Pathological Lesions Research Articles

Anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning in farmed Patagonian mara (Dolichotis patagonum)

BackgroundAnticoagulant rodenticide (AR) poisoning was diagnosed in 3 Patagonian maras (Dolichotis patagonum) raised in the mara farm in Thailand. To date, there have been no reports of maras with diagnosed AR poisoning.Case presentationThe first clinical sign of the sickening maras was anorexia. Fifteen from 50 maras were dead over a 3–5 day period after the clinical signs had occurred. Positive results to AR were detected in all of the maras’ liver specimens by screening test using thin layer chromatography and spectrophotometry methods. Supportive therapy was selected for the treatment of the 35 surviving maras. During the follow – up observation period of 12 months, all of the surviving maras were healthy and no reproductive loss.ConclusionsThis is the first report on suspected AR poisoning in maras in Thailand based on history taking, clinical signs, gross pathology lesions and chemical analysis. AR poisoning in the present report is possibly from contaminated animal food. Therefore, quality control of food should be fastidious when feeding maras.

Concomitant thyroiditis and orchitis induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors detected on [18F]FDG PET/CT

BackgroundThe clinical management of malignant melanoma (MM) has undergone a significant revolution with the implementation of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). While these therapeutic agents stimulate the host immune system against cancer, they may also lead to immune-related adverse events (IrAEs). Positron emission computed tomography (PET/CT) with 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-d-glucose ([18F]FDG) has proven successful in detecting IrAEs in cancer patients undergoing ICI. In our case, we report a rare occurrence of ICIs-induced concomitant thyroiditis and orchitis detected on [18F]FDG PET/CT.Case presentationWe present a case involving a 61-year-old man referred to our hospital due to MM. Following surgical excision and sentinel lymph node mapping, he underwent an initial [18F]FDG PET/CT, which yielded negative results. However, a follow-up PET/CT after 9 months revealed metastases in the lungs and lymph nodes. Subsequently, he initiated an ICI-based therapeutic regimen. After 3 months, he reported progressively worsening fatigue and the onset of testicular pain. A testicular ultrasound showed heterogeneous echotexture in both testicles with mildly increased vascularity. A subsequent PET/CT demonstrated complete regression of previously described pathological lesions in the lungs and metastatic lymph nodes. However, diffusely increased tracer uptake was observed in both the thyroid gland and testicles, findings absent in the pre-ICI examination. These were interpreted as IrAEs and promptly treated with corticosteroids, resulting in complete resolution of symptoms.Conclusions[18F]FDG PET/CT plays a crucial role in staging and monitoring treatment response in cancer patients. When assessing subjects undergoing ICI-based therapies, particular emphasis should be given to detecting unusual IrAEs, as exemplified in our case.

Analysis of the application value of HPV mRNA and DNA detection in early screening of cervical lesions

Aim: At present, COBAS human papillomavirus (HPV) and Aptima HPV screening are widely used to detect HPV infection. In this study, we compared and analyzed the positive rates of DNA and mRNA (n = 10,128 women). Methods: After HPV screening, colposcopy was performed. Subsequently, pathological analysis was conducted on the screening results. Results: In Aptima HPV 16 group, the proportion of pathological lesions ≥CIN2 was 32.69%, while in COBAS HPV group, it was 24.18% (p < 0.05). Aptima HPV other risk types and COBAS HPV other risk types, the proportion of cases ≥CIN2 was 12.42 and 5.79%, respectively (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The results illustrated that the Aptima HPV test detects more accurately clinically relevant lesions than the COBAS test.

Eloquent noneloquence: redefinition of cortical eloquence based on outcomes of superficial cerebral cavernous malformation resection.

Cerebral cavernous malformations (CMs) are pathological lesions that cause discrete cortical disruption with hemorrhage, and their transcortical resections can cause additional iatrogenic disruption. The analysis of microsurgically treated CMs might identify areas of "eloquent noneloquence," or cortex that is associated with unexpected deficits when injured or transgressed. Patients from a consecutive microsurgical series of superficial cerebral CMs who presented to the authors' center over a 13-year period were retrospectively analyzed. Neurological outcomes were measured using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), and new, permanent neurological or cognitive symptoms not detected by changes in mRS scores were measured as additional functional decline. Patients with multiple lesions and surgical encounters for different lesions within the study interval were represented within the cohort as multiple patient entries. Virtual object models for CMs and approach trajectories to subcortical lesions were merged into a template brain model for subtyping and Quicktome connectomic analyses. Parcellation outputs from the models were analyzed for regional cerebral clustering. Overall, 362 CMs were resected in 346 patients, and convexity subtypes were the most common (132/362, 36.5%). Relative to the preoperative mRS score, 327 of 362 cases (90.3%) were in patients who improved or remained stable, 35 (9.7%) were in patients whose conditions worsened, and 47 (13.0%) were in patients who had additional functional decline. Machine learning analyses of lesion objects and trajectory cylinder mapping identified 7 hotspots of novel eloquence: supplementary motor area (bilateral), anterior cingulate cortex (bilateral), posterior cingulate cortex (bilateral), anterior insula (left), frontal pole (right), mesial temporal lobe (left), and occipital cortex (right). Transgyral and transsulcal resections that circumvent areas of traditional eloquence and navigate areas of presumed noneloquence may nonetheless result in unfavorable outcomes, demonstrating that brain long considered by neurosurgeons to be noneloquent may be eloquent. Eloquent hotspots within multiple large-scale networks redefine the neurosurgical concept of eloquence and call for more refined dissection techniques that maximize transsulcal dissection, intracapsular resection, and tissue preservation. Human connectomics, awareness of brain networks, and prioritization of cognitive outcomes require that we update our concept of cortical eloquence and incorporate this information into our surgical strategies.

Contrast-enhanced Chest Ultrasound – Modern Achievements of Pulmonology in Bulgaria

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is an innovative imaging method in pulmonology based on the intravenous administration of a contrast medium in the form of microspheres, and the subsequent detailed representation of the perfusion characteristics of the target tissues. The method allows the distinction between malignant and benign origin of a given pathological lesion. The purpose of the current article is to introduce to the scientific society the modern achievements of contrast-enhanced ultrasound of the thorax in pulmonology in Bulgaria. We present twenty-seven clinical cases from the period 2017--2020, in which CEUS was applied at different stages of the diagnostic process. The results are compared with a previous survey conducted in Bulgaria in 2011.

Comparison among different flushing media for intracoronary imaging with optical coherence tomography

Objective: To explore the effects and safety of saline mixed 1∶1 with contrast medium (mixed medium) and pure heparinized saline as alternative media for optimal Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: This single-center, prospective cohort study enrolled patients who underwent PCI with OCT guidance for chronic stable angina or acute coronary syndrome at the Department of Cardiology, the Second Hospital of Jilin University from October 2021 to August 2022. The target vessels were examined using OCT with three different flushing media at the same anatomical positions: contrast agent, mixed medium, and pure heparinized saline. An independent observer analyzed all imaging results and evaluated the lumen imaging quality, using the proportion of the clear imaging field (CIF%) as a quantitative measure for analysis. The average luminal diameter was compared among different flushing media. The study also assessed the image quality of the luminal anatomical structures, lesion pathologies, and stents. Results: A total of 105 patients were enrolled in the study, including 110 target vessels. The age of the enrolled patients was (60.5±8.4) years, with 60 male patients (57.1%). OCT examinations were successfully completed using all three media, and no related complications were observed in any groups. The three flushing media presented with the same image quality in terms of depicting the lumen anatomical structures, lesion characteristics, and stent-related features. The mixed medium group achieved a comparable CIF% to the contrast group with both right and left coronary arteries (right coronary 100.0% (100.0%, 100.0%) vs. 100.0% (100.0%, 100.0%), P>0.05; left coronary 100.0% (95.9%, 100.0%) vs. 100.0% (100.0%, 100.0%), P>0.05). While the saline group reached a comparable CIF% to the contrast group with right coronary arteries (100.0% (97.6%, 100.0%) vs. 100.0% (95.9%, 100.0%), P>0.05) but showed a significantly lower CIF% with left coronary arteries (84.9% (75.9%, 93.4%) vs. 100.0% (100.0%, 100.0%), P<0.05). For the average diameter of the coronary lumen, there was no statistically significant difference between the mixed medium group and the saline group compared to the contrast group with both right and left coronary arteries (P>0.05). Conclusions: A 1∶1 heparinized saline and contrast mixture can serve as a substitute flushing medium for OCT examination during PCI procedure. Pure saline can also yield good results in OCT examination of the right coronary artery, and both alternatives are safe for use as flushing medium in OCT imaging.

Biofloc supplementation improves growth performances, nutrient utilization, and histological status of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) while enhancing zooplankton diversity, community, and abundance

The present work investigates the effect of biofloc supplementation, as an environmentally clean aqua-feed technique, on water quality, growth performance, feed utilization, and histological status of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Moreover, indicators of zooplankton diversity, community structure, abundance, similarities, and cluster analysis were studied during the experiment. A 60-day growth experiment based on biofloc supplementation was performed to evaluate, in addition to the control group (BF0), the effects of five groups of biofloc supplementation (BF1 = 14.20, BF2 = 28.40, BF3 = 42.60, BF4 = 56.80, and BF5 = 71.0 g L−1, respectively) on Nile tilapia juveniles (initial body weight: 13.30 ± 0.01 g fish−1). During the 15 days of acclimation, the juveniles in all groups were fed twice daily on the same control diet (a commercial diet containing 28% protein). Then, the juveniles were randomly distributed to 18 tanks (each 0.5 m3 with a stocking of 40 fish/tank). The feed rate was 3% of the total fish biomass, adjusted weekly. The water quality indicators were in the ideal range recommended for Nile tilapia culture. The results found that the highest weight gain, specific growth rate and survival rate, and the lowest feed conversion ratio of fish were reported in the BF5 group. Moreover, this group achieved the highest zooplankton abundance (20,706 Ind. L−1) compared to the control group (457 Ind. L−1). The results showed that sections of the muscles in the control group (BF0) revealed fibers arranged into bundles. Comparisons between the muscles in the control group (BF0) and the bioflocs groups (BF1–BF5) showed unclear differences. However, sections of the muscle group BF1 showed increased splitting of muscle fibers and the separation of individual muscle fibers into smaller units. The liver showed multiple pathological lesions in all experimental groups (BF0–BF5). Zooplankton diversity indicators and cluster analysis data also reported a significant difference between the control group (BF0) and the biofloc groups, especially the BF5 group. The present study concluded that the addition of biofloc (71 g L−1) to culture ponds significantly improves the growth, feed utilization, and survival rates of Nile tilapia while enhancing zooplankton diversity, community, and abundance.

Pathogenic and genomic characterization of rabbit-sourced Pasteurella multocida serogroup F isolates recovered from dead rabbits with respiratory disease.

The 19 rabbit-sourced Pasteurella multocida serogroup F isolates showing high virulence to rabbits were avirulent to the broilers. Notably, polymorphisms were determined in the lipopolysaccharide outer core biosynthetic genes natC and gatF among all serogroup F strains of different hosts. However, the sequences of natC and gatF from rabbit-sourced strains (except for SD11) were identical, which might be responsible for the host specific of the 19 isolates.

Pathology of intra-articular tumours and tumour-like lesions: pearls, pitfalls and rarities from a general surgical pathology practice.

Intra-articular tumours are uncommonly encountered in routine practice and may present diagnostic challenges to pathologists. Challenges unique to this site include distinction from more common reactive synovial conditions, which are far more common; histologic variability; superimposed reactive changes; and often, lack of provided clinicoradiological context. This article reviews the pathology of the synovial tumours and tumour-like lesions, including diagnostic pearls, pitfalls and rare entities.

Creating an atlas of normal tissue for pruning WSI patching through anomaly detection

Patching whole slide images (WSIs) is an important task in computational pathology. While most of them are designed to classify or detect the presence of pathological lesions in a WSI, the confounding role and redundant nature of normal histology are generally overlooked. In this paper, we propose and validate the concept of an “atlas of normal tissue” solely using samples of WSIs obtained from normal biopsies. Such atlases can be employed to eliminate normal fragments of tissue samples and hence increase the representativeness of the remaining patches. We tested our proposed method by establishing a normal atlas using 107 normal skin WSIs and demonstrated how established search engines like Yottixel can be improved. We used 553 WSIs of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma to demonstrate the advantage. We also validated our method applied to an external dataset of 451 breast WSIs. The number of selected WSI patches was reduced by 30% to 50% after utilizing the proposed normal atlas while maintaining the same indexing and search performance in leave-one-patient-out validation for both datasets. We show that the proposed concept of establishing and using a normal atlas shows promise for unsupervised selection of the most representative patches of the abnormal WSI patches.

GenX caused liver injury and potential hepatocellular carcinoma of mice via drinking water even at environmental concentration

Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (GenX) is an alternative to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), whose environmental concentration is close to its maximum allowable value established by the US Environmental Protection Agency, so its effects on human health are of great concern. The liver is one of the most crucial target organ for GenX, but whether GenX exposure induces liver cancer still unclear. In this research project, male C57 mice were disposed to GenX in drinking water at environmental concentrations (0.1 and 10 μg/L) and higher concentrations (1 and 100 mg/L) for 14 weeks to explore its effects on liver injury and potential carcinogenicity in mice. GenX was found to cause a dose-dependent increase in the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG). As the content of GenX in drinking water increased, so did the concentrations of Glypican-3 (GPC-3) and detachment gamma-carboxyprothrombin (DCP), indicators of early hepatocellular cancer. GenX destroyed the boundaries and arrangements of hepatocytes, in which monocyte infiltration, balloon-like transformation, and obvious lipid vacuoles were observed between cells. Following exposure to GenX, Masson sections revealed a significant quantity of collagen deposition in the liver. Alpha-feto protein (AFP), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Ki67, matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) gene expression increased in a dose-dependent manner in the treatment group relative to the control group. In general, drinking water GenX exposure induced liver function impairment, elevated blood lipid level, caused liver pathological structure damage and liver fibrosis lesions, changed the liver inflammatory microenvironment, and increased the concentration of liver-related tumor indicator even in the environmental concentration, suggesting GenX is a potential carcinogen.

Bioarchaeological Research of The Home Army’s Soldiers From Raubiszki and Druzhyle Battles

This article covers the topic of Armia Krajowa’s soldiers and their manner-of-death. AK is a Polish underground military organization that was active during World War II and the post-war period until 1945. Since Vilnius region was occupied by Poland during the inter-war period (1920–1939), multiple historical events in which AK soldiers were fighting against German Nazis and Soviets took place in modern-day Lithuanian territories. Thus, a considerable number of single and mass burials of Polish partisans are uncovered in Lithuania. This research aims to reconstruct the manner-of-death of 9 AK partisans’ skeletal remains from two battles with the Soviets: Družiliai and Raubiškės. The results indicated a wide range of perimortal lesions sustained on the battlefield: perimortal fractures and gunshot wounds. The analysis also revealed pathological lesions that illustrated challenges individuals had faced in their daily partisanship – hard physical labor, malnutrition, non-specific stress.

Combined visual and quantitative assessment of somatostatin receptor scintigraphy for staging and restaging of neuroendocrine tumors.

Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy (SRS) using 111In-DTPA-DPhe1-octreotide (pentetreotide) has become an integral part of neuroendocrine neoplasm management. The lack of precise quantification is a disadvantage of SRS. This study aimed to adapt the standardized uptake value (SUV) to SRS, establish the SUV range for physiological uptake in the liver, kidney, and spleen, and elucidate the utility of combined visual and quantitative SRS assessment for staging and restaging of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). This study included 21 patients with NETs who underwent 111In-pentetreotide SRS. The SUV of physiological and pathological uptake was calculated using bone single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) quantitative analysis software (GI-BONE). For visual analysis, the primary and metastatic lesions were scored visually on planar and SPECT images using a five-point scale. We assessed the relationships between the SUVs of the liver, kidney, and spleen in the dual phase, and among quantitative indices, visual score, and pathological lesions classification. Sixty-three NEN lesions were evaluated. The mean ± standard deviation maximum SUVs (SUVmax) were liver: 4h, 2.6 ± 1.0; 24h, 2.2 ± 1.0; kidney: 4h, 8.9 ± 1.8; 24h, 7.0 ± 2.0; and spleen; 4h, 11.3 ± 4.5; 24h, 11.5 ± 7.6. Higher SUVmax was significantly associated with higher visual scores on dual-phase SPECT (4h, p < 0.001; 24h, p < 0.001) (4h: scores 3 and 4, p < 0.05; scores 3 and 5: p < 0.01; scores 4 and 5: p < 0.01; 24h: scores 3 and 4, p = 0.0748; scores 3 and 5: p < 0.01; scores 4 and 5: p < 0.01). We adapted the SUV to SRS and established the range of SUV for physiological uptake in the liver, kidney, and spleen. Combined visual and quantitative assessment is useful for imaging individual lesions in greater detail, and may serve as a new tumor marker of SRS for staging and restaging of NETs.

Identification, Pathogenicity, Public Health, and Economic Importance of Tapeworms of Poultry

Tapeworms of poultry are a group of cestodes that parasitize the intestinal tract of chickens and other birds. They cause economic losses due to reduced production, growth retardation, weight loss, and mortality. In Ethiopia, several species of tapeworms have been reported in poultry, especially in free-range systems and low land areas. The most common genera are Davainea, Hymenolepis, Amoebotaenia, Choanotaenia, and Raillietina. These tapeworms have complex life cycles that require arthropod or other invertebrate intermediate hosts, such as snails, beetles, ants, and earthworms. The birds become infected by ingesting these intermediate hosts that contain the infective larval stage of the tapeworms. The larvae then attach to the mucosa of the intestine and change themselves to adult tapeworms that produce eggs or proglottids that are passed in the feces. Tapeworm infections can cause various clinical signs and pathological lesions in poultry, depending on the species, number, and location of the worms. Some of the common signs are diarrhea, anorexia, emaciation, weakness, ruffled feathers, slow movement, and rapid breathing. Some tapeworms can also cause intestinal blockage, hemorrhage, nodular growth, and catarrhal enteritis. Tapeworm infections can also predispose the birds to other diseases by impairing their immunity and nutrition. However, other chicken diseases may have similar symptoms and effects like tapeworm infections, so deferential diagnosis should be done at the laboratory level or post-mortem examination. The treatment and control of tapeworm infections in poultry are challenging because of the presence of intermediate hosts that serve as sources of infection. Prevention of birds from contact with intermediate hosts is the most important step that should be taken in the control of tapeworm infection. This can be achieved by improving the hygiene and sanitation of the poultry houses and yards, providing clean water and feed, preventing access to wild birds and rodents that may carry intermediate hosts, and using insecticides or biological agents to reduce intermediate host populations. Tapeworms of poultry are a significant problem in Ethiopia and other tropical countries where free-range systems and low land areas are common. They cause economic losses and affect the health and welfare of poultry. Therefore, more attention should be given to their identification, pathogenicity, public health, and economic importance.

Surgical outcomes and perioperative risk factors of patients with interstitial lung disease after pulmonary resection

BackgroundPatients of interstitial lung disease (ILD) combined with pulmonary lesions are increasingly common in clinical practice. Patients with ILD are at significantly higher risk for complications after pulmonary resection (including lobectomy and sublobar resection), especially acute exacerbations of ILD (AE-ILD). The purpose of this study is to summarize the short-term and long-term outcomes after pulmonary resection in ILD patients and to analyze the clinical factors affecting surgical safety.MethodsFrom January 2004 to January 2022, a total of 78 patients who were diagnosed with ILD and underwent pulmonary resection at our center were enrolled in this study. Clinical data, pathological findings, surgical procedures, and intraoperative safety of these patients were collected retrospectively. Postoperative 90-day complications and mortality, long-term surgical outcomes from postoperative 90 days to 24 months, and changes in ILD condition were investigated. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors associated with postoperative complications.ResultsThe median age of patients was 66.5 (range 33–86) years, 82.1% (64/78) of patients were male, and 78.2% (61/78) of patients had comorbidities. Idiopathic ILD and secondary ILD accounted for 86% and 14%, thoracotomy and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery accounted for 12.8% and 87.2%, and lobectomy and sublobar resection accounted for 37.2% and 62.8%, respectively. Postoperative 90-day complications occurred in 25.6% (20/78) of patients, with pulmonary complications and AE-ILD occurring in 15.4% and 9.0% of patients, respectively. The postoperative 90-day mortality rate was 5.1% (4/78), and the cause of death was AE-ILD. Exacerbation of ILD or other complications occurred in 12.8% (10/78) of patients from postoperative 90 days to 24 months. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that comorbidity, extent of resection, systemic lymph node dissection, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and pathology of pulmonary lesion were associated with postoperative 90-day complications. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index and intraoperative blood loss were identified as independent risk factors of postoperative 90-day complications.ConclusionsPatients with ILD have a significantly higher risk of postoperative 90-day complications and mortality after pulmonary resection, especially pulmonary complications and AE-ILD. After postoperative 90 days, the risk of deterioration of pulmonary status remains high, including exacerbation of ILD and complications associated with long-term use of glucocorticoids and immunosuppressant. Age, comorbidity and intraoperative blood loss are high risk factors for postoperative 90-day complications.

HELLP Syndrome and Differential Diagnosis with Other Thrombotic Microangiopathies in Pregnancy.

Thrombotic microangiopathies (TMAs) comprise a distinct group of diseases with different manifestations that can occur in both pediatric and adult patients. They can be hereditary or acquired, with subtle onset or a rapidly progressive course, and they are particularly known for their morbidity and mortality. Pregnancy is a high-risk time for the development of several types of thrombotic microangiopathies. The three major syndromes are hemolysis, elevated liver function tests, and low platelets (HELLP); hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS); and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Because of their rarity, clinical information and therapeutic results related to these conditions are often obtained from case reports, small series, registries, and reviews. The collection of individual observations, the evolution of diagnostic laboratories that have identified autoimmune and/or genetic abnormalities using von Willebrand factor post-secretion processing or genetic-functional alterations in the regulation of alternative complement pathways in some of these TMAs, and, most importantly, the introduction of advanced treatments, have enabled the preservation of affected organs and improved survival rates. Although TMAs may show different etiopathogenesis routes, they all show the presence of pathological lesions, which are characterized by endothelial damage and the formation of thrombi rich in platelets at the microvascular level, as a common denominator, and thrombotic damage to microcirculation pathways induces "mechanical" (microangiopathic) hemolytic anemia, the consumption of platelets, and ischemic organ damage. In this review, we highlight the current knowledge about the diagnosis and management of these complications during pregnancy.

Anatomic Review in 3D Augmented Reality Alters Craniotomy Planning Among Residents

ObjectiveObjectively examine the effect of 3D-Augmented Reality anatomic review on craniotomy planning among neurosurgical residents as it pertains to craniotomy size, skull positioning, and knowledge of significant anatomic relationships. MethodsPGY1-7 neurosurgery residents were instructed to review standard 2D radiographs, pin a skull, and tailor a craniotomy for 6 different lesions and case vignettes. Participants then reviewed the lesion in a 3D-AR environment, followed by repeating the craniotomy station for a variety of lesion types and locations (superficial, subcortical, deep, skull base). Quiz with case-specific anatomic and surgical questions followed by an exit survey for qualitative impressions. ResultsEleven of thirteen eligible residents participated. Skull position significantly changed in 5 out of 6 cases after 3D-AR view (p<0.05, 20 degrees angular adjustment). No significant change in incision length or craniotomy size. Subgroup analysis of junior vs. senior residents revealed that craniotomy size was significantly altered in 2 out of 6 cases. Qualitative testimonials (Likert scale 5= strongly agree) reported a change in craniotomy approach after 3D-review (3.5), improved appreciation of anatomy (4.2), increased confidence in surgical approach (4.33 junior residents, 3.5 senior residents), smaller incision (3.5 junior residents, 1.75 senior residents), better appreciation of white matter tracts (4.6). ConclusionsThe augmented reality platform offers a medium to examine surgical planning skills. Residents uniformly appreciated 3D-AR as a valuable tool for improving appreciation of critical anatomic structures and their relationship to lesional pathology. 3D-AR review significantly altered skull positioning for various lesions and craniotomy approaches, particularly among junior residents.

The aroA and luxS Double-Gene Mutant Strain Has Potential to Be a Live Attenuated Vaccine against Salmonella Typhimurium.

Salmonella Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) is a zoonotic pathogen posing a threat to animal husbandry and public health. Due to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains, alternative prevention and control strategies are needed. Live attenuated vaccines are an ideal option that provide protection against an S. Typhimurium pandemic. To develop a safe and effective vaccine, double-gene mutations are recommended to attenuate virulence. In this study, we chose aroA and luxS genes, whose deletion significantly attenuates S. Typhimurium's virulence and enhances immunogenicity, to construct the double-gene mutant vaccine strain SAT52ΔaroAΔluxS. The results show that the mutant strain's growth rate, adherence and invasion of susceptible cells are comparable to a wild-type strain, but the intracellular survival, virulence and host persistence are significantly attenuated. Immunization assay showed that 106 colony-forming units (CFUs) of SAT52ΔaroAΔluxS conferred 100% protection against wild-type challenges; the bacteria persistence in liver and spleen were significantly reduced, and no obvious pathological lesions were observed. Therefore, the double-gene mutant strain SAT52ΔaroAΔluxS exhibits potential as a live attenuated vaccine candidate against S. Typhimurium infection.

Concurrent Infection of Oesophagostomum species in a Slaughtered Goat: A Case Report

The morbidity and mortality of gastrointestinal nematodes in goats made them one of the most significant parasites in the world, causing huge economic loss for farmers. It has been reported that the economic loss due to gastrointestinal parasitism was Rs. 372.35 per goat annually. In the present study, the intestinal sample was collected from a local slaughter house at Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, for screening the gastrointestinal nematodes. Initially, the pathological lesions like nodules, cyst and haemorrhagic patches etc. were examined for any parasitic infection. The found worms in the intestinal content were subjected for microscopic examination for the identification of the nematode and identified them as Oesophagostomum spp. based on buccal capsule with cephalic and cervical structures. Interestingly, both Oesophagostomum columbianum and O. asperum species were found in the same sample. The male and female Oesophagostomum species were also differentiated by examining the spicule and gubernacular length, position of the vulva and anus. This study reports the infection of Oesophagostomum spp. in a goat and the first case report of concurrent infection of O. columbianum and O. asperum in the Bareilly region of Uttar Pradesh.

Pathological Changes in Early Medieval Horses from Different Archaeological Sites in Poland

The work is the first comprehensive analysis of equine pathological changes from the Polish territory. The research material was collected from 20 archaeological sites, mainly early medieval settlements, such as strongholds, settlements, towns and horse graves. In the material examined, 186 cases of lesions were found. Of these, 26.9% were lesions of the spine, 39.8% lesions of the limb skeleton and 31.7% lesions of the head including dental pathologies. Most of the lesions in the limbs involved their distal segments. The vast majority of pathological cases can be linked to animal use. It was found that horses in which pathological lesions were observed were used under cover. In one case, the observed cranial trauma was the cause of death associated with injury to the nasal auricles and large vessels and consequent blood loss and possible shock. It was found that, in some of the cases, the horses started to be used early which affected their organs of motion and spine.