Historical line of airglow observations at Comandante Ferraz Brazilian Station: measurements of temperature and studies on gravity waves.

The thermal dynamics of the upper atmosphere, especially in the mesosphere, have been improving our understanding about the effects of climate change, as well as how the dynamics and general circulation in the upper atmosphere are driven by different types of waves, such as the atmospheric gravity waves, planetary waves and atmospheric tides. In order to study the upper atmospheric temperature variability and gravity waves, several research groups have been employing the remote technique of observing the airglow emissions originated in the upper mesosphere and lower thermosphere, besides emissions from the ionosphere. INPE's airglow group started the studies on emissions from the upper atmosphere to investigate temperature and dynamics in the mesosphere, thermosphere/ionosphere at the end of 70's. However, only in 2001 this group sent the first airglow experiment to the Brazilian Antarctic Station Comandante Ferraz (EACF) to measure the OH (8-3) emission and temperature. From that year to 2014, several other experiments were carried out at EACF, not only to measure the temperature and airglow intensities, but also to observe gravity waves, winds and other related phenomena. This paper presents airglow experiments at EACF from 2001 to the present, including illustrations, examples of already published results, and unpublished data.

Impact of dual antiplatelet therapy duration on clinical outcome after coronary bifurcation stenting: results from the EuroBifurcation Club registry.

BACKGROUND: Optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of a bifurcation stenosis is still debated. We evaluated the impact of DAPT duration on clinical outcomes in all-comers patients undergoing bifurcation PCI included in the European Bifurcation Club (EBC) registry. METHODS: We enrolled 2284 consecutive patients who completed at least 18 months follow-up. The cumulative occurrence of major adverse cardiac and cardiovascular events (MACCE), defined as a composite of overall-death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), target vessel revascularization (TVR) and stroke were evaluated. Bleedings classified as Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) ≥3 were evaluated too. RESULTS: Patients were divided into 3 groups: short DAPT (<6-months, N.=375); standard DAPT (≥6-months but ≤12-months, N.=636); prolonged DAPT (>12-months, N.=1273). At 24 months follow-up MACCE-free survival was significantly lower in short DAPT patients (Log-Rank: 45.23, P for trend <0.001). MACCE occurred less frequently in the prolonged DAPT group (148 [11.6%]) as compared with both the short (83 [22.1%] HR: 0.48 [0.37-0.63], P<0.001) and standard DAPT groups (137 [21.5%] HR:0.51 [0.41-0.65], P<0.001). These differences remain after propensity score adjustment (respectively, HR: 0.27 [0.20-0.36] and HR: 0.44 [0.34-0.57]). Such finding was consistent in patients presenting with both acute and chronic coronary syndromes. BARC≥3 bleedings were 0.3% in the standard DAPT, 1.6% in short and 1.9% in prolonged DAPT groups. CONCLUSIONS: In the "real-world" EBC registry of patients undergoing PCI of coronary artery bifurcation stenosis, a prolonged DAPT duration was associated with a significantly lower risk of MACCE and a potential increased risk of major bleedings.

Case-fatality rate of major bleeding events in patients on dual antiplatelet therapy after percutaneous coronary intervention: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Assessment of the case-fatality rate (CFR) of major bleeding on dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) may improve balancing risks and benefits of different durations of DAPT following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Objectives: To determine the CFR of major bleeding in patients on DAPT after PCI and to compare rates among different durations of DAPT. Methods: Medline, Embase, and CENTRAL were searched from inception to August 2021 for randomized trials that reported fatal bleeding among patients who were randomized to ≥1 month of DAPT following PCI. Summary estimates for CFRs of major bleeding were calculated using the random-effects inverse-variance method. Statistical heterogeneity was evaluated using the I 2 statistic. Results: Of 2777 citations obtained by the search, 15 (48%) of 31 potentially eligible studies were excluded because fatal bleeding was not reported, leaving 16 studies that were included in the analysis. Overall, there were 823 major bleeding events including 91 fatal events in 48,884 patients who were assigned to receive DAPT during study follow-up. The CFR of major bleeding was 10.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.1-16.2; I 2 = 50%) in the entire study population, and 13.8% (95% CI, 6.5-27.1; I 2 = 28%), 11.2% (95% CI, 6.7-18.0; I 2 = 0%), and 5.8% (95% CI, 3.0-11.1; I 2 = 0%) in those on short-term (≤6 months; n = 16,553), standard-term (12 months; n = 19,453), and long-term DAPT (>12 months; n = 10,238), respectively. Conclusion: Fatal bleeding is not reported in many studies evaluating DAPT after PCI. The CFR of major bleeding on DAPT is substantial and may be higher in the first 12 months of DAPT than during long-term DAPT.

Valorisation of Lignocellulosic Wastes, the Case Study of Eucalypt Stumps Lignin as Bioadsorbent for the Removal of Cr(VI).

The main objective of this work was to assess Eucalyptus globulus lignin as an adsorbent and compare the results with kraft lignin, which has previously been demonstrated to be an effective adsorbent. Eucalypt lignin was extracted (by the dioxane technique), characterised, and its adsorption properties for Cr(VI) ions were evaluated. The monomeric composition of both types of lignin indicated a high content of guaiacyl (G) and syringyl (S) units but low content of p-hydroxyphenyl (H), with an H:G:S ratio of 1:50:146 (eucalypt lignin) and 1:16:26 (kraft lignin), as determined by Py-GC/MS. According to elemental analysis, sulphur (2%) and sodium (1%) were found in kraft lignin, but not in eucalypt lignin. The adsorption capacity of the eucalypt lignin was notably higher than the kraft lignin during the first 8 h, but practically all the ions had been absorbed by both the eucalypt and kraft lignin after 24 h (93.4% and 95%, respectively). Cr(VI) adsorption onto both lignins fitted well using the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model, with capacities of 256.4 and 303.0 mg/g, respectively, for eucalypt and kraft. The study's overall results demonstrate the great potential of eucalypt lignin as a biosorbent for Cr(VI) removal from aqueous solutions.

Sirolimus-Coated Balloon With a Microsphere-Based Technology for the Treatment of De Novo or Restenotic Coronary Lesions.

BACKGROUND: Non stent-based local drug delivery with drug-coated balloon (DCB) is an alternative to drug-eluting stent with favorable clinical applicability in the treatment of selected coronary lesions. Our purpose was to report the initial performance, safety and efficacy evaluations of a novel sirolimus-coated balloon in the treatment of coronary lesions. METHODS: This was a phase I (first-in-man), prospective, multicenter, single-arm trial evaluating the novel SELUTION SLR™ DCB (M.A. Med Alliance SA, Nyon, Switzerland), which incorporates a polymeric microsphere-based technology for controlled and continuous release of sirolimus, in the treatment of de novo or restenotic lesions. RESULTS: A total of 56 patients/lesions were enrolled between November/2018 and March/2019. Diabetes was found in 46.6 %, and de novo lesions represented 79.6 % of cases. Device and procedural/clinical success were 100 % and 96.4 %, respectively. There was only one major adverse cardiac event (target lesion revascularization) reported at late follow-up. By quantitative coronary angiography analysis, mean % diameter stenosis was 30.5 ± 16.7 %, late lumen loss was 0.26 ± 0.45 mm and angiographic binary restenosis occurred in 4 of 45 cases at 6-month angiographic follow-up. CONCLUSION: The novel SELUTION sirolimus-coated balloon demonstrated safety and efficacy in the treatment of diseased coronary vessels, including absence of mortality and relatively low late lumen loss at late follow-up.

Thin- versus thick-strut polymer-free biolimus-eluting stents: the BioFreedom QCA randomised trial.

BACKGROUND: The BioFreedom drug-coated stent with a stainless steel platform (BF-SS) has been demonstrated to be efficacious in patients at high bleeding risk and receiv-ing only one-month dual antiplatelet therapy. AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the new BioFreedom Ultra drug-coated stent with a thin-strut cobalt-chromium platform (BF-CoCr) compared to the BF-SS in an all-comers population undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: This was a prospective, multicentre, non-inferiority trial. The primary endpoint was in-stent late lumen loss (LLL) as determined by quantitative coronary angiography at nine-month follow-up. Clinical evaluation was performed at one year. RESULTS: A total of 200 patients were randomised (1:1) to either the BF-CoCr or the BF-SS stent at eight centres in Spain and Denmark. Baseline clinical and lesion characteristics were similar between the groups. Mean age was 66 years and 23% were female. The mean number of stents implanted per patient was 1.5. At nine-month follow-up, mean in-stent LLL was 0.34±0.49 mm in the BF-CoCr group versus 0.29±0.37 mm in the BF-SS group, p=0.005 for non-inferiority. At one year, target lesion failure was similar between the groups (7.3% in BF-CoCr vs 9.3% in the BF-SS group; p=0.60). CONCLUSIONS: The BF-CoCr was non-inferior to the BF-SS in terms of in-stent LLL at nine months. Larger studies powered for clinical endpoints are warranted to compare the efficacy of this new platform with currently available DES.

Antithrombotic therapy after percutaneous coronary intervention of bifurcation lesions.

Coronary bifurcations exhibit localised turbulent flow and an enhanced propensity for atherothrombosis, platelet deposition and plaque rupture. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of bifurcation lesions is associated with an increased risk of thrombotic events. Such risk is modulated by anatomical complexity, intraprocedural factors and pharmacological therapy. There is no consensus on the appropriate PCI strategy or the optimal regimen and duration of antithrombotic treatment in order to decrease the risk of ischaemic and bleeding complications in the setting of coronary bifurcation. A uniform therapeutic approach meets a clinical need. The present initiative, promoted by the European Bifurcation Club (EBC), involves opinion leaders from Europe, America, and Asia with the aim of analysing the currently available evidence. Although mainly derived from small dedicated studies, substudies of large trials or from authors' opinions, an algorithm for the optimal management of patients undergoing bifurcation PCI, developed on the basis of clinical presentation, bleeding risk, and intraprocedural strategy, is proposed here.

Hypomagnesemia in beef cattle / Hipomagnesemia em bovinos de corte

Hypomagnesemia is a major cause of death in grazing beef cows in countries of the Southern Hemisphere such as Argentina, Australia and New Zealand. Here we review the literature on hypomagnesemia in beef cattle and describe an outbreak in Uruguay. The disease occurred in late autumn, affecting 6 to 11-year-old Aberdeen Angus and Hereford x Aberdeen Angus lactating multiparous cows in good body condition, grazing on natural grasslands that had been improved by fertilization and sowing of seeds of ryegrass and oat. Approximately 40 out of 225 cows were affected and 24 (10.7%) died. A presumptive diagnosis of hypomagnesemia was established based on sudden death, acute neuromuscular clinical signs, epidemiological data, and the response to Mg administration. The diagnosis was confirmed by detecting low Mg concentrations in serum (0.47-0.57mmol/L), vitreous humor (0.47-0.80mmol/L), aqueous humor (0.66mmol/L) and cerebrospinal fluid (0.59mmol/L). The largest component of the diet corresponding to fast-growing and exuberant forages of ryegrass and oat had high concentrations of K (3.48%), N (4.38%) and P (0.94%), suggesting secondary hypomagnesemia. In addition, the K/(Ca+Mg) ratio was 2.38 in forages of ryegrass and oat (reference value: 2.2), and 0.15 in the soil (reference value: 0.09), which represent risk factors for hypomagnesemia. In conclusion, hypomagnesemia is an important cause of mortality in beef cattle grazing improved natural grasslands in Uruguay and it can be easily prevented by correct seasonal Mg supplementation.(AU)

A hipomagnesemia é uma das principais causas de morte em vacas de corte em pastagem em países do Hemisfério Sul, como Argentina, Austrália e Nova Zelândia. Aqui, revisamos a literatura sobre hipomagnesemia em bovinos de corte e descrevemos um surto no Uruguai. A doença ocorreu no final do outono, afetando vacas Aberdeen Angus e Aberdeen Angus x Hereford de 6-11 anos de idade em boas condições corporais, lactantes, multíparas e pastando em campos naturais que foram melhorados com fertilização e plantio de azevém e aveia. Aproximadamente 40 de 225 vacas foram afetadas e 24 (10,7%) morreram. O diagnóstico presuntivo de hipomagnesemia foi estabelecido com base na morte súbita, sinais clínicos neuromusculares agudos, dados epidemiológicos e a resposta à administração de Mg. O diagnóstico foi confirmado pela detecção de baixos níveis de Mg no soro (0,47-0,57mmol/L), humor vítreo (0,47-0,80mmol/L), humor aquoso (0,66mmol/L) e líquido cefalorraquidiano (0,59mmol/L). O componente mais importante da dieta correspondia a pastagens de azevém e aveia de rápido crescimento, as quais apresentaram altas concentrações de K (3,48%), N (4,38%) e P (0,94%), que sugerem hipomagnesemia secundária. Além disso, a relação K/(Ca+Mg) foi de 2,38 em forragens de azevém e aveia (valor de referência: 2,2) e 0,15 no solo (valor de referência: 0,09), que representam fatores de risco para hipomagnesemia. Em conclusão, a hipomagnesemia é uma causa importante de mortalidade em gado de corte em pastagens naturais melhoradas no Uruguai e pode ser facilmente prevenida pela correta suplementação sazonal de Mg.(AU)

Hypomagnesemia in beef cattle

ABSTRACT: Hypomagnesemia is a major cause of death in grazing beef cows in countries of the Southern Hemisphere such as Argentina, Australia and New Zealand. Here we review the literature on hypomagnesemia in beef cattle and describe an outbreak in Uruguay. The disease occurred in late autumn, affecting 6 to 11-year-old Aberdeen Angus and Hereford x Aberdeen Angus lactating multiparous cows in good body condition, grazing on natural grasslands that had been improved by fertilization and sowing of seeds of ryegrass and oat. Approximately 40 out of 225 cows were affected and 24 (10.7%) died. A presumptive diagnosis of hypomagnesemia was established based on sudden death, acute neuromuscular clinical signs, epidemiological data, and the response to Mg administration. The diagnosis was confirmed by detecting low Mg concentrations in serum (0.47-0.57mmol/L), vitreous humor (0.47-0.80mmol/L), aqueous humor (0.66mmol/L) and cerebrospinal fluid (0.59mmol/L). The largest component of the diet corresponding to fast-growing and exuberant forages of ryegrass and oat had high concentrations of K (3.48%), N (4.38%) and P (0.94%), suggesting secondary hypomagnesemia. In addition, the K/(Ca+Mg) ratio was 2.38 in forages of ryegrass and oat (reference value: 2.2), and 0.15 in the soil (reference value: 0.09), which represent risk factors for hypomagnesemia. In conclusion, hypomagnesemia is an important cause of mortality in beef cattle grazing improved natural grasslands in Uruguay and it can be easily prevented by correct seasonal Mg supplementation.

RESUMO: A hipomagnesemia é uma das principais causas de morte em vacas de corte em pastagem em países do Hemisfério Sul, como Argentina, Austrália e Nova Zelândia. Aqui, revisamos a literatura sobre hipomagnesemia em bovinos de corte e descrevemos um surto no Uruguai. A doença ocorreu no final do outono, afetando vacas Aberdeen Angus e Aberdeen Angus x Hereford de 6-11 anos de idade em boas condições corporais, lactantes, multíparas e pastando em campos naturais que foram melhorados com fertilização e plantio de azevém e aveia. Aproximadamente 40 de 225 vacas foram afetadas e 24 (10,7%) morreram. O diagnóstico presuntivo de hipomagnesemia foi estabelecido com base na morte súbita, sinais clínicos neuromusculares agudos, dados epidemiológicos e a resposta à administração de Mg. O diagnóstico foi confirmado pela detecção de baixos níveis de Mg no soro (0,47-0,57mmol/L), humor vítreo (0,47-0,80mmol/L), humor aquoso (0,66mmol/L) e líquido cefalorraquidiano (0,59mmol/L). O componente mais importante da dieta correspondia a pastagens de azevém e aveia de rápido crescimento, as quais apresentaram altas concentrações de K (3,48%), N (4,38%) e P (0,94%), que sugerem hipomagnesemia secundária. Além disso, a relação K/(Ca+Mg) foi de 2,38 em forragens de azevém e aveia (valor de referência: 2,2) e 0,15 no solo (valor de referência: 0,09), que representam fatores de risco para hipomagnesemia. Em conclusão, a hipomagnesemia é uma causa importante de mortalidade em gado de corte em pastagens naturais melhoradas no Uruguai e pode ser facilmente prevenida pela correta suplementação sazonal de Mg.

Twelve-month clinical and imaging outcomes of the uncaging coronary DynamX bioadaptor system.

AIMS: We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of the DynamX Novolimus-Eluting Coronary Bioadaptor System, a novel device that initially acts as a second-generation drug-eluting stent, but after six months frees the vessel through uncaging elements. METHODS AND RESULTS: This multicentre study enrolled 50 patients with single de novo lesions. In-device acute lumen gain was 1.61±0.34 mm, and device and procedure success was 100%. Up to 12 months, two target lesion failures occurred: both were cardiac deaths (day 255 and day 267 post procedure). No definite or probable device thrombosis was observed. Mean late lumen loss was 0.12±0.18 mm in-device and 0.11±0.16 mm in-segment. Per intravascular ultrasound, the mean device area and mean vessel area increased significantly by 5% and 3%, respectively, while the mean lumen area was maintained. Stationary optical coherence tomography in seven patients demonstrated restoration of cyclic pulsatility, with an approximate lumen area variance of 11% between systole and diastole. CONCLUSIONS: The DynamX bioadaptor showed drug-eluting stent-like acute performance and safety and efficacy up to one year. Positive remodelling with an increase of vessel and device area while maintaining the mean lumen area was demonstrated. Long-term follow-up and randomised trials are required to assess the benefit of this device on events beyond one year.

Hypomagnesemia in dairy cattle in Uruguay / Hipomagnesemia em bovinos leiteiros no Uruguai

An outbreak of hypomagnesemia is reported in Holstein dairy cattle grazing lush oat (Avena sativa) pasture in Uruguay. Nine of 270 (3.3%) cows died in May-July (autumn-winter) 2017. These nine cows were from 2 to 9-years-old (1st-6th lactation), with 22 to 194 days of lactation and 15.8 to 31.4L of daily milk production. Two cows with acute sialorrhea, muscle spasms, lateral recumbency, weakness, opisthotonos, and coma, were euthanized and necropsied. No significant macroscopic or histological lesions were found. One untreated clinically-affected cow and eight out of 14 clinically healthy cows of the same group under similar management and production conditions had low serum levels of Mg (lower than 0.7mmol/L). Secondarily, both clinically affected cows and six out of 14 healthy cows had low serum Ca levels. The K/(Ca+Mg) ratio of two oat forages, corn silage, and ration was 5.10, 7.73, 2.45, and 0.85, respectively. A K/(Ca+Mg) ratio lower than 2.2 represents a risk for hypomagnesemia. The difference between the contribution-requirement of minerals in the diet was established and a daily deficiency of Mg (-0.36g/day), Na (-25.2g/day) and Ca (-9.27g/day) was found, while K (184.42g/day) and P (12.81g/day) were in excess. The diet was reformulated to correct the deficiencies and the disease was controlled by the daily administration of 80g of magnesium oxide, 80g of calcium carbonate and 30g sodium chloride per cow. It is concluded that hypomagnesemia is a cause of mortality in dairy cattle in Uruguay, and that the condition can be prevented by appropriate diet formulation.(AU)

Descreve-se um surto de hipomagnesemia em bovinos leiteiros da raça Holandês com alimentação a base de pastagens de aveia (Avena sativa) em crescimento no Uruguai, nos meses de maio a julho (outono-inverno) de 2017. De um rebanho de 270 vacas em ordenha, nove (3,3%) morreram. As nove vacas tinham entre dois e nove anos, estavam entre a primeira e a sexta lactação e a produção diária era de 15,8 a 31,4 litros de leite. Duas vacas que apresentaram sialorreia, espasmos musculares, decúbito lateral, debilidade, opistótono e posteriormente, estado comatoso foram eutanasiadas e necropsiadas. Não foram observadas lesões macroscópicas ou histológicas significantes. Uma vaca com sinais clínicos, não tratada, e oito de 14 vacas sem sinais clínicos, do mesmo rebanho, apresentaram baixos níveis séricos de Mg (menos de 0,7mmol/L). Adicionalmente, as duas vacas com sinais clínicos e seis das 14 vacas sem sinais clínicos apresentaram baixos níveis de Ca sérico. A relação do risco tetanizante K/(Ca+Mg) de duas pastagens de aveia, silagem de milho e ração concentrada foi estimada em 5; 10; 7,73; 2,15 e 0,85, respectivamente. Uma relação K/(Ca+Mg) maior de 2,2 é um indicador do potencial tetanizante da forragem, A diferença entre o aporte e os requerimentos dos minerais foi estabelecida constatando-se deficiência diária de Mg (-0,36g/dia), Na (-25,2g/dia) e Ca (-9,27g/dia). O potássio (K) (184,42g/dia) e o fósforo (P) (12,81g/dia) estavam em excesso. A dieta foi reformulada para corrigir as deficiências e a doença foi controlada mediante a administração diária de 80g de MgO, 80g de CaCO3 e 30g de NaCl por vaca. Conclui-se que a hipomagnesemia é uma doença de importância crescente em gado leiteiro no Uruguai e que deve ser prevenida mediante a formulação correta da dieta.(AU)

Duration of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy in Patients with CKD and Drug-Eluting Stents: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Whether prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is more protective in patients with CKD and drug-eluting stents compared with shorter DAPT is uncertain. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to examine whether shorter DAPT in patients with drug-eluting stents and CKD is associated with lower mortality or major adverse cardiovascular event rates compared with longer DAPT. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: A Medline literature research was conducted to identify randomized trials in patients with drug-eluting stents comparing different DAPT duration strategies. Inclusion of patients with CKD was also required. The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, or stent thrombosis (definite or probable). Major bleeding was the secondary outcome. The risk ratio (RR) was estimated using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Five randomized trials were included (1902 patients with CKD). Short DAPT (≤6 months) was associated with a similar incidence of the primary outcome, compared with 12-month DAPT among patients with CKD (48 versus 50 events; RR, 0.93; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.64 to 1.36; P=0.72). Twelve-month DAPT was also associated with a similar incidence of the primary outcome compared with extended DAPT (≥30 months) in the CKD subgroup (35 versus 35 events; RR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.67 to 1.62; P=0.87). Numerically lower major bleeding event rates were detected with shorter versus 12-month DAPT (9 versus 13 events; RR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.30 to 1.60; P=0.39) and 12-month versus extended DAPT (9 versus 12 events; RR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.35 to 1.93; P=0.66) in patients with CKD. CONCLUSIONS: Short DAPT does not appear to be inferior to longer DAPT in patients with CKD and drug-eluting stents. Because of imprecision in estimates (few events and wide confidence intervals), no definite conclusions can be drawn with respect to stent thrombosis.

High frequency of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in Friesian Milchschaf sheep in Uruguay / Alta frequência de carcinoma cutâneo de células escamosas em ovinos da raça Frisona Milchschaf no Uruguai

This study described five cases of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the pinnae, eyelids, and eyes of Friesian Milchschaf sheep from two flocks raised under extensive conditions in Uruguay. The prevalence values for both flocks were 2.12% and 2.53%, respectively. Macroscopically, single or multiple, nodular, verrucous, or plaque-like neoplasms, with occasional ulceration and bleeding, were observed in the affected areas. Histologically, well- and moderately-differentiated SCCs were diagnosed in three and two cases, respectively. The Milchschaf breed is native of Germany, and its individuals present white non-pigmented skin with the face and legs clear of fleece, thus adapted to areas with lower solar radiation. Additionally, in the German breeding systems, animals remain indoors for long periods. The increased exposure time to higher levels of solar radiation of the Uruguayan extensive production systems may be a predisposing factor for the development of SCC in this sheep breed. In Uruguay, there is more solar radiation and the production systems provide less protection against sunlight compared with the German production system. The high frequency of SCC should be considered prior to introducing European breeds with non-pigmented skin in Uruguay and other countries of the region.(AU)

Descreveram-se carcinomas de células escamosas (CCE) nas orelhas, pálpebras e olhos em cinco ovinos da raça Frisona Milchschaf em dois rebanhos de criação extensiva no Uruguai. A prevalência nos rebanhos foi de 2,12% e 2,53%. Macroscopicamente se observaram lesões focais ou multifocais, com aumento de volume, nodulares, verrucosas ou em placas, com ocasionais ulcerações e hemorragias. Apresentavam aspecto verrucoso, por vezes com superfície ulcerada e firmes ao corte. De acordo com as características histológicas da neoplasia, as lesões foram classificadas em CCEs bem diferenciados em três casos e moderadamente diferenciados em dois casos. Esta raça é nativa da Alemanha, caracterizada pela face deslanada e pele branca despigmentada. Na Alemanha, há menores níveis de radiação solar do que no Uruguai e seu sistema de produção é mais intensivo, com permanência dos animais confinados durante longos períodos. O aumento do tempo de exposição a níveis mais elevados de radiação solar pode ser um fator predisponente para o desenvolvimento de CCEs nesta raça em sistemas extensivos de produção no Uruguai. Neste País há mais radiação solar e os sistemas produtivos fornecem menos proteção contra a luz solar, em relação ao sistema de produção alemão. A alta frequência de CEE deveria ser levada em consideração para quem decide introduzir no Uruguai e outros países da região. raças europeias com a face despigmentada.(AU)

Leptospira interrogans serogroup Pomona serovar Kennewicki infection in two sheep flocks with acute leptospirosis in Uruguay.

Acute leptospirosis is an infrequent disease in sheep that can cause jaundice, haemolysis, haemoglobinuria, hepatitis and nephritis. In most reports the diagnoses have been made by clinical, pathological or serological evidence without isolation or direct identification of the agent. Here, we report one confirmed and one presumptive outbreak of acute leptospirosis in suckling lambs from two unrelated sheep farms in Uruguay with mortalities of 9/60 (15%) and 9/163 (5.5%) lambs. Both outbreaks occurred in Sep-Oct 2017 after heavy rainfall and flooding events. The main gross and histologic pathological findings in two autopsied lambs, one from each farm, included severe diffuse jaundice, haemoglobinuria, acute necrotizing hepatitis with cholestasis and interstitial nephritis. Leptospira interrogans serogroup Pomona serovar Kennewicki was isolated from sheep in both flocks and the same genotype was identified directly in clinical samples from infected animals, including one of the deceased lambs subjected to autopsy, by amplification and partial sequencing of rrs and secY genes. This serovar has recently been identified in infected cattle and humans in Uruguay. The impact of Leptospira spp. infection in ovine health, and the epidemiologic role of sheep as reservoirs of leptospirosis for humans and animals need further investigation.

Mid-term outcomes after percutaneous interventions in coronary bifurcations.

BACKGROUND: The optimal treatment of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) for lesions located at coronary bifurcations is still debated. METHODS: Data on 5036 consecutive patients who underwent PCI on coronary bifurcation at 17 major coronary intervention centers between January 2012 and December 2014 were collected. RESULTS: Follow-up at a median 18 months (IQR 11-28) was available for 4506 patients (89%). Major Adverse Cardiac Events (MACE) occurred in 395 patients (8.8%): cardiac death in 152 (3.4%), myocardial infarction, excluding periprocedural, in 156 (3.5%) and stent thrombosis in 110 cases (2.4%). At multivariable Cox regression, left ventricular ejection fraction ≤30% (P < 0.001), bail-out stenting (beyond a planned strategy of either single or double stenting) (P < 0.001), admission for an acute coronary syndrome (P < 0.001), age >66 years (P < 0.001), multivessel disease (P < 0.001) and diabetes (P < 0.001) were independently associated with MACE. Sensitivity analysis identified premature discontinuation of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) (P < 0.001) and side branch (SB) lesion length ≥9 mm (P < 0.05) as additional independent predictors of MACE. CONCLUSIONS: Beyond traditional risk factors, multivessel disease, the length of the SB lesion, "bail-out" stenting and premature DAPT discontinuation are independent predictors of mid-term MACE after PCI of coronary bifurcations. This highlights the importance of a carefully planned PCI strategy and adequate therapy adherence to improve the clinical outcomes in these patients. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01967615.

Acute and chronic bovine pulmonary edema and emphysema in Uruguay / Edema e enfisema pulmonar agudo e crônico em bovinos do Uruguai

An outbreak of pulmonary edema and emphysema with acute and chronic cases is reported in a farm in Uruguay. In a herd of 40 Hereford steers, 20 died. The deaths began four days after a change of paddock, from an old pasture of Avena sativa to a lush growing pasture of the same grass. Acutely affected animals showed severe dyspnea, sialorrhea, cough, and subcutaneous edema, and died within 72 hours. Chronically affected steers showed dyspnea, respiratory noises, weight loss, and intolerance to exercise. The deaths began four days after the change of paddock. Ten days after the first death, the steers were withdrawn from the pasture, but continued dying throughout the following 40 days. Twenty animals died and six were necropsied. Grossly, the lungs were diffusely armed and glistening, with reddish and crepitant cut surface, and presented alveolar septae sharply distended by edema and emphysema. There was subpleural emphysema with air blebs distributed across the pleural surface. Presence of Dictyocaulus viviparus was observed in three steers. In some animals, the trachea was diffusely reddish with presence of pink foam; in some others, there was bloody liquid in the tracheal lumen. Histologic examination showed severe diffuse alveolar and interstitial emphysema, hyaline membranes adhered to the alveolar wall, thickening of the interlobular septae with proliferation of type II pneumocytes, and moderate-to-severe multifocal histiocytic, neutrophilic and eosinophilic infiltrate. In the trachea, there was submucosal hemorrhage and moderate multifocal eosinophilic and lymphocytic infiltrate. The steers with chronic signs presented similar lung lesions, but multifocal pulmonary fibrosis and cardiac dilatation were also observed. The diagnosis of acute bovine pulmonary emphysema and edema (ABPE) was based on the occurrence of the disease after introduction of the herd in a lush green pasture, on the characteristic gross and histologic lesions, and on the absence of other toxic or infectious agents causing similar lesions. Cattle raisers should be alert to the risks of occurrence of this disease after the introduction of the herds into paddocks with green and lush pastures.(AU)

Descreve-se um surto de edema e enfisema pulmonar com casos agudos e crônicos em bovinos em uma criação semi-intensiva no Uruguai. De um lote de 40 novilhos da raça Hereford morreram 20. As mortes começaram quatro dias após uma mudança de alimentação, de uma pastagem mais velha de Avena sativa, para uma pastagem recentemente plantada de aveia que estava em brotação. Os animais afetados apresentaram sinais clínicos agudos de dispneia, sialorreia, tosse e alguns desenvolveram edema subcutâneo, morrendo em até 72 horas. Outros novilhos mais cronicamente afetados apresentaram dispneia, ruídos respiratórios, perda de peso e intolerância ao exercício. As mortes começaram quatro dias após a mudança de pastagens. Dez dias após a primeira morte, os novilhos foram retirados do pasto, mas morreram ainda durante 40 dias mais. Ao total, morreram vinte animais e seis foram necropsiados. Nas necropsias dos animais mortos na fase aguda os pulmões estavam difusamente armados e brilhosos e ao corte de coloração avermelhada e crepitante, com os septos alveolares acentuadamente distendidos por edema e enfisema. Havia enfisema subpleural caracterizado por bolhas de ar distribuídas pela superfície pleural. Em três bovinos havia ainda presença de Dictyocaulus viviparus. Alguns animais apresentaram a traqueia difusamente avermelhada com espuma de coloração rósea ou liquido sanguinolento livre na luz traqueal. Histologicamente havia edema e enfisema alveolar e intersticial difuso severo, membranas hialinas espessas aderidas à parede alveolar, espessamento dos septos interlobulares com proliferação de pneumócitos tipo II e infiltrado inflamatório histiocítico, neutrofílico e eosinofílico multifocal moderado a severo. Na traqueia havia hemorragias na submucosa e infiltrado eosinofílico e linfocítico multifocal. Os novilhos com sinais crônicos apresentaram lesões pulmonares semelhantes, entretanto, foram observadas também, fibrose pulmonar multifocal e dilatação cardíaca. O diagnóstico de EEPAB baseou-se na ocorrência da doença após a introdução do rebanho em uma pastagem viçosa em brotação, nas características macroscópicas e histológicas e na ausência de outros agentes tóxicos ou infecciosos que causam lesões semelhantes. Se alerta para os riscos da ocorrência desta enfermidade, quando houver mudanças de pastagens.(AU)

Establishment of healing profile and neointimal transformation in the new polymer-free biolimus A9-coated coronary stent by longitudinal sequential optical coherence tomography assessments: the EGO-BIOFREEDOM study.

AIMS: This study aimed to establish the early healing and neointimal transformation profile of the new polymer-free BioFreedom stent through sequential optical coherence tomography (OCT) within the first nine months following stent implantation. METHODS AND RESULTS: We randomly assigned 104 BFS recipients to one of five groups with angiography and OCT follow-up at 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 months, together with another follow-up for all at nine months. The primary endpoint was the degree of OCT-detected strut coverage at nine months. From 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 months, median neointimal strut coverage increased from 85.8, 87.0, 88.6, 96.8 to 97.1%, respectively, to 99.6% (IQR 98.2-99.9) at nine months. At nine months, median percent neointimal volume was 13.0% and angiographic late lumen loss was 0.21±0.30 mm. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were limited to one non-cardiac death, one non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction not related to BFS, and two target lesion revascularisations without stent thrombosis (MACE rate 4.0%). CONCLUSIONS: Neointimal strut coverage of the BFS was rapid and the BFS was shown to be clinically safe and effective.

Comparative assessment of three drug eluting stents with different platforms but with the same biodegradable polymer and the drug based on quantitative coronary angiography and optical coherence tomography at 12-month follow-up.

The aim of this study was to compare neointima proliferation in three drug-eluting stents (DES) produced by the same company (Balton, Poland) which are covered with a biodegradable polymer and elute sirolimus (concentration: 1.0 and 1.2 µg/mm2), but have different stent platforms and strut thickness: stainless steel Prolim® (115 µm) and BiOSS LIM® (120 µm) and cobalt-chromium Alex® (70 µm). We analyzed data of patients with quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) at 12 months from BiOSS LIM Registry, Prolim Registry and Alex OCT clinical trial. There were 56 patients enrolled, in whom 29 Prolim® stents were deployed, in 11-BiOSS LIM® and in 16-Alex stents. The late lumen loss was the smallest in Prolim® subgroup (0.26 ± 0.17 mm) and did not differ from Alex® subgroup (0.28 ± 0.47 mm). This parameter was significantly bigger in BiOSS® subgroup (0.38 ± 0.19 mm; p < 0.05). In OCT analysis there was no statistically significant difference between Prolim® and Alex® subgroups in terms of mean neointima burden (24.6 ± 8.6 vs. 19.27 ± 8.11%) and neointima volume (28.16 ± 15.10 vs. 24.51 ± 17.64 mm3). In BiOSS® group mean neointima burden (30.9 ± 6.2%) and mean neointima volume (44.9 ± 4.9 mm3) were significantly larger. The morphological analysis revealed that in most cases in all groups the neointima was homogenous with plaque presence only around stent struts. In the QCA and OCT analysis regular DES (Prolim® and Alex®) obtained similar results, whereas more pronounced response from the vessel wall was found in the BiOSS® subgroup.