This paper describes a computer‐assisted automatic method developed for myelinated nerve fiber morphometry. IBAS image analysis system was used. One‐micron thick sections of sural nerve were stained with p‐phenylenediamine. Dark myelin sheaths, standing out against a pale background, were identified by a binary transformation of the computer‐stored image. Different parameters of the fibers as well as of the axons can be measured. The automatic system allows operator‐interactive manipulation, if required, to avoid inclusion of wrong histologic structures. A large spectrum of statistics facilities are available. We performed a comparison between automatic and semi‐automatic analysis. Measurements resulted virtually overlapping, but time was three to four times shorter with automatic procedure. The method here described is accurate and reliable, and permits economy of time and effort.

331 ABSTRACTThis paper reviews the composition of colostrum and the potential preventive and therapeutic use of this "first milk" for treating various gastrointestinal disorders

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Paragangliomas are tumors originating from paraganglia cells which represent a considerable constituent of the dispersed neuroendocrine system. Rarely these tumors are found within the orbital region. This report documents a case of primary extra-adrenal paraganglioma in a 15-year-old female quarter horse, diagnosed on the basis of clinical signs, gross anatomopathological, histopathological and immunohistochemical investigations. Clinical diagnostics led to full appreciation of the severe tumor invasiveness and to an informed decision by the owner for euthanasia. Gross inspection confirmed the previous clinical assessments of exophthalmos consequential to pressure from the orbital neoplasia, revealing a mass infiltrating into surrounding tissues. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry allowed for the final diagnosis of paraganglioma. Histology sections showed a partially encapsulated infiltrative mass with multifocal angiotropic growth, and composed of polygonal cells organized in nests, packets, and bundles supported by a fibrovascular stroma. The lobules were lined peripherally by spindle cells. The tumor was highly vascular with blood-filled lacunae and multifocal to coalescing areas of liquefactive necrosis. The polygonal cells were characterized by indistinct borders, lightly eosinophilic cytoplasm with moderate amount of granules, round or oval central nuclei with stippled chromatin ("salt and pepper" appearance) and inconspicuous nucleoli. Immunohistochemistry aided in the diagnostic discrimination of paraganglioma from neuroendocrine carcinoma and in the assessment of tumor differentiation. Orbital paraganglioma holds low likelihood for animal survival, but may have good prognosis when timely addressed.

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Additive manufacturing (AM) is the process of joining materials to create layer-by-layer three-dimensional objects using a 3D printer from a digital model. The great advantage of Additive Manufacturing is to allow a freer design than traditional processes. The development of additive manufacturing processes has permitted to optimize the production of the customized product through the modeling of the geometry and the knowledge of the morphometric parameters of the body structures. 3D printing has revolutionized the field of Regenerative Medicine because, starting from computerized tomography (CT) images and using traditional materials such as plastic and metals, it can provide customized prostheses for each patient, which adapt perfectly to the needs of the subject and act as structures support. 3D printing allows you to print three-dimensional porous scaffolds with a precise shape and chemical composition suitable for medical and veterinary use. Some of these scaffolds are biodegradable and appear to be ideal for bone tissue engineering. In fact, they are able to simulate extracellular matrix properties that allow mechanical support, favoring mechanical interactions and providing a model for cellular attachment and in vivo stimulation of bone tissue formation.

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