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OBJECTIVES Acute diverticulitis is a common gastrointestinal illness due to diverticular inflammation and focal necrosis. Diabetes mellitus has been reported to influence the outcomes of patients with diverticular disease. Our study aimed to examine the inpatient outcomes and complications of patients with acute diverticulitis and coexisting diabetes mellitus. METHODS The Nationwide Inpatient Sample was used to identify adult patients in 2014 admitted for acute diverticulitis. Primary outcomes were mortality, length of stay (LOS), and total hospitalization charges. Secondary outcomes were complications of acute diverticulitis and interventions. RESULTS In total, 44 330 of patients with acute diverticulitis and diabetes mellitus were included in the analysis. Acute diverticulitis patients with diabetes mellitus had a higher rate of diverticular bleeding (P

This article presents the data on the structural peculiarities of the mastoid region, the dependency between the thickness of the epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous fat, and size of the structural elements of the skin at various stages of its deformation that allows us to determine the digital indices for the depth of skin peeling and skin amount dissected when planning plastic and reconstructive operations skin that is carved. In order to achieve the optimal result of plastic operations, and, in particularly, of cosmetic otoplasty and lower rhytidectomy, and to minimize the development of postoperative complications, the manual skills of the surgeon are not sufficient. It is essential to know exactly morphofunctional characteristics of layered structure of certain topographic and anatomical sites, especially within mastoid area, where the main incisions are made when performing on the above-mentioned surgical interventions. After stretching the test samples of the skin taken from the mastoid region within 5 mm, we observed subtle differences between them even in the state of physiological rest. The study of the structure of the skin-fat flap samples after stretching within 15 mm demonstrated the occurrence of pathological processes in the skin epithelium and dermis. The morphological picture indicated the development of balloon dystrophy that is known as the morphological equivalent of focal necrosis. Investigation of microslides of the skin taken from and exposed to stretching within 20 mm made it possible to reveal the intensification of the previously described changes and the development of qualitatively new pathological changes both in the epidermis and in the dermis. The results obtained enable us to conclude that during operations in the mastoid area, the biomechanical properties of the skin-fat flaps should be taken into account. When the skin was stretched within 5 – 10 mm, irreversible changes did not occur, and these are optimal indicators during surgical interventions. With a flap deformation within 15-20 mm, pathological changes were observed, in some cases they were classified as irreversible that led to necrosis in the postoperative period.

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions of the knee are a significant source of pain and disability. Although the pathologic process for this condition remains poorly understood, histologic studies suggest vascular insufficiency of the subchondral bone may be the underlying cause for focal necrosis and subsequent compromise of the overlying articular cartilage. These lesions most commonly affect the medial femoral condyle and can be found along the margins of the intercondylar notch. Because of significant bone involvement, osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation has emerged as a dominant treatment option for OCD lesions because it can accurately restore the entire osteochondral unit. Given the characteristic location and large, irregular shapes of these lesions, surgical management can be challenging. These lesions are often uncontained along the periphery of the condyle, which can compromise OCA graft fixation and healing. We describe our preferred technique for the treatment of large, uncontained OCD lesions of the medial femoral condyle using a unicompartmental OCA augmented with screw fixation.

Purpose To assess the ability of the ring-enhancing sign and focal necrosis to diagnose adenosquamous carcinoma (ASqC), a variant of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), on MRI and CT. Methods The following features of ASqC and conventional PDAC were evaluated on CT and MRI: tumor size, location, margins, borders (non-exophytic, exophytic), and T1 signal intensity. Two readers, blinded to histopathology results, rated their confidence in detecting ring-enhancement and focal necrosis (FN) on a 5-point Likert scale on both MRI and CT. Inter-reader agreement was assessed with Cohen's kappa (k). Results A total of 24 patients were included: eight patients with treatment naive and histologically proven ASqC (six women, mean age: 63, range: 40–75) and 16 patients with PDAC (eight women, mean age: 67, range: 47–83). Statistically significant differences between ASqC and PDAC were seen in tumor size, location, presence of FN, and ring enhancement (p = 0.01–0.037). The readers were more confident in depicting the key differentiating feature ring-enhancement in ASqC on MRI compared to CT (confidence 1.71 ± 0.49 vs. 0.88 ± 0.35, p = 0.017) with moderate inter-reader agreement (k = 0.46 and 0.5, respectively). FN showed substantial inter-reader agreement on MR and moderate agreement on CT (k = 0.67 and 0.5, respectively). Conclusions Compared to CT, MRI depicts ring-enhancement in ASqC with greater reader confidence and FN in ASqC with higher inter-reader agreement. The concurrent presence of these two imaging features should raise high suspicion for ASqC.

The aim of this study was to present the first domestic animal trial of nanosecond electroporation with chemotherapy and CO2 laser surgery. Methods: sixteen-year-old domestic cat with diagnosed melanoma on oral cavity was the case used in the study. Firstly, CO2 laser surgery was used for the removal of most of tumor mass. Then nanoelectrochemotherapy with bleomycin was applied including appropriate margin of healthy tissue. A 15 ± 4 kV/cm × 15 ns pulsing protocol was employed with a total of 800 ± 100 pulses. Only one session of nanoelectrochemotherapy (nanoECT) was performed. Results and conclusions: during the next two weeks areas of focal necrosis were replaced by the granulation tissue. Complete wound healing was observed four weeks after initial treatment. After 15 weeks post treatment, no local recurrence was apparent., This article belongs to the Special Issue Spontaneous Neoplasms in Animals, The research was supported by National Science Centre (Poland) within a framework of SONATA BIS 6 2016/22/E/NZ5/00671; PI: J. Kulbacka

OBJECTIVEThe authors sought to perform a preliminary assessment of the safety and effectiveness of stereotactic laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) for patients with cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM)–related epilepsy.METHODSThe authors retrospectively analyzed 6 patients with CCM-related epilepsy who underwent LITT. Pre-, intra-, and postoperative brain MRI studies were used to characterize preoperative CCM volume, ablation volume, and postablation hemosiderin volume. Clinical outcomes were assessed postoperatively during clinic follow-up visits or phone interviews.RESULTSLITT was performed in 7 CCMs in 6 patients. Two patients had familial CCM disease with multifocal lesions. Four treated CCMs were extratemporal, and 3 were in or near the visual pathways. The median follow-up was 25 (range 12–39) months. Five of 6 (83%) patients achieved seizure freedom (Engel I classification), of whom 4 (67%) were Engel IA and 1 was Engel IC after a single seizure on postoperative day 4. The remaining patient had rare seizures (Engel II). One patient had a nondisabling visual field deficit. There were no hemorrhagic complications. All patients were discharged within 24 hours postablation. MRI 3–11 months after ablation demonstrated expected focal necrosis and trace hemosiderin-related T2 hypointensity measuring 9%–44% (median 24%) of the original lesion volume, with significant (p = 0.04) volume reduction.CONCLUSIONSLITT is a minimally invasive option for treating CCM-related epilepsy with seizure outcomes comparable to those achieved with open lesionectomy. The precision of LITT allows for the obliteration of eloquent, deep, small, and multifocal lesions with low complication rates, minimal postoperative discomfort, and short hospital stays. In this study the feasibility and benefits of this method were demonstrated in 2 patients with multifocal lesions.

Background: We evaluated ameliorative effects of Jamun seed and orange peel extracts on liver toxicity in cypermethrin exposed rat. Methods: Rats were given following treatments daily for 30 d: Group A: Control Group B: Rats received cypermethrin Group C: These rats received cypermethrin and Jamun seed extract simultaneously Group D: These rats received cypermethrin and orange peel extract simultaneously Group E: Rats received orange peel extract Group F: Rats received Jamun seed extract In respective groups dose of cypermethrin, Jamun seed and orange peel extract were 25 mg/ kg body wt, 200 mg/kg body wt and 200 mg/kg body wt, respectively. Liver was fixed for light and electron microscopic studies. Results: After 15 d cypermethrin or cypermethrin+JSE or cypermethrin+OPE treatment hepatocytes exhibited increased cell size, nuclei became more hyperchromatic and hypertrophied. Degeneration of nuclei and dilatation of sinusoids have been noticed. After 30 d cypermethrin treatment hepatocytes exhibit more pronounced hypertrophy with hyperchromatic nuclei. Few hepatocytes exhibit nuclei with irregular boundaries. Hepatocytes show foamy cytoplasm and few vacuoles. Focal necrosis visible at certain places. Binucleated cells are also encountered. In cypermethrin+JSE and cypermethrin+OPE treated rats, hepatocytes exhibit hypertrophy, hyperchromatic nuclei and dilatation of sinusoids. Degeneration of hepatocytes are seen at some places, however, focal necrosis is not seen in these groups. No noticeable histological alterations are seen in orange peel extract (group E) and jamun seed extract (group F) treated rats. Conclusion: Cypermethrin induced hepatic toxicity can be protected by treatment with Jamun seed and orange peel extract.

In this study, we aimed to evaluate changes in the acute toxicity of intraperitoneally administered silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) of varying sizes in BALB/c mice. Seven-week-old female BALB/c mice were intraperitoneally administered AgNPs measuring 10, 60, or 100 nm in diameter (0.2 mg/mouse) and then sacrificed 1, 3, or 6 h after treatment. In mice administered 10 nm AgNPs, reduced activity and piloerection were observed at 5 h post administration, and lowered body temperature was observed at 6 h post administration, with histopathological changes of congestion, vacuolation, single cell necrosis, and focal necrosis in the liver; congestion in the spleen; and apoptosis in the thymus cortex. These histopathological changes were not evident following administration of either 60 or 100 nm AgNPs. These results suggested that smaller AgNPs, e.g., those measuring 10 nm in diameter, had higher acute toxicity in mice.

The effects of toxic Microcystis aeruginosa on the liver of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus were investigated in the laboratory. Four treatments were setup into aquariums for 15 days to investigate the histopathological changes exposed to Microcystis aeruginosa bloom. Fishes of treatment A1 were treated as a control group and given artificial feed. In the three treatments (A 2 , A 3 and A 4 ), the M. aeruginosa cell concentration were 35 × 10 2 , 72 × 10 2 , 149 × 10 2 colony/ml, respectively. In the control group, no histopathological change was observed. In exposed fish, histopathological alterations were characterized by swollen and granular cytoplasm, vascular proliferation, bile stasis, fatty change and focal necrosis. Histopathological changes were observed within five days of exposure when fish exposed to moderate (72 × 10 2 colony/ml) to high (149 × 10 2 colony/ml) bloom concentration, whereas it took 15 days in lower concentration (35 × 10 2 colony/ml). Histopathological changes proved that intake of toxic M. aeruginosa bloom by aquatic animals, particularly Nile tilapia has significant effects on its internal organs that may cause of massive mortality. Accordingly, cyanotoxin accumulation in fish tissue my pose a risk to human health through the food chain. Bangladesh J. Zool. 45 (1): 1-10, 2017

Although radiographic findings at the apical portion of the proximal sesamoid bone (PSB) are often observed in young Thoroughbred foals, conflicting findings, either fractures or apparent secondary ossifications centers, have been reported. Three cases (aged 2, 5, and 7 weeks) were identified in 30 necropsied foals (0–31 weeks old). Histopathologically, the subchondral trabecular woven bone was fractured and exhibited focal necrosis of woven bone, fibrin exudate, and/or fibrosis within the foci. In the 7-week-old case, proliferations of chondrocytes were also observed. These findings suggest that the radiographic findings represented a healing process of the apical PSB fractures associated with the mechanically damaged subchondral trabeculae. Developmental PSB injuries should be taken into consideration during the management of young Thoroughbred foals.

Tuberculosis of the chest wall represents less than 5% of cases of musculoskeletal tuberculosis. We present the case of a patient with a cold abscess in the pectoral region due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. A 29-year-old male of Senegalese origin reported a progressive increase in size of the right hemi-thorax without trauma or previous effort. A liquid collection of 14 cm on the major axis, between the pectoralis major muscle and the costal wall, was demonstrated on magnetic resonance imaging. Surgical debridement revealed a marked granulomatous inflammatory reaction with focal necrosis; PCR was positive for M. tuberculosis complex and culture subsequently grew M. tuberculosis complex. Specific treatment for tuberculosis achieved a good clinical outcome. The diagnosis of tuberculosis of the chest wall is always difficult, being a clinical challenge. Keywords: Tuberculosis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Cold abscess, Chest wall

International audience; From their observation of necrotic areas around bacterial foci in Buruli ulcers (BUs), Connor and co-workers were the first, back in 1965, to suggest that M. ulcerans may produce a diffusible cytotoxin [1]. This hypothesis was later confirmed by injecting mycobacterial culture filtrates into the skin of guinea pigs, showing that this causes focal necrosis resembling that of naturally occurring human infections [1–3]. In 1999, George et al. succeeded in isolating a cytotoxic factor from M. ulcerans lipid extracts, and deciphered its chemical nature [4]. The M. ulcerans toxin was named mycolactone, based on its mycobacterial origin and macrolactone structure: a 12-membered lactone ring, to which a C5-O-linked polyunsaturated acyl side chain and a C-linked upper side chain comprising C12–C20 are appended (Fig. 1). Follow-up studies showed that M. ulcerans-derived mycolactone was in reality a mixture of two stereoisomers called A and B [6, 7] (Fig. 1). Since the initial discovery of mycolactone A/B, eight additional mycolactone congeners have been identified that are either produced by M. ulcerans strains of different geographical origins or genetically related fish and frog pathogens, which were initially given different species designations such as M. pseudoshottsii and M. liflandii. Comparative genome analysis later revealed that all mycolactone-producing mycobacteria evolved from a common M. marinum-like progenitor, and are therefore ecovars of a single M. ulcerans species [8]. While the macrolide core structure and upper side chain are conserved, mycolactone populations from different M. ulcerans sub-lineages vary in the length, number and localization of hydroxyl groups and number of double bonds of the lower side chain. These modifications of the lower polyunsaturated acyl side chain cause pronounced changes in cytotoxicity [9–11]. The origin and chemistry of natural mycolactones, structure-activity relationships and the various approaches that were developed to generate synthetic mycolactones have been reviewed recently [12, 13]. These aspects will therefore not be further discussed here. Instead, this chapter provides an update on our understanding of mycolactone (A/B) biology, and discusses its proposed mechanisms of action in relation with BU pathogenesis.

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of amniotic fluid in liver preservation in organ transplantation, and compare it with standard preservation solutions. Methods: The groups consisted of Group 1: Ringer Lactate (RL) group, Group 2: HTK group, Group 3: UW group, Group 4: AF group. The livers of rats from Group 1, 2, 3, and 4 were perfused and placed into falcon tubes containing RL, HTK, UW, and AF solutions at +4‎°C, respectively. The tubes were stored for 12 hours in the refrigerator at +4°C. Tissue samples were taken at the 6th and 12th hours for histopathological examinations of the perfused livers, and storage solutions for biochemical analyzes at 6th and 12th hours. Results: AF was shown to maintain organ viability by reducing the number of cells undergoing apoptosis. Histopathological changes such as sinusoidal dilatation, hydropic degeneration, and focal necrosis were found to be similar to the groups in which the standard organ preservation solutions were used. Additionally, the results of INOS, IL-10, and TNF-α,which were evaluated immunohistochemically, have been shown to be similar to the UW and HTK groups. Conclusions: AF provided conservation similar to UW and HTK in the 12-hour liver SCS process. The fact that apoptosis values are comparable to standard preservation solutions supports the success of AF in the cold storage of the liver.

The characteristics of structural remodeling of the brain were studied and quantitative relationships between its tissue components were determined in health and chronic ethanol intoxication (CEI) in different parts of the brain in 30 alcoholic men aged 20–50 years on the day following death. The control group consisted of 15 men. The study used a set of histological, histochemical, stereometric, and morphometric methods. The results showed that CEI induces sclerosis and hyalinosis of vascular branches in the brain, along with dystrophic, atrophic, and hypertrophic changes to neurons. In addition, calcifi ed deposits and cysts appeared at sites of focal necrosis, along with zones of demyelination and diffuse microgliosis of brain tissue. All these changes were accompanied by changes in the quantitative relationships between tissue structures formed in the brain. The specifi c areas of neurons decreased as a result of progressive neuron atrophy and death. At the same time, measures characterizing the development of the glial component increased.

EnglishThe aim of this study was to evaluate the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in the treatment of myonecrosis induced by Bothrops alternatus venom in rats. Seventy-five male adult Wistar rats were divided into three experimental groups. G1 and G2 were injected in the gastrocnemius muscle with 120μg of B. alternatus venom, while G3 received 200μL of PBS only. Three days after the venom injection, 12 rats from G1 were treated with 5.0 x 106 MSC in PBS, whereas G2 and G3 rats received PBS. Every three days, blood and muscle samples of five animals from each group were taken for serum biochemical and pathological analyses. Histological examinations showed more intense muscle lesions following MSC treatment, characterized by disorganization and loss of muscle fibers, with focal necrosis and inflammatory infiltration by mononuclear cells. In conclusion, the use of MSC for the treatment of local damage caused by inoculation of B. alternatus venom impaired muscle regeneration and interfered in the healing process. Key words: Viperidae envenomation; stem cells; rats; myonecrosis; muscular repair portuguesO objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a utilizacao das celulas tronco mesenquimais (MSC) no tratamento da mionecrose induzida pelo veneno de Bothrops alternatus em ratos. 75 ratos Wistar adultos foram distribuidos em tres grupos experimentais. G1 e G2 receberam 120μg de veneno de B. alternatus, enquanto o G3 recebeu apenas 200μL de PBS. Tres dias apos a administracao do veneno, os ratos do grupo G1 foram tratados com 5.0 x 106 MSC, enquanto G2 e G3 receberam exclusivamente PBS. A cada tres dias, amostras de sangue e tecido muscular foram coletadas de cinco animais de cada grupo para avaliacao bioquimica serica e patologica, respectivamente. A analise histologica revelou lesao muscular mais intensa apos a aplicacao das MSC, caracterizada pela desorganizacao e perdas das fibras musculares, com necrose focal e infiltrado inflamatorio mononuclear. E possivel concluir que a utilizacao das MSC para o tratamento da lesao local causada pela inoculacao do veneno B. alternatus deteriorou a regeneracao muscular e interferiu com o processo de cicatrizacao. Palavras-chave: envenenamento por cobra; celulas tronco; ratos; mionecrose; reparacao muscular

Leiomyomas are common benign uterine tumors. However, the incidence of vaginal myoma is very rare and may be confused with a variety of vaginal tumors. We report a case of 43-year-old nulligravida who presented with a protruding painful vaginal mass for 7 days. The mass had initially appeared 3 years prior, as 2 to 3 cm that had not subsequently increased. However suddenly, there was rapid severe enlargement over the course of 7 days. Physical exam revealed a monstrous shaped, black color with focal necrosis, odorous protruding vaginal mass about 7 cm in size. The vaginal mass was infected and degenerated. And vaginal wall was also destroyed by the enlarged mass. Because of the clinical features and radiologic findings, the preoperative diagnosis was a vaginal malignancy. We reported an extremely rare case of vaginal myoma that had several characteristics of malignancy, with a brief review of the literature.

Primary ovarian carcinoids are relatively uncommon, either pure (monodermal teratomas) or in association with mature cystic teratomas. Here we reported a unique case of carcinoid arising from the teratomatous bronchial mucosa in an ovarian mature cystic teratoma in a 22-year-old woman. This tumor showed a compact trabecular and nested growth pattern with salt-and-pepper chromatin pattern. Mitotic figures were identified (6/10 high power fields) and focal necrosis was present. Immunohistochemically the tumor cells were diffusely positive for TTF1 and CD56, focally positive for synaptophysin, and negative for chromogranin A and CDX2. Ki67 proliferation index was approximately 20% to 25%. This patient was alive with no evidence of disease at 3 years and 7 months after surgery. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of carcinoid arising from the teratomatous bronchial mucosa in an ovarian mature teratoma in the English literature.

Nodular hidradenomas are benign adenomatous tumours of sweat gland origin, which commonly arise from the skin of the head, neck and extremities. Some of these benign appearing lesions exhibit aggressive clinical behaviour with rapid growth, pigmentation and ulceration. These tumors are designated as “atypical nodular hidradenomas” and are known to histologically possess some focal atypical features i.e. nuclear pleomorphism, focal necrosis or prominent mitotic activity. Nodular hidradenomas involving the pinna are rare and to the best of our knowledge there have been no prior reports in the English language literature. We describe a unique case of a 45-year-old woman with an atypical nodular hidradenoma of the left pinna and discuss the aesthetic and the oncological issues pertaining to the reconstruction of the pinna.

Objective: Rifampicin continues to be an effective drug for treatment oftuberculosis. A variety of drug reactions have been reported of which hepatotoxicity is wellknown. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of ascorbic acid as dietarysupplementation in case of Rifampicin induced hepatotoxicity. Data source: Animal house NIH(National Institute of Health). Study design: Randomized control trial. Materials and Methods:Thirty adult BALB/c mice weighing 30-60 grams were taken. They were kept under standardlaboratory conditions. Mice were randomized and divided into three groups A, B and C eachcontaining 10 mice. Group A was given Rifampicin 100 mg/kg body weight, group B wasadministered Rifampicin 100 mg/kg body weight along with ascorbic acid 500 mg/kg bodyweight orally and group C was given regular NIH lab diet for six weeks. Result: Liver specimens ofanimals given rifampicin showed formation of necrotic foci. Simultaneous administration ofascorbic acid significantly reduced histological changes induced by Rifampicin. Conclusions:Ascorbic acid has protective role against hepatotoxic effect of Rifampicin used in chemotherapyof tuberculosis in animal models.

2061 Background: Symptomatic radiation neurotoxicity (RN), manifesting on MRI as focal necrosis and/or T2 signal abnormality, is a dreaded complication of radiation therapy (RT). While RT is standard of care for anaplastic gliomas, the long-term benefit vs risk profile in low-grade gliomas is not well defined. Patients with oligodendroglioma carry a better overall survival than those with astrocytoma. Anecdotally, they are more prone to experience RN than astrocytomas, as suggested by Acharya et al in 2017. We hypothesized that, independent of grade, oligodendrogliomas have a higher incidence of RN as compared to astrocytomas. Methods: We reviewed the records of 628 patients with WHO grade II and III gliomas from our institution. Study population comprised 326 patients with: standard fractionated RT, pathology confirmation by a neuropathologist, and follow up of at least 2 years after diagnosis. RN was defined as either histologically confirmed by pathology or requiring intervention for clinically presumed RN (bevacizumab or high-dose steroids.) A separate category included patients with dramatic cognitive decline with increased T2 signal abnormality, in the absence or tumor progression. Results: There were 131 patients with oligodendroglioma, based upon 1p/19q co-deletion (105 cases) or histology in the absence of molecular testing (26 cases). The remaining 195 patients had astrocytoma with intact 1p/19q, isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) wild-type, or diagnosed histologically absent molecular testing. The incidence of RN were 18.3% and 8.2% for oligodendroglioma and astrocytoma, respectively (p = 0.0063). An additional four patients with oligodendroglioma and two with astrocytoma had significant cognitive deterioration with increased T2 signal abnormality, without tumor progression. Conclusions: The greater than two-fold increase in RN incidence for oligodendrogliomas is significant and suggests patients with oligodendrogliomas may be more at risk to develop RN. Therefore, in patients with oligodendroglioma, the consideration of fractionated RT needs to be weighed against the increased potential for RN. Analysis of baseline imaging and patient characteristics variables that correlate with development of RN are ongoing and will be presented at the meeting.

Pleomorphic adenomas (PA) are common benign tumours of the lacrimal gland. Necrosis in PA is unusual and should raise a suspicion and screen for malignancy. We hereby present a case report of pleomorphic adenoma with necrotic foci in the orbit of a 44-year-old lady and a review of current literature for focal necrosis in orbital pleomorphic adenoma.

Objectives Infectious myositis can be a life-threatening condition. We describe the clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of a patient with Aspergillus -related myositis and review the relevant literature on Aspergillus -related myositis. Methods We report on a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome who presented with Aspergillus myo-fasciitis, which was unusual because of its relapsing–remitting course and favorable outcome. We analyze the clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of 9 additional patients identified through a PubMed literature review between 1964 and early 2010. Results A 64-year-old human immunodeficiency virus positive African woman was hospitalized for a relapsing-remitting history of bilateral myo-fasciitis for more than 15 years. She had already undergone 3 previous muscle biopsies without definite diagnosis. A computed tomographic scan-guided biopsy revealed numerous septae hyphae with focal necrosis. Cultures yielded Aspergillus flavus as the underlying pathogen and the diagnosis of Aspergillus -related myo-fasciitis was finally made. On reviewing the literature, only 9 other cases have been described. However, no similar case with such a chronic and favorable course was reported. Conclusions As compared with the reported cases in the literature, our case is unusual because of its relapsing–remitting course for more than 15 years and favorable outcome. Our case emphasizes the difficulty of the diagnosis, and the importance of early and appropriate management of this rare myositis, which should be systematically evoked in patients with immune deficiency.

The Matsumoto Eosinophilia Shinshu (MES) rat strain develops hereditary blood eosinophilia and eosinophil-related inflammatory lesions in organs due to the mutant Cyba(mes) gene. We hypothesized that a new eosinophilia model with a different phenotype could be established by changing the genetic background of rats. We bred and characterized a congenic strain, in which the mutant Cybames gene was introduced into the background of a BN strain (BN.MES-Cyba(mes)). The congenic rats showed robust proliferation of eosinophils in the bone marrow. Nonetheless, blood eosinophil levels of the rats remained within the normal range. In addition, the rats manifested focal necrosis with eosinophilic infiltration in the liver, a phenotype rarely observed in the original MES rat strain. These results imply the presence of genetic polymorphisms between MES and BN strains which modulate the mobilization of eosinophils to the peripheral circulation and organs. The newly established BN.MES-Cyba(mes) congenic rat strain, together with the original MES strain, will provide useful models for elucidating the molecular genetic mechanisms involved in the development and trafficking of eosinophils., Article, EXPERIMENTAL ANIMALS. 59(4):469-478 (2010)

Zusammenfassung Ein bei einem Kaninchen beobachteter Misbildungstumor mit geweblichen Anteilen aller drei Keimblatter im Bereich des mediobasalen Stirnhirns ist Gegenstand der Darstellung. Neben der grosen Seltenheit derartiger Teratome im Tierreich gewinnt der beschriebene Fall eine besondere Bedeutung durch die im Anschlus an eine Infektion mit dem Virus der westlichen Pferdeencephalitis aufgetretenen onkolytischen Alterationen. Summary A teratoma in the region of the optic chiasma in the rabbit This is a report of a teratoma with tissues derived from all three germ layers and situated in the medio-basal region of the frontal lobe. Apart from the extreme rarity of such tumours in animals, the case assumes particular importance because the tumour showed areas of recent focal necrosis which may have been due to inoculation with the virus of Western equine encephalomyelitis. (The animal was being used to produce hyper-immune serum.) Resume Un dysembryome de la region du chiasma optique chez le lapin Une tumeur embryonale comprenant des tissus derives des trois feuillets a ete trouvee dans la region medio-basale du lobe frontal et est l'objet d'une description. Outre l'extreme rarete de tels dysembryomes dans le regne animal, le cas rapporte dans cet article prend une importance particuliere du fait que cette tumeur presentait des alterations oncolytiques survenues apres une infection par le virus ouest de l'encephalite du cheval. Resumen Un teratome en la region quiasmica del conejo El objeto de la descripcion es un tumor deformante con partes histicas pertenecientes a las tres hojas blastodermicas en la zona del lobulo frontal mediobasal de un conejo. Al lado de la enorme rareza de tales teratomas en el reino animal, el caso descrito tiene una importancia significativa por las alteraciones oncoliticas aparecidas a continuacion de la infeccion con el virus de la encefalomielitis equina tipo occidental.

Zusammenfassung Lichtmikroskopisch werden in den denervierten Muskeln neben deutlichen Zeichen einer Atrophie (Auflockerung der Cohnheinschen Felderung, Reduktion der Kollikerschen Saulen) in hohem Mase weitere regressive Faserveranderungen vorgefunden, die bereits nach 20–22 Tagen Versuchsdauer sehr deutlich ausgepragt sein konnen (hyaline und vakuolare Zellareale, hyaline Streifen, intrazellulare fokale Nekrose). Myofibrose und interstitielle Lipomatose zeigen einen deutlichen Bezug zu der Dauer der Denervation und sind in vielen Muskelproben der letzten Altersgruppe in extremem Ausmas entwickelt. Ultrastrukturell werden Myofibrillenalterationen als Atrophie und Degeneration (Hyperkontraktionen, verwaschene und verbreiterte Z-Streifen, Verlust der M- und I-Bander, ungeordneter Myofibrillenzerfall) beschrieben; weitere Strukturveranderungen betreffen die Zellkerne (Kernmembranfaltungen, Anzeichen herabgesetzter metabolischer Aktivitat), die Mitochondrien (numerische Atrophie, Vakuolisation), das sarkotubulare System (Hyperplasie, Desorganisation, Vesikulation und Dilatation), das Sarkolemm (spaltformige Einbuchtungen mit Septierung der Muskelfaser), die Lysosomen (Anzeichen erhohter lysosomaler Aktivitat) und die sarkoplasmatischen Granula (freie Ribosomen, variierender Glykogengranulagehalt). Die Schnellwuchsigkeit der Schweinemuskulatur wird als einer der wesentlichen Grunde fur die fruhzeitig auftretenden und ausgepragten degenerativen Faserveranderungen angesehen. Summary Light microscopic and ultrastructural studies on the pathogenesis of muscle changes after neurectomy in growing pigs Histologically, signs of atrophy (dispersing of Cohnheim's areas, reduction of Kolliker's columns) and a high rate of more regressive fibre changes were evident in all periods examined (hyaline and vacuolar cell areas, irregular hyaline striations, intracellular focal necrosis). Myofibrosis and fat cell accumulation related to the duration of denervation were in part extremely high in the last period examined. Electron microscopic results were: alteration of myofibril structure observed as atrophy and degeneration (extreme contraction, indistinct and wider Z-lines, loss of M- and I-lines, disarranged breakdown of myofibrils); changes in muscle nuclei (invaginations of nuclear envelope, signs of decreased nuclear activity); changes in mitochondrial contents (numerical atrophy) and structure (vacuolisation); changes of sarcoplasmatic reticulum (hyperplasia, disorganisation, vesiculation and dilatation) and sarcolemma (deep invaginations with segmentation of atrophic fibres); lysosomes were prominent (signs of increased lysosomal activity) and sarcoplasmic granules were observed (free ribosomes, variable contents of glycogen granules). The high growth rate of porcine muscles is seen as the main cause of the distinct degenerative changes at all time periods examined post-denervation. Resume Microscopie optique et recherches ultrastructurelles dans la pathogenese des lesions musculaires apres une neurectomie chez des porcs en croissance A cote des signes marques d'une atrophie dans les muscles denerves (dislocation des champs de Cohnhein, reduction des colonnes de Kolliker), on observe au microscope optique une grande quantite d'autres lesions regressives des fibres qui peuvent etre tres etendues apres 20–22 jours de duree de l'essai (des zones cellulaires hyalines et vacuolates, des striations hyalines, des necroses focales intracellulaires). Une myofibrose et une lipomatose interstitielle furent en nette relation avec la duree de la denervation et se developperent massivement dans beaucoup d'echantillons musculaires des derniers groupes d'âge. Des alterations des myofibrilles sont decrites ultrastructurellement comme une atrophie et une degenerescence (Hypercontraction, des striations-Z lavees et ecartees, une perte des bandes-M et -I, une destruction chaotique des myofibrilles); d'autres lesions structurelles ont atteint les noyaux cellulaires (plus de la membrane du noyau, signes d'une activite metabolique diminuee), les mitochondries (atrophie numerique, vacuolisation), le systeme sarcotubulaire (hyperplasie, desorganisation, formation de vesicules et dilatation), le sarcolemme (des anfractuosites en forme de separations avec un cloisonnement des fibres musculaires), les lysosomes (des signes d'une activite lysosomique augmentee) et les granulations du sarcoplasme (des ribosomes libres, un taux varie en granulations de glycogene). La croissance rapide de la musculature du porc est consideree comme une des causes essentielles des lesions precoces et de degenerescence etendue des fibres. Resumen Estudios histometricos y enzimohistoquimicos sobre la patogenia de las modificaciones musculares tras neurectomia en cerdos en crecimiento Con el microscopio optico se hallan en los musculos denervados al lado de signos claros de una atrofia (dispersion de las areas de Cohnheim, reduccion de las columnas de Kolliker) con frecuencia elevada otras modificaciones regresivas en las fibras, las cuales ya pueden ser muy manifiestas a los 20–22 dias de duracion del experimento (areas celulares hialinas y vacuolares, estriaciones hialinas irregulares, necrosis focal intracelular). La miofibrosis y la lipomatosis intersticial se hallan relacionadas con la duracion de la denervacion y estan desarrolladas en magnitudes extremas en muchas muestras musculares en el ultimo periodo examinado. Desde el punto de vista ultraestructural, las alteraciones miofibrilares se describen como atrofia y degeneracion (hipercontracciones, lineas Z imprecisas y mas ensanchadas, perdida de las bandas M e I, descomposicion desordenada de las miofibrillas); otras modificaciones estructurales afectan a los nucleos celulares (invaginaciones de la envoltura nuclear, signos de actividad nuclear disminuida), las mitocondrias (atrofia numerica, vacuolizacion), el sistema sarcotubular (hyperplasia, desorganizacion, vesiculacion y dilatacion), el sarcolema (invaginaciones en forma de hendiduras con segmentacion de la miofibrilla), los lisosomas (signos de una actividad lisosomal aumentada) y los granulos sarcoplasmicos (ribosomas libres, contenidos variables de granulos de glucogeno). La tasa elevada de crecimiento de los musculos porcinos se considera pudiera ser una de las razones esenciales de las modificaciones degenerativas pronunciadas y que aparecen de forma temprana en las fibras despues de la denervacion.

Male Wistar rats were separated into three groups of 25 each. Animals in group A (GA) served as control, group B (GB) were daily administered orally chlorpyrifos at a dose of 5 mg/kg b wt and animals in group C (GC) received daily an oral administration of chlorpyrifos (Anu Products Ltd., India) at a dose of 10 mg/kg b wt. Rats were sacrificed 24 h after last dose on 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th, and 8th week after initiation of the experiment. Small pieces of liver were extirpated and fixed in aqueous Bouin’s solution. The tissues thus fixed were routinely processed for histological studies. The present study showed that the histopathological changes were caused in liver of rats by chlorpyrifos administration. The changes noticed were mainly hepatocytic vacuolation, degeneration of hepatocytes and their nuclei, hyperchromatic and hypertrophied nuclei at earlier stage of treatment, sinusoidal dilation and focal necrosis. However, variable intensities of these changes were noticed depending upon the doses and duration of the treatment.

SUMMARY Following hydramnios, five female arthrorgypotic siblings were born around the 30th week of gestation, labour being further complicated by hydrocephalus. Full autopsy on two babies showed a diffuse destructive process in the brain and spinal cord, resulting in hydren-cephaly in the forebrain, and gliosis elsewhere, the aqueduct of Sylvius being stenosed to produce hydrocephalus. Striking microscopic changes were the glomeruloid vessels in the brain, spinal cord and retina, and the intracytoplasmic inclusions in pericytes; focal necrosis with calcification was a third important finding. Other systems, apart from the deformed limbs and the small suprarenals, were normal. Investigation yielded no evidence of infection in the parents or babies. Various intra-uterine infections known to produce malformations, including hydrencephaly, are considered and rejected. The condition, apparently not previously described, is thought to be of genetic origin, possibly a defect in the vascularization of the central nervous parenchyma. RESUME Hydrocephalie-hydrencephalie congenitales dans une fratrie de cing A la suite d'un hydramnios, cinq soeurs atteintes d'arthrogrypose sont nCes aux environs de la 30 eme semaine de gestation. Le travail fut compliquepar l'hydrocephalie. Une autopsie complete de deux bebes revela un processus destructif diffus du cerveau et de la moelle epiniere avec hydrencephalie du cerveau antCrieur et gliose ailleurs. L'hydrocCphalie Ctait le resultat d'une steose de l'aqueduc de Sylvius. Trois importantes decouvertes ont CtC des modifications microscopiques frappantes des vaisseaux glomtrulaires du cerveau, de la moelle tpinitre et de la rCtine, des inclusions intracytoplasmiques dans les pkricytes et des ntcroses focales avec calcification. A l'excep-tion. A l'exception de membres dCformCs et de surrtnales petites, les autres organes etaient normaux. L'anamnese n'a apporte aucune indication d'infection chez les parents ou les bebes. Des infections intra-uterines variees connues pour produire des malformations, incluant l'hydrencephalie ont ete envisagees et rejettes. Le tableau, qui ne semble pas avoir ete decrit auparavant, parait etre d'origine gCnktique, se traduisant peut etre par un defaut de vascularisation du parenchyme du systeme nerveux central. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Nach bestehendem Hydramnion wurden funf weibliche Geschwister mit Arthrogryposis um die 30 igste Schwangerschaftswoche geboren. Die Geburt wurde weiter durch Hydro-cephalie kompliziert. Eine vollstandige Autopsie an zwei Babies zeigte einen diffusen, destruktiven Prozes im Gehirn und im Ruckenmark, der Hydrencephalie im Vorderhirn und Gliosis an anderer Stelle zur Folge hatte. Der Hydrocephaus war bedingt durch eine Stenose des Aqueductus Sylvii. Drei wichtige Befunde waren besonders auffallend: Mikroskopische Veranderungen der glomeruloiden Gefase im Gehirn, Ruckenmark und in der Retina, Einschluskorperchen im Cytoplasma der Pericyten und fokale Nekrose mit Verkalkungen. Auser deformierten Extremitaten und kleinen Nebennieren gab es keine pathologischen Befunde. Die Untersuchungen ergaben keinen Hinweis fur eine Infektion der Eltern oder Babies. Verschiedene intrauterine Infektionen, die, wie man weis, Misbildungen, einschlieBsich Hydrencephalie, machen, wurden zunachst erortert. Das Krankheitsbild, das offensichtlich bisher noch nicht beschrieben worden ist, hat vermutlich einen genetischen Ursprung. Es ist moglicherweise ein Defekt in der Vaskularisation des Zentralnervenparenchyme.

This study was designed to determine whether zerumbone, an essential bioactive compound isolated from Zingiber zerumbet Smith protects against early ethanol induced liver injury in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were administered with 0.05% (v/v) to 0.5% (v/v) of zerumbone for 14 days. Following the final dosage of zerumbone, the animals were administered with 50% (v/v) ethanol for 14 days. We have observed that pre-treatment of zerumbone had suppressed fatty liver formation following ethanol 50% (v/v) administration. Meanwhile, rats that were treated with ethanol only, found to show significant level of focal vacuolated fatty liver with focal necrosis in the mid zonal region. Therefore, fatty liver development was found to be extensively reduced in animals that were pretreated with zerumbone.

Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. gallolyticus causes endocarditis in humans and acute septicemia in domestic birds. We describe here the infective endocarditis caused by the bacterium found among clinically healthy broilers at two abattoirs in Japan. The chickens were thought to be healthy because of the lack of clinical symptoms and normal levels of mortality before slaughtering. At the time of inspection, some chickens were condemned because of organ disorders characterized by vegetative valvular endocarditis as well as focal necrosis in heart, liver, and spleen. Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. gallolyticus was isolated from the organs as a pure culture, indicating that the bacterium probably was the causative agent of the disorders. Amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis of the isolates collected at the abattoirs from chickens grown in nine different farms indicated that the isolates were different variants of the same clonal lineage and may have been derived from the same ancestor. These results suggest that S. gallolyticus subsp. gallolyticus causes infectious endocarditis in chickens and that healthy chickens may possess the bacterium in their normal flora as an opportunistic pathogen.

This paper describes a flexible cryoprobe utilizing the Peltier effect. The conventional cryoprobes have problems such as low flexibility and difficulty in precise temperature control. In this study, the cryoprobe composed of a flexible tube was developed to treat the inner part of the human body. The thermoelectric elements are attached on the top of the cryoprobe, so the Peltier effect makes it possible to control the heat-transfer of the cooling tip actively and to perform both cooling and heating only by reversing the electric current. The performance of the cryoprobe was evaluated through experiments of agar gel cooling and the temperature distribution was estimated by numerical simulation. In addition, an animal experiment using a guinea pig was conducted for practical application. In the experiment of an agar gel cooling, the agar gel surface was frozen within 10 seconds, which is in good agreement with numerical simulations. Repetition of cooling and heating are also performed experimentally. In the animal experiments, the temperature of the skin surface was monitored and its histological change was examined. Although the continuous cooling for 500 sec after freezing the skin surface could induce only the focal necrosis of the epidermis, the cyclic treatment of cooling and heating induced the necrosis of the whole epidermal layer and a part of eccrine glands. From experimental and numerical results, the cryoprobe could induce the necrosis of the skin.

To investigate the differences between male and female rats and the effects of sex hormones on tissue changes in the lung and liver in a sepsis model. Sixty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into six groups of ten. Groups 1 and 2 were the control male and female groups, respectively, subjected only to sepsis; groups 3 and 4 were the male and female groups, respectively, subjected to sepsis, then given 0.04 mg/kg estrogen + progesterone (E-P) intramuscularly (i.m.); and groups 5 and 6 were the male and female groups, respectively, subjected to sepsis, then given 0.5 mg/kg testosterone (T) i.m. The rats were killed and the histopathological changes in the lung and liver were examined, and plasma endotoxin levels were measured. Histopathological examination revealed less congestion, portal inflammation, and focal necrosis of the liver, and less congestion, edema, and emphysematous and inflammatory changes in the lung in the E-P groups than in the other groups. Moreover, signs of systemic endotoxemia in plasma were proportionally less in the female rats and in the E-P groups than in the male rats and the T groups. Female rats subjected to sepsis showed less liver and lung tissue damage and less systemic endotoxemia than male rats, because of the effects of female sex hormones.

In November 2002, a 2-year-old, spayed Maltese Terrier in central Mississippi was presented for an acute illness characterized by uncontrolled hyperactivity that rapidly progressed to generalized tremors, ataxia, and intermittent hyperthermia. Postmortem examination after a 2-week course revealed mild, multifocal, nonsuppurative meningo encephalitis, with focal necrosis in the medulla. Reverse transcriptase-nested-polymerase chain reaction for West Nile virus (WNV) was positive on brain and negative on other tissues. Immunohistochemistry was negative on all tissues. The clinical, postmortem, and laboratory findings are consistent with acute encephalitis due to WNV infection. WNV infection should be considered in dogs showing signs of encephalitis when and where WNV and mosquito vectors occur.