feasibility of achieving recanalization in younger and smaller children with current endovascular tools remains unclear., Objective: To systematically review the literature on mechanical thrombectomy for stroke in children less than 5 years of age., Results: Mechanical thrombectomy for acute stroke has been reported in 11 children under the age of 5 years (range 9 months to 4 years). The mean time from symptom onset to groin puncture was 12 hours (range 4-50 hours). Complete recanalization was achieved in 7/12 (58%) vessels attempted, and partial recanalization in 4/12 (33%). Two procedure related complications were reported, with small vessel size felt to be contributory to basilar vasospasm in one case. Favorable neurological outcomes were reported in 7 cases (64%)., Conclusions: Our review of the literature demonstrates that mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke may be feasible in carefully selected infants and young children less than 5 years of age using currently available devices. Efficacy in promoting better neurologic outcomes remains unproven, and other questions persist, including whether complications such as vasospasm occur more frequently in young children compared with adults. Further study is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of pediatric mechanical thrombectomy. These data suggest that young children should not be excluded from future studies or clinical treatment on the basis of age alone., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2019. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Blunt traumas are the most common injuries observed and reported in medical examiner settings. Two common methods to describe bending bone fractures in the anthropological literature include the application of morphology nomenclature and describing characteristic fracture morphology. A nomenclature descriptor of blunt trauma, the butterfly fracture, is commonly used to describe broken long bones. In this paper, a case study of a fractured long bone in a pedestrian vehicle accident is used to highlight the complex interplay of factors involved in bone fracture formation. The application of a butterfly fracture pattern in trauma analysis is useful in establishing the bending direction of a bone, in identifying failure modes, and is valuable in teaching. Yet, butterfly fracture characteristics need to be examined in 3-dimensions for diagnosis of modes of failure, tension, shear and compression, and even then, the bending direction of a broken bone may not provide a reliable indicator of the point of impact (POI); this is especially true when a priori knowledge of the injury is unknown. Common fracture nomenclature, such as oblique, transverse and/or comminuted, as well as eponyms, are medical descriptions of an injury which are impractical to use for interpreting a broken bone from fleshed or skeletonized remains, in establishing a POI and in evaluating total bone trauma (TBT). The examination ofcharacteristic features on the surface of a broken bone associated with the modes of failure is the best approach for establishing the bending direction of a long bone., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background and Purpose: The vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation (VGAM) is a rare congenital vascular malformation with a higher morbidity and mortality, especially in neonates. Ultrasound, CT and MR are usually used in diagnosis and treatment monitoring of these disorders. In this current study, we aim to examine utility of SWI in evaluation of treatment response in infants with VGAM., Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective chart analysis of children with VGAM in our institution between January 2008 and December 2016. Inclusion criteria included; confirmed VGAM on DSA; available SWI sequence at baseline and at follow up after at least a single embolization session; age at initial MR of 18 years or younger. Signal intensity and Angioarchitecture of VGAM and cerebral veins on SWI, as well as hydrocephalus and clinical outcome were evaluated., Results: Of 11 patients identified with VGAM in our institution, 5 children (3 males and 2 females) satisfied the inclusion criteria. The average age at initial MR was 29 days (range 1-120). Fourteen MRI were available for review. All children had VGAM of mural type. Intramedullary veins were dilated and SWI-hypointense in all children, while subependymal and sulcal veins were dilated and SWI-hypointense in 4 patients on initial MRI. On the first available follow up MRI, cerebral veins have mostly normalized in 4 children and remained mostly dilated and SWI-hypointense in 1 child; even after complete treatment of the VGAM., Conclusion: Our preliminary findings show that SWI seems to offer a beneficial non-invasive tool in evaluating passive venous congestion patterns in pediatric patients with VGAM. It remains to be determined in larger studies, the clinical significance of these SWI changes., (Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.)

Patients with malignant brain tumors have a poor prognosis. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is considered a primary obstacle in therapeutic drug delivery to the brain. Intra-arterial (IA) delivery of therapeutic agents following osmotic BBB opening has been attempted for years, but high variability has limited its widespread implementation. It has recently been shown in animal studies that MRI is superior to X-ray for guiding IA infusions, as it allows direct visualization of the brain parenchyma supplied by the catheter and facilitates predictable drug targeting. Moreover, PET imaging has shown that IA rather than intravenous delivery of bevacizumab results in accumulation in the brain, providing a strong rationale for using the IA route. We present a patient with recurrent butterfly glioblastoma enrolled in a first-in-man MRI-guided neurointervention for targeted IA drug delivery., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2019. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Orbital invasion of pituitary adenomas has been previously reported. In this report, the authors describe a 71-year-old female with a prolactinoma that presented with invasion of and apoplexy within the orbit. The patient underwent exenteration, followed by rapid tumor recurrence and growth. Given the hemorrhagic nature of the tumor, she subsequently underwent preoperative embolization and surgical resection. This case is notable in that it illustrates both apoplexy of a pituitary tumor within the orbit and the benefit of presurgical embolization.

Life-threatening bleeding in the head and neck region requires urgent management. These hemorrhagic lesions, for example, a ruptured pseudoaneurysm, are often treated by transarterial embolization (TAE), but prior intervention or surgery, inflammation, anatomic variants, and vessel tortuosity may render an endovascular approach challenging, time-consuming, and sometimes impossible. We report two cases of severe head and neck hemorrhages successfully embolized with n -butyl cyanoacrylate via direct puncture, and propose this approach as a fast, safe, and effective alternative to TAE., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.)

Objective: High-resolution flat panel computed tomography (FPCT) is useful for the evaluation of temporal bone pathologies. While radiation exposure remains a concern, efforts have been devoted to reduce dose, while maintaining image quality. We hypothesize that removing the antiscatter grid (ASG) results in decreased radiation exposure, while maintaining diagnostic image quality for the evaluation of superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD)., Methods: Ten patients with clinical suspicion for SSCD participated in this prospective study. Two sequential collimated 20-second FPCT acquisitions were performed (first: grid in; second: grid removed) in all patients. Secondary reconstructions were created by manually generating the volume of interest to include the middle ear using a voxel size of 0.1 mm and 512 × 512 matrix. Radiation dose parameters (air kerma (Ka,r) in mGy and dose area product (DAP) in μGym) were recorded. Three reviewers analyzed images for the ability to diagnose SSCD, to identify the stapes crurae, and to determine if an ASG was present., Results: The average Ka,r and DAP for the grid-in acquisitions were 246.7 mGy (SD 47.9) and 2838.0 μGym (SD 862.8), versus 160.2 mGy (SD 33.2) and 2026.3 μGym (SD 644.8) for the grid-out acquisitions, respectively (p<0.001 for both Ka,r and DAP). Radiation exposure was reduced by approximately 30% solely by removing the ASG. All reviewers correctly identified all patients with SSCD (confirmed at surgery), with mean AUC of 0.99 (κ = 0.90)., Conclusion: Removing the antiscatter grid during FPCT imaging of the temporal bones is a simple and effective way to reduce radiation exposure while maintaining diagnostic image quality for the evaluation of SSCD.

Testicular histomorphometric methods were developed for the investigation of fertility and hatchability problems in commercial broiler-breeder roosters. Sertoli cell (SC) evaluations were emphasized in view of their role in influencing embryonic testicular organogenesis and spermatogenesis in adults. H&E stained sections prepared from formalized tissues were examined. SC evaluations were mostly made from computer generated images using image analysis software, but were also compared to direct counting with ocular grid reticle. Other measurements were germinal epithelial and total seminiferous tubule widths, quantification of individual spermatozoa and sperm clusters, and determinations of stromal area. Age-associated changes in SC occurred between 15 to 54 wk of age. A significant reduction in SC concentration occurred at 29 wk of age (P < 0.001) that corresponded with the histologic initiation of spermatogenesis. Expanded morphometric evaluations were performed on 59-week-old roosters comparing a flock having good body condition and footpad scores with normal testicular and body weights (optimal profile or OP group) to a second flock demonstrating relatively poor expression of these parameters and decreased fertility (sub-optimal profile or SOP group). Significant reductions (P < 0.05) in SC concentration, spermatozoa, and tubular widths, but an increased percentage of stroma area occurred in SOP compared to OP flocks. SC results also correlated well with testes weight. A unique finding was a significant relationship between decreasing SC concentration and increasing severity scores for footpad lesions. Differences in all histomorphometric parameters occurred between flocks demonstrating good hatchability compared to flocks exhibiting either low or decreasing hatchability. Significant reductions in SC and other morphometric parameters were observed for the poor relative to good hatchability group. A strong positive association was observed for SC results using computer generated images and direct reticle ocular counting (R = 0.80). Replicate counts on control sections demonstrated generally good reproducibility of methods between experiments. The findings are supportive of the value of testicular histomorphometrics for evaluations of hatchability issues in commercial roosters.

Traumatic arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) involving the middle meningeal artery (MMA) are uncommon lesions and rare in the pediatric population. An adolescent with headaches developed a bruit and a rhythmic "swooshing" noise in the left ear 9 weeks after a traumatic brain injury involving a left temporal bone fracture. An MRA of the brain demonstrated an enlarged left MMA and arterialized flow in the left middle meningeal vein (MMV), suggestive of an AVF. Cerebral angiography confirmed and characterized the left MMA-MMV fistula, which drained into the pterygoid plexus. The patient underwent transarterial coil embolization, with successful obliteration of the fistulous connection, and her tinnitus resolved. This case illustrates the importance of recognizing a post-traumatic AVF in a pediatric patient with pulsatile tinnitus, and that endovascular treatment by coil embolization is a safe and effective treatment option.

Life-threatening bleeding in the head and neck region requires urgent management. These hemorrhagic lesions, for example, a ruptured pseudoaneurysm, are often treated by transarterial embolization (TAE), but prior intervention or surgery, inflammation, anatomic variants, and vessel tortuosity may render an endovascular approach challenging, time-consuming, and sometimes impossible. We report two cases of severe head and neck hemorrhages successfully embolized with n -butyl cyanoacrylate via direct puncture, and propose this approach as a fast, safe, and effective alternative to TAE., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© BMJ Publishing Group Ltd (unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.)

Proteomics can be used to characterize quality defects including pale, soft, and exudative (PSE) meat (pork and poultry), woody broiler breast meat, reddish catfish fillets, meat toughness, and beef myoglobin oxidation. PSE broiler meat was characterized by 15 proteins that differed in abundance in comparison to normal broiler breast meat, and eight proteins were differentially expressed in woody breast meat in comparison to normal breast meat. Hemoglobin was the only protein that was differentially expressed between red and normal catfish fillets. However, inducing low oxygen and/or heat stress conditions to catfish fillets did not lead to the production of red fillets. Proteomic data provided information pertaining to the protein differences that exist in meat quality defects. However, these data need to be evaluated in conjunction with information pertaining to genetics, nutrition, environment of the live animal, muscle to meat conversion, meat quality analyses and sensory attributes to understand causality, protein biomarkers, and ultimately how to prevent quality defects., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Stem cell therapy for neurological disorders reached a pivotal point when the efficacy of several cell types was demonstrated in small animal models. Translation of stem cell therapy is contingent upon overcoming the challenge of effective cell delivery to the human brain, which has a volume ∼1000 times larger than that of the mouse. Intra-arterial injection can achieve a broad, global, but also on-demand spatially targeted biodistribution; however, its utility has been limited by unpredictable cell destination and homing as dictated by the vascular territory, as well as by safety concerns. We show here that high-speed MRI can be used to visualize the intravascular distribution of a superparamagnetic iron oxide contrast agent and can thus be used to accurately predict the distribution of intra-arterial administered stem cells. Moreover, high-speed MRI enables the real-time visualization of cell homing, providing the opportunity for immediate intervention in the case of undesired biodistribution.

The infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) is a major health threat to the world's poultry industry despite intensive controls including proper biosafety practices and vaccination. IBDV (Avibirnavirus, Birnaviridae) is a non-enveloped virus with a bisegmented double-stranded RNA genome. The virus is traditionally classified into classic, variant and very virulent strains, each with different epidemiological relevance and clinical implications. Recently, a novel worldwide spread genetic lineage was described and denoted as distinct (d) IBDV. Here, we report the development and validation of a reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assay for the specific detection of dIBDVs in the global poultry industry. The assay employs a TaqMan-MGB probe that hybridizes with a unique molecular signature of dIBDV. The assay successfully detected all the assessed strains belonging to the dIBDV genetic lineage, showing high specificity and absence of cross-reactivity with non-dIBDVs, IBDV-negative samples and other common avian viruses. Using serial dilutions of in vitro-transcribed RNA we obtained acceptable PCR efficiencies and determination coefficients, and relatively small intra- and inter-assay variability. The assay demonstrated a wide dynamic range between 10 3 and 10 8 RNA copies/reaction. This rapid, specific and quantitative assay is expected to improve IBDV surveillance and control worldwide and to increase our understanding of the molecular epidemiology of this economically detrimental poultry pathogen.