Ascending renal infection following experimental candiduria by Candida tropicalis in immunocompromised mice.

The present study evaluated renal infection resulting from the implantation of C. tropicalis in the bladder of immunosuppressed mice. Yeasts were implanted in two manners: planktonic and via preformed biofilm on a small catheter fragment (SCF). Renal histopathology and cultures was performed 72 and 144 h after cystotomy was carried out in mice from three groups: group I contained non-contaminated mice implanted with a sterile SCF; group II mice received a sterile SCF plus a yeast suspension containing 1 × 107 yeasts/mL in a planktonic form; group III mice were implanted with a SCF containing preformed C. tropicalis biofilm. Viable yeasts were found in the kidneys of mice from both groups II and III. However, after 72 h the planktonic cells (group II) invaded more quickly than the sessile cells (group III). Over a longer period (144 h), group III exhibited a more invasive infection (50% of the animals presented renal infection and the renal fungal load was 3.2 log10 CFU/g tissue) than in group II, where yeasts were not found. C. tropicalis introduced into the bladder in two ways (in planktonic or biofilm form) were able to reach the kidney and establish a renal fungal infection, causing interstitial disorders. The data of the present study therefore support the hypothesis of an ascending pathway for renal infections by C. tropicalis. Furthermore, the biofilm resulted in a greater and progressive risk of renal infection, attributed to the slow detachment of the yeasts.

Influence of Vitrification Device, Warming Protocol, and Subsequent In Vitro Culture on Structural Integrity of Testicular Fragments from Adult Domestic Cats.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the integrity of cat testicular tissues after vitrification with different devices followed by different warming conditions. The influence of vitro culture for 24 hours after warming also was examined. Testicular tissues from adult domestic cats were dissected in small fragments that were vitrified using Cryotop® or threaded on fine needles, warmed (directly at 37°C or with a preliminary 10 seconds exposure to 50°C), and/or cultured in vitro for an additional 24 hours. For each treatment group, tissues were assessed based on histology, apoptosis, and sperm DNA integrity. Results showed that fragments of testicular tissues were efficiently cryopreserved (maintaining the quality of all cell types) with vitrification with Cryotop followed by direct warming at 37°C, and additional culture of 24 hours at 38.5°C. These encouraging results are paving the road to optimize preservation protocols and use them for systematic banking of tissues from genetically valuable felids.

Antitumor activity of solamargine in mouse melanoma model: relevance to clinical safety.

Melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer, and thus it is important to develop new drugs for its treatment. The present study aimed to examine the antitumor effects of solamargine a major alkaloid heteroside present in Solanum lycocarpum fruit. In addition solamargine was incorporated into nanoparticles (NP) of yttrium vanadate functionalized with 3-chloropropyltrimethoxysilane (YVO4:Eu3+:CPTES:SM) to determine antitumor activity. The anti-melanoma assessment was performed using a syngeneic mouse melanoma model B16F10 cell line. In addition, systemic toxicity, nephrotoxic, and genotoxic parameters were assessed. Solamargine, at doses of 5 or 10 mg/kg/day administered subcutaneously to male C57BL/6 mice for 5 days, decreased tumor size and frequency of mitoses in tumor tissue, indicative of a decrease in cell proliferation. Treatments with YVO4:Eu3+:CPTES:SM significantly reduced the number of mitoses in tumor tissue, associated with no change in tumor size. There were no apparent signs of systemic toxicity, nephrotoxicity, and genotoxicity initiated by treatments either with solamargine alone or plant alkaloid incorporated into NP. The animals treated with YVO4:Eu3+:CPTES:SM exhibited significant increase in spleen weight accompanied by no apparent histological changes in all tissues examined. In addition, animals treated with solamargine (10 mg/kg/day) and YVO4:Eu3+:CPTES:SM demonstrated significant reduction in hepatic DNA damage which was induced by tumor growth. Therefore, data suggest that solamargine may be considered a promising candidate in cancer therapy with no apparent toxic effects.

Watermelon Reduces the Toxicity of Cisplatin Treatment in C57BL/6 Mice with Induced Melanoma.

An alternative to reduce the undesirable effects of antineoplastic agents has been the combination of classical treatments with nutritional strategies aimed at reducing systemic toxicity without decreasing the antitumor activity of already used drugs. Within this context, this study evaluated the possible reduction of toxicity when cisplatin treatment is combined with watermelon pulp juice supplementation in C57BL/6 mice with melanoma. Watermelon is a fruit rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins, lycopene, carotene, and xanthophylls, which has shown effectiveness in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, weight loss, urinary infections, gout, hypertension, and mutagenicity. The following parameters were analyzed: animal survival, bone marrow genotoxicity, serum creatinine and urea, histopathological features of the tumor tissue, tumor weight and volume, and weight of non-tumor tissues (kidney, liver, spleen, heart, and lung). The results showed that watermelon had no antitumor effect but reduced the toxicity of cisplatin, as demonstrated by an increase in the number of bone marrow cells and a decrease in serum creatinine and urea levels. The data suggest that watermelon pulp juice can be an alternative for reducing the side effects of antineoplastic agents.

Leptospirosis in slaughtered cows in the Triangulo Mineiro, Minas Gerais: prevalence, serological profile and renal lesions / Leptospirose em vacas abatidas no Triângulo Mineiro, Minas Gerais: prevalência, perfil sorológico e lesões renais

Leptospirosis is a zoonosis that affects several species of domestic and wild animals and is an important cause of economic losses in cattle in Brazil. In this study, we determined the prevalence of bovine leptospirosis in the Triângulo Mineiro region, Minas Gerais, Brazil, identified the most frequent serovars of Leptospira interrogans, and examine the renal pathological changes associated with the disease. Samples of blood serum and kidney fragments from 100 bovine females were collected in cattle abattoir. In the serological investigation 48% of the cows were positive. The serovars for which there were more reactive animals were Wolffi (24%), Hardjo (21%) and Hebdomadis (18%). Among the positive samples, 14/48 showedantibody titers greater than 1:100, and 70.83% of the seropositive animals responded to more than one Leptospira interrogans serovar. Only one farm did not have seropositive cows and in nine farms studied, six (66.66%) presented seropositive animals to the Hebdomadis serovar. At the histopathological examination, the most frequent microscopic lesions in positive animals were hyalinization (81.25%), congestion (81.25%) and hydropic degeneration (70.83%). However, these histopathological alterations were also found in kidneys of animals negative to serology, such as hyalinization (80.77%), congestion (48.07%) and hydropic degeneration (55.77%) and these findings are unrelated to positivity. Histopathological examination of the kidneys is not indicated to replace the serological diagnosis of leptospirosis, and may be used only as a complementary examination. Despite the low frequency of seropositive animals in the Triângulo Mineiro region, the disease is present in a large number of farms. Noteworthy is the high frequency of serovar Hebdomadis and it can be considered an emerging serovar in the region. The evaluation of the frequency of this serovar in other regions becomes important, and once verified should result in the recommendation of the inclusion of this serovar in the leptospirosis control.

A leptospirose é uma zoonose que afeta várias espécies de animais domésticos e silvestres e importante causa de prejuízos à bovinocultura nacional. Objetivou-se determinar a prevalência da leptospirose e identificar os sorovares de Leptospira interrogans mais freqüentes na região do Triângulo Mineiro, além de avaliar microscopicamente as lesões renais e correlacionar estas lesões com sorovares específicos. Foram coletadas amostras de soro sanguíneo e fragmentos de rim de 100 fêmeas bovinas em abatedouro e, destas 100 amostras, 48% foram positivas. Os sorovares para os quais houve mais animais reagentes foram Wolffi (24%), hardjo (21%) e Hebdomadis (18%). Dentre as amostras positivas, 14/48 apresentaram títulos de anticorpos aglutinantes superiores a 1:100 e notou-se que 70,83% dos animais soropositivos reagiram a mais de um sorovar de Leptospira interrogans. Somente uma propriedade não possuía vacas sororreagentes para leptospirose e das nove propriedades estudadas, seis (66,66%) apresentaram animais soropositivos ao sorovar Hebdomadis. Ao exame histopatológico, as alterações microscópicas mais encontradas em animais positivos foram hialinização (81,25%), congestão (81,25%) e degeneração hidrópica (70,83%). Porém, essas alterações histopatológicas também foram encontradas em rins de animais negativos à sorologia, como hialinização (80,77%), congestão (48,07%) e degeneração hidrópica (55,77%) e estes achados não apresentaram correlação com positividade. O exame histopatológico dos rins não é indicado para substituir o diagnóstico sorológico da leptospirose, podendo ser utilizado somente como um exame complementar. Apesar da frequência de animais sororreagentes ser baixa na região do Triângulo Mineiro, a doença está presente em um grande número depropriedades. Chama a atenção a alta frequência do sorovar Hebdomadis, podendo ser considerado um sorovar emergente na região. A avaliação da frequência deste sorovar em outras regiões se torna importante, pois uma vez verificada, deve resultar na recomendação da inclusão deste sorovar no controle da leptospirose.

Ovarian dysgerminoma causing multifocal metastases in young bitch / Disgerminoma ovariano causando metástases multifocais em cadela jovem

The ovarian neoplasias are unusual in canine species, mainly originated from germinative cells. Among these, dysgerminoma is a rare neoplasm in bitches, predominantly affecting senile and small and medium breeds. They are large, rounded, smooth surface, painless and firm in consistency. The clinical signs commonly demonstrated by patients with this neoplasia are abdominal distension and secondary signs of hyperestrogenism. The diagnosis should be based on the association of history, clinical signs, radiographic, ultrasonographic, cytological, histopathological and immunohistochemical exams. The treatment is the surgical castration and metastases are uncommon. Due to the rarity in bitches, specifically the young animals, this study aimed to describe a case of left ovarian dysgerminoma, of considerable size and adherence in adjacent organs, in a Brazilian Fila, whose showed considerable increase in abdominal volume and progressive weight loss. The diagnosis was confirmed by means of complementary x-ray, ultrasound, histopathological and immunohistochemical tests. Even with the recommended surgical treatment (castration), the patient demonstrated severe respiratory symptoms and increased abdominal volume after two months, and the complementary exams suggested pulmonary and multifocal metastases and the tutor chose euthanasia. As presented by the results, although rare in bitches, dysgerminoma should be included in the differential of ovarian neoplasias, including the young ones.

As neoplasias ovarianas são de ocorrência incomum na espécie canina, principalmente as originadas de células germinativas. Dentre estas, o disgerminoma é uma neoplasia rara em cadelas, acometendo predominantemente fêmeas senis e de raças pequenas e médias. Apresentam-se como massas grandes, arredondadas, de superfície lisa, indolores e de consistência firme. Os sinais clínicos comumente demonstrados por pacientes com este tipo neoplásico incluem distensão abdominal e sinais secundários de hiperestrogenismo. O diagnóstico deve ser baseado na associação do histórico, sinais clínicos, exames radiográficos, ultrassonográficos, citológicos, histopatológicos e imunohistoquímicos. O tratamento de escolha é a castração cirúrgica, sendo que as metástases são incomuns. Perante a raridade em cadelas, em específico as jovens, este relato teve como propósito discorrer um caso de disgerminoma ovariano esquerdo, de tamanho considerável e aderência em órgãos adjacentes, em uma Fila Brasileira, cuja sintomatologia incluiu considerável aumento de volume abdominal e emagrecimento progressivo. O diagnóstico foi confirmado por meio de exames complementares de raios-x, ultrassom, histopatológico e imunohistoquímicos. Mesmo com a instituição dotratamento cirúrgico preconizado (castração), a paciente demonstrou grave sintomatologia respiratória e aumento de volume abdominal após dois meses e, como os exames complementares foram sugestivos de metástases pulmonares e multifocais, o tutor optou pela eutanásia. Diante dos resultados, pode-se admitir que apesar de raro em cadelas, o disgerminoma deve ser incluído no diferencial das neoplasias ovarianas, incluindo as jovens.

Chemopreventive role of Copaifera reticulata Ducke oleoresin in colon carcinogenesis.

In Brazilian folk medicine, copaiba oleoresin is widely known for its therapeutic activity, especially its wound healing and anti-inflammatory actions. Considering the relationship between inflammatory processes and carcinogenesis, this paper reports on the Copaifera reticulata Ducke oleoresin (CRO) chemopreventive potential in the colon carcinogenesis model in rats. To understand the mechanisms involved in this effect, the anti-inflammatory activity of CRO and its major chemical constituent, the diterpene ent-polyalthic acid (PA), were evaluated on the production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in mouse macrophages. For the chemoprevention assessment, the effect of CRO administered by gavage was investigated on DNA damage, pre-neoplastic lesions and mitotic frequencies induced by the 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH; intraperitoneal injection) carcinogen by comet, aberrant crypt focus (ACF) and long-term assays, respectively. CRO reduced DNA damage (average 31.5%) and pre-neoplastic lesions (average 64.5%) induced by DMH, which revealed that CRO has antigenotoxic and anticarcinogenic effects. In the long-term assay, treatment with CRO significantly decreased mitoses in the tumor tissue, which suggested that CRO influenced carcinogenesis progression. PA reduced NO levels induced by lipopolysaccharides in macrophages. However, this diterpene showed no effect on PGE2. Taken together, our results suggest that PA exerts anti-inflammatory action via the NO pathway. The CRO chemopreventive effect may be partly due to the anti-inflammatory property of its major chemical constituent, PA. Our findings indicate that CRO is a promising agent to suppress colon carcinogenesis.

Murine model for the evaluation of candiduria caused by Candida tropicalis from biofilm.

To evaluate the pathophysiology of catheter-associated candiduria, the bladders of female mice were infected with Candida tropicalis. One group was implanted with a catheter fragment with preformed biofilm by cystotomy technique, while another group received, in separate, a sterile catheter fragment and a correspondent yeast suspension. The bladder tissues were examined by histopathology and the quantity of colony forming units was evaluated. All the animals presented inflammation and the presence of C. tropicalis was observed in the tissue within 72 h of the introduction of biofilm, while 75% of the mice remained infected after 144 h. However, only 50% of animals from the group infected with C. tropicalis in suspension (planktonic yeasts), exhibited such signs of infection over time. The cystotomy technique is therefore viable in mice, and is an effective model for evaluating the pathogenesis of candiduria from catheter biofilms. The model revealed the potential of C. tropicalis infectivity and demonstrated more effective evasion of the host response in biofilm form than the planktonic yeast.

Europium(III)-doped yttrium vanadate nanoparticles reduce the toxicity of cisplatin.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antitumor efficiency of chemotherapy with cisplatin alone and incorporated into europium(III)-doped yttrium vanadate nanoparticles functionalized with 3­chloropropyltrimethoxysilane with folic acid and without folic acid in a syngeneic mouse melanoma model. Histopathological, biochemical and genotoxic analyses of treated animals were performed to assess the toxicity of treatments. The treatment of the animals with cisplatin alone and the nanoparticles functionalized with cisplatin at a dose of 5 mg/kg b.w. for 5 days reduced tumor weight about 86% and 65%, respectively. Histopathological analysis showed lower mean frequency of mitoses in tumor tissue of the groups receiving cisplatin alone (90% reduction) and the nanoparticles functionalized with cisplatin (70% reduction) compared to the tumor control group. A reduction in body and liver weight and an increase in serum creatinine and urea levels were observed in animals treated with CDDP, but not in those receiving the nanoparticles functionalized with cisplatin. Genotoxicity assessment by the comet assay revealed lower frequencies of DNA damage in animals treated with the nanoparticles functionalized with cisplatin (mean score = 140.80) compared to those treated with cisplatin alone (mean score = 231.80). Marked toxic effects were observed in animals treated with cisplatin alone, while treatment with the nanoparticles functionalized with cisplatin showed no toxicity. Moreover, folic acid in the inorganic nanoparticles reduced the genotoxicity of cisplatin in the bone marrow micronucleus test (10 ±â€¯1.4 and 40 ±â€¯0.0 micronucleus, respectively). These results demonstrate the antitumor efficiency and significantly reduced systemic toxicity of the nanoparticles compared to CDDP.

Imunomarcação da transição epitélio-mesenquima na neoplasia mamária primária de cadelas e sua metástase em linfonodo / Epithelial to mesenchymal transition immunostaining in canine primary mammary tumor and lymph node

Os carcinomas mamários em cães apresentam alta capacidade metastática o que confere menor sobrevida para os pacientes com este tipo de neoplasia. O fenótipo transição epitélio-mesênquima, caracterizado pela troca dos filamentos intermediários de citoqueratina por vimentina, além da perda da proteína de adesão entre células (E-caderina) está relacionado com a maior ocorrência de metástase. Diante disto, objetivou-se avaliar, por meio de imunomarcações, a expressão de vimentina, citoqueratina e E-caderina nos tumores mamários caninos e suas metástases em linfonodo, a fim de avaliar o comportamento celular frente a esta neoplasia. Foram analisados cinco casos de neoplasias mamárias primárias caninas e suas respectivas metástases em linfonodos. Foram comparadas as médias de imunomarcações do grupo de neoplasias primárias com as médias do grupo metástase. Não houve diferença estatística nas imunomarcações da citoqueratina (p=0,1407) e E-caderina (p= 0,312) entre os grupos, apesar da média de expressão da E-caderina ter sido maior no grupo de metástases. A expressão da vimentina foi maior nos sítios das metástases (p=0,0462). Conclui-se que a expressão de vimentina aumenta no foco da metástase em relação aos seus respectivos tumores primários mamários caninos, caracterizando alteração estrutural celular, conferindo um fenótipo transição epitélio-mesênquima. Além da E-caderina apresentar fortes indícios de aumento no foco da metástase caracterizando maior adesão.(AU)

Mammary carcinomas in dogs have a high metastatic capacity which gives a shorter survival rate for patients with this type of tumor. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition phenotype, characterized by the trade of intermediary filaments of cytokeratin by vimentin, also by the loss of the adhesion protein between cells (E-cadherin) is associated with metastasis. Due to this fact, it was aimed to evaluate, by immunostaining, the expression of vimentin, cytokeratin and E-cadherin in canine mammary tumors and the metastasis in lymph node, in order to assess the cell behavior when facing this cancer. Five cases of canine mammary tumors and metastasis in lymph node were evaluated. The averages of immunostainings of the group of primary neoplasms were compared with the averages of the lymph node group. The results showed that immunostaining for cytokeratins (p=0,1407) and E-caderina (p=0,312) were not significant between the groups, despite the expression mean of cadherin was higher in the metastase group. The expression of vimentin (p=0,04) was greater at sites of metastases. It is concluded that the expression of vimentin increases in the focus of the metastase in relation to their respective primary canine mammary tumors, characterizing cellular structural alteration, conferring a transient epithelial-mesenchymal phenotype. And cadherin present strong evidence of increased focus on metastasis characterizing increased adhesion.(AU)

Carcinoma inflamatório de mama ­ Uma abordagem comparada / Inflammatory mammary carcinoma - A comparative approach / Carcinoma inflamatório de mama - Un enfoque comparativo

O Carcinoma Inflamatório de Mama (CIM) é um neoplasma maligno de rápida evolução que apresenta baixa ocorrência tanto em cadelas quanto em mulheres. É pouco relatado pelos médicos veterinários no Brasil, fato que pode ser relacionado à falta de conhecimento da doença associado à necessidade da relação dos achados clínicos com exame histopatológico para o diagnóstico definitivo. Esse neoplasma também acomete a glândula mamária de mulheres, nas quais demonstra características clássicas de inflamação como dor, turgor de pele e aumento de temperatura local. Para diagnóstico definitivo é considerado a presença de êmbolos de células tumorais em canais linfáticos da derme associados aos sinais clínicos de inflamação. Devido ao grau de infiltração local, os sinais de inflamação e a presença de êmbolos em linfáticos, o paciente humano e veterinário apresentam prognóstico desfavorável. O CIM é pouco responsivo à quimioterapia e devido às características de inflamação, não apresenta indicação cirúrgica na maioria dos casos. Devido à agressividade do CIM em mulheres e nas cadelas, do prognóstico desfavorável e das restritas opções terapêuticas essa revisão objetiva descrever os avanços das opções terapêuticas além do tratamento paliativo na literatura atual além de apresentar uma abordagem comparada, considerando a cadela um modelo de estudo para a doença na mulher.

The Inflammatory Mammary Carcinoma (IMC) is a low-occurrence malignant neoplasm with rapid evolution that affects dogs and women. There are few reports of this disease in the Brazilian veterinary literature, which may be related to the lack of knowledge of the disease associated with the need of relating clinical findings to histopathology exams for definitive diagnosis. This neoplasm also affects the mammary glands in women, which demonstrates classical signs of inflammation such as pain, skin turgor and increased local temperature. The diagnosis considers the presence of tumor cell emboli in the lymph vessels in the dermis associated with clinical signs of inflammation. Due to the degree of local infiltration, signs of inflammation and the presence of lymph emboli, both human and veterinary patients have unfavorable prognosis. The IMC is poorly responsive to chemotherapy and due to its inflammation characteristics, in most cases, surgical removal is not recommended. Due to the aggressiveness of the IMC on women and bitches, poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options, this paper aims to describe the advances of therapeutic options beyond palliative care in current literature, as well as presenting a comparative approach considering the bitch as a study model for treating the disease in women.

El carcinoma inflamatorio de mama (CIM) es una neoplasia maligna de evolución rápida que tiene una baja incidencia tanto en perras como en mujeres. Es poco relatado por médicos veterinarios en Brasil, hecho que puede estar relacionado a la falta de conocimiento de la enfermedad, asociada a la necesidad de la relación de los hallazgos clínicos con examen histopatológico para el diagnóstico definitivo. Esta neoplasia también afecta a las glándulas mamarias de mujeres, lo que demuestra características clásicas de inflamación, como dolor, la turgencia de la piel y el aumento de la temperatura local. Para el diagnóstico definitivo se considera la presencia de émbolos de células tumorales en los canales dermis ganglios, asociados con los signos clínicos de inflamación. Debido al grado de infiltración local, los signos de inflamación y la presencia de embolias en el linfático, el paciente humano y veterinario presentan pronóstico desfavorable. El CIM es poco sensible a la quimioterapia y debido a las características de inflamación no presenta indicación quirúrgica en la mayoría de los casos. Debido a la agresividad del CIM en mujeres y perras, del pronóstico desfavorable y de las restrictas opciones terapéuticas, esa investigación tuvo como objetivo revisar el progreso de las opciones terapéuticas además del tratamiento paliativo en la literatura actual, allende presentar un enfoque comparativo, teniendo en cuenta que la perra es un modelo de estudios para la enfermedad en mujeres.

Frequência de neoplasias cutâneas em cães atendidos no hospital veterinário da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia durante os anos 2000 a 2010 / Frequency of skin cancer in dogs treated at the Federal University of Uberlândia veterinary hospital from 2000 to 2010

Foram analisados os arquivos do laboratório de Patologia Animal do Hospital Veterinário da UFU de janeiro de 2000 a dezembro de 2010, selecionando protocolos referentes a biopsias cutâneas de cães coletando-se as seguintes informações: diagnóstico morfológico, localização anatômica, idade, sexo e raça dos cães, com o objetivo de realizar um estudo epidemiológico. Foram diagnosticados 549 tumores cutâneos em 543 cães, sendo que 281 cães eram machos e 247 fêmeas. Cães adultos e idosos foram os mais acometidos, assim como os cães sem raça definida, Poodle, Boxer, Pit Bull e Dashchund. Os tumores malignos prevaleceram com 65,39% dos casos, sendo os de origem epitelial os mais frequentes. O carcinoma de células escamosas foi a neoplasia predominante, seguido pelo mastocitoma e histiocitoma. Com relação á localização anatômica prevaleceu as regiões do abdômen (19,49%), cabeça (16,40%) e membros (15,30%). Não houve diferença na probabilidade de apresentar tumor cutâneo com relação ao sexo, porém considerando-se os tipos de tumores há maior probabilidade da população canina apresentar carcinoma de células escamosas e mastocitomas em detrimento dos outros tipos de tumores cutâneos.

We analyzed the archives of the Animal Pathology Laboratory of the Federal University of Uberlândia Veterinary Hospital from 2000 to 2010 with the aim of conducting an epidemiological study. Protocols for skin biopsies of dogs were selected and the following information was collected: morphological diagnosis, anatomical location, age, gender, and breed. Five hundred forty-nine skin tumors were diagnosed in 543 dogs, of which 281 were males and 247 were females. Adult and older dogs were the most affected, and mongrel dogs, Poodles, Boxers, Pit Bulls, and Dashchunds were the most frequent breeds. Malignant tumors were present in 65.39% dogs, and most tumors were derived from epithelial cells. Squamous cell carcinoma was the predominant neoplasia, followed by mast cell tumors and histiocytoma. With respect to the anatomic location, the abdomen (19.49%), head (16.40%), and limbs (15.30%) were the most frequently affected. Gender did not influence the probability of having a cutaneous tumor. With regard to tumor type, the canine population was more susceptible to squamous and mast cell tumors than to other skin tumors.

Temporary occlusion of the inferior lacrimal punctum and canaliculi of dogs with n-butyl-cyanoacrylate and 2-octyl-cyanoacrylate / Oclusão temporária do ponto e canalículo lacrimais inferiores de cães com n-butil-cianoacrilato e 2-octil-cianoacrilato

The occlusion of the inferior lacrimal punctum limits tear drainage and thus keeps it over the ocular surface, prolongs lubrication and minimizes the need of ocular lubricants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of n-butyl-cyanoacrylate and 2-octyl-cyanoacrylate adhesives in the occlusion of the inferior lacrimal punctum and canaliculi of dogs and their clinical repercussions over 180 days. Eleven dogs, were divided into two groups: occlusion with n-butyl-cyanoacrylate (GB, n=6) and with 2-octyl-cyanoacrylate (GO, n=5). Tear production, blepharospasm, ocular discharge, epiphora and conjunctival hyperemia were analyzed before the procedure and on days (T) 3,7,15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 after the procedure. Tear production of GB was significantly higher at T90 (P=0.0282) than its control. Variations between days showed that T7 (P=0.0069) and T180 (P=0.0207) varied significantly from T0. In the GO group, when treatment was compared to control, T15 (P<0.001) was significantly different from the rest. Variations between days showed that T15 was significantly different than T0 (P=0.0044), T3 (P=0.0234), T60 (P=0.0207) and T90 (P=0.0482). No significant difference was observed between the treatment groups at any given time. It was concluded that both adhesives were effective in occluding lacrimal drainage for long periods and could thus be considered as therapeutic options in treating animals with lacrimal deficiency.

A oclusão do ponto lacrimal inferior limita a drenagem da lágrima, mantendo-a sobre a superfície ocular, prolonga a lubrificação e minimiza a posologia de lubrificantes. Objetivou-se, com este estudo, avaliar a efetividade dos adesivos n-butil-cianoacrilato e 2-octil-cianocacrilato, na oclusão do ponto e canalículo lacrimais inferiores de cães e suas repercussões clínicas durante 180 dias. Para tanto, utilizaram-se 11 cães distribuídos em dois grupos: oclusão com n-butil-cianoacrilato (GB, n=6) e com 2-octil-cianoacrilato (GO; n=5). A produção lacrimal foi avaliada previamente ao procedimento e, posteriormente, aos 3, 7, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 150 e 180 dias, assim como blefarospasmo, secreção ocular, epífora e hiperemia conjuntival. A produção lacrimal de GB diferiu significativamente de seu controle no momento T90 (P=0,0282). Entre momentos, T7 (p=0,0069) e T180 (P=0,0207), diferiram de T0. Em GO, comparando-se tratamento e controle, T15 (P<0,001) diferiu-se estatisticamente dos demais. Ao se compararem os momentos, verificou-se que T15 diferiu significativamente de T0 (P= 0,0044), T3 (P= 0,0234), T60 (P= 0,0207) e T 90 (P= 0,0482). Não foi observada diferença entre os tratamentos ao longo do tempo. Concluiu-se que ambos os adesivos foram efetivos para a oclusão da drenagem lacrimal por longo período, sendo uma opção factível para animais com deficiência do filme lacrimal.

A Catuama e o bilobalide na regeneração nervosa periférica de ratos submetidos à secção do nervo isquiático / Catuama and bilobalide on peripheral nerve regeneration in rats following sciatic nerve section

A Catuama® é a associação de quatro extratos hidroalcoolicos obtidos de plantas brasileiras (Paullinia cupana, Trichilia catigua, Ptychopetalum olacoides e Zingiber officinale) com conhecida ação neuroprotetora, anti-inflamatória, antioxidante e antidepressiva. O bilobalide é um componente extraído das folhas do Ginkgo biloba, que tem comprovada ação neuroprotetora nos sistemas nervosos central e periférico. O presente estudo avaliou os efeitos da Catuama® e do bilobalide na regeneração nervosa periférica de ratos submetidos à secção do nervo isquiático. Foram utilizados 40 ratos com implante de tubo de silicone preenchido por colágeno líquido, deixando-se um intervalo entre os segmentos nervosos de 10mm. Os animais foram divididos em 4 grupos: o grupo controle (A); os grupos que receberam a Catuama® administrada por via oral nos primeiros 28 dias de pós-operatório, nas doses de 100 (B) e 400mg.kg-1 (C); e o grupo que recebeu o bilobalide na dose de 200µM (D), este, adicionado ao colágeno líquido utilizado no implante de silicone. Os animais foram avaliados na primeira, quinta e décima semanas de pós-operatório pelo teste de marcha. Na décima semana, foi realizada avaliação eletrofisiológica e análises quantitativa e qualitativa dos cortes histológicos de amostras do nervo isquiático e do músculo gastrocnêmio. Em todas as análises utilizadas observou-se excelente regeneração dos nervos, no entanto, não foi encontrada diferença significativa (P>0,05) entre os grupos experimentais e controle.

The Catuama® is composed of four Brazilian plants extracts (Paullinia cupana, Trichilia catigua, Ptychopetalum olacoides e Zingiber officinale). The Catuama® is known as having neuroprotector, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antidepressant effects. Bilobalide, extracted from leaves of Ginkgo biloba, is known by its neuroprotective effect in the central and peripheral nervous systems. The present study evaluates the effect of Catuama® and bilobalide on peripheral nerve regeneration in rats following a sciatic nerve section. Sciatic nerve of forty adult rats was transected with a 10-mm gap and the proximal and distal nerve stumps were fixed in a silicone tube filled with liquid collagen. The animals were divided into four groups: the control group (A), two groups treated with Catuama® by gavage along 28 days after the surgery in different doses of 100 (B) and 400mg.kg-1 (C) and the group using 200µM bilobalide (D) associated with the liquid collagen in the silicone tube. Evaluations were done by a walk test on the first, fifth and tenth week after the surgery. Electrophysiological stimulation and quantitative and qualitative histological analyses of the sciatic nerve and gastrocnemius muscle were also performed on the tenth week after the surgery. All groups showed good regeneration but no statistical difference was found between treatments and control groups (P>0.05).

Immunodetection of cells with a CD44+/CD24- phenotype in canine mammary neoplasms.

BACKGROUND: Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are able to self-renew and to form metastases. Using flow cytometry, CSCs were detected in canine mammary tumors as cells CD44(+) and CD24(-). The aim of this study was to detect these CSCs by immunohistochemistry and correlate their frequency with canine mammary neoplasm grade and histopathological type.130 mammary neoplasm samples were selected from tissue blocks at the Department of Pathology at UNESP and classified according to (BJVP 4:153-180, 2011). These samples were composed by adenomas, lymph node metastases, solid carcinomas grades II and III, tubular, papillary and carcinomas in mixed tumor grades I, II and III. Immunohistochemistry was performed with antibodies against CD44 and CD24. Linear regression was performed using Pearson's correlation test. RESULTS: The value at CD44 was positive and CD24 becomes zero was 46.75%. Cells with a CD44(+)/CD24(-) phenotype were detected in 40 out of 130 samples with an advantage of high grade tumors (II and III) and metastases among tubular, papillary and carcinomas in mixed tumors. In these samples, percentages of cells stained by CD44 and CD24 antibodies were 62.2% and 0%, respectively. Published reports usually correlate grade III tumors with the expression of CD44 but not with CD24 expression. Studies using flow cytometry have found CSC frequencies similar to those found in our study. CONCLUSIONS: Immunohistochemistry was found to be a reliable technique for the detection of CSCs in canine mammary neoplasms, and the frequency of these cells positively correlates with grades II and III tumors (poor prognosis).

Vaginal leiomyosarcoma in a cow from Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil / Leiomiossarcoma Vaginal em uma vaca de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brasil

The clinical, pathological, and immunohistochemical findings associated with a vaginal leiomyosarcoma in a 12-year-old, Senepol breed of cow from Uberlândia, Minas Gerais are described. The animal had a large ulcerative neoplastic growth that originated between the base and the left-lateral vaginal wall. Histopathology revealed a tumor formed by muscle-like cells that demonstrated cellular pleomorphism, anisokaryosis, prominent and multiple nucleoli, with rare tumor giant cells. The neoplastic growth invaded adjacent adipose tissue, and contained areas of hemorrhage with discrete accumulations of inflammatory cells. By immunohistochemistry, most neoplastic cells expressed actin, while immunoreactivity to desmin was weakly expressed. These findings support a diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma, and represent the first description of a bovine vaginal leiomyosarcoma from Brazil.

No presente trabalho, foram descritos os achados clínicos, patológicos e imunohistoquímicos de uma vaca da raça Senepol, 12 anos, com leiomiossarcoma vaginal, de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais. O animal apresentou massa ulcerada localizada entre a base e parede lateral-esquerda da vagina. A histopatologia revelou uma neoplasia formada por células fusiformes a arredondadas que demonstraram pleomorfismo celular, anisocariose, nucléolos proeminentes e múltiplos, com raras células gigantes tumorais. O crescimento neoplásico invadiu o tecido adiposo adjacente e continha áreas de hemorragia com discreto acúmulo de células inflamatórias. A maioria das células neoplásicas expressou actina na avaliação imunohistoquímica, enquanto a imunoreatividade para desmina foi fracamente expressa. Os achados suportam o diagnóstico de leiomiossarcoma e representa a primeira descrição de leiomiossarcoma vaginal em bovinos no Brasil.

Influence of apoptosis on the cutaneous and peripheral lymph node inflammatory response in dogs with visceral leishmaniasis.

In canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL), the abnormalities most commonly observed in clinical examination on the animals are lymphadenomegaly and skin lesions. Dogs are the main domestic reservoir for the protozoon Leishmania (L.) chagasi and the skin is the main site of contamination by the vector insect. Some protozoa use apoptosis as an immunological escape mechanism. The aim of this study was to correlate the presence of apoptosis with the parasite load and with the inflammatory response in the skin and lymph nodes of dogs naturally infected with Leishmania (L.) chagasi. Thirty-three dogs from the municipality of Araçatuba (São Paulo, Brazil) were used, an endemic area for CVL. Muzzle, ear and abdominal skin and the popliteal, subscapular, iliac and mesenteric lymph nodes of symptomatic (S), oligosymptomatic (O) and asymptomatic (A) dogs were analyzed histologically. The parasite load and percentage apoptosis were evaluated using an immunohistochemical technique. Microscopically, the lymph nodes presented chronic lymphadenitis and the skin presented plasmacytic infiltrate and granulomatous foci in the superficial dermis, especially in the ear and muzzle regions. The inflammation was most severe in group S. The parasite load and apoptotic cell density were also greatest in this group. The cause of the lymphoid atrophy in these dogs was correlated with T lymphocyte apoptosis, thus leaving the dogs more susceptible to CVL. The peripheral lymph nodes presented the greatest inflammatory response. Independent of the clinical picture, the predominant inflammatory response was granulomatous and plasmacytic, both in the skin and in the peripheral lymph nodes. The ear skin presented the greatest intensity of inflammation and parasite load, followed by the muzzle skin, in group S. The ear skin area presented a non-significant difference in cell profile, with predominance of macrophages, and a significant difference from group A to groups O and S. It was seen that in these areas, there were high densities of parasites and cells undergoing apoptosis, in group S. The association between apoptosis and parasite load was not significant in the lymph nodes, but in the muzzle regions and at the ear tips, a positive correlation was seen between the parasite load and the density of cells undergoing apoptosis. The dogs in group S had the highest parasite load and the greatest number of apoptotic cells, thus suggesting that the parasite had an immune evasion mechanism, which could be proven statistically in the skin.

Perfil hepático e protéico em cães com leishmaniose visceral / Hepatic and proteic profile in dogs with visceral leishmaniasis

Objetivando estabelecer o perfil bioquímico hepático e protéico de cães com leishmaniose visceral no município de Uberlândia ­ MG, sangue de 40 cães sororreagentes nos testes de Imunofluorescência Indireta e ELISA foi colhido por venopunção da jugular em tubo sem anticoagulante para obtenção de soro e mensuração de albumina, fosfatase alcalina, proteínas totais, globulinas, alanina aminotransferase e gamma glutamiltransferase em analisador automático (ChemWell®). Para análise dos resultados, os 40 animais foram divididos em 3 grupos classificados em assintomáticos (4 animais), oligossintomáticos (19) e sintomáticos (17 animais). Hipoalbuminemia e hipergamaglobulinemia foram notadas em todos os grupos. Porém, diferenças significativas no nível sérico de albumina (1,48±0,49 g/dL) e na relação A:G (0,24 ± 0,12) ocorreram no grupo sintomático em relação aos demais grupos. Os valores médios de FA, PT, ALT e GGT permaneceram dentro dos padrões de referência. Assim, a Leishmaniose Visceral pode levar à hipoalbuminemia e hiperglobulinemia independente da sintomatologia apresentada ou não pelos cães, sendo que os outros parâmetros do perfil hepático-protéico podem permanecer dentro dos padrões de referência.

Aiming to establish the hepatic and proteic biochemical profile in dogs with visceral leishmaniasis in Uberlândia - MG, blood of 40 seropositive dogs in indirect immunofluorescence tests and ELISA was collected by jugular venipuncture tube without anticoagulant to obtain serum and measurement of albumin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein (TP), globulins, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) in an automatic analyzer (ChemWell ®). For data analysis, 40 animals were divided into three groups classified as asymptomatic (4 animals), oligosymptomatic (19) and symptomatic (17 animals). Hypoalbuminemia and hypergammaglobulinemia were noted in all groups. However, significant differences in serum albumin level (1.48 ± 0.49 g/dL) occurred in the symptomatic group compared to other groups. The mean values of FA, PT, ALT and GGT remained within the reference standards. Thus, visceral leishmaniasis can lead to hypoalbuminemia and hyperglobulinemia independent of symptomatology presented by dogs or not, and the other parameters, the hepatic protein may remain within the reference standards.

Expressão da E-caderina em carcinoma de células escamosas e no tumor de células basais de cães / E-cadherin expression in squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell tumors in dogs

As caderinas compreendem uma classe de moléculas de adesão celular expressa na superfície de todas as camadas epidérmicas. A E-caderina é a principal caderina envolvida na adesão celular epitelial. A redução de sua expressão está envolvida na progressão de alguns tipos de câncer, no potencial metastático e ainda na definição do prognóstico, principalmente nos carcinomas. O carcinoma de células escamosas e o tumor de células basais são neoplasias cutâneas malignas que afetam os cães. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a expressão da E-caderina no carcinoma de células escamosas (n=20) e no tumor de células basais (n=15), buscando-se relacionar sua expressão ao comportamento biológico desses tumores. Os carcinomas de células escamosas apresentaram significativa redução da expressão da molécula comparado aos tumores de células basais, quando avaliado pelo teste de Fisher (P=0,0039). Também foi observado que células neoplásicas mais diferenciadas apresentaram coloração mais intensa que as menos diferenciadas. Em conclusão, sugere-se que a expressão reduzida da E-caderina em tumores cutâneos pode indicar maior poder infiltrativo e consequentemente mau prognóstico na espécie canina.

The cadherins are a group of cellular adhesion molecules that are expressed on the surface of all epidermic layer. The E-cadherin is the main cadherin involved in epithelial cellular adhesion; the decrease in its expression is related to the progression of some types of cancer, to its metastatic characteristics, and to the prognosis, specially carcinomas. The squamous cell carcinoma and the basal cells tumors are a malignant epithelial neoplasm which affects dogs. The goal of this study was to evaluate E-cadherin's expression in canine tissues that were classified as squamous cell carcinoma or basal cell tumor, and to find a correlation with the biological behavior of the tumors. The squamous cell carcinomas showed significantly decreased expression of the molecule compared to the basal cell tumors when evaluated by Fisher's test (P=0.0039). Also, the more differentiated neoplastic cells had a higher intensity of color than the less differentiated ones. In conclusion, it is suggested that the reduced expression of E-cadherin in skin tumors may indicate greater power infiltrative and consequently poor prognosis in dogs.

Atresia anal, fístula uretrorretal congênita, bolsa escrotal acessória e pseudo-hermafroditismo em bezerro mestiço / Anal atresia, congenital urethrorectal fistula, accessory scrotum and pseudohermafroditism in a crossbred calf

Neste trabalho, é descrito o caso de um bezerro mestiço recém-nascido que apresentava atresia anal tipo 2, fístula uretrorretal congênita, bolsa escrotal bífida e pseudo-hermafroditismo masculino. O principal sinal clínico era a eliminação de fezes por meio do óstio prepucial, uma apresentação incomum em casos de fístula uretrorretal em animais machos. Apesar de o quadro de atresia anal ser relativamente comum nessa espécie, os outros defeitos congênitos encontrados são pouco frequentes.

In this study, the case of a newborn calf, which presented type 2 anal atresia, congenital urethrorectal fistula, bifid scrotum and male pseudohermafroditism is described. The main clinical sign was the elimination of feces by the prepucial ostium, an unusual finding in cases of urethrorectal fistula in male animals. Although anal atresia is relatively common in bovines, the other congenital defects found in this case are uncommon.