Assessing Histology Structures by Ex Vivo MR Microscopy and Exploring the Link Between MRM-Derived Radiomic Features and Histopathology in Ovarian Cancer.

The value of MR radiomic features at a microscopic scale has not been explored in ovarian cancer. The objective of this study was to probe the associations of MR microscopy (MRM) images and MRM-derived radiomic maps with histopathology in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). Nine peritoneal implants from 9 patients with HGSOC were imaged ex vivo with MRM using a 9.4-T MR scanner. All MRM images and computed pixel-wise radiomics maps were correlated with the slice-matched stroma and tumor proportion maps derived from whole histopathologic slide images (WHSI) of corresponding peritoneal implants. Automated MRM-derived segmentation maps of tumor and stroma were constructed using holdout test data and validated against the histopathologic gold standard. Excellent correlation between MRM images and WHSI was observed (Dice index = 0.77). Entropy, correlation, difference entropy, and sum entropy radiomic features were positively associated with high stromal proportion (r = 0.97,0.88, 0.81, and 0.96 respectively, p < 0.05). MR signal intensity, energy, homogeneity, auto correlation, difference variance, and sum average were negatively associated with low stromal proportion (r = -0.91, -0.93, -0.94, -0.9, -0.89, -0.89, respectively, p < 0.05). Using the automated model, MRM predicted stromal proportion with an accuracy ranging from 61.4% to 71.9%. In this hypothesis-generating study, we showed that it is feasible to resolve histologic structures in HGSOC using ex vivo MRM at 9.4 T and radiomics

Alterações fisiológicas de matrizes suínas criadas nas condições climáticas do semiárido mineiro

The swine breeding in the Minas Gerais semiarid has an initial characterization, but there are prospects for growth, however due to the high temperatures verified throughout the year, production is reduced. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the climatic environment on the physiological parameters of swine matrices before and after farrowing. The experiment was carried out in a representative swine breeding farm located in the region of the Gorutuba Project, in Nova Porteirinha city, MG. Six swine matrices housed in individual bays were used. The climatic variables, air temperature, relative air humidity, dew point temperature and black globe temperature were monitored through the use of two dataloggers. The physiological parameters evaluated were: body surface temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate and rectal temperature. The environmental and physiological variables were collected at 8am, 11am, 01pm, 03pm and 05pm. Data was submitted to analysis of variance, and when significant were submitted to the Tukey test at 5% probability for comparison between the means. With the data collected, it was observed that between 01pm and 05pm h and during the post-partum period, the animals were exposed to the thermal discomfort of the environment, being the responsible factor for the alteration in the respiratory rate, especially when associated with the ingestion of foods. The mean values (p&lt;0.05) of body and rectal surface temperature were higher in the postpartum period, but did not express thermal discomfort of the swine matrices. The raising of these animals in the semiarid Minas Gerais is possible; however, it is necessary to adopt measures such as the use of ventilators and the use of curtains to minimize the animal’s caloric stress.A criação de suínos na região do semiárido mineiro possui caráter inicial, porém há perspectivas de crescimento, entretanto devido às altas temperaturas verificadas ao longo do ano a produção é reduzida. Diante disso, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do ambiente climático sobre os parâmetros fisiológicos de matrizes suínas antes e após o parto. O experimento foi conduzido em uma Granja representativa na criação de suínos localizada na região do Projeto Gorutuba, município de Nova Porteirinha, MG. Foram utilizadas seis matrizes alojadas em baias individuais. As variáveis climáticas temperatura de ar, umidade relativa do ar, temperatura de ponto de orvalho e temperatura de globo negro foram monitoradas por meio do uso de dois dataloggers. Os parâmetros fisiológicos avaliados foram: temperatura de superfície corporal, frequência respiratória, frequência cardíaca e temperatura retal. As variáveis ambientais e fisiológicas foram coletadas às 8:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00 e 17:00 h. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância, e quando significativos foram submetidos ao teste de Tukey a 5% de probabilidade para comparação entre as médias. De posse dos dados coletados verificou-se que entre às 13:00 h e 17:00 h e durante o período após o parto os animais ficaram expostos ao ambiente de desconforto térmico sendo este o fator responsável pela alteração na frequência respiratória, principalmente quando associado à ingestão de alimentos. Os valores médios (p&lt;0,05) de temperatura de superfície corporal e retal foram superiores no período após o parto, porém não expressaram desconforto térmico das matrizes suínas. A criação desses animais na região do semiárido mineiro é possível, porém é necessário que sejam adotadas medidas como o uso de ventiladores e manejo de cortinas para minimizar o estresse calórico dos animais

Conforto térmico de equinos alojados em diferentes tipos de baias

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of climatic conditions provided by two types of stalls on the physiological and behavioral responses of horses during agricultural exposure. The study was developed during 2014 and 2015 in an Agricultural Fair located in the semiarid region of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Climatic environment, place of accommodation, physiological and behavioral variables of 114 Mangalarga Marchador horses, housed in individual metal and masonry stalls, were observed. Meteorological variables inside the metal and masonry stalls were monitored. Physiological variables were characterized by respiratory rate and body temperature. For behavioral analysis, the frequency of occurrence of defecation, urination, neigh, agitation, food and water intake were observed at 8 am, 10 am, 12 pm, 14 pm, 16 pm and 18 pm. The thermal environment was classified as thermal discomfort from 10 am. Respiratory rate and body temperature were outside ideal values. The metal stall caused greater thermal discomfort for horses.Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito das condições climáticas proporcionado por dois tipos de baias sobre as respostas fisiológicas e comportamentais de equinos por ocasião de exposição agropecuária. O trabalho foi desenvolvido durante os anos de 2014 e 2015 em Feira Agropecuária localizada na região do semiárido mineiro. Foi observado o ambiente climático, local de acomodação, variáveis fisiológicas e comportamentais de 114 equinos da raça Mangalarga Marchador, alojados em baias individuais de metal e alvenaria. Foram monitoradas as variáveis meteorológicas no interior das baias de metal e de alvenaria. As variáveis fisiológicas foram caracterizadas por meio da frequência respiratória e temperatura corporal. Para análise comportamental, observou-se a frequência de ocorrência de ações de defecação, micção, relinchar, agitação, ingestão de alimentos e água, às 8 h, 10 h, 12 h, 14 h, 16 h e 18 h. O ambiente térmico foi classificado como de desconforto térmico a partir das 10 h. A frequência respiratória e a temperatura corporal estiveram fora dos valores considerados ideais. A baia de metal proporcionou maior desconforto térmico para os equinos

The impact of surgical delay on resectability of colorectal cancer: An international prospective cohort study

AIM: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has provided a unique opportunity to explore the impact of surgical delays on cancer resectability. This study aimed to compare resectability for colorectal cancer patients undergoing delayed versus non-delayed surgery. METHODS: This was an international prospective cohort study of consecutive colorectal cancer patients with a decision for curative surgery (January-April 2020). Surgical delay was defined as an operation taking place more than 4 weeks after treatment decision, in a patient who did not receive neoadjuvant therapy. A subgroup analysis explored the effects of delay in elective patients only. The impact of longer delays was explored in a sensitivity analysis. The primary outcome was complete resection, defined as curative resection with an R0 margin. RESULTS: Overall, 5453 patients from 304 hospitals in 47 countries were included, of whom 6.6% (358/5453) did not receive their planned operation. Of the 4304 operated patients without neoadjuvant therapy, 40.5% (1744/4304) were delayed beyond 4 weeks. Delayed patients were more likely to be older, men, more comorbid, have higher body mass index and have rectal cancer and early stage disease. Delayed patients had higher unadjusted rates of complete resection (93.7% vs. 91.9%, P = 0.032) and lower rates of emergency surgery (4.5% vs. 22.5%, P < 0.001). After adjustment, delay was not associated with a lower rate of complete resection (OR 1.18, 95% CI 0.90-1.55, P = 0.224), which was consistent in elective patients only (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.69-1.27, P = 0.672). Longer delays were not associated with poorer outcomes. CONCLUSION: One in 15 colorectal cancer patients did not receive their planned operation during the first wave of COVID-19. Surgical delay did not appear to compromise resectability, raising the hypothesis that any reduction in long-term survival attributable to delays is likely to be due to micro-metastatic disease

Outcomes from elective colorectal cancer surgery during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

This study aimed to describe the change in surgical practice and the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on mortality after surgical resection of colorectal cancer during the initial phases of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

Elective cancer surgery in COVID-19-free surgical pathways during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: An international, multicenter, comparative cohort study

PURPOSE As cancer surgery restarts after the first COVID-19 wave, health care providers urgently require data to determine where elective surgery is best performed. This study aimed to determine whether COVID-19–free surgical pathways were associated with lower postoperative pulmonary complication rates compared with hospitals with no defined pathway. PATIENTS AND METHODS This international, multicenter cohort study included patients who underwent elective surgery for 10 solid cancer types without preoperative suspicion of SARS-CoV-2. Participating hospitals included patients from local emergence of SARS-CoV-2 until April 19, 2020. At the time of surgery, hospitals were defined as having a COVID-19–free surgical pathway (complete segregation of the operating theater, critical care, and inpatient ward areas) or no defined pathway (incomplete or no segregation, areas shared with patients with COVID-19). The primary outcome was 30-day postoperative pulmonary complications (pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, unexpected ventilation). RESULTS Of 9,171 patients from 447 hospitals in 55 countries, 2,481 were operated on in COVID-19–free surgical pathways. Patients who underwent surgery within COVID-19–free surgical pathways were younger with fewer comorbidities than those in hospitals with no defined pathway but with similar proportions of major surgery. After adjustment, pulmonary complication rates were lower with COVID-19–free surgical pathways (2.2% v 4.9%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.62; 95% CI, 0.44 to 0.86). This was consistent in sensitivity analyses for low-risk patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists grade 1/2), propensity score–matched models, and patients with negative SARS-CoV-2 preoperative tests. The postoperative SARS-CoV-2 infection rate was also lower in COVID-19–free surgical pathways (2.1% v 3.6%; aOR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.36 to 0.76). CONCLUSION Within available resources, dedicated COVID-19–free surgical pathways should be established to provide safe elective cancer surgery during current and before future SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks

Elective Cancer Surgery in COVID-19-Free Surgical Pathways During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: An International, Multicenter, Comparative Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: As cancer surgery restarts after the first COVID-19 wave, health care providers urgently require data to determine where elective surgery is best performed. This study aimed to determine whether COVID-19-free surgical pathways were associated with lower postoperative pulmonary complication rates compared with hospitals with no defined pathway. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This international, multicenter cohort study included patients who underwent elective surgery for 10 solid cancer types without preoperative suspicion of SARS-CoV-2. Participating hospitals included patients from local emergence of SARS-CoV-2 until April 19, 2020. At the time of surgery, hospitals were defined as having a COVID-19-free surgical pathway (complete segregation of the operating theater, critical care, and inpatient ward areas) or no defined pathway (incomplete or no segregation, areas shared with patients with COVID-19). The primary outcome was 30-day postoperative pulmonary complications (pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, unexpected ventilation). RESULTS: Of 9,171 patients from 447 hospitals in 55 countries, 2,481 were operated on in COVID-19-free surgical pathways. Patients who underwent surgery within COVID-19-free surgical pathways were younger with fewer comorbidities than those in hospitals with no defined pathway but with similar proportions of major surgery. After adjustment, pulmonary complication rates were lower with COVID-19-free surgical pathways (2.2% v 4.9%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.62; 95% CI, 0.44 to 0.86). This was consistent in sensitivity analyses for low-risk patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists grade 1/2), propensity score-matched models, and patients with negative SARS-CoV-2 preoperative tests. The postoperative SARS-CoV-2 infection rate was also lower in COVID-19-free surgical pathways (2.1% v 3.6%; aOR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.36 to 0.76). CONCLUSION: Within available resources, dedicated COVID-19-free surgical pathways should be established to provide safe elective cancer surgery during current and before future SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks

THREE-DIMENSIONAL VISUALIZATION OF THE INTERNAL ARRANGEMENT OF ONCHOCERCAL (ONCHOCERCA VOLVULUS) NODULES USING HIGH-RESOLUTION MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING

International audienceTHREE-DIMENSIONAL VISUALIZATION OF THE INTERNAL ARRANGEMENT OF ONCHOCERCAL (ONCHOCERCA VOLVULUS) NODULES USING HIGH-RESOLUTION MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGIN

THREE-DIMENSIONAL VISUALIZATION OF THE INTERNAL ARRANGEMENT OF ONCHOCERCAL (ONCHOCERCA VOLVULUS) NODULES USING HIGH-RESOLUTION MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING

International audienceTHREE-DIMENSIONAL VISUALIZATION OF THE INTERNAL ARRANGEMENT OF ONCHOCERCAL (ONCHOCERCA VOLVULUS) NODULES USING HIGH-RESOLUTION MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGIN

Longitudinal Magnetic Resonance Imaging Analysis and Histological Characterization after Spinal Cord Injury in Two Mouse Strains with Different Functional Recovery: Gliosis as a Key Factor

International audienceSpinal cord injuries (SCI) are disastrous neuropathologies causing permanent disabilities. The availability of different strains of mice is valuable for studying the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in SCI. However, strain differences have a profound effect on spontaneous functional recovery after SCI. CX3CR1+/eGFP and Aldh1l1-EGFP mice that express green fluorescent protein in microglia/monocytes and astrocytes, respectively, are particularly useful to study glial reactivity. Whereas CX3CR1+/eGFP mice have C57BL/6 background, Aldh1l1-EGFP are in Swiss Webster background. We first assessed spontaneous functional recovery in CX3CR1+/eGFP and Aldh1l1-EGFP mice over 6 weeks after lateral spinal cord hemisection. Second, we carried out a longitudinal follow-up of lesion evolution using in vivo T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Finally, we performed in-depth analysis of the spinal cord tissue using ex vivo T2-weighted MRI as well as detailed histology. We demonstrate that CX3CR1+/eGFP mice have improved functional recovery and reduced anxiety after SCI compared with Aldh1l1-EGFP mice. We also found a strong correlation between in vivo MRI, ex vivo MRI, and histological analyses of the injured spinal cord in both strain of mice. All three modalities revealed no difference in lesion extension and volume between the two strains of mice. Importantly, histopathological analysis identified decreased gliosis and increased serotonergic axons in CX3CR1+/eGFP compared with Aldh1l1-EGFP mice following SCI. These results thus suggest that the strain-dependent improved functional recovery after SCI may be linked with reduced gliosis and increased serotonergic innervation