Morphometry and topography of the coronary ostia in the European bison.

BACKGROUND: Coronary vessels have been widely studied in many species of domestic and wild mammals. However, there are no available literature reports describing the morphology and morphometry of the coronary ostia of the European bison (Bison bonasus). The aim of this study was to measure the area of the coronary ostia and assess their localisation in the coronary sinuses of the aortic root in the European bison. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study material comprised 27 hearts from European bison of both sexes (16 males and 11 females), from 3 months to 26 years old, inhabiting the Bialowieza Forest (Bialowieza National Park, Poland). The animals were divided into two age groups: ≤ 5 years (group I) and > 5 years (group II). RESULTS: In all the studied European bison, the aortic valve consisted of three semilunar leaflets, left, right and septal. The ostia of both coronary arteries were located beneath the sinotubular junction. The dimensions of the left coronary ostium were larger than those of the right coronary ostium. They were longer by on average 4.5 mm (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.5-5.6 mm), they were wider by on average 1.6 mm (95% CI 1.0-2.2 mm) and they had a larger area by on average 31.6 mm2 (95% CI 22.7-40.5 mm2). This was evident both in young and in adult bison. After adjusting for age, there were no differences in the ostia dimensions between males and females. There were no differences in the structure of the left and right coronary arteries in nine animals. In the remaining 18 animals, there were variations in the morphology of the coronary ostia or additional ostia. CONCLUSIONS: Because of the anatomical similarity between the European bison and other ruminants, the results of this study can be applied to the other species including endangered ones.

Effect of selenium and vitamin E addition to the extender on liquid stored capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) semen quality.

Captive breeding has become an important tool in species conservations programmes, maintaining genetic diversity and restoring wild, endangered populations. In order to improve the reproductive efficiency of captive kept capercaillie, the purpose of the study was to determine the effect of selenium and vitamin E addition to semen extender on sperm characteristic during short-term storage. Ejaculates collected individually from four capercaillie were divided into two parts, diluted threefold with basic EK extender and EK enriched with 1 mg/ml of organic selenium and 8 mg/ml of vitamin E (EK+Se+E) and stored 24 hr at temp. +4°C. Spermatozoa morphology, motility and motility parameter were evaluated in net, diluted and stored semen samples. Significant (p < .05) differences between individual males were stated in relation to the majority of traits evaluated in the freshly collected semen. Comparing to the fresh semen, a significant (p < .05) decrease in percentage of live sperm in total (by 3.8% points on average) has been observed in samples diluted by EK extender, while in semen diluted with EK+Se+E extender this decrease was lower (1.5%pts on average) and not significant. Also per cent of motile sperm in EK+Se+E extender was higher (p < .05) then in EK (71.6% vs. 58.9%), but taking into account the values of individual males, both extender and male effect on liquid semen storage become apparent. Obtained data allow concluding that selenium and vitamin E addition to EK extender had positive effect on morphology and motility of capercaillie semen stored 24 hr at 4°C and can be recommended for similar studies carried out on other Galliformes species.

Morphology of Coronary Ostia in Domestic Shorthair Cat.

Diagnosis and treatment of heart diseases due to changes in the coronary vascularization need a detailed knowledge on the morphology and possible variations of the aortic valves and coronary ostia. This study was performed to clarify details on morphology of these structures in domestic cats. The tricuspid aortic valve was examined in 65 domestic shorthair cats. The location of coronary ostia was determined either inferior to (26 and 20%, left and right coronary ostium - LCO and RCO), at (65 and 66%) or superior to the intercommissural line (9 and 14%). In 13 cats (20%), accessory ostia were found either for left, right or both coronary arteries (LCA and RCA). Their position varied between specimens. They were located beyond the main ostium, at its edge, or inside just below the edge. In one cat, no main trunk of the LCA was found. In one cat, two accessory ostia next to the RCO were observed. Coronary ostia in cats show anatomical variants and morphological anomalies. This study provides basic data useful for, for example, angiography performed for diagnosis of cardiac diseases and as a basis for surgical interventions.

Histological, histochemical and fine structure studies of the lacrimal gland and superficial gland of the third eyelid and their significance on the proper function of the eyeball in alpaca (Vicugna pacos).

The lacrimal gland (LG) and superficial gland of the third eyelid (SGTE) belong to accessory organs of the eye. The aim of the present studies was to evaluate the histological, histochemical and fine structure of the LG and SGTE obtained from 3 adult females and 2 adult males of alpaca (Vicugna pacos). The LG was situated in the dorsolateral angle of the orbit between the dorsal rectus and the lateral rectus muscles. The SGTE was located between the medial rectus muscle, the ventral rectus muscle and was partially covered by the ventral oblique muscle of the eyeball. There were no effect of gender on the morphometry of examined LG and SGTE. The third eyelid resembles an anchor in shape. During histological and ultrastructural analyses using light and transmission electron microscopy, it was established that the LG and SGTE are tubulo-acinar glands with mucoserous characters. The LG contains either lymphocytes or plasma cells, while SGTE had rare plasma cells and numerous lymphocytes in connective tissue. The cartilage of the third eyelid was composed of hyaline tissue. Numerous aggregations of lymphocytes as lymph nodules in bulbar surface of the third eyelid were observed. The LG and SGTE secretory cells exhibited a similar ultrastructure appearance in electron microscopic examination, with secretory cells tightly filled with intracytoplasmatic secretory granules and numerous clusters of mucus of different sizes which were observed in the peripheral cells compartment.

Morphological studies on the harderian gland in the ostrich (Struthio camelus domesticus) on the embryonic and post-natal period.

The present investigation was performed on 50 ostriches from 28th day of incubation until the 7th month of life. The morphological (morphometric, histological, histometric and histochemical) studies were conducted. Tissue sections were stained with haematoxylin-eosin, methyl green-pyronin Y, periodic acid-Schiff, alcian blue pH 2.5, aldehyde fuchsin and Hale's dialyzed iron studies. The Harderian gland becomes macroscopically visible on the 28th day of incubation. It is situated in the ventronasal angle of the orbit near inter-orbital septum, between medial rectus muscle, pyramidal and ventral oblique muscles. The Harderian gland of ostrich is a tubulo-acinar gland. The acini were composed of tall conical cells which formed a small lumen and were surrounded by myoepithelial cells. These cells had a granular basophilic, vacuolated cytoplasm. Each of the lobes has a system of complex branching ducts - tertiary, secondary and primary. In the III of research group (3rd week of life), the presence of few plasma cells was demonstrated, which were located within acini and tertiary and secondary ducts, whereas the biggest concentration of plasma cells was observed in group IV of research tissue (4th month of life). The dark cells were observed first time in main ducts 72 h after hatching of nestlings (group II). The morphometric and histometric studies showed that the most intensive growth of Harderian gland occurred between the third week and the seventh month of birds' life. The histochemical study indicated the presence of neutral and acidic mucins, glycoproteins and carboxylated acid mucopolysaccharides.

Morphology of the Lingual and Buccal Papillae in Alpaca (Vicugna pacos) - Light and Scanning Electron Microscopy.

The aim of this study was the description of the lingual and buccal papillae in adult alpaca (Vicugna pacos) by light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The tongue consisted of apex, body and root. Four types of lingual papillae (filiform, fungiform, conical and circumvallate) in addition to two types of buccal papillae were observed. The filiform papillae, some with secondary papillae, were distributed on both the corpus and apex of the tongue, with stratified epithelium, and layer of keratin coat were recognized. The short (small) cone papillae had pointed top, while bunoform papillae were wide with smooth apex. The much less numerous circumvallate papillae with pseudopapillae on the each rim of the caudal lingual body were present with weak layer of keratin and intra-epithelial taste buds. The small fungiform papillae were found on the dorsal lingual surface, while the large fungiform papillae were situated on the ventral surface of the tongue, especially, in rostral part and were round in shape with numerous gustatory pores and very thin keratin coat. Pseudopapillae were present on the buccal conical 'bunoform' papillae surface, while 'elongate' buccal papillae surface was rather softly folded with thin coat of keratin. Microridges were observed in the less keratinized parts of each type of papillae. The orientation of either lingual or buccal papillae into the throat side facilitates the emptying of oral cavity from nutrient and swallowing of food. In conclusion, the anatomical features of the alpaca tongue are an adaptation to the feeding habits.

Height at the withers estimation in the horses based on the internal dimension of cranial cavity.

The investigations were carried out on 17 modern half-breed horse skulls and their metacarpal and metatarsal bones. The basal length (BL), total length (TL), internal cranial cavity dimension and maximal length of metacarpus and metatarsus and maximal lateral length of metacarpus and metatarsus were measured according to Kiesewalter and von den Driesch. During height at the withers estimation, the Kiesewaler and Vitt methods were used. The Wyrost and Kucharczyk mathematical formula was modified for height at the withers calculation (Hestmd = 1.016 × D) in horses. All height at the withers estimation methods were statistically analysed and compared. The analysis of variance ANOVA proved the lack of significant difference between the investigated values. The results achieved using Wyrost and Kucharczyk modified method are strongly comparable to Kiesewalter methods results computed using the metacarpal and metatarsal bones measurements. The height at the withers calculated on the basis of TL slightly differs from 2 above-mentioned methods. The BL Vitt's method was the least exact.

Molecular techniques for detection of Tribolium confusum infestations in stored products.

The confused flour beetle, Tribolium confusum Jacquelin du Val (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) is a stored-product pest that contaminates a wide range of food products, from flour and cereals to spices. The insect reduces food quality and is responsible for large economic losses every year. Although several methods for detection of stored-product pests are common and widely used, they are time-consuming and expensive. Therefore, establishing molecular methods of detection of stored-product pests could provide a useful alternative method. We have undertaken attempts to establish methods of detection of T. confusum based on molecular biology techniques of standard and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Total DNA of T. confusum and red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), used as a negative control, was isolated from insects and used as a template in standard and real-time PCR reactions. Specific primers have been designed on the basis of sequences of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) fragment of rDNA and subunit I of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase of T. confusum available in the GenBank database. Standard PCR reactions with primers specific to the ITS fragment proved to be reliable and sensitive. Real-time PCR reactions with primers specific for mitochondrial DNA are considered to serve as a supplemental detection method for quantitative assessment of the infestation level.

Macroanatomical investigation of the aorticorenal ganglion in 1-day-old infant sheep.

The aorticorenal gland belongs to the paired splanchnic ganglion, which is the main component of the coeliac plexus. It lies near the renal artery and suprarenal gland. The research was conducted on 13 1-day-old infant sheep - eight males and five females. Based on the conducted studies, it was concluded that the aorticorenal ganglion is characterized by the variable location in relation to the abdominal aorta, renal artery, caudal vena cava and suprarenal gland (holotopy), the thoracic and lumbar segment of the vertebral column (skeletotopy) (between L(1) and L(3)) and also a different shape (elongated, round, triangular, oval) as well as variable length (the aorticorenal ganglion is longer on the left side of the body; 2.72 mm) and distance from the caudal end of the suprarenal gland (longer on the left side of the body; 8.34 mm). With regard to the sex of the animal, the ganglion is the longest on the left side in ewes (3.02 mm), while in rams it is the longest on the right side (2.68 mm). Regarding the division according to sex, the longest segment was observed on the right side in ewes (9.27 mm), and the shortest segment in rams was also on the right side (6.84 mm).

Molecular techniques for the detection of granary weevil (Sitophilus granarius L.) in wheat and flour.

The granary weevil (Sitophilus granarius L.) is a stored grain pest that causes major economic losses. It reduces the quantity and quality of the grain by its feeding and excretion. Sequences of S. granarius mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunits genes mtCOI and mtCOII were analysed and compared with mtCOI/II sequences available in GenBank. The analysed genes displayed a high level of homology between corresponding subunits. Attempts were undertaken to develop detection methods for contamination by S. granarius in wheat and wheat flour based on the molecular biology techniques: standard and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with a TaqMan molecular probe. (TaqMan probes are dual-labelled hydrolysis probes) Specific primers designed based on available sequences for mtCOI and mtCOII genes were applied and optimal reaction conditions established. The specificity of both methods was studied by using a species closely related to S. granarius: S. oryzae and S. zeamais. It is shown that the sensitivity threshold was very high - we were able to detect the equivalent of one beetle per 100 kg of flour when the real-time PCR with TaqMan probe method was applied to model samples. The primer sets used turned out to be species specific, and the technique was rapid, reliable and very sensitive.

Morphology of deep gland of the third eyelid in pig foetuses.

The morphological and histological examinations of the deep gland of the third eyelid were carried out on pig foetuses coming from the 35th, 50th, 63rd, 94th and 112th day of gestation. The morphological examinations were conducted using the method of macroscopic preparation with a forehead magnifying glass and binocular (magnification 1.5-5.0x). In order to make anatomical elements more visible, 60-80% absolute alcohol and 0.5-4% acetic acid solution were used for the examinations. For the histological examinations, the whole eyeball with developing accessory organs was collected from the pig foetuses on the 35th day of gestation. On the 50th, 63rd, 94th and 112th day of gestation only the deep gland of the third eyelid was collected. Staining with haematoxylin-eosin and Azan method was performed. It was found during the examinations that the process of the formation of the deep gland of the third eyelid starts on the 35th day of gestation. On the 50th day of gestation, the gland cells are evenly distributed in the connective tissue stroma. On the 63rd day of gestation, the connective tissue divides the gland parenchyma into indistinct lobes composed of 6-15 lobules. On the 94th day of gestation, the gland lobes become visible; the efferent ducts are situated in the central part of the lobe. On the 112th day of gestation, the lobes are composed of a high number of lobules composed of two kinds of excretory ducts. The first type of the excretory ducts is lined with the simple cuboid epithelium whose nuclei are situated at the base of the cell. The other type of the excretory ducts is lined with the simple cuboid epithelium whose nuclei are round and arranged less or more peripherally.

Morphology of lacrimal gland in pig fetuses.

The morphological and histological examinations of the lacrimal gland were conducted on pig fetuses coming from the 20th, 24th, 27th, 30th, 35th, 50th, 63rd, 94th and 112th day of gestation. The morphological examinations were carried out using the method of macroscopic preparation with a forehead magnifying glass and binocular (magnification 1.5-5.0x). In order to better visualize the anatomical elements, 60-80% absolute alcohol and 0.5-4% acetic acid solution were used for the examinations. On the 20th, 24th, 27th, and 30th day of gestation the whole fetuses were collected for the histological examinations. The whole eyeball with developing accessory organs was collected from the pig fetuses on the 35th day of gestation. On the 50th, 63rd, 94th and 112th day of gestation only the lacrimal gland was collected. Staining with H-E and Azan method was performed. On the 20th, 24th, 27th, 30th and 35th day of gestation ectodermal cells were not found in the collected material. On the 50th and 63rd day of gestation the connective tissue divides the gland parenchyma into indistinct lobes composed of gland cells. On the 94th day of gestation the number of lobes is substantially higher than on the 50th and 63rd day of gestation, while the number of lobules forming lobes decreases. On the 112th day of gestation each lobe is composed of 8-22 excretory ducts made up of the simple cuboid epithelium with a round nucleus arranged less or more peripherally.

Morphology of the third eyelid and superficial gland of the third eyelid on pig fetuses.

The morphological and histological examinations of the third eyelid and superficial gland of the third eyelid were conducted in pig fetuses coming from the 20th, 24th, 27th, 30th, 35th, 50th, 63rd, 94th and 112th day of gestation. The morphological examinations were carried out by applying the method of macroscopic preparation with a forehead magnifying glass and binocular (magnification 1.5-5.0x). In order to make anatomical elements more visible, 60-80% absolute alcohol and 0.5-4% acetic acid solution were used for the examinations. On the 20th, 24th, 27th and 30th day of gestation, the whole fetuses were collected for the histological examinations. The whole eyeball with developing accessory organs was collected from the pig fetuses on the 35th day of gestation. On the 50th, 63rd, 94th and 112th day of gestation, only the superficial gland with the third eyelid was collected. Staining with haematoxylin-eosin (H-E) and Azan method was performed. On the 20th, 24th, 27th and 30th day of gestation, the primordia of the glandular epithelium were not found in the examined material. The process of the third eyelid and superficial gland formation starts on the 35th day of gestation. On the 50th and 63rd day of gestation, the gland surrounding the cartilage of the third eyelid is composed of the high amount of loose connective tissue and gland cells which give rise to excretory segments. On the 94th day of gestation, the gland lobes become visible, the efferent ducts form. On the 112th day, the cartilage of the third eyelid assumes the appearance of the mature hyaline cartilage. The excretory segments are composed of simple cuboid epithelium with a large, round nucleus arranged less or more peripherally. Their number increases 2- or even 3-fold at the end of gestation.

Lactones: Part 11. Feeding-deterrent activity of some bi- and tricyclic terpenoid lactones.

The feeding-deterrent activities of thirteen synthetic terpenoid lactones, including isomeric bicyclic gamma-spirolactones with the limonene system and tricyclic gamma-lactones with the pinane system, were determined towards three storage pest insects: the adults of Sitophilus granarius, the adults and larvae of Tribolium confusum and the larvae of Trogoderma granarium. The configuration of chiral centres, as well as the presence of additional functional groups (double bond, iodine and hydroxy group) are important for antifeeding activity.

Lactones. 9. Synthesis of terpenoid lactones-active insect antifeedants.

Starting from (+)- and (-)-perillyl alcohols, via Claisen rearrangement and iodolactonization, four enantiomeric pairs of gamma-lactones were obtained. The structures of compounds were established by both spectroscopic and crystallographic methods. The lactones were tested for antifeeding activity toward grain storage pests-the granary weevil beetle (Sitophilus granarius L.), the khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium Ev.), and the confused flour beetle (Tribolium confusum Duv.). The results of the tests proved that two compounds, (1R,4R, 6R)-(-)-4-(1-methylethenyl)-9-oxabicyclo[4.3.0]nonan-8-one (8a) and its enantiomer (8b), are very active antifeedants against all of the above tested species. The lactone 8b is also active against the peach-potato aphid (Myzus persicae Sulz.). The activity depends on the absolute configurations of compound chiral centers. Additionally, the lactones 8a and 8b are characterized by interesting fragrances.

[Hypochromic anemia as a symptom of Zenker's diverticulum]. / Niedokrwistosc z niedoboru zelaza jako powiklanie uchylka Zenkera.

The case of Zenker's diverticulum with concomitant hypochromic anemia was described. In discussion the explanation of this phenomenon was given.

The effect of gamma and microwave irradiation of wheat grain on development parameters of some stored grain pests.

Wheat grain was treated with different doses of gamma irradiation or different times of microwaves. Gamma rays (0.05-10 kGy) caused statistically significant differences in soluble protein contents and kernel hardness. Microwave treatment (15-180 s) resulted in some statistically significant changes in moisture and soluble protein contents. Mortality, intensity of feeding, fertility of adults, progeny number and development time of larvae of the granary weevil (Sitophilus granarius L.) on treated grain were observed. On the basis of progeny number and larval development time the coefficient of food value (CFV) was calculated. Some statistical differences were stated in studied parameters, however no one in all calculated coefficients of food values. The same treated grain was also used as a food for larvae of the confused flour beetle (Tribolium confusum Duv.) and Mediterranean flour moth (Ephestia kuehniella Zell.). Mortality of larvae and their development time were studied. Only gamma irradiated wheat grain at the dose 0.1 kGy used as a food for larvae of T. confusum Duv. caused statistically significant extension of development time by 7 days, when comparing to the control food. On the other hand, microwave treatment of wheat grain used as food significantly shorten the development time of larvae in both species.

Identification of branched alkanes in lipids ofLeptinotarsa decemlineata say andTribolium destructor by GC-MS: A comparison of main-beam and link-scanned spectra.

Branched hydrocarbons were identified in the lipids ofLeptinotarsa decemlineata Say andTribolium destructor by gas chromatography, ordinary electron impact mass spectrometry, and linked, scanned, daughterion monitoring. This methodology allowed us to revise our earlier results based only on GC-MS data confirming the existence of only monomethyl-, dimethyl-, and trimethylalkanes in the hydrocarbons ofL. decemlineata Say. The hydrocarbons fromTribolium destructor consist ofn-alkanes, 3-methylalkanes, internally branched monomethylalkanes and dimethylalkanes. Daughter-ion monitoring can be particularly important for distinguishing between incidentally overlapped GC peaks of hydrocarbons from different series. A trace, for example, of dimethylalkane coeluating withn-alkane was easily identified in GC peak of hydrocarbon mixture ofT. destructor. Link scans confirmed also molecular weights for the compounds without molecular ions in the mass spectra. Structural assignment of the compounds were verified by comparison of the experimental and calculated values of the GC retention Kovats indexes (KI).

[Blood serum lipoproteins in overhaul workers of the chemical plant at Jaworzno]. / Lipoproteiny surowicy krwi u pracowników brygad remontowych Zakladów Chemicznych "Organika-Azot" w Jaworznie.

For the evaluation of fat metabolism in 45 overhaul workers of a chemical plant producing pesticides, the serum concentration of total cholesterol and its LDL nd HDL fraction (also HDL2 and HDL3), apolipoprotein A and B, phospholipids and triglycerides were estimated. As compared to the results in the control group of healthy inhabitants of the region, occupationally not exposed to chemical agents, higher levels of total and LDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein A, total and LDL phospholipids, as well as triglycerides were found. Serum HDL2 cholesterol concentration was also, though insignificantly elevated. Such lipoprotein distribution can promote atherogenesis.