Dietary phosphoglycerides and n-3 long-chain PUFA (LC-PUFA) play important functions in the development of pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) larvae. This study aimed to determine optimal dietary levels of soyabean lecithin (SBL)-derived phospholipids (PL) in starter feeds for pikeperch larvae 10–30 d post-hatch (DPH) and examine performance and ontogeny by additional supplementation of n-3 LC-PUFA in the form of Algatrium DHA 70 (glyceride product; 660–700 mg/g DHA; EPA 60–75 mg/g). In total, six isoproteic and isoenergetic extruded diets were formulated with increasing levels of PL (3·7, 8·3 or 14·5 % wet weight (w.w.), respectively); however, three of the diets were supplemented with three levels of Algatrium DHA 70 (0·6, 2·0 or 3·4 %, respectively). Liver proteomic analyses of larvae at 30 DPH were included for effects of PL and primarily DHA on performance, physiological expression and interactions in larval proteins. In addition, bone anomalies, digestive enzymatic activity, candidate gene expression and skeleton morphogenesis were examined. Results confirmed the importance of dietary PL levels of at least 8·2 % w.w., and an additional beneficiary effect of supplementation with DHA plus EPA. Thus, combined supplementation of SBL (up to 14·51 % w.w. PL) and n-3 LC-PUFA (1·004 % DM DHA and 0·169 % DM EPA) in the form of TAG resulted in highest growth and lowest incidence of anomalies, improved digestive enzyme activity and had differential effect on liver proteomics. The results denote that essential fatty acids can be supplemented as TAG to have beneficial effects in pikeperch larvae development.

During the past few years, there has been an increasing prevalence of broiler breast muscle abnormalities, such as white striping (WS) and wooden breast conditions. More recently, a new muscular abnormality termed as spaghetti meat (SM) because of the altered structural integrity of the Pectoralis major muscle often associated with WS has emerged. Thus, this study aimed at evaluating the effects of WS and SM conditions, occurring alone or combined within the same P. major muscle, on meat quality traits and muscle histology. In two replications, 96 P. major muscles were classified into four classes: normal (N), WS, SM and WS/SM. The whole fillet was used for weight assessment and morphometric measurements, then each sample was cut in order to separate the superficial layer from the deep one and used to evaluate proximate composition, histological features, nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation times, functional properties and both myofibrillar and sarcoplasmic proteins profile. Fillets affected by WS and SM abnormalities exhibited higher weights and increased thickness and length. SM condition was associated with a relevant decrease in protein content coupled with a significant increase in moisture level, whereas fat content was affected only by the simultaneous presence of WS. Histological evaluations revealed that abnormal samples were characterized by several degenerative aspects that almost completely concerned the superficial layer of the fillets. White striped fillets exhibited necrosis and lysis of fibers, fibrosis, lipidosis, loss of cross striation and vacuolar degeneration. Moreover, SM samples were characterized by poor fiber uniformity and a progressive rarefaction of the endo- and peri-mysial connective tissue, whereas WS/SM fillets showed intermediate histological features. Nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation analysis revealed a higher proportion of extra-myofibrillar water in the superficial section of all the abnormal fillets, especially in SM samples, which consequently led to a reduction of the water holding capacity of meat. As for functional properties, abnormal fillets exhibited a lower protein solubility and higher ultimate pH values on both the superficial and deep sections. Although abnormal fillets exhibited higher yellowness values, no relevant effect on meat color was observed. The occurrence of WS and SM abnormalities led to increased carbonylation levels and more intense proteolytic processes. Overall, muscle abnormalities mainly affect the superficial layer of P. major muscle and particularly the occurrence of SM myopathy seems to implicate a more pronounced modification of meat quality traits than the mere presence of WS.

During the past few decades there has been a notable increase in the demand for poultry meat due to its low cost, good nutritional profile and suitability for further processing. Moreover, current forecasts and projection studies have predicted that the expansion of the poultry market will continue in the future. This growing demand has led to progressive improvements in genetic selection to produce fast-growing broilers, inducing the appearance of several spontaneous, idiopathic muscle abnormalities along with an increased susceptibility to stress-induced myopathy. Such muscle abnormalities have several implications for the quality of fresh and processed products, as breast meat that is affected by deep pectoral myopathy is usually rejected due to its unacceptable appearance. In addition, pale, soft and exudative like meat has a low processing ability due to its reduced water holding capacity, soft texture and pale colour. Finally, the high incidence of abnormalities observed in chicken breast muscles such as white striping (characterised by superficial white striations) and wooden breast (characterised by pale and bulging areas of substantial hardness) impair both the appearance and technological traits of breast meat. This review evaluates the consequences of genetic selection on muscle traits and describes the relevance of major breast abnormalities on nutritional, technological, sensorial and microbial characteristics of raw and processed meat.

This study reports the first occurrence of partial albinism in a tropical anguillid eel Anguilla bengalensis bengalensis from Malaysia. This paper also describes the first record of albinism in the genus Anguilla. The occurrence of albinism in our specimen of Anguilla might have been caused by three factors: (1) contamination effects; (2) random genetic alterations; or (3) genetic alteration due to small population size. The present results suggest that the albinism in A. bengalensis bengalensis is probably caused by random genetic alteration. Partial albinism may not be a handicap in the life of the present specimen because the eel could still potentially grow to more than 1 m in total length, just like a normal adult eel.

One of the consequences of intense genetic selection for growth of poultry is the recent appearance of abnormalities in chicken breast muscles, such as white striping (characterised by superficial white striations) and wooden breast (characterised by pale and bulged areas with substantial hardness). The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality traits of chicken fillets affected by white striping and wooden breast abnormalities. In two replications, 192 fillets were divided into the following four classes: normal (n=48; absence of any visual defects), white striping (n=48, presence of white striations), wooden breast (n=48; diffusely presence of hardened areas) and white striping/wooden breast (n=48; fillets affected by both abnormalities). Morphology, raw meat texture and technological properties were assessed in both unprocessed (pH, colour, drip loss, cooking loss and cooked meat shear force) and marinated meat (marinade uptake, purge loss, cooking loss and cooked meat shear force). Fillets affected by white striping, wooden breast or both abnormalities exhibited higher breast weights compared with normal fillets (305.5, 298.7, 318.3 and 244.7 g, respectively; P<0.001). Wooden breast, either alone or in combination with white striping, was associated with a significant (P<0.001) increase of fillet thickness in the caudal area and raw meat hardness compared with both normal and the white striping abnormality, for which there was no difference. Overall, the occurrence of the individual and combined white striping and wooden breast abnormalities resulted in substantial reduction in the quality of breast meat, although these abnormalities are associated with distinct characteristics. Wooden breast fillets showed lower marinade uptake and higher cooking losses than white-striped fillets for both unprocessed and marinated meats. On the other hand, white-striped fillets showed a moderate decline in marinade and cooking yield. Fillets affected by both abnormalities had the highest (P<0.001) ultimate pH values. In contrast, the effects on colour of raw and cooked meat, drip loss, purge loss and cooked meat shear force were negligible or relatively low and of little practical importance. Thus, the presence of white striping and wooden breast abnormalities impair not only breast meat appearance but also the quality of both raw and marinated meats mainly by reducing water holding/binding abilities.

The authors discovered congenital absence of the portal vein, with visceral venous return to the right atrium, in a 5-year-old girl with aortic valvar stenosis. Interestingly, of the 19 patients, it was discovered that 11 reported with portal venous agenesis also had cardiac defects. We have, therefore, investigated the hypothesis that the congenital absence of the portal vein and the associated cardiac malformations may result from a similar embryologic insult, and that cardiac development may be affected by the systemic diversion of portal venous flow.

Morphological abnormalities were observed in a population of the stauromedusa Haliclystus auricula in southern Chile. A total of 144 abnormal specimens was observed out of 3790 Stauromedusae sampled. The following abnormalities are described: individuals lacking arms (73%), with more than eight anchors (11%), more than eight arms (8%), lacking anchors (4%) and one individual with tentacles in abnormal locations. An individual with two peduncles, one with two mouths and one twin-like individual are recorded for the first time in this species. Their possible causes are discussed.

Dehiscence of the semicircular canal is an uncommon condition and has been reported to involve the roof of the superior semicircular canal. We describe a case with dehiscence of four semicircular canals and in areas not involving the roof of the superior semicircular canal. Features that assist the diagnosis of this condition are reviewed, along with the current literature.

Congenital absence of major salivary glands, especially the parotid gland, is a rare entity. It is usually monolateral and is not correlated with accessory salivary gland tissue. Aplasia of parotid gland may occur alone or in association with abnormalities of other salivary glands, first branchial arch developmental disturbances or other congenital anomalies.

We report an interesting case of bilateral aplasia of the parotid glands together with bilateral accessory parotid tissue, without other congenital or developmental anomalies, and we describe the clinical and radiological findings.

Objective: In children cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) otorhinorrhoea can be due to congenital inner-ear malformations. Cochlear dysplasia associated with a defect in the stapes footplate is usually the cause of the CSF leak. Repair of the CSF leak in these cases is usually done by packing the vestibule with muscle or fascia. This traditional method of repair has a 30 to 60 per cent failure rate.

Material and methods: CSF otorhinorrhoea due to congenital inner-ear anomalies in four patients was repaired using multiple-layer packing of the vestibule with glue, muscle and fascia, reinforced by a pedicle temporalis muscle graft. Intra-operatively, continous lumbar drainage wasperformed.

Results: Repair of the CSF leak was successful in four cases and no recurrence was noticed. Inner-ear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using three-dimensional fast-spin echo (3D FSE) T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) and 3D steady-state free precession (FIESTA) sequences was found to be a very helpful, noninvasive investigation to localize the site and route of the CSF leak.

Conclusions: Children presenting with recurrent meningitis and CSF rhinorrhoea should be investigated for congenital inner-ear anomalies. In these cases CSF fistulae should be repaired using fibrin or cyanoacrylate glue and intra-operative continuous lumbar drainage; 3D FSE T2WI and 3D FIESTA MRI sequences of the inner ear are helpful.

Congenital absence of the parotid gland is extremely infrequent. We presenthere a case of unilateral parotid gland agenesis with pleomorphic adenoma of the contralateral parotid gland. Even though pleomorphic adenoma is the most common tumour of the parotid gland, to our knowledge this is the first case of these two conditions being seen together.

Proboscis lateralis is one of the rare craniofacial congenital anomalies which presents as an obvious deformity of the nose. It tends to occur in male offspring of consanguineous marriages. This is a report of computerized tomography of this rare anomaly. In proboscis lateralis, the nasal cavity on one side is completely normal, while on the affected side it is replaced by a trunk-like process attached to the medial portion of the orbital roof. This anomaly occurs sporadically as an isolated defect or in association with other anomalies. It is usually associated with developmental failure of the paranasal sinuses and the nasolacrimal duct.

Several internal auditory canal (IAC) anomalies have been reported. To our knowledge, only one case with an abnormal direction of the IAC has been reported in an infant with Pierre Robin syndrome. In this paper, we present the first report of two non-syndromic cases with abnormal IAC direction.