Update on Transarterial Chemoembolization with Drug-Eluting Microspheres for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Conventional transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (c-TACE) is a widely used first-line palliative treatment for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite the effectiveness of c-TACE, to date, technique and procedure scheduling has not yet been standardized. Drug-eluting microspheres (DEMs) were therefore introduced to ensure more sustained and tumor-selective drug delivery for permanent embolization. These DEMs can load various drugs and release them in a sustained manner over a prolonged period. This approach ensures the delivery of high concentrations of chemotherapeutic agents to tumors, without increasing systemic concentrations, and promote tumor ischemia and necrosis. This review summarizes the recent advances in the use of DEM-TACE to treat HCC.

[Changes in buffalo serum and hepatic lipid parameters in response to food restriction]

Background: Negative energy balance in cow occurs in transitional period, highyielding dairy cows immediately after calving and feed restriction. In response to energy demand cow mobilizes fatty acids from adipose tissue causing an increase in the circulation of NEFA. Increased blood NEFA is associated with low glucose, high free fatty acids and ketone bodies as well as lipid and lipoprotein disturbances in the blood. Does buffalo follows the same as cow, is not yet cleared

Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of starvation on some lipid parameters in serum and liver of buffalos in Ahwaz

Methods: Five two-year-old male buffalos with average body weight of 200 kg were fattened with a diet containing alpha, barely, wheat, and maze for 8 weeks and then they were fastened for 8 days. During fasting period the animals had free access to barely and water. After fasting period the buffalos were again fattened for 8 weeks. Blood samples were collected from the coccygeal vein during the first and second fattening period with 20 days intervals and every day in the fasting period. Plasma samples were obtained, stored, and analyzed for glucose, BHBA and NEFA using standard kits. The liver of each buffalo was sampled at the beginning and end of feed restriction period and sent to the laboratory for the measurement of the liver TG content. Analyses of variance were carried out to compare mean values in fed and fasted periods

Results: The results of present study revealed that there were no significant differences in plasma NEFA,BHBA and liver TG concentration before and after feed restriction [p>0.05], but there was significant difference in plasma glucose [p

Conclusions: It appears that in the period of food depravation, buffalos are essentially able to cope with these hard conditions probably through control of lipolysis and gluconeogenesis at the aim of preventing metabolic disorders particularly fatty liver. The results of the present research reveal probably for the first time, this inheritance phenomenon with the emphasis of further research

Chronic heat stress in Iranian fat-tailed ram lambs: clinical and paraclinical parameters

The effect of heat stress on physiological parameters has been well documented. However, there are reports of a genetic based heat tolerance in some sheep breeds. The aim of the present study was to monitor the physiological responses of an Iranian fat-tailed breed against heat stress and an acute stress insult. A total number of 15 fall-born ram lambs were selected and subjected to direct summer solar radiation throughout the day [May 2009 to February 2010]. Ten lambs were semi-castrated in October to see the physiologic response of animals to an acute stress. The general parameter as well as blood chemistry and cortisol were analyzed during the study. The results showed that all physiologic parameters had significant changes; however, their values were in normal range. The fact that the animals in the present study experienced their first exposure of heat stress and a significant increase in serum cortisol concentration in semicastrated lambs in October, compared to the respected values in the hottest months of the experiment, may indicate a genetic based adaptability of the breed in Iran. The present study shows the dynamic changes of general and biochemical parameters in response to chronic heat stress and an acute stress that raises a possible tolerance of the breed against heat stress

effect of all-trans retinol on in vitro mouse embryo's developmental competence

All-trans retinol is a biological antioxidant scavenging the ROS in the cell culture. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of all-trans retinol in fertilization and culture medium on mouse embryo's developmental competence. This study was designed into two experiments. In the first experiment, in vitro mature oocytes were co-cultured with sperm in fertilization medium containing different concentrations of all-trans retinol [0, 1, 5, and 10 micro M]. After fertilization, zygotes in each group were separately cultured in CZB culture medium for 5 days to the blastocyst stage. In the second experiment, in vitro produced zygotes were cultured in CZB culture medium containing different concentrations of all-trans retinol [0, 1, 5, and 10 micro M] for 5 days to the blastocyst stage. In the first experiment, the blastocyst formation rate significantly increased by 5 micro M in all-trans retinol, which was more than those of the other groups. Also, percentage of grade one embryos was significantly higher in the presence of 5 micro M all-trans retinol than those in the presence of 0 and 1 micro M all-trans retinol. In the second experiment, different concentrations of all-trans retinol could not alter blastocyst formation rate; however, the percentage of grade one embryo was higher in the presence of 10 micro M all-trans retinol than that of the control group. These results showed that supplementation of fertilization medium with 5 micro M alltrans retinol could improve mouse embryo's development and morphology. On the other hand, supplementation of embryo culture medium can improve mouse embryo morphology without any effect on embryo developmental competence

Subclinical laminitis in captive female Esfahan mouflon [Ovis orientalis isphahanica]: gross and light microscopic pathology

The herd consisted of 25 captive Esfahan mouflons and their offspring. The mouflons were wild and originated from their natural habitat in Esfahan province. They had been kept in small enclosures with rough concrete floors. The diet consisted of alfalfa hay, corn silage, and a commercial concentrate. The mouflons showed severe claw overgrowth and detectable subclinical form of laminitis such as sole hemorrhage and yellow wax discoloration. Both prevalences were unexpectedly high [73.9%]. The majority of foot lesion samples included in this study were taken from mouflons examined in the course of veterinary practice over a period of 4 months in a farm for clinical and histopathological purposes. Pseudocarcinomatous epidermal hyperplasia which are characterized by extreme proliferation of epithelial cells with large amounts of whorl-like structures that show no specific pattern, like dyskeratosis or central keratinization. Our findings were supportive of researchers who have suggested that subclinical laminitis is a multifactorial disease that involves a complex interaction between nutrition and management. Feeding management, proper design of facilities and routine trimming seems to prevent subclinical laminitis is predisposed for more serious lesions in Esfahan mouflons

Atypical digital dermatitis of bovine claw in dairy cows: clinical and histopathologic findings

Digital dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin on the bulbs of the heel which cause lameness and economic losses. Atypical digital dermatitis is a new form of an old disease which has been reported recently in the USA, UK and Netherlands. The purpose of this study is the clinical and histopathological evaluation of claw lesions with exposed corium in cases of concurrent digital dermatitis in two endemically infected herds without preventative herd strategies for BDD. The majority of non-healing claw lesion samples included in this study were taken from 'typical' clinical cases, namely, from lame cows examined in the course of veterinary practice by one author over a period of 8 months in two commercial dairy farms in Iran. Fourty five lame cows with claw lesions were selected for clinical and histopathological purposes. Examination of the affected claws revealed a topical granular appearance, painful to touch, prone to bleed with distinctive odour and extensive regional loss of the claw horn. Histologically, the epidermis was lost completely over the extension of sole ulcer lesion. The underlying dermis was intensely infiltrated by inflammatory cells, mainly polymorphic leukocytes, and in deep, newly formed capillaries were embedded in the stroma. Hyalinized thrombi were also significant in small blood vessels. In wall ulcer, there was extremely proliferative epidermis, 2-3 times with severe acanthosis and rete ridge formation. Stratum corneum was hyperplastic. The stratum corneum were filled with neutrophils, cellular debris and erythrocytes lodged in the orthokeratotic stratum corneum. In all the observed cases, the disorder included penetration through the horn capsule lesions to involve the corium, resulting in damage of the horn-forming cells. This new manifestation seems to be a combination of metabolic and infectious diseases

Footpad horn hypertrophy and vertical fissure accompanied by white line disease 2 in case of concurrent deep digital sepsis in a culling cow

A5.2 year-old Holstein cow was presented with lameness and abnormal weight bearing in a slaughterhouse. Widening of the periople and swelling of the heel area in the lateral claw was more permanent than the medial claw. Vertical fissure [VF] involving the coronary band to the middle of the dorsal wall of the medial hind claw was observed. It was also extended to the bearing surface in the inner surface of the claw wall. White line disease 2 [WLD2] was seen in the length of VF on the bearing surface. The horn of the bulb apex of the lateral hind claw was hypertrophic. There was a groove in the footpad between the apex and base of the bulb too. Grosspathologically, the digital bones showed a wide range of bone changes such as new bone formation, pedal osteolysis and bony ankylosis. The hind leg was amputated at the tarsus immediately after slaughter. The lower limbs of lame cows were examined and the type and distribution of digital lesions were tabulated. An x-ray machine was used in this study to take radiographic images. The radiographic images taken from the involved digits of the affected case depicted a quite wide range of radiographic signs. After the first review of the X-ray film, samples were selected for further procedures through putrefaction. Laminitis may have affected this case at some previous time. Routine trimming seems to have prevented the premature culling in the cows with claw lesion

effects of fasting on some biochemical factors of liver, serum and clinical signs in cattle

Fasting is an alternative method to induce anorexia. The biochemical factors of liver and serum and clinical signs were measured and documented in five non-lactating, non-pregnant cows following eight days of fasting. Five crossbred, non-lactating, and non-pregnant cattle were used in this study. They were fasted for 8 days_ total food deprivation; however, they had free access to water. Liver biopsies were carried out one day before food deprivation [day 0] and 8 days after food deprivation by ultrasound-guided biopsy. Blood samples were taken from the jugular vein before and during fasting. The concentrations of triglyceride [TG], total lipids, glycogen, phospholipids, and total protein in liver and NEFA, BHBA, TG, total cholesterol, glucose, total lipid, APO A1, and APO B in blood serum were measured and compared. The results of this study showed that fasting for 8 days reduces respiratory rate by 52% and heart rate by 12.5% and has no significant effect on rectal temperature. The concentrations of the liver triglyceride [TG] and glycogen significantly increased [p=0.046] and decreased [p=0.007] on day 8, respectively. There were no significant differences in the content of liver phospholipids [p=0.83], total lipids [p=0.29], and total protein [p=0.23]. The serum concentrations of NEFA and BHBA increased significantly [p=0.008] at the end of fasting period. No significant differences in the concentrations of serum TG [p=0.057], total cholesterol [p=0.93], glucose [p=0.108], total lipid [p=0.27], APO A1 [p=0.762], and APO B [p=0.92] were noticed on days 0 and 8. The results of the present study showed that fasting, like anorexia [as a result of diseases], induces fat mobilization from adipose tissue in response to the induced negative energy balance

[Effect of intravenous hypertonic solution administration on the abomasal emptying in newborn calves]

It has been shown that the rate at which a meal leaves the abomasum is influenced by the volume, constituents and pH of the chyme through duodenal receptors. A direct correlation between tonicity of oral solutions and abomasal emptying has been observed. It has been noted that if the osmolarity of an oral solution is increased, the rate of emptying from the abomasum decreases. Nowadays Hypertonic solutions are widely used to treat septic shock and diarrhea. Determination of the effects of intravenous hypertonic Dextrose and Sodium Chloride solutions on the abomasal emptying in neonatal calves. The present study was carried out on Six 5 to 8 day-old colostrum-fed Holstein-Friesian calves. Calves were administered each of 4 treatments in a crossover study. Each calf was weighed and then assigned to one of the following treatments at 1 ml/kg body weight [BW] IV in random order: 1] 0.9% NaCl, equivalent to 308 mOsm/L [volume control]; 2] 7.2% NaCl, equivalent to 2500 mOsm/L [osmolality control]; 3] 5% dextrose, equivalent to 0.05 g dextrose/kg BW at 250 mOsm/L; and 4] 50% dextrose, equivalent to 0.5 g dextrose/kg BW at 2500 mOsm/L. All 4 solutions were injected over 1 minute at a smooth rate, and time = 0 minutes was the start of injection. Immediately after administration of each treatment, the calves were allowed to suckle 2Lof fresh cow's milk at room temperature [19[degree sign] to 22[degree sign]C] that contained a dose of acetaminophen [50 mg/kg BW]. Abomasal emptying rate was measured by use of the acetaminophen absorption technique as previously described. Venous blood samples for determination of plasma acetaminophen, glucose and insulin concentration were collected. The results of the current study revealed that there was no difference in abomasal emptying rate between the 4 treatments. The results indicate that IV isotonic and hypertonic solutions, unlike the oral route have no effect on abomasal emptying

[ effect of parenteral administration of erythromycin on Immunoglobulin G absorption in neonatal calves]

Motilides mainly erythromycin have a great ability to increase abomasal emptying rate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of erythromycin as a prokinetic agent on abomasal emptying rate and Immunoglobulin G absorption in neonatal calves. Twelve holstein neonate calves were divided into two groups [treatment and control] of 6 Calves each. One hour after birth, treatment and control groups were injected by erythromycine [8.8 mg/kg; IM] and normal saline [IM]. After 30 minutes, calves were fed by 3 liters of colostrum using esophageal tube. Venous blood samples for determination of plasma IgG were obtained at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48 hours and 5 and 7 days after birth. The results showed that administration of erythromycin caused a significant increase in the serum IgG level [20.394 mg/mL], compared to the control group [15.021 mg/mL]. This study revealed that erythromycin increases the serum IgG level probably through abomasal emptying acceleration

[ effect of omeprazole on colostral total IgG absorption in neonatal lambs]

Omeprazole as an inhibitor decreases abomasal acid secretion. On the other hand, acidity would be a determinant for absorption of Immunoglobulins. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of increasing abomasal pH due to Omeprazole administration on the rate of intestinal immunoglobulin absorption in newborn lambs. 30 lambs immediately after birth were divided into 6 groups of 5 animals each as follows: Group1; The lambs received colostrum from birth to 84 hours after birth. Group2; The lambs were fed by colostrum + Omeprazole [4mg/Kg] from birth to 84 hours after birth. Group 3; The lambs were given milk for the first 24 hours and after then until hour of 84 by colostrum + Omeprazole. Group 4; The lambs were fed with milk + Omeprazole for the first 24 hours and after then until hour of 84 with colostrum + Omeprazole. Group 5; The lambs received milk for the first 6 hours after birth and after then received colostrums until hour of 84. Group 6; The lambs were fed with milk + Omeprazole in the first 6 hours after birth and after then until hour of 84 by colostrum + Omeprazole. Blood samples were collected at 0,24,48,72 and 96 hours after birth. The total IgG was measured by ELISA method. Serum IgG levels in group 4 showed significant decrease when compared with the control [group 3]. However, no significant difference was shown in the serum IgG levels among groups. The results of this study showed that after birth increase in abomasal pH do not make effect on IgG absorption

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and encephalomalacia in a budgerigar [Melopsittacus undulatus]

Encephalomalacia is softening or loss of brain tissue following cerebral infarction; cerebral ischemia infection, craniocerebraltrauma or other injuries. Cholangiocarcinomas are malignant neoplasms of biliary epithelium, which usually arise from the intrahepatic ducts. A budgerigar was presented with a history of ataxia, decreased activity, neck weakness and weight loss. Supportive care was attempted, but the bird did not improve and euthanasia was elected. At necropsy, the liver was pale and large. There were two symmetrical pale areas on the cortical surface of cerebrum. Representative specimens from all tissues were fixed in 10% buffered formalin, embedded in paraffin and stained with hematoxylin and eosin [HE]. In gray matter of cerebral tissue, there were small clear vacuoles of varied size that formed in the cytoplasm of neuron cell bodies. Proliferation of capillaries was seen. The fluid-filled clear spaces were in the white matter especially in peduncles. There were a few thromboses in the vessels and neuronal necrosis of cerebrum. Neoplastic tissue was limited to the liver. There were numerous epithelial lined ducts with an associated dense fibrous stroma. Cholangiocarcinoma and encephalomalacia were confirmed based on the macroscopic and microscopic evidences. It seems that chronic exposure to a mycotoxin and vitamin E deficiency are probable causes of encephalpmalacia and cholangiocarcinoma in this bird

[ effect of the number of clinical bracket points on the accuracy of curve fitted to dental arch form by 3D method]

Adjustment of an accurate curve to the dental arch is an important part of orthodontic treatment. Our goal was comparing the fitting accuracy of two curves constructed by different numbers of clinical bracket points [CBP] to the dental arch form using 4[th] degree polynomial function. A mathematical formula associated with a polynomial function was used to reconstruct the dental arch forms of 18 adolescents [18 casts] with normal occlusion. CBPs were marked on every tooth present in each maxillary and mandibular model [second molar to second molar] using an orthodontic bracket positioning gauge. A coordinate measuring machine [CMM] was used to record the coordinates of each CBP [x, y]. Then a curve fitting software was used to obtain the best 4[th] degree polynomial function and the associated curve fitted to all 14 CBPs. Another polynomial 4[th] degree function curve was obtained for the same models using CBPs only on central incisors, canines and second molars. Curves for each model were compared using statistical values including correlation coefficient, standard error, sum of residuals and R[2]. The mean root squares for curves fitted to 14 points in all samples were 0.8855 and it was 0.9629 when 6 points were compared with 14 points. The intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] between curves fitted to 6 and 14 points was 0.946 in mandible, 0.983 in maxilla and 0.969 for both. Six CBPs were enough for proper fitting of 4th degree polynomial function to dental arch forms of both jaws

Evaluation of copper, zinc, Cu/Zn, and VEGF in patients with AML in Iran

Copper and zinc are the elements with numerous physiological activities. Copper [Cu] has an important role in angiogenesis and acts by increasing Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor [VEGF]. Serum levels of copper will be increased in cancer incidence, progression and recurrence. The aim of this study was to measure blood levels of copper, zinc, and the ratio of Cu /Zn, as well as VEGF levels before and after treatment of acute myeloid leukemia. Thirty patients who were recently diagnosed with Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia [AML] in Shahid Ghazi Tabatabai oncology hospital enrolled in this clinical trial. On the first day, blood samples were taken for copper, zinc, and VEGF assay and flowcytometry. Treatment protocol was [7x3] regimen. Blood samples were collected for evaluation of copper, zinc, and VEGF. They were sent to Biochemistry Laboratory in medicine faculty for analysis. Amongst 30 AML patients, 14 [46.7%] were female and 16 [53.3%] were male. Patients of various ages ranged from 16 to 53 years, with a median age of 9.1 +/- 9.35 years. The mean serum level of copper, zinc, and mean Cu/Zn ratio before and after treatment showed significant difference [p<0.05] There was also significant difference between the mean VEGF level before and after treatment [p<0.05]. This study reveals that there is no significant relationship between copper, zinc serum levels, their ratio, and VEGF in AML patients. We hypothesize that increased serum copper is associated with increase of VEGF levels which can indicate the impact of copper in malignancies including AML

[ comparison of the effect of oral and injectable copper preparations on serum copper status in sheep]

Clinical observations and studies have confirmed copper deficiency in Khuzestan Province, Iran. This study evaluates the efficacy of copper preparations in the treatment of copper deficiency in sheep. The study was carried out on 180 ewes in a flock with records of enzootic ataxia in their lambs in Ramhormoz. The ewes were randomly divided into 3 groups of sixty: The control group [Group 1]; the oral treatment group [Group 2]; and, the injection treatment group [Group 3]. The ewes in Group 2 received a 4 g capsule of copper oxide orally and the ewes in Group 3 received 50mg of calcium copper edentate by subcutaneous injection. The copper compounds were given before the release of ram into the flock. Blood samples were taken at the start and 2.5 months after the start of the study; and, during lambing time. Blood copper and ceruloplasmin content were measured. In all groups, at the start of experiment, the mean blood copper was near 3 micro mol/L. This measurement indicates functional copper deficiency or hypocuprosis and the mean blood ceruloplasmin was at the lowest level of the normal range. The blood copper and ceruloplasmin levels in the second and third sampling times in groups 2 and 3 showed significant elevations [p<0.05]. No significant differences were seen in the blood concentrations of copper and ceruloplasmin between the second and third sampling times for groups 2 and 3. This study showed that a hypocuprosis presents among sheep raised in the area and there was a partial response to a single dose of copper compounds. Therefore, repeated doses of copper compounds are recommended if hypocuprosis is diagnosed in any flock of sheep in the Khuzestan Province area

[Effect of pantoprazole on the rate of immunoglobulin absorption in newborn calves]

Newborn calves are agammaglobulinemic due to not receiving maternal immunoglobulin [Ig] in the uterus, and gain immunity immediately after birth through colostrum intake. Abomasum produces more acid within 24 hours after birth, leading to an increase of the probability of colostrum globulin destruction. The aim of the present study was to find if blocking acid secretion through proton pump inhibitors might prevent the destruction of colostrum immunoglobulins. Fifteen newly-born male Holstein calves were divided into five equal groups, including three control groups and two test groups. The calves were fed colostrum and milk at zero, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72 and 84 hours after birth using an esophageal tube as follows: Control groups: A- calves were fed milk for 24 hours after birth, then colostrum for 72 hours; B- calves were fed milk for 48 hours after birth, then colostrum for 72 hours; C- calves were fed colostrum for 72 hours after birth. Test groups: A] pantoprazole was injected intravenously every 24 hours [2 mg/kg] and the calves were fed milk for 24 hours after birth and then colostrum for the next 72 hours. B] pantoprazole was injected intravenously every 24 hours [2 mg/kg], and the calves were fed milk for 48 hours after birth and then colostrum for 72 hours. Serum IgG, IgM and IgA levels were measured using ELISA. The results did not show any significant differences in Ig blood concentrations in the control and test groups. Therefore, it is assumed that the high pH of abomasum has no significant effect on Ig intake

Association of physical activity with risk of type 2 diabetes

Physical activity has shown to prevent type diabetes 2. However, the type, intensity and amount of effective physical activity as well as individuals' needs according to level of their risk for type 2 diabetes have not been clarified comprehensively. This study investigated a relation between moderate aerobic physical activity >/= 150 minuets/week with decreased risk of type 2 diabetes among obese and non-obese residents of south of Tehran, Iran. This study, which was a part of the Cardiovascular Risk Factors Survey in Tehran population Lab region, was designed and conducted based on MONICA/WHO project. Totally, 1552 adult inhabitants of 17[th] district of Tehran were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Physical activity was assessed by MONICA Optional Study of Physical Activity questionnaire. Diabetes was defined as a history of a prior diagnosis of diabetes or fasting serum glucose >/= 126 mg/dl. All data analyses were conducted using SPSS 17 software for Windows. In a multivariate model, moderate aerobic physical activity >/= 150 minuets/week was significantly associated with decreased risk of type 2 diabetes in all and non-obese subjects [OR= 0.56; 95%CI: 0.35-0.91 and OR= 0.50; 95%CI: 0.26-0.94, respectively]. There was no significant relation between the physical activity and type 2 diabetes risk in obese subjects [OR=0.64; 95%CI: 0.30-1.39]. Moderate aerobic physical activity >/= 150 minuets/week was significantly associated with decreased risk of type 2 diabetes in non-obese people and could be an acceptable exercise goal for these individuals. However, obese people should be investigated more to produce a tailored exercise guideline to this population at high risk of type 2 diabetes

[Comparative evaluation of measurement accuracy of dental cast space analysis using conventional two-dimensional by Dolphin software and three-dimensional methods]

Recent technologic advances allow models to be digitized, measured with software tools, stored electronically and retrieved with a computer. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the validity of computerized 2-D dolphin, 3-D laser scanning and manual methods of dental cast analysis. Twenty setups, simulating various types of malocclusions with different degrees of rotational and inclination of teeth, variety of spacing condition and curve of spee depths, were constructed. The values of tooth size were calculated from isolated artificial teeth out of setups [gold standard].These setups were duplicated using alginate, resulting in 20 corresponding dental stone models. Models were analyzed with digital calipers manually. The digital images were scanned and were analyzed with the Dolphin software. The analyses included mesiodistal dimension of isolated teeth and the measurement of Bolton scale. The results of the two mentioned methods were compared with the results of another study on these models by the means of three dimension scanning with gold standard. Inter Class Correlation were used to evaluate significance of differences. The difference of the varying methods were obtained through the Dolhberg formula. Results showed that there is the highest correlation between gold standard and manual methods, then between the gold standard and the two dimension methods, and finally, between gold standard and 3-D scanning. Statistically, methods had significant differences [P<0.05], which is clinicaly acceptable. In comparison to gold standard, manual method is still the most accurate for cast space analysis, but difference in overall size calculation is only 1.8 mm which seems clinically acceptable

Differences in cephalometric analysis measurements: a comparison of computerized versus hand - tracing methods

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of cephalometric measurements using computerized tracing in comparison with hand tracing of radiographic printouts. A sample was used, consisting of 90 standardized lateral cephalometric radiographs, obtaining from 10 year old male and female patients with normal skeletal and dental components. The radiographs were analyzed by two different observers. The first observer performed the manual and computerized tracing and then the procedure randomly rechecked by the second observer. A total of 13 anatomical landmarks of McNamara analysis were located and angular and linear measurements were obtained. Measurement reproducibility was evaluated by calculating intraclass correlation coefficients [ICC]. Differences greater than 0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. Significant differences were found between the methods for [Inferior Airway Space] in females. Cephalometric measurements of most parameters were reproducible for both methods. The study showed that confidence can be increased in tracings obtained from computer-assisted cephalometric analysis. As the discrepancies found between both manual and computerized, were mostly not statistically significant, any differences were minimal and clinically acceptable

Lymphoid Leucosis and Coligranoluma in a Budgerigar [Melopsittacus undulates]

An adult female budgerigar [Melopsittacus undulates] presented with abdominal enlargement. The condition of the bird deteriorated after needle aspiration for cytological examination. The budgerigar was euthanatized and a complete necropsy was performed. Microscopic sections were prepared and stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Gram staining, periodic acid-Schiff [PAS] and acid-fast staining. Escherichia coll was isolated in pure culture. Necropsy revealed the presence of granulomatous lesions of varying sizes at different locations and hepatomegaly, oviduct impaction and oophoritis. Histopathologically, typical granuloma with a central area of coagulation necrosis and bacterial colonies surrounded by lymphocytes, macrophages and multinucleated giant cells were found. These granulomas were present in the liver, oviduct and intestinal tract. A sheet of neoplastic cells and disruption of the normal hepatic architecture was seen. The diagnosis was lymphoid leucosis and coligranuloma