Prevalence of hip femoroacetabular impingement deformities in high-level (La Liga) male professional football players.

BACKGROUND: Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is considered one of the main causes of hip osteoarthritis in young adults, especially in athletes. In recent years, morphological changes in FAI in the hip have been linked to early and intense sports participation, but studying top-level athlete samples is not easy. This paper presents the prevalence of FAI radiological markers in 120 active white male professional football players in the Spanish First Division League (La Liga) and compares the morphological changes with those of a control group of healthy individuals without significant sport activity. METHODS: The precontract medical evaluation hip X-rays of 120 white male professional football players from four different First Division Spanish football teams were prospectively filed and retrospectively reviewed by a dedicated skeletal radiologist. The footballers' hip X-rays were compared with those of a control group of 80 healthy individuals (age-sex matched) without significant sport activity (obtained from routine work medical checks). RESULTS: The femoral head-neck deformity associated with the Cam type of femoroacetabular impingement was observed in 61.6% of professional football players and only in 11.6% of the control group (p <0.01). The presence of "herniation pit" (11.6%) and os acetabuli (13.3%) also reached statistical significance in the professional football players group. In the other analyzed parameters, no statistically significant differences between the groups were observed. CONCLUSIONS: White professional top-level football players have an increased incidence of abnormal lateral epiphyseal extension ("pistol grip deformity"), os acetabuli and herniation pits.

Presurgical perspective and postsurgical evaluation of acromioclavicular joint instability.

Acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocations are a common cause of pain in patients of any age. Athletes who participate in contact sports, such as hockey, football, rugby, and soccer, are particularly susceptible to such injuries. The ACJ has an important role in the function of the upper limb, and its complexity of movement makes it susceptible to acute injuries and chronic dysfunction with debilitating effects that must be treated appropriately and promptly to preserve function. Recently, ACJ has received increasing attention due to the development of new surgical techniques for the restoration of normal function and stability. There is some agreement about the treatment of ACJ dislocations, but controversy remains about the treatment of Rockwood grade III dislocations, and a new approach to these injuries is suggested by ISAKOS. Overall, the paper summarizes new concepts in the anatomy of the ACJ and reviews the utility of imaging methods in ACJ dislocations as well as their treatment and complications.

Eurytrema coelomaticum natural infection in small ruminants: a neglected condition.

Pancreatic eurytrematosis (PE) is an under diagnosed and neglected parasitosis in goats and sheep in the Americas. Clinical and pathological features of PE are not well defined in small ruminants worldwide. Natural cases of PE in small ruminants were detected in the Federal District, Brazil. A survey of necropsy records, including epidemiological and clinicopathological data, in goats and sheep was conducted. Most cases of PE occurred during the rainy season in adult females, with an incidence of 12.9% in goats and 0.8% in sheep. Clinical signs varied from asymptomatic infections to anorexia, lethargy, weakness, marked weight loss and death in some goats. Overall, most cases of PE in goats and sheep were incidental necropsy findings with minor pancreatic lesions. Three goats, however, showed severe chronic pancreatitis, dilation of major pancreatic ducts with numerous trematodes present and marked abdominal fat necrosis. Morphological and molecular characterization of flukes detected Eurytrema coelomaticum. Our findings shed light on the prevalence of E. coelomaticum infections in small ruminants in the region and highlight the possibility of severe and lethal cases in goats. PE must be further investigated in small ruminant populations in relevant livestock production regions of the Americas.

Dehydration stress responses of yeasts Torulaspora delbrueckii, Metschnikowia pulcherrima and Lachancea thermotolerans: Effects of glutathione and trehalose biosynthesis.

In food industry and winemaking, the use of active dehydrated yeast (ADY) Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a frequent practice because of the long-term stability and high efficiency of ADY. Nowadays, there is an increasing interest for new yeasts strains, such as Torulaspora delbrueckii (Td), Metschnikowia pulcherrima (Mp) and Lachancea thermotolerans (Lt). However, the yeasts transformation processes into the solidified form generate several stresses that reduce the cell viability. In this case, understanding the phenomena of yeast cell resistance before, during and after dehydration is of great importance. In this study we analyzed two compounds associated with resistance to stress and produced by cells, glutathione (total, oxidized and reduced) and trehalose, at different stages of the process. The impact of growing and dehydration conditions on cell viability was analyzed by flow cytometry and two-photon laser scanning microscopy. The results showed that cells naturally enriched in glutathione or trehalose acquired resistance to dehydration, preventing the oxidation of glutathione in a growth/dehydration condition dependent manner. This is the first time that simultaneous metabolic and dehydration responses were observed in three non-Saccharomyces strains. These findings represent an opportunity to better understand the yeast's dehydration resistance phenomena and thus to promote the efficient industrial production of new dried yeasts.

Paralytic rabies in a goat.

BACKGROUND: Paralytic form of rabies is frequent in cattle in Latin America, but it is uncommon in goats. There are few clinical reports on furious rabies affecting goats, and the sporadic cases of rabid goats from surveillance programs worldwide lack clinical data. Furthermore, few studies reported the cerebrospinal fluid findings in rabid livestock. CASE PRESENTATION: On a farm in Midwestern Brazil, six of 47 Saanen goats died within one week. No vaccination protocols were implemented on the farm and the owner stated bat bites history on the livestock. Although rabies is endemic in Brazil, livestock vaccination is not mandatory. One 1-year-old buck was evaluated and showed non-specific clinical signs evolving within 12-h to nervous signs. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed mononuclear pleocytosis, hyperproteinemia and high glucose levels. At necropsy, no gross lesions were present. Microscopically, discrete to moderate perivascular lymphoplasmacytic cuffing in gray and white matter, neuronal necrosis, neuronophagia, and mononuclear ganglioneuritis was observed in the brainstem and cervical spinal cord. Immunohistochemistry revealed strong anti-rabies virus immunostaining. Fresh central nervous system samples were positive for rabies in direct fluorescent antibody test (dFAT) and mouse intracerebral inoculation test (MIT). Exposed livestock recommendations included immediate vaccination, a strict isolation period of 90 days, and booster vaccinations during the third and eighth weeks. CONCLUSION: IHC revealed the widespread distribution of rabies virus antigen in the goat's CNS, contrasting the discrete pathological changes. In this goat, definitive diagnosis of paralytic rabies was obtained through the association of epidemiological, clinical, laboratorial, pathological findings (histology and IHC) and gold standard confirmatory tests (dFAT and MIT).

Ichthyosis fetalis in a cross-bred lamb.

BACKGROUND: Ichthyosis is a dermatological disease characterized by varying degrees of generalized hyperkeratosis and alopecia. Two congenital forms of ichthyosis are recognized in animals: fetalis (IF) and congenita. The disease occurs rarely in cattle, swine, dogs, chickens and a goat; it has not been reported in sheep. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To provide clinical, laboratory and pathological assessments of a case of IF in a cross-bred lamb. ANIMALS: A male cross-bred lamb. RESULTS: Physical examination revealed apathy, fever, ectropion and eclabium. Generalized thickening and scaling of the skin was noted; this was most severe on the face, ears, inner thighs, limbs and perineum. Deep fissures and wounds were present on the hind limbs and forelimbs. The lamb was monitored for 75 days. During this period, lesions progressed and occasionally obstructed the nostrils and increasingly made it difficult for the lamb to flex major limb joints. Postmortem findings included severe epidermal thickening, multiple subcutaneous abscesses, ectropion and corneal scars. Histological findings revealed diffuse orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis, follicular keratosis, irregular epidermal hyperplasia and atrophy of the sebaceous glands. Serum vitamin A concentration was within the normal range for the species. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: This case report describes a case of presumptive ichthyosis fetalis in a lamb. Greater awareness by practitioners is required for this disease to be included in the differential diagnosis of dermatopathies in this species.

Fisetin yeast-based bio-capsules via osmoporation: effects of process variables on the encapsulation efficiency and internalized fisetin content.

Osmoporation is an innovative method that can be used with food-grade yeast cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae as natural encapsulating matrices. This technique overcomes barriers that difficult encapsulation and enables the internalization of fragile bioactive molecules such as fisetin into yeasts. In the present study, we assessed the effects of concentration, osmotic pressure, and temperature on the encapsulation efficiency (EE) and internalized fisetin content (IF). Two different quantification strategies were investigated: direct extraction (DE) without cell washing or freeze-drying steps and indirect extraction (IE) performed after washings with ethanol and freeze-drying. Our results showed that osmoporation improved EE (33 %) and IF (1.199 mg). The best experimental conditions were found by using DE. High-resolution images showed that the yeast cell envelope was preserved during osmoporation at 30 MPa and 84 % of yeast cells remained viable after treatment. Washing cells with organic solvent led to decreased EE (0.65 %) and IF (0.023 mg). This was probably due to either damages caused to yeast cell envelope or fisetin dragged out of cell. Overall, the results demonstrated the adequacy and relevant biotechnological potential of yeasts as encapsulating matrices for hydrophobic compounds. This fresh biotechnological approach has proven to be a promising tool for the production of bioactive-rich food products.

Effects of gossypol from cottonseed cake on the blood profile in sheep.

Cottonseed cake contains gossypol, a potentially toxic compound that, when consumed by sheep, can affect reproduction, the immune system, and the liver. Changes in hematologic and serum biochemical parameters were monitored for 63 days in 12 Santa Inês ewes, six of which received ration containing 400 g kg(-1) of cottonseed cake. Blood samples were collected at the start of the experiment and weekly thereafter for hematologic assessment and determination of serum urea, creatinine, total protein, and albumin concentrations and for measurement of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and γ-glutamyl transferase activities. No clinical signs of toxicity were observed. Evaluation of the erythron showed that sheep consuming cottonseed cake had an increased packed cell volume (p < 0.05) and increased erythrocyte counts and hemoglobin concentrations (p < 0.05) in the leukogram and serum biochemistry panel. In conclusion, consumption of 400 g kg(-1) cottonseed cake by sheep for 63 days may induce changes in the erythron but no consistent changes in serum biochemical parameters, indicating no damage to the liver or kidneys.

A biosocial approach to living conditions: inter-generational changes of stature dimorphism in 20th-century Spain.

BACKGROUND: Applying sexual stature dimorphism (SSD) to history and the social sciences faces the difficulty of disentangling nature from nurture in addition to the limitations of sources (e.g. small, fragmented or heterogeneous samples). AIM: To investigate the relationship between inter-generational changes and social differences in SSD and the evolution of living conditions in 20th-century Spain. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Self-reported height and socio-demographic information from individuals born 1910-1979 (n = 99,023) were drawn from health interview surveys. Weighed least squares regression was used to construct continuous time-cohort series of SSD for the entire population and for specific socioeconomic groups represented by levels of educational attainment. RESULTS: SSD remained below modern values among cohorts that were exposed to structural deprivation at pre-adult ages. Socioeconomic status mediated the correction of these deviations among subsequent cohorts. Lower classes (less educated segments of the population) systematically deviated to a greater extent from normal modern SSD values and they reached these values later in time. CONCLUSIONS: In Spain, variations in SSD have been found that are associated with both socioeconomic changes at a nationwide level and SES differentials at the individual level, thus continuous series of this indicator offer new opportunities in the study of living conditions of current and past generations.

"Proceedings of the 22nd Aschauer Soiree on Growth and Health Screening", held at Altenhof, Germany, November 15th, 2014.

Twenty-five scientists met at Aschauhof, Altenhof, Germany, to discuss various aspects of the complex network of modern health screening, focusing on current scientific topics including medical sciences, human biology, and mathematics; on problems in implementing these results at the practical level of physicians, nurses, technicians, and engineers; and the level of administrative and political decisions. Whereas major scientific advancements have been published in the understanding and the bio-statistical evaluation of anthropometric screening parameters such as serial measurements of height and weight for preventive medical check-ups, BMI screening and surveillance in schools, etc., the implementation of these advancements into current health screening concepts, strategies and decision-making is poor. Fear of discrimination, misperception of body image, behavioural responses and political concerns, meanwhile dominate and negatively interfere with the implementation of recent scientific results into public health screening concepts and practices.

Anthropometric geography applied to the analysis of socioeconomic disparities: cohort trends and spatial patterns of height and robustness in 20th-century Spain.

Anthropometrics have been widely used to study the influence of environmental factors on health and nutritional status. In contrast, anthropometric geography has not often been employed to approximate the dynamics of spatial disparities associated with socioeconomic and demographic changes. Spain exhibited intense disparity and change during the middle decades of the 20th century, with the result that the life courses of the corresponding cohorts were associated with diverse environmental conditions. This was also true of the Spanish territories. This paper presents insights concerning the relationship between socioeconomic changes and living conditions by combining the analysis of cohort trends and the anthropometric cartography of height and physical build. This analysis is conducted for Spanish male cohorts born 1934-1973 that were recorded in the Spanish military statistics. This information is interpreted in light of region-level data on GDP and infant mortality. Our results show an anthropometric convergence across regions that, nevertheless, did not substantially modify the spatial patterns of robustness, featuring primarily robust northeastern regions and weak Central-Southern regions. These patterns persisted until the 1990s (cohorts born during the 1970s). For the most part, anthropometric disparities were associated with socioeconomic disparities, although the former lessened over time to a greater extent than the latter. Interestingly, the various anthropometric indicators utilized here do not point to the same conclusions. Some discrepancies between height and robustness patterns have been found that moderate the statements from the analysis of cohort height alone regarding the level and evolution of living conditions across Spanish regions.

Osmoporation: a simple way to internalize hydrophilic molecules into yeast.

Internalization of hydrophilic molecules into yeast cytosol is required for different applications such as cell transformation or preservation of water soluble components by bioencapsulation. However, these molecules are not able to cross the plasma membrane and strategies have to be developed. Recent works revealed that osmotic perturbations could induce non-lethal transient permeabilization of the plasma membrane. In this work, we endeavored to clarify the phenomenon of permeabilization during rehydration after a mild hyperosmotic perturbation in order to evaluate the possibility of hydrophilic molecule internalization in yeast by this treatment. Rehydration step is particularly interesting because the large entry of water into the cells could help the internalization of molecules. The internalization of a fluorescent molecule [fluorescein isothiocyanate Dextran (FITC-Dextran), 20 kDa], added during the rehydration after a sublethal hyperosmotic treatment, was studied in Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast cells. The internalization kinetic and the localization of the fluorescent molecules were studied by flow cytometry and fluorescence confocal microscopy. Our results show that the rehydration leads to the rapid internalization of FITC-Dextran due to a transient plasma membrane permeabilization. Thus, osmoporation, i.e. plasma membrane poration by modifications of osmotic pressure of the extracellular medium, could be a new and simple way to deliver molecules of particular interest into yeasts.

Recent advances in light patterned optogenetic photostimulation in freely moving mice.

Optogenetics opened the door to a new era of neuroscience. New optical developments are under way to enable high-resolution neuronal activity imaging and selective photostimulation of neuronal ensembles in freely moving animals. These advancements could allow researchers to interrogate, with cellular precision, functionally relevant neuronal circuits in the framework of naturalistic brain activity. We provide an overview of the current state-of-the-art of imaging and photostimulation in freely moving rodents and present a road map for future optical and engineering developments toward miniaturized microscopes that could reach beyond the currently existing systems.

Domestic dog attacks on livestock referred to a Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

Losses and the economic impact of dog attacks (DAs) on livestock are often overlooked and include factors such as decreased production, expenses for treatment and handling, and death of injured animals. This study evaluated the epidemiological, therapeutic, and pathological findings of DAs on livestock over an 11-year survey using the records of farm animals referred to a Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Livestock attacked by dogs included 31 sheep, 11 horses, 3 cattle, 3 goats, and 2 pigs, totaling 50 animals. Anatomical locations injured by dog bites were identified as head/neck, thoracic/pelvic limbs, abdomen/flank, rump/tail, and multiple affected regions (two or more bite sites). Additionally, the severity of the injuries was classified into four degrees adapted from the classification of dog bite injuries in children. Most livestock presented Grade 1 (26%) and Grade 2 (28%) injuries, while Grade 3 and Grade 4 injuries were observed in 46% of DAs. Furthermore, 35 animals (70%) were discharged, 9 (18%) died, and 6 (12%) were humanely euthanized. DAs may represent a significant cause for referring livestock species to clinical care, severe injuries, and a considerable number of deaths. In this study, we provide information regarding DAs on livestock for the first time in Midwestern Brazil.

Rotator cuff tear patterns: MRI appearance and its surgical relevance.

A new perspective on rotator cuff anatomy has allowed a better understanding of the patterns of the different rotator cuff tears. It is essential for radiologists to be aware of these different patterns of tears and to understand how they might influence treatment and surgical approach. Our objective is to review the arthroscopy correlated magnetic resonance imaging appearance of the different types of rotator cuff tears based on current anatomical concepts.Critical relevance statement Knowledge of the characteristics of rotator cuff tears improves our communication with the surgeon and can also make it easier for the radiologist to prepare a report that guides therapeutic conduct and serves as a prognosis for the patient.Key points• There is no universally accepted classification for RC tears.• New patterns such as delamination or myotendinous junction tears have been defined.• The most difficult feature to assess in full thickness tears on MRI is the pattern.• Fatty infiltration of the RC tendons is crucial in the prognosis and outcome.• The radiological report is an effective way of communication with the surgeon.

Utero-Cutaneous Fistula in Ruminants: Characterization of the First Cases in Ewes and Cows.

Reports on UCF in animals are still lacking in veterinary literature. Detailed clinical signs, laboratory findings, and follow-up information from the first cases of UCF in two ewes and two cows are provided. The cases occurred over a 12-year period. All ruminants presented a fistulous tract or perforated wound on the right ventral abdomen, emitting a foul-smelling secretion possibly associated with macerated fetal parts or placental remains. Laboratory findings included anemia, leukocytosis by neutrophilia, and hyperfibrinogenemia in one ewe, and hyperfibrinogenemia in one cow. Ovariohysterectomy and fistulectomy were performed in one ewe, while the other three ruminants were submitted for the removal of fetal parts and placental remains through the UCF. Two ewes died within 12-48 h, and the two Nelore cows had an uneventful recovery, achieving secondary intention healing within 30 to 35 days. As a never-reported or unnoticed disease of the reproductive tract, UCF is an unusual consequence of dead fetus retention in an end-stage pregnancy and a potentially life-threatening condition in ruminants, especially ewes. Further broad studies in large herds of cattle and small ruminant flocks must be conducted to estimate the incidence of UCF and ensure improvements in the diagnosis and knowledge of pathogenesis, aiming at prevention.

Multicolor two-photon light-patterning microscope exploiting the spatio-temporal properties of a fiber bundle.

The development of efficient genetically encoded indicators and actuators has opened up the possibility of reading and manipulating neuronal activity in living tissues with light. To achieve precise and reconfigurable targeting of large numbers of neurons with single-cell resolution within arbitrary volumes, different groups have recently developed all-optical strategies based on two-photon excitation and spatio-temporal shaping of ultrashort laser pulses. However, such techniques are often complex to set up and typically operate at a single wavelength only. To address these issues, we have developed a novel optical approach that uses a fiber bundle and a spatial light modulator to achieve simple and dual-color two-photon light patterning in three dimensions. By leveraging the core-to-core temporal delay and the wavelength-independent divergence characteristics of fiber bundles, we have demonstrated the capacity to generate high-resolution excitation spots in a 3D region with two distinct laser wavelengths simultaneously, offering a suitable and simple alternative for precise multicolor cell targeting.

Leucaena leucocephala toxicity in Brazilian horses.

Leucaena leucocephala poisoning is reported in horses in different Brazilian regions. The poisoning occurred one month after the horses were introduced into paddocks invaded by the plant or after 10 days of consuming cut Leucaena administered as the only food. Affected horses showed moderate to severe hair loss on the mane and tail, orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis with marked follicular telogenization, and hyperplasia of thyroid follicular cells. Mimosin concentration in leaves (5.5 mg/g) was determined by a new HLPC-UV method which is also reported.

Alicyclobacillus spp. in fruit-based products: Isolation, identification, quantitative assessment (SPME/GC-MS) of spoilage compounds and spore's resistance to thermal shocks.

Alicyclobacillus spp. is the cause of great concern for the food industry due to their spores' resistance (thermal and chemical) and the spoilage potential of some species. Despite this, not all Alicyclobacillus strains can spoil fruit juices. Thus, this study aimed to identify Alicyclobacillus spp. strains isolated from fruit-based products produced in Argentina, Brazil, and Italy by DNA sequencing. All Alicyclobacillus isolates were tested for guaiacol production by the peroxidase method. Positive strains for guaiacol production were individually inoculated at concentration of 103 CFU/mL in 10 mL of orange (pH 3.90) and apple (pH 3.50) juices adjusted to 11°Brix, following incubation at 45 °C for at least 5 days to induce the production of the following spoilage compounds: Guaiacol, 2,6-dichlorophenol (2,6-DCP) and 2,6-dibromophenol (2,6-DBP). The techniques of micro-solid phase extraction by headspace (HS-SPME) and gas-chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were used to identify and quantify the spoilage compounds. All GC-MS data was analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA). The effects of different thermal shock conditions on the recovery of Alicyclobacillus spores inoculated in orange and apple juice (11°Brix) were also tested. A total of 484 strains were isolated from 48 brands, and the species A. acidocaldarius and A. acidoterrestris were the most found among all samples analyzed. In some samples from Argentina, the species A. vulcanalis and A. mali were also identified. The incidence of these two main species of Alicyclobacillus in this study was mainly in products from pear (n = 108; 22.3 %), peach (n = 99; 20.5 %), apple (n = 86; 17.8 %), and tomato (n = 63; 13 %). The results indicated that from the total isolates from Argentina (n = 414), Brazil (n = 54) and Italy (n = 16) were able to produce guaiacol: 107 (25.8 %), 33 (61.1 %) and 13 (81.2 %) isolates from each country, respectively. The PCA score plot indicated that the Argentina and Brazil isolates correlate with higher production of guaiacol and 2,6-DCP/2,6-DBP, respectively. Heatmaps of cell survival after heat shock demonstrated that strains with different levels of guaiacol production present different resistances according to spoilage ability. None of the Alicyclobacillus isolates survived heat shocks at 120 °C for 3 min. This work provides insights into the incidence, spoilage potential, and thermal shock resistance of Alicyclobacillus strains isolated from fruit-based products.

Chilled Pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) fillets: Modeling Pseudomonas spp. and psychrotrophic bacteria growth and monitoring spoilage indicators by 1H NMR and GC-MS during storage.

This study aimed to assess the growth of Pseudomonas spp. and psychrotrophic bacteria in chilled Pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus), a native South American fish, stored under chilling conditions (0 to 10 °C) through the use of predictive models under isothermal and non-isothermal conditions. Growth kinetic parameters, maximum growth rate (µmax, 1/h), lag time (tLag, h), and (Nmax, Log10 CFU/g) were estimated using the Baranyi and Roberts microbial growth model. Both kinetic parameters, growth rate and lag time, were significantly influenced by temperature (P < 0.05). The square root secondary model was used to describe the bacteria growth as a function of temperature. Secondary models, √µ = 0.016 (T + 10.13) and √µ =0.017 (T + 9.91) presented a linear correlation with R2 values >0.97 and were further validated under non-isothermal conditions. The model's performance was considered acceptable to predict the growth of Pseudomonas spp. and psychrotrophic bacteria in refrigerated Pacu fillets with bias and accuracy factors between 1.24 and 1.49 (fail-safe) and 1.45-1.49, respectively. Fish biomarkers and spoilage indicators were assessed during storage at 0, 4, and 10 °C. Volatile organic compounds, VOCs (1-hexanol, nonanal, octenol, and indicators 2-ethyl-1-hexanol) showed different behavior with storage time (P > 0.05). 1H NMR analysis confirmed increased enzymatic and microbial activity in Pacu fillets stored at 10 °C compared to 0 °C. The developed and validated models obtained in this study can be used as a tool for decision-making on the shelf-life and quality of refrigerated Pacu fillets stored under dynamic conditions from 0 to 10 °C.