Diagnostic accuracy of radiographs for the diagnosis of humeral intracondylar fissure in dogs.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of radiographs in identifying humeral intracondylar fissures in dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical data from dogs undergoing CT and radiographic elbow investigations at a single institution were reviewed. Based on CT diagnosis, radiographs were classified as having fissures and not having fissures. The radiographic images were evaluated by three blinded observers for the presence/absence of a fissure, type (partial or complete), and for secondary signs that could suggest the presence of a fissure in case this was not visible. RESULTS: A total of 81 radiographs (76 elbows) were reviewed. Based on CT findings, 37 elbows had fissures and 44 did not. Radiographic interpretation demonstrated a sensitivity of 47.7% (confidence interval 95%: 0.40 to 0.59) and specificity of 85.6% (confidence interval 95%: 0.72 to 0.93) in correctly identifying humeral intracondylar fissures. The positive predictive value was 75.5% (confidence interval 95%: 0.64 to 0.84) and the negative predictive value was 66.1% (confidence interval 95%: 0.63 to 0.68). Agreement with CT images was <0.4, and interobserver and intraobserver agreements were <0.8. The radiographic orientation and type of fissure did not significantly affect interpretation outcomes. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Radiographic imaging alone is insufficient for reliably diagnosing humeral intracondylar fissures in dogs.

Incidence of congenital heart disease in fetuses diagnosed with single isolated umbilical artery. Systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the proportion of heart disease in fetuses with a prenatal diagnosis of a single isolated umbilical artery. METHODS: We performed a search strategy in MEDLINE (OVID), EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) from inception to the present. We assessed the risk of bias and performed a meta-analysis. We completed the subgroup analysis according to the region. RESULTS: We found 1384 studies by the search strategy. After carefully reviewing the full-text, 15 studies were included. A total of 2008 fetuses with a single isolated umbilical artery were included, and 177 had cardiac malformations. There was an overall incidence of 9% 95%CI (0.05-0.14) I2 90%. The incidence by country of origin was between 5% and 19%. The most common heart disease reported was a ventricular septal defect. Seven studies were found describing 25 cases. We described other malformations, such as tetralogy of Fallot, coarctation of the aorta, and hypoplastic left ventricle, among others. CONCLUSION: The incidence of congenital heart disease in fetuses with a single isolated umbilical artery was high. In addition, half of these correspond to significant heart disease. Based on the above, we suggest that fetuses with a single isolated umbilical artery should have a complete anatomic evaluation emphasizing cardiac evaluation.

Effect of different concentrations of stem juice of Oxalis tuberosa Mol. and juice of the fruit of Gaultheria glomerata (Cav.) Sleumer on the antioxidant activity of the heat-treated functional beverage.

Functional beverages with added health benefits are popular among peoples and athletes because they help them recover faster from intense workouts and perform better overall. This research set out to determine how well heat-treated stem juice from Oxalis tuberosa Mol. "oca" and fruit juice from Gaultheria glomerata (Cav.) Sleumer "laqa-laqa" performed as an antioxidant in a functional drink. The "oca" stems and the "laqa-laqa" fruit were collected to obtain the juice. For this study, 30 semi-trained panellists used sensory evaluation to rate four treatments (Bo, B1, B2, and B3) with varying quantities of "oca" and "laqa-laqa" juice. The results concluded that the treatment B2, which included 300 ml of "oca" stem juice, 800 ml of "laqa-laqa" juice, 1000 ml of treated water, and 220 g of refined sugar, was given the highest score after a physicochemical evaluation of its colour, smell, taste, and overall appearance. Similarly, the results showed that the protein content increased by 1.38%, the fat content by 1.08%, the moisture percentage by 99.5%, the ash content by 1.82%, and the carbohydrate content by 6.22% after B2 treatment. Similarly, results revealed significant enhancement in antioxidant profiling such as total polyphenols: 1825 mg of gallic acid/100 g and antioxidant Activity: 89.56% µmol of trolox /100 g. In conclusion, due to its high energy content and antioxidant activity, it may be a viable nutritional option for athletes who engage in rigorous, frequent physical exertion.

Possible effects of different types of agricultural wastes on food security and mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) production.

One of the new waters, and environmentally friendly agriculture initiatives in Peru is to encourage the utilization of agricultural waste, because low agricultural output is a threat to food security there. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effect of harvest residues on the basidiocarp production of the fungus Pleurotus Ostreatus, in Acobamba-Huancavelica. The trial had a completely randomized design, and the treatments included T1, barley stubbles; T2, wheat stubbles; T3, pea stubbles; T4, broad bean stubbles; and T5, quinoa stubbles. The research was quantitative in nature, taking the form of an experiment with an applied, explanatory level of design. The recorded data was tabulated and analyzed with analysis of variance, as well as Tukey's test (α:0.05), for which the statistical software Infostat was used. The results are presented in tables and graphs for a better interpretation. As main results, it was obtained that the time (colonization), diameter (stem, pileus), length (stem) and weight (basidiocarps), present statistical differences between treatments showing significant enhancement in all parameters. Despite a numerical difference, a Tukey average comparison test revealed that there was no statistically significant difference between the averages for the variable time for fungus colonisation, suggesting that the treatment T5 in which quinoa substrate showed the greatest average. Treatment T4 in which broad bean stubbles were used gave the most low-average. In conclusion, increment in all parámeters were noted in all treatment of Pleurotus basidiocarps ostreatus under Acobamba conditions.

Internal fixation of canine coccygeal vertebral fractures: four cases (2018-2022).

OBJECTIVES: To describe the surgical technique and evaluate the outcome and complications after coccygeal vertebral fracture repair in dogs using internal fixation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records and radiography of client-owned dogs were reviewed retrospectively. A lateral approach to the vertebral body was used, and a 1.5 or 1.0 mm plate was applied laterally. Initial follow-up included clinical and radiographic assessment at 6 to 8 weeks postoperatively. Short-term follow-up was assessed by the completion of an adapted functional questionnaire by owners. RESULTS: Four dogs presented with mid-vertebral body fractures. The neurological function of the tail was preserved, and fracture repair was performed in all cases. One dog developed a surgical site infection, which was successfully treated with antimicrobial therapy. One dog experienced prolonged postoperative pain and delayed union. Fracture healing occurred in all patients at the final follow-up. Neither discomfort nor reduced function or mobility of the tails was noticed during the postoperative patient assessment. The questionnaire was completed by all owners with a mean follow-up time of 40 weeks. Excellent outcomes were established from subsequent clinical reviews and owner questionnaires, related to their dog's activity and comfort levels. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Excellent outcomes can be achieved following the repair of coccygeal vertebral fractures in dogs using internal fixation, including a return to normal function of the tail.

Photosynthetic modification of plants through recent technologies: a valuable way to ensure crop fortification.

The 2030 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations include a strong emphasis on ending hunger worldwide. According to the 2019 Global Food Security Index, while 88% of countries claim there is sufficient food supply in their country, the sad reality is that 1 in 3 countries is facing insufficient availability of food supply, which means that in those countries, more than 10% of the population is malnourished. Since nutrition is crucial to leading a healthy life and satisfying food security needs, several governments have turned to national nutrition surveys to gauge the extent of malnutrition in their populations. Plants are able to grow, develop, and store nutrients by photosynthesis, which convert light into chemical energy through cell redox regulatory networks. A photosynthesis system's electron flow may be adjusted to accommodate varying light and environmental circumstances. Many techniques exist for controlling the flow of electrons emitted during light processes in order to save or waste energy. The two protein molecules TROL and flavoenzyme ferredoxin (oxidoreductase+NADP) (FNR) interact dynamically to form an excellent molecular switch capable of splitting electrons from the photosystem. The TROL-FNR bifurcation may be limited by either generating NADPH or preventing reactive oxygen species from propagating. TROL-based genome editing is an experimental method for enhancing plant stress and defensive responses, efficiency, and ultimately agricultural production.

Multidisciplinary approach to the study of large-format oil paintings.

Cultural heritage has become a keystone for comprehending our society, as it represents and reflects our origins, passions, beliefs and traditions. Furthermore, it provides fundamental information about specific temporary spaces, materials' availability, technology, artist's intention, and site weather conditions. Our aim was to develop a multidisciplinary approach with a main focus on investigating two Italian large-format paintings located in highly diverse environments such as the National Theater of Costa Rica. We monitored environmental conditions and quantified fungal aerial spores. Then, we determined regions of possible biodeterioration with the software MicroorganismPattern and used the software PigmentArrangement to elucidate the apparent colour of the paintings based on distribution and arrangement of the pigment crystals. Finally, we characterized eight genera of calcareous nannofossils found in the ground layers of the artwork. The former Men's Canteen at the National Theater of Costa Rica presented a mean air temperature of 23.5 [Formula: see text]C, a relative humidity of 72.7% and a concentration of CO[Formula: see text] of 570 ppm. The fungal aerial concentration was 1776 spores/m[Formula: see text]. The software MicroorganismPattern identified 32 sampling regions, out of which 11 were positive for microbial contamination. The software PigmentArrangement determined that the blue crystals (ultramarine pigment) had the shortest distances between themselves (29 [Formula: see text]m). Finally, the nanofossils identified enabled us to restrict the age of the material to a biostratigraphic interval ranging from Coniacian to Maastricthian ages. By using a multidisciplinary approach we were able to explore the diptych, suggest a set of minimally invasive perspectives in tropical environments to be used worldwide and obtain key information about the artist's artistic process, materials used along with better understand its state of conservation.

Epicondylar plate fixation of humeral condylar fractures in immature French bulldogs: 45 cases (2014-2020).

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to report outcome and postoperative complications following stabilisation of humeral condylar fractures in skeletally immature French bulldogs with a transcondylar screw combined with locking or hybrid locking plates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records from one referral hospital were reviewed to identify skeletally immature French bulldogs with humeral condylar fractures treated with a transcondylar screw and epicondylar locking or hybrid locking plates crossing the distal humeral physis. RESULTS: Forty-five fractures in 41 different dogs with a mean age of 4 months (range 3.5 to 5) were identified. Six cases had complications: two (4.4%) minor and four (8.9%) major. Short-term clinical outcome was excellent in 35 (77.8%), good in nine (20%) and poor in one (2.2%) case. Forty-one of 45 fractures reached radiographic union without further surgical intervention; the remaining four cases reached union following revision surgery. Long-term owner assessed outcome by telephone interview was graded as excellent in all available cases (26 of 41 dogs). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study suggests that the stabilisation of humeral condylar fractures in skeletally immature French bulldogs with combinations of a transcondylar screw and epicondylar locking or hybrid locking plates crossing the distal humeral physis was safe and led comparable outcomes and complication rates to previous reports.

Combined internal fixation and transarticular external skeletal fixation to treat traumatic patellar fractures in five dogs.

CASE HISTORY: Medical records of dogs (n = 5) that had been treated for patellar fracture with transarticular external skeletal fixation (TA-ESF) to augment internal fixation, at a single referral hospital in the United Kingdom between 2015 and 2017, were reviewed. CLINICAL FINDINGS AND TREATMENT: At presentation, two dogs had polar patellar fractures, two had comminuted fractures and one dog had a transverse fracture. The median age at the time of the surgery was 21 (min 8, max 132) months and the median body weight was 19.0 (min 8.3, max 28.6) kg. In all cases, TA-ESF (Type IA lateral triangulated or modified Type II) was used in combination with internal fixation with pins and/or orthopaedic wire, supported by nylon leader line (patella-to-tibia mattress suture) and/or absorbable suture in a locking loop and/or circum-patellar pattern. All cases had short-term (6-12 weeks) post-operative radiographic follow-up, which showed evidence of fracture healing in 2/5 cases. All TA-ESF were removed 6 or 7 weeks post-operatively and four dogs had minor complications related to TA-ESF. More than 2 years post-operatively, the owners of all dogs were contacted and questioned using the Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs questionnaire regarding the mobility of their pet. Four of the five cases were re-examined to evaluate their long-term outcomes. Based on the results of goniometric measurement of stifle range of motion, subjective gait assessment and objective gait analysis with a pressure-sensitive walkway, all dogs showed a satisfactory outcome at the final follow-up. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A combination of internal fixation and TA-ESF for stabilisation of traumatic patellar fractures is a valid treatment option. Further investigations with larger case numbers are necessary to evaluate success and complication rates.

Glomerular endothelial derived vesicles mediate podocyte dysfunction: A potential role for miRNA.

MicroRNAs (miRNA) are shown to be involved in the progression of several types of kidney diseases. Podocytes maintain the integrity of the glomerular basement membrane. Extracellular vesicles (EV) are important in cell-to-cell communication as they can transfer cellular content between cells, including miRNA. However, little is known about how extracellular signals from the glomerular microenvironment regulate podocyte activity. Using a non-contact transwell system, communication between glomerular endothelial cells (GEnC) and podocytes was characterised in-vitro. Identification of transferred EV-miRNAs from GEnC to podocytes was performed using fluorescence cell tracking and miRNA mimetics. To represent kidney disease, podocyte molecular profiling and functions were analysed after EV treatments derived from steady state or activated GEnC. Our data shows activation of GEnC alters EV-miRNA loading, but activation was not found to alter EV secretion. EV delivery of miRNA to recipient podocytes altered cellular miRNA abundance and effector functions in podocytes, including decreased secretion of VEGF and increased mitochondrial stress which lead to altered cellular metabolism and cytoskeletal rearrangement. Finally, results support our hypothesis that miRNA-200c-3p is transfered by EVs from GEnC to podocytes in response to activation, ultimately leading to podocyte dysfunction.

The natural history of canine occult Grade II medial patellar luxation: an observational study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the risk of lameness and the rate of subsequent medial patellar luxation surgery in dogs that present with occult Grade II medial patellar luxation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective owner survey and review of clinical records of adult dogs diagnosed with Grade II medial patellar luxation that were initially asymptomatic and managed non-surgically that had a minimum of 4-year follow-up. Clinical notes and owner questionnaires identified dogs that subsequently developed lameness and required surgery on the previously asymptomatic stifle. RESULTS: Thirty-eight dogs were included with an average follow-up of 51 months. Seventeen dogs re-presented for unscheduled contralateral medial patellar luxation surgery at an average of 15 months after initial presentation. A further two dogs had chronic contralateral limb lameness after an average of 33 months after initial surgery and may have been potential surgical candidates. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Fifty percent of adult dogs presenting with occult Grade II medial patellar luxation subsequently developed chronic lameness or required surgery.

Prevalence of human papillomavirus in the saliva of sexually active women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasias.

BACKGROUND: The main objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of human papillomavirus-DNA (HPV-DNA) in the saliva of sexually active women with HPV-related cervical intraepithelial neoplasias (CIN) and compare the findings with a healthy control group. The secondary objectives were: 1) to determine the concordance between genital and oral HPV types in sexually active women with HPV-related CIN; 2) to analyze whether sexual habits influence the presence of HPV-related CIN; 3) to determine whether sexual habits influence the presence of oral HPV. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Saliva samples were collected from 100 sexually active women, 50 with HPV-related CIN and 50 healthy subjects presenting normal cytology. PCR assay was used to detect HPV-DNA. RESULTS: The prevalence of oral HPV infection in saliva samples was 14% in women with HPV-related CIN, while in the healthy group it was 12%, without statistically significant difference (p=0.766). As for the concordance between genital and oral HPV types in women with HPV-related CIN, concordance was only observed for HPV-16, whereby among 22 women with genital HPV-16, only one (4.54%) also presented oral HPV-16. Regarding the possible influence of sexual habits on the presence of cervical pathology and presence of oral HPV, it was found that marital status, age at first intercourse, number of lifetime sexual partners, and condom use are related with the presence of cervical pathology (p<0.001; p=0.017; p=0.002; and p<0.001, respectively); condom use was also found to be related to the presence of oral HPV (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of HPV-DNA in the saliva of sexually active women with HPV-related CIN is similar to healthy women. The concordance between genital and oral HPV types is low. Both the presence of cervical pathology and the presence of oral HPV are related to sexual habits. Wider sample size is required to confirm this results.

Multiple idiopathic fibrotic myopathies, including the tensor facia lata muscle, in a cat.

To describe the clinical features and treatment of a cat that was initially presented with fibrotic myopathy affecting the left tensor fascia lata. Approximately 5 months later, the cat was presented again with multiple idiopathic fibrotic myopathies, affecting the ipsilateral rectus femoris and the contralateral semitendinosus muscles. These were each separate lesions and occurred without known history of trauma. Surgical resection of the fibrotic portion of the affected muscles resulted in immediate, but not long-term, resolution of clinical signs.

Clinical outcomes and complications of pancarpal arthrodesis stabilised with 3.5†mm/2.7†mm locking compression plates with internal additional fixation in 12 dogs.

AIMS: To report the clinical outcomes and complications after the use of 3.5 mm/2.7 mm locking compression plates (LCP) with additional internal fixation for pancarpal arthrodesis (PCA) in dogs. METHODS: This was a retrospective study using medical records from a single orthopaedic referral hospital between December 2015 and April 2018. The inclusion criteria were the use of a dorsally applied LCP for PCA in dogs with a minimum follow-up period of 12 months. Additional crossed 2.7 or 3.5 mm cortical screws or Kirschner wires were placed in all limbs to further stabilise the joints. A light dressing without external coaptation was applied postoperatively to all limbs. Postoperative lameness assessment was recorded at the last clinical evaluation. RESULTS: Twelve dogs with 13 arthrodesed limbs were included, with carpal hyperextension injury being the most common indication for surgery (4/13; 31%). One dog was recorded with a minor complication, which was a metacarpal fracture distal to the bone plate. Major complications were observed in 4/13 (31%) limbs, with surgical site infection being recorded in all four limbs and screw loosening in one limb. No implant failure was reported. At the final clinical evaluation (43-437 days after surgery), none or mechanical lameness was recorded in 9/13 (69%) limbs, mild lameness in 3/13 (23%) limbs, and moderate lameness in one 1/13 (8%) limb. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Locking plate and screw fixation with additional internal fixation resulted in comparable complication and infection rates in canine PCA to previous published studies using hybrid dynamic compression plates. No implant failure was reported for any of the limbs despite the use of a light dressing without external coaptation.

The use of absorbable staples for skin closure after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the use of stainless steel staples with absorbable staples for closure of skin incisions in dogs undergoing tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Client-owned dogs (n = 80). METHODS: With client consent, dogs were randomly assigned a staple type (stainless steel or absorbable) immediately prior to closure of a TPLO skin incision. Incisions were compared for length, staple type and number, and an inflammation-infection score 2 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: Overall, 18.8% of incisions were diagnosed with inflammation or infection. No difference was found between inflammation-infection scores, incision length, number of staples used, or general anesthetic time between the 2 staple groups. However, wound closure was faster with stainless steel staples (22.50 seconds; range, 11-180) by approximately 30 seconds compared with absorbable staples (56.50 seconds; range, 18-190; P < .001). Time taken to close the incision correlated negatively with the number of occasions that absorbable staples were used (P = .01). CONCLUSION: Absorbable skin staples were successfully used to close skin incisions after TPLO and were not associated with an increased level of inflammation or infection in our clinical setting. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Absorbable staples may be considered to close surgical wounds when subsequent suture removal would be impractical, without specific concerns over inflammation or infection of the wound.

Primary small cell carcinoma of the larynx. Survival time of 47 months. Case report.

Small cell carcinoma (SCC) of the larynx is a rare type of neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC), few cases of which have been described in the literature. The prognosis for this type of carcinoma is poor, with a survival time typically not exceeding two years. We describe the case of a 54-year-old male patient with a primary tumor in the right ventricular band and a biopsy compatible with SCC. The patient underwent radiotherapy (RT) and concomitant chemotherapy (QT) and, after a relapse at 17 months, underwent total laryngectomy with bilateral neck dissection. The survival time was 47 months. Further studies are required to elucidate the possible causes of the better prognosis in some cases.

Prenatal lead exposure in relation to age at menarche: results from a longitudinal study in Mexico City.

Animal and cross-sectional epidemiological studies suggest that prenatal lead exposure is related to delayed menarche, but this has not been confirmed in longitudinal studies. We analyzed this association among 200 girls from Mexico City who were followed since the first trimester of gestation. Maternal blood lead levels were analyzed once during each trimester of pregnancy, and daughters were asked about their first menstrual cycle at a visit between the ages of 9.8 and 18.1 years. We estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for probability of menarche over the follow-up period using interval-censored Cox models, comparing those with prenatal blood lead level ⩾5 µg/dl to those with prenatal blood lead <5 µg/dl. We also estimated HRs and 95% CI with conventional Cox regression models, which utilized the self-reported age at menarche. In adjusted analyses, we accounted for maternal age, maternal parity, maternal education, and prenatal calcium treatment status. Across trimesters, 36-47% of mothers had blood lead levels ⩾5 µg/dl. Using interval-censored models, we found that during the second trimester only, girls with ⩾5 µg/dl prenatal blood lead had a later age at menarche compared with girls with prenatal blood lead levels <5 µg/dl (confounder-adjusted HR=0.59, 95% CI 0.28-0.90; P=0.05). Associations were in a similar direction, although not statistically significant, in the conventional Cox regression models, potentially indicating measurement error in the self-recalled age at menarche. In summary, higher prenatal lead exposure during the second trimester could be related to later onset of sexual maturation.