Applicability of optical coherence tomography in blue-fronted parrots (Amazona aestiva).

OBJECTIVE: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurement of adult blue-fronted parrots (Amazona aestiva), free from infectious, inflammatory or neoplastic systemic diseases and from any ophthalmological illness, aim at its characterization, as well as to standardize the examination technique for the species. PROCEDURE: Pupillary dilation was achieved with rocuronium bromide (5 mg/mL) at 0, 2, 15, 17, 30, and 32 minutes. The animals were sedated with midazolam maleate (0.5 mg/kg/IM) and anesthetized with propofol (5.0 mg/kg/IV). Measurements were made to evaluate the thickness of the total retina (TR), sensorineural retinal (SR), and ganglion cell complex (GCC), 2 millimeters (mm) from the pecten toward the fovea. OCT data were compared to measurements of retinal histological slides from enucleated eyes of blue-fronted parrots, scanned in automatic fluorescence microscope and measured with by the VS-ASW® software. RESULTS: Averages of measurements from the 43 retinas evaluated by OCT were TR: 279.40 micrometers (µm), SR: 255.90 µm, and GCC: 138.60 µm, respectively, and the measurements of six retinas using fluorescence microscopy were 260.30 µm for TR, 238.20 µm for SR, and 129.30 µm for GCC, demonstrating a high correlation coefficient between all measurements (r = .8698, P < .0001). It is also possible to evaluate the anatomy of the retina and to identify its layers, variations and abnormalities using OCT images. Variations were found between the different areas of the retina, both in the images of the histological slides and in the images of the OCT. CONCLUSION: Optical coherence tomography is a valuable technique for in vivo evaluation of retinal structures in blue-front parrots, providing detailed and accurate images. This method improves the understanding of retinal diseases, monitoring the beginning, progression and therapy of retinal diseases, in the same individuals during longitudinal studies. In comparison to histological investigations, OCT enables imaging in vivo, therefore reducing the number of euthanized animals or enucleated eyes.

Lamellar keratoplasty in rabbits using human and rabbit amniotic membrane grafts: a comparative study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the behavior of human and rabbit amniotic membrane (AM) grafts in surgically induced corneal thinning in rabbits. ANIMALS STUDIED: Thirty two NZWR were randomly assigned to two groups of 16 animals each according to AM type (Human AM: group HAM and Rabbit AM: group RAM). PROCEDURE: All animals were submitted to right keratectomy at a depth of 0.1 mm using a 5 mm trephine. Animals from HAM group had a button of 5 mm of human AM sutured into the corneal bed with a continuous pattern and 10.0 nylon monofilament suture, while animals from the RAM group had a button of 6 mm diameter of rabbit AM. Four animals in each group were euthanized 2, 7, 15, and 30 days postoperatively. Their corneas were harvested, fixed in 2% glutaraldehyde solution, and stained with haematoxylin-eosin, picrosirius red, and alcian blue for evaluation under light optical microscopy. Microscope images were digitalized and inflammatory cells and stromal blood vessels were counted. RESULTS: There were no clinically significant differences between groups, and complete corneal epithelialization was observed in all animals in 30 days. Light optical microscopy revealed AM incorporation and resorption in both groups. However, the number of inflammatory cells and blood vessels was significantly higher in group HAM than in group RAM (P < 0.05, Mann-Whitney test). Clinical responses to human or rabbit AM were similar; however, human AM induced greater inflammatory reaction and stromal neovascularization in the rabbit cornea than in rabbit AM. CONCLUSION: These differences may reflect a potential reaction to the xenograft. More studies are needed to further characterize these findings.

Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young Type 3 (MODY 3): A Rare Presentation of Diabetes in Primary Care.

Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is a genetic form of diabetes with an autosomal dominant pattern of transmission characterized by dysfunction in pancreatic ß-cells. MODY type 3 (MODY 3) is caused by heterozygous mutations in the hepatocyte nuclear factor 1-α (HNF1A) gene and is sensitive to treatment with sulfonylureas. This case report approaches the diagnostic journey of a 46-year-old woman who was initially misdiagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Despite adherence to pharmacological and lifestyle interventions, her glycemic control deteriorated. A comprehensive family history revealed a strong familial prevalence of diabetes. Genetic testing confirmed MODY 3, leading to the initiation of sulfonylurea therapy and subsequent glycemic control. This case emphasizes the diagnostic hurdles associated with MODY in primary care and the critical role of a genogram analysis in revealing familial patterns and giving strategies for personalized treatment.

Hernia 3D training model: a new inguinal hernia 3D-printed simulator.

OBJECTIVE: Barros et al. demonstrated a 3D printed model that exhibits anatomical representativeness, low cost, and scalability. The model was created based on subtraction data obtained from computed tomography scans. Images were modeled and reconstructed in 3D to display the male inguinal region, typically viewed using a laparoscopic approach. To evaluate the functionality and quality of the anatomical representation of the hernia 3D training model. METHODS: A model was created based on subtraction data derived from computed tomography scans of the pelvic bones and lumbar spine using the Blender 3.2.2 software program. Images were modeled and reconstructed in 3D to display the male inguinal region, typically viewed using a laparoscopic approach. Polylactic acid plastic was used to print the model. Some structures were made using ethylene vinyl acetate to enable possible material replacement and model reutilization. Thirty surgeons with various training levels were invited to use the model. Transabdominal inguinal hernioplasty was performed by simulating the same steps as those of a laparoscopic surgery, and the surgeons answered a questionnaire regarding the simulation. RESULTS: Twenty-eight surgeons responded, seven of whom were experts in the treatment of abdominal wall hernias. The model was deemed easy to use, realistic, and anatomically precise, establishing it as a valuable supplement to minimally invasive surgery training. CONCLUSION: The evaluation of this 3D model was favorable, as it accurately depicted the inguinal region anatomically, while also proving to be cost-effective for training purposes. The model could be a good option, particularly beneficial for training surgeons at the beginning of their careers.

Predictive Score for Carbapenem-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacilli Sepsis: Single-Center Prospective Cohort Study.

A clinical-epidemiological score to predict CR-GNB sepsis to guide empirical antimicrobial therapy (EAT), using local data, persists as an unmet need. On the basis of a case-case-control design in a prospective cohort study, the predictive factors for CR-GNB sepsis were previously determined as prior infection, use of mechanical ventilation and carbapenem, and length of hospital stay. In this study, each factor was scored according to the logistic regression coefficients, and the ROC curve analysis determined its accuracy in predicting CR-GNB sepsis in the entire cohort. Among the total of 629 admissions followed by 7797 patient-days, 329 single or recurrent episodes of SIRS/sepsis were enrolled, from August 2015 to March 2017. At least one species of CR-GNB was identified as the etiology in 108 (33%) episodes, and 221 were classified as the control group. The cutoff point of ≥3 (maximum of 4) had the best sensitivity/specificity, while ≤1 showed excellent sensitivity to exclude CR-GNB sepsis. The area under the curve was 0.80 (95% CI: 0.76-0.85) and the number needed to treat was 2.0. The score may improve CR-GNB coverage and spare polymyxins with 22% (95% CI: 17-28%) adequacy rate change. The score has a good ability to predict CR-GNB sepsis and to guide EAT in the future.

MAMMALS IN PORTUGAL: A data set of terrestrial, volant, and marine mammal occurrences in Portugal.

Mammals are threatened worldwide, with ~26% of all species being included in the IUCN threatened categories. This overall pattern is primarily associated with habitat loss or degradation, and human persecution for terrestrial mammals, and pollution, open net fishing, climate change, and prey depletion for marine mammals. Mammals play a key role in maintaining ecosystems functionality and resilience, and therefore information on their distribution is crucial to delineate and support conservation actions. MAMMALS IN PORTUGAL is a publicly available data set compiling unpublished georeferenced occurrence records of 92 terrestrial, volant, and marine mammals in mainland Portugal and archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira that includes 105,026 data entries between 1873 and 2021 (72% of the data occurring in 2000 and 2021). The methods used to collect the data were: live observations/captures (43%), sign surveys (35%), camera trapping (16%), bioacoustics surveys (4%) and radiotracking, and inquiries that represent less than 1% of the records. The data set includes 13 types of records: (1) burrows | soil mounds | tunnel, (2) capture, (3) colony, (4) dead animal | hair | skulls | jaws, (5) genetic confirmation, (6) inquiries, (7) observation of live animal (8), observation in shelters, (9) photo trapping | video, (10) predators diet | pellets | pine cones/nuts, (11) scat | track | ditch, (12) telemetry and (13) vocalization | echolocation. The spatial uncertainty of most records ranges between 0 and 100 m (76%). Rodentia (n =31,573) has the highest number of records followed by Chiroptera (n = 18,857), Carnivora (n = 18,594), Lagomorpha (n = 17,496), Cetartiodactyla (n = 11,568) and Eulipotyphla (n = 7008). The data set includes records of species classified by the IUCN as threatened (e.g., Oryctolagus cuniculus [n = 12,159], Monachus monachus [n = 1,512], and Lynx pardinus [n = 197]). We believe that this data set may stimulate the publication of other European countries data sets that would certainly contribute to ecology and conservation-related research, and therefore assisting on the development of more accurate and tailored conservation management strategies for each species. There are no copyright restrictions; please cite this data paper when the data are used in publications.

Ultrasonographic aspects and biometry of Striped owl's eyes (Rhinoptynx clamator).

OBJECTIVE: To report the biometric values and ultrasonographic aspects of the normal eye of the Striped owl (Rhinoptynx clamator). Sample population Twenty-seven healthy, free-living, adult Striped owls from the Ecological Park of Tiete Veterinary Ambulatory (Sao Paulo, Brazil). PROCEDURES: Both eyes of all owls underwent B-mode ultrasonographic examination and biometry was performed for lens axial length (WL), depth of the anterior (AC) and vitreous (VC) chambers, axial length of the globe (LB) and the pecten oculi (LP) of both eyes, using a 12 MHz probe. The owls were manually restrained without sedation and the eyes were topically anesthetized. RESULTS: Biometric and statistical findings were as follows: in the left eye, the means and standard deviations were: LB = 23.76 ± 0.92 mm, WL = 7.79 ± 0.27 mm, AC = 4.27 ± 0.47 mm, VC = 11.36 ± 0.29 mm and LP = 5.69 ± 0.50 mm; in the right eye, the values were: LB = 24.25 ± 0.79 mm, WL = 8.03 ± 0.40 mm, AC = 4.56 ± 0.52 mm, VC = 11.40 ± 0.25 mm, and LP = 5.68 ± 0.41 mm. No significant differences were found between left and right eyes measurements of LB, WL, AC, VC, and LP dimensions. CONCLUSIONS: Ocular ultrasound aspects and biometric values of the Striped owl are reported. The study's results provide means for various ocular measurements. The ultrasound is an easy and safe exam to be performed in the Striped owl's eyes.

Co-existing squamous cell carcinoma and hemangioma on the ocular surface of a cat.

A 14-year-old spayed female domestic short-haired cat was presented for evaluation of a mass in the right eye. Ophthalmic examination revealed a blind right eye and presence of two distinct masses: a pink and a red-to-brown mass, the latter occupying most of the cornea and part of the conjunctiva. Exenteration was performed under general anesthesia, and the ocular tissues were processed routinely for histopathology. Upon microscopic examination, a malignant epithelial neoplasm and a benign vascular neoplasm were present in the cornea. The conjunctiva and the third eyelid were also affected. Upon immunohistochemistry, the epithelial tumor was positive for cytokeratin and negative for vimentin and the endothelial tumor was negative for cytokeratin and positive for vimentin. A diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and hemangioma was made. The SCC was affecting the cornea, bulbar conjunctiva (lateral and inferior) and the base of the third eyelid, whereas the hemangioma was affecting the cornea and medial limbus. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of concomitant SCC and hemangioma affecting the ocular surface in a cat.

Biomechanical and adhesion comparison of linea alba prophylactic reinforcement with coated and uncoated three-dimensional T-shaped mesh in rabbits.

PURPOSE: Incisional hernia (IH) is a frequent complication of median laparotomy. The use of prophylactic mesh to reduce IH incidence has gained increasing attention. We hypothesized that in an animal model, linea alba prophylactic reinforcement with a three-dimensional T-shaped polypropylene mesh results in greater abdominal wall resistance. METHODS: Study was performed in 27 rabbits. After abdominal midline incision, animals were divided into three groups according to the laparotomy closure method used: (1)3D T-shaped coated mesh; (2)3D T-shaped uncoated mesh; and (3) closure without mesh. After 4 months, each animal's abdominal wall was resected and tensiometric tests were applied. Results included IH occurrence, adhesions to the mesh, and wound complications. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups in maximum tensile strength (p=0.250) or abdominal wall elongation under maximum stress (p=0.839). One rabbit from the control group developed IH (p=1.00). Small intestine and colon adhesions occurred only in the uncoated mesh group (p<0.001) and the degree of adhesions was higher in this group compared to the coated mesh group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Use of the current 3D T-shaped prophylactic mesh model did not result in a significant difference in tensiometric measurements when compared with simple abdominal wall closure in rabbits.

Extramedullary plasmacytoma of the third eyelid gland in a dog.

A case of extramedullary plasmacytoma of the third eyelid gland in a 7-year-old American Cocker Spaniel is reported. An enlargement of the third eyelid gland, abundant mucopurulent discharge, mild hyperemia and corneal pigmentation in the OD was present. Excisional biopsy of the mass revealed the gland was infiltrated and partially destroyed by a uniform population of neoplastic plasma cells. The neoplastic cells were positive for CD138, Ki-67 and lambda light chain. CD20, CD3, kappa light chain and cytokeratin were negative. Twelve months following surgery, no recurrence was observed. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first extramedullary plasmacytoma of the third eyelid gland reported in dogs.

Endocrine profile of the VCD-induced perimenopausal model rat.

During the transition to menopause, women experience a variety of physical and psychological symptoms that are directly or indirectly linked to changes in hormone secretion. Establishing animal models with intact ovaries is essential for understanding these interactions and finding new therapeutic targets. In this study, we assessed the endocrine profile, as well as the estrous cycle, in the 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD)-induced follicular depletion rat model in 10-day intervals over 1 month to accurately establish the best period for studies of the transition period. Twenty-eight-day-old female rats were injected daily with VCD or oil s.c. for 15 days and euthanized in the diestrus phase approximately 70, 80, 90 and 100 days after the onset of treatment. The percentage of rats showing irregular cycles and the plasma level of FSH increased only in the 100-day VCD group. Plasma anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and progesterone were lower in all VCD groups compared to control groups, while estradiol remained unchanged or higher. As in control groups, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) progressively decreased in the 70-90-day VCD groups; however, it was followed by a sharp increase only in the 100-day VCD group. No changes were found in plasma corticosterone, prolactin, thyroid hormones or luteinizing hormone. Based on the estrous cycle and endocrine profile, we conclude that 1) the time window from 70 to 100 days is suitable to study a perimenopause-like state in this model, and 2) regular cycles with low progesterone and AMH and normal FSH can be used as markers of the early/mid-transition period, whereas irregular cycles associated with higher FSH and DHT can be used as markers of the late transition period to estropause.

Wing membrane and fur samples as reliable biological matrices to measure bioaccumulation of metals and metalloids in bats.

There is a growing conservation concern about the possible consequences of environmental contamination in the health of bat communities. Most studies on the effects of contaminants in bats have been focused on organic contaminants, and the consequences of bat exposure to metals and metalloids remain largely unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability of external biological matrices (fur and wing membrane) for the assessment of exposure and bioaccumulation of metals in bats. The concentration of arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, manganese, nickel, lead, selenium and zinc was measured in internal organs (liver, heart, brain), internal (bone) and external tissues (wing membrane, fur) collected from bat carcasses of four species (Hypsugo savii, Nyctalus leisleri, Pipistrellus pipistrellus, Pipistrellus pygmaeus) obtained in windfarm mortality searches. With the exception of zinc (P = 0.223), the results showed significant differences between the concentrations of metals in the analyzed tissues for all metals (P < 0.05). Significant differences were also found between organs/tissues (P < 0.001), metals (P < 0.001) and a significant interaction between organs/tissues and metals was found (P < 0.001). Despite these results, the patterns in terms of metal accumulation were similar for all samples. Depending on the metal, the organ/tissue that showed the highest concentrations varied, but fur and wing had the highest concentrations for most metals. The variability obtained in terms of metal concentrations in different tissues highlights the need to define standardized methods capable of being applied in monitoring bat populations worldwide. The results indicate that wing membrane and fur, biological matrices that may be collected from living bats, yield reliable results and may be useful for studies on bats ecotoxicology, coupled to a standardized protocol for large-scale investigation of metal accumulation.

Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is equally expressed in inflammatory breast cancer and noninflammatory locally advanced breast cancer: A possible association with chemotherapy response.

AIM: Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is the most aggressive form of locally advanced breast cancer. The signs of inflammation such as hyperemia and hyperthermia might suggest the possible participation of inflammatory mediators. This study investigates stromal and tumor expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) in samples obtained from IBC and noninflammatory locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) and the influence of these markers on patients' prognosis. METHODS: Demographic data, tumor molecular characteristics and overall survival in both groups were also assessed. Furthermore, in this study, we evaluated the expression of IL-18 and p50 nuclear fraction of NF-κB by immunohistochemistry in specimens from IBC and LABC (T4b). RESULTS: We observed that 24.6% of women were diagnosed with IBC up to age 40. In addition, the patients with IBC showed a lower overall survival when compared to LABC. In regard to molecular markers, ER+ , C-erbB2- or triple negative IBC patients showed a significantly reduced overall survival. In addition, a higher IL-18 immunostaining in stroma of IBC and LABC was observed in comparison with tumor cells, but stromal immunoexpression was similar between IBC and LABC. Besides, IL-18 positivity seemed be related with a better clinical response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. However, NF-κB expression was identical in both groups. CONCLUSION: The IL-18 is present in tumor stroma of IBC and LABC and seems to be associated with the complete response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Use of dentifrices and mouthwashes during orthodontic treatment in the clinical management of orthodontists / Utilização de dentifrícios e colutórios durante o tratamento ortodôntico na conduta clínica dos ortodontistas

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the knowledge of orthodontic professionals regarding the prescription of dentifrices and antiseptics during orthodontic treatment. Methods: An observational and descriptive exploratory study of national scope was conducted with 440 Brazilian orthodontists, based on previous sample calculations, to evaluate the clinical practice of orthodontists in prescribing dentifrices and antiseptics. Self-managed electronic questionnaires were sent to orthodontic professionals. The data were analyzed by means of absolute and relative frequency distribution tables. Results: It was verified that the most indicated mouthwash (39.8%) was Colgate Periogard® and 421 of the participants (95.7%) know its active ingredient (chlorhexidine digluconate). Besides Colgate Periogard® antiseptic, the participants were also questioned about which active ingredient present on the following antiseptics, whose assertive answers were in the following order of %, Cepacol® (Sanofi-Aventis®) with 60.7%, Colgate Plax® (Colgate®) with 54.5% and Listerine® (Jhonson&Jhonson®) with 51.6%. As for the chlorhexidine therapeutic regime, 63.9% have stated assertively its use, being this one of 2 times a day during 7 to 10 days. The most indicated tooth was Colgate Total 12®, and 60.18% of these individuals correctly indicated its active compound. Conclusion: According to the methodology employed, it could be concluded that orthodontic professionals know and prescribe methods of chemical control to patients during orthodontic treatment and most identify the active chemical compounds present in antiseptic and tooth formulas.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o conhecimento dos profissionais da ortodontia quanto à prescrição de dentifrícios e antissépticos durante o tratamento ortodôntico. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo observacional e descritivo exploratório de abrangência nacional com 440 ortodontistas brasileiros, baseado em cálculo amostral prévio, para avaliação da prática clínica dos ortodontistas na prescrição de dentifrícios e antissépticos. Questionários eletrônicos auto administrados foram enviados aos profissionais da Ortodontia. Os dados foram analisados por meio de tabelas de distribuição de frequência absolutas e relativas. Resultados: Verificou-se que o antisséptico bucal mais indicado (39,8%) foi o Colgate Periogard® (Colgate®) e 421 dos participantes (95,7%) conhecem o seu ingrediente ativo (digluconato de clorexidina). Além do antisséptico Colgate Periogard®, os participantes também foram questionados sobre qual o ingrediente ativo presente nos seguintes antissépticos, cujas respostas assertivas estavam na seguinte ordem %, Cepacol® (Sanofi-Aventis®) com 60,7%, Colgate Plax® (Colgate®) com 54,5% e Listerine® (Jhonson&Jhonson®) com 51,6%. Quanto ao regime terapêutico da clorexidina 63,9% indicaram assertivamente sua utilização sendo a mesma de 2 vezes ao dia durante 7 a 10 dias. O dentifrício mais indicado foi o Colgate Total 12®, sendo que 60,18% desses indivíduos indicaram corretamente seu composto ativo. Conclusão: De acordo com a metodologia empregada, pôde-se concluir que os profissionais da ortodontia conhecem e prescrevem métodos de controle químico aos pacientes durante o tratamento ortodôntico e a maioria identifica os compostos químicos ativos presentes nas fórmulas de antissépticos e dentifrícios.

X-ray imaging in advanced studies of ophthalmic diseases.

Microscopic characterization of pathological tissues has one major intrinsic limitation, the small sampling areas with respect to the extension of the tissues. Mapping possible changes on vast tissues and correlating them with large ensembles of clinical cases is not a feasible procedure for studying most diseases, as for instance vision loss related diseases and, in particular, the cataract. Although intraocular lens implants are successful treatments, cataract still is a leading public-health issue that grows in importance as the population increases and life expectancy is extended worldwide. In this work we have exploited the radiation-tissue interaction properties of hard x-rays--very low absorption and scattering--to map distinct lesions on entire eye lenses. At the used synchrotron x-ray photon energy of 20 keV (wavelength lambda=0.062 nm), scattering and refraction are angular resolved effects. It allows the employed x-ray image technique to efficiently characterize two types of lesions in eye lenses under cataractogenesis: distributions of tiny scattering centers and extended areas of fiber cell compaction. The data collection procedure is relatively fast; allowing dozens of samples to be totally imaged (scattering, refraction, and mass absorption images) in a single day of synchrotron beam time. More than 60 cases of canine cataract, not correlated to specific causes, were investigated in this first application of x-rays to image entire lenses. Cortical opacity cases, or partial opacity, could be related to the presence of calcificated tissues at the cortical areas, clearly visible in the images, whose elemental contents were verified by micro x-ray fluorescence as very rich in calcium. Calcificated tissues were also observed at nuclear areas in some cases of hypermature cataract. Total opacity cases without distinguishable amount of scattering centers consist in 70% of the analyzed cases, where remarkable fissure marks owing to extended areas of fiber cell compaction are diagnosed.

Melanocytoma-like melanoma may be the missing link between benign and malignant uveal melanocytic lesions in humans and dogs: a comparative study.

The cutoff presented in the current classification of canine melanocytic lesions by Wilcock and Pfeiffer is based on the clinical outcome rather than morphological concepts. Classification of tumors based on morphology or molecular signatures is the key to identifying new therapies or prognostic factors. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze morphological findings in canine melanocytic lesions based on classic malignant morphologic principles of neoplasia and to compare these features with human uveal melanoma (HUM) samples. In total, 64 canine and 111 human morphologically malignant melanocytic lesions were classified into two groups (melanocytoma-like or classic melanoma) based on the presence or absence of M cells, respectively. Histopathological characteristics were compared between the two groups using the χ-test, t-test, and multivariate discriminant analysis. Among the 64 canine tumors, 28 (43.7%) were classic and 36 (56.3%) were melanocytoma-like melanomas. Smaller tumor size, a higher degree of pigmentation, and lower mitotic activity distinguished melanocytoma-like from classic tumors with an accuracy of 100% for melanocytoma-like lesions. From the human series, only one case showed melanocytoma-like features and had a low risk for metastasis characteristics. Canine uveal melanoma showed a morphological spectrum with features similar to the HUM counterpart (classic melanoma) and overlapped features between uveal melanoma and melanocytoma (melanocytoma-like melanoma). Recognition that the subgroup of melanocytoma-like melanoma may represent the missing link between benign and malignant lesions could help explain the progression of uveal melanoma in dogs; these findings can potentially be translated to HUM.

Reproductive alterations in hyperinsulinemic but normoandrogenic MSG obese female rats.

Obesity and metabolic syndrome are the common causes of reproductive and fertility disorders in women. In particular, polycystic ovary syndrome, which is clinically characterized by hyperandrogenism, oligo/anovulation, and polycystic ovarian morphology, has been increasingly associated with metabolic disorders. However, given the broad interplay between metabolic and reproductive functions, this remains a field of intense research. In this study, we investigated the effect of monosodium l-glutamate (MSG)-induced obesity on reproductive biology of female rats. Newborn female rats were subcutaneously injected with MSG (4g/kg/day) or equiosmolar saline (CTR) each 2 days up to postnatal day (pnd) 10. On pnd 60, estrous cycle was evaluated using vaginal smears twice a day for 15 days, which showed MSG rats to be oligocyclic. Thereafter, animals were killed on estrous phase for blood and tissue collection. MSG rats had increased body mass, accumulation of retroperitoneal and visceral fat pads, and visceral adipocyte hypertrophy compared with CTR rats. MSG rats were also dyslipidemic and hyperinsulinemic but were normoglycemic and normoandrogenic. Ovarian morphology analysis showed that MSG rats had a two-fold decrease in oocyte count but a six-fold increase on ovarian follicular cysts, along with a higher number of total primordial and atretic follicles. Moreover, MSG rats had a four-fold increase in anti-Müllerian hormone immunohistochemical staining on antral follicles. Taken together, data presented here characterize MSG obesity as a unique model to study the metabolic pathways underlying reproductive disorders in the absence of overactivated hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.

White matter abnormalities in the fornix are linked to cognitive performance in SZ but not in BD disorder: An exploratory analysis with DTI deterministic tractography.

BACKGROUND: In psychosis, white matter (WM) microstructural changes have been detected previously; however, direct comparisons of findings between bipolar (BD) and schizophrenia (SZ) patients are scarce. In this study, we employed deterministic tractography to reconstruct WM tracts in BD and SZ patients. METHODS: Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data was carried out with n=32 euthymic BD type I patients, n=26 SZ patients and 30 matched healthy controls. Deterministic tractography using multiple indices of diffusion (fractional anisotropy (FA), tract volume (Vol), tract length (Le) and number of tracts (NofT)) were obtained from the fornix, the cingulum, the anterior thalamic radiation, and the corpus callosum bilaterally. RESULTS: We showed widespread WM microstructural changes in SZ, and changes in the corpus callosum, the left cingulum and the fornix in BD. Fornix fiber tracking scores were associated with cognitive performance in SZ, and with age and age at disease onset in the BD patient group. LIMITATIONS: Although the influence of psychopharmacological drugs as biasing variables on morphological alterations has been discussed for SZ and BD, we did not observe a clear influence of drug exposure on our findings. CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm the assumption that SZ patients have more severe WM changes than BD patients. The findings also suggest a major role of WM changes in the fornix as important fronto-limbic connections in the etiology of cognitive symptoms in SZ, but not in BD.

Corneal endothelium of the Magellanic penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus) by scanning electron microscopy.

The corneal endothelium is essential for the maintenance of the corneal transparency. The aim of this study was to examine the morphology of the endothelial surface and perform morphometric analysis of the normal corneal endothelial cells of the Magellanic penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus) using scanning electron microscopy. The present work demonstrates that the corneal endothelium of the Magellanic penguin is similar to those described in other vertebrates.

Biomechanical and adhesion comparison of linea alba prophylactic reinforcement with coated and uncoated three-dimensional T-shaped mesh in rabbits

Abstract Purpose: Incisional hernia (IH) is a frequent complication of median laparotomy. The use of prophylactic mesh to reduce IH incidence has gained increasing attention. We hypothesized that in an animal model, linea alba prophylactic reinforcement with a three-dimensional T-shaped polypropylene mesh results in greater abdominal wall resistance. Methods: Study was performed in 27 rabbits. After abdominal midline incision, animals were divided into three groups according to the laparotomy closure method used: (1)3D T-shaped coated mesh; (2)3D T-shaped uncoated mesh; and (3) closure without mesh. After 4 months, each animal's abdominal wall was resected and tensiometric tests were applied. Results included IH occurrence, adhesions to the mesh, and wound complications. Results: There was no significant difference between the groups in maximum tensile strength (p=0.250) or abdominal wall elongation under maximum stress (p=0.839). One rabbit from the control group developed IH (p=1.00). Small intestine and colon adhesions occurred only in the uncoated mesh group (p<0.001) and the degree of adhesions was higher in this group compared to the coated mesh group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Use of the current 3D T-shaped prophylactic mesh model did not result in a significant difference in tensiometric measurements when compared with simple abdominal wall closure in rabbits.