Different Carriers for Use in Dry Powder Inhalers: Characteristics of Their Particles.

In contemporary times, there has been a rise in the utilization of dry powder inhalers (DPIs) in the management of pulmonary and systemic diseases. These devices underwent a swift advancement in terms of both the equipment utilized and the formulation process. In this review, the carrier physicochemical characteristics that influence DPI performance are discussed, focusing its shape, morphology, size distribution, texture, aerodynamic diameter, density, moisture, adhesive and detachment forces between particles, fine carrier particles, and dry powder aerosolization. To promote the deposition of the active principal ingredient deep within the pulmonary system, advancements have been made in enhancing these factors and surface properties through the application of novel technologies that encompass particle engineering. So far, the most used carrier is lactose showing some advantages and disadvantages, but other substances and systems are being studied with the intention of replacing it. The final objective of this review is to analyze the physicochemical and mechanical characteristics of the different carriers or new delivery systems used in DPI formulations, whether already on the market or still under investigation. [Figure: see text].

Challenges in treating radioiodine-refractory thyroid cancer: a global perspective with a focus on developing nations in Latin America.

PURPOSE: This article aims to comprehensively analyze the unique challenges in managing patients with metastatic Differentiated Thyroid Cancer (DTC) that develop radioiodine-refractory disease, especially in developing countries in Latin America. We discuss key contentious aspects of their treatment, such as the optimal timing for initiating systemic therapy, the choice of first-line medications, the appropriate timing for requesting molecular interrogation, and the challenges associated with accessing these drugs and molecular panels. METHODS: To illustrate these challenges and enhance understanding, we present five real clinical cases from the authors' experiences. RESULTS: Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer (DTC) generally have an excellent prognosis, with an overall 10-year survival rate exceeding 97%. However, approximately 5% of DTC patients, especially those with distant metastases, may develop radioiodine-refractory disease, reducing survival rates. Access to medications remains difficult and time-consuming, particularly for patients within the public healthcare system. Urgent discussions on drug pricing involving all stakeholders are imperative. To break free from complacency, stakeholders must prioritize patient well-being by advocating for evidence-based drug pricing, increased participation in clinical trials, and streamlined regulatory processes. CONCLUSION: Beyond the recognized need for prospective randomized clinical trials to determine the optimal first-line drug and the timing of molecular testing, this type of manuscript plays a pivotal role in stimulating discussions and disseminating comprehensive knowledge about the challenges associated with treating and monitoring patients with radioiodine-refractory thyroid carcinoma, especially in developing countries.

Neuroadaptive Bayesian optimisation to study individual differences in infants' engagement with social cues.

Infants' motivation to engage with the social world depends on the interplay between individual brain's characteristics and previous exposure to social cues such as the parent's smile or eye contact. Different hypotheses about why specific combinations of emotional expressions and gaze direction engage children have been tested with group-level approaches rather than focusing on individual differences in the social brain development. Here, a novel Artificial Intelligence-enhanced brain-imaging approach, Neuroadaptive Bayesian Optimisation (NBO), was applied to infant electro-encephalography (EEG) to understand how selected neural signals encode social cues in individual infants. EEG data from 42 6- to 9-month-old infants looking at images of their parent's face were analysed in real-time and used by a Bayesian Optimisation algorithm to identify which combination of the parent's gaze/head direction and emotional expression produces the strongest brain activation in the child. This individualised approach supported the theory that the infant's brain is maximally engaged by communicative cues with a negative valence (angry faces with direct gaze). Infants attending preferentially to faces with direct gaze had increased positive affectivity and decreased negative affectivity. This work confirmed that infants' attentional preferences for social cues are heterogeneous and shows the NBO's potential to study diversity in neurodevelopmental trajectories.

Real-time monitoring of CdTe quantum dots growth in aqueous solution.

Quantum dots (QDs) are remarkable semiconductor nanoparticles, whose optical properties are strongly size-dependent. Therefore, the real-time monitoring of crystal growth pathway during synthesis gives an excellent opportunity to a smart design of the QDs luminescence. In this work, we present a new approach for monitoring the formation of QDs in aqueous solution up to 90 °C, through in situ luminescence analysis, using CdTe as a model system. This technique allows a detailed examination of the evolution of their light emission. In contrast to in situ absorbance analysis, the in situ luminescence measurements in reflection geometry are particularly advantageous once they are not hindered by the concentration increase of the colloidal suspension. The synthesized particles were additionally characterized using X-ray diffraction analysis, transition electron microscopy, UV-Vis absorption and infrared spectroscopy. The infrared spectra showed that 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA)-based thiols are covalently bound on the surface of QDs and microscopy revealed the formation of CdS. Setting a total of 3 h of reaction time, for instance, the QDs synthesized at 70, 80 and 90 °C exhibit emission maxima centered at 550, 600 and 655 nm. The in situ monitoring approach opens doors for a more precise achievement of the desired emission wavelength of QDs.

Challenging the Dogma: Stage migration or negative lymph nodes, which of them is the main player on gastric cancer prognosis?

Expanding loco-regional nodes harvesting is expected to increase survival. This improvement may be associated to stage migration (SM). However, the great bulk of harvested lymph nodes observed in large dissections is negative. M&M: 830 patients who received R0 gastrectomy for adenocarcinoma were included. pN+ patients with <26 nodes (n = 209) were included for a simulation to "offer 26 nodes" - SM (proportional and exponential based) was simulated and analysed through machine learning algorithms. Overall Survival (OS), in native and simulated stages, were compared. OS of extended lymphadenectomies (pN+, D ≥ 26, n = 273) was compared with the simulated curves. OS of patients in the following dissection intervals of negative nodes were compared: <16 (n = 233), 16-25 (n = 258), ≥26 (n = 339). RESULTS: After simulation to 26 nodes (pN+, D < 26 patients, n = 209), staging was recomputed. OS of native vs simulated early-stages (I-II) and advanced stages (III) were not different (p > 0.05). OS of patients with lymphadenectomy (≥26) was better than simulated for early and advanced stages (p = 0.008; p = 0.005). OS of patients included in distinct intervals of negative lymph nodes were different (p < 0.001). These intervals were an independent prognostic factor (multivariate analysis). CONCLUSIONS: The influence of Stage Migration was null in this set of simulations and Will Rogers phenomenon was not observed. Extended dissection performed better in OS. But the influence of the number of negative nodes, even in large dissections, was highlighted. By emphasizing the role of negative nodes, we aim to facilitate more informed decision-making in management of gastric cancer patients, ultimately leading to improved treatment outcomes and patient care.

Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Ceará: Epidemiology and Treatment in a Reference Liver Transplant Center in Northeast Brazil.

Hepatocellular carcinoma remains a significant worldwide malignancy and an important cause of cancer-related death. The incidence is increasing globally. In Latin America, there is no consistent data on the epidemiology of hepatocellular carcinoma. However, Brazil is considered a country with an intermediate incidence of this liver neoplasm. In the state of Ceará, situated in the northeast region of Brazil, there are no consistent clinical and epidemiologic data on the actual incidence and the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. The purpose of this article is to describe epidemiologic characteristics and treatment forms of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who were treated in a Liver Transplant Center. A retrospective observational study was conducted using the database from the register of 299 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma between June 2004 and February 2022. Only patients born in Ceará were included. Therefore, most patients were eligible, based on the Milan Criteria, to undergo liver transplantation with a Model End Stage Liver Disease score of 12.48 ± 4.66 points, and the waiting list time was approximately 7 months with 8.7% hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after liver transplant. A total of 38.5 % of cases were outside the Milan criteria at the time of cancer diagnosis, and transarterial chemoembolization was the main treatment choice. In conclusion, the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma in Ceará mainly occurs in male patients with hepatitis C or alcoholism, with a mean age of 61.55 years and a previous diagnosis of liver disease. Liver transplantation was the best curative therapeutic form in patients with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in Ceará, where a significant number of patients were diagnosed with intermediate and advanced-stage hepatocellular carcinoma, so public health policies are important for the screening and monitoring of liver disease.

A scoping review of person-centred care strategies used in diagnostic Nuclear Medicine.

INTRODUCTION: Person-centred care (PCC) emphasises the need for the health care professional to prioritise individual patient needs, thereby fostering a collaborative and emphatic environment that empowers patients to actively participate in their own care. This article will explore the purpose of PCC in Nuclear Medicine (NM), while discussing strategies that may be used to implement PCC during diagnostic NM examinations performed on adult patients. METHODS: The scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. The search was performed on PubMed, Embase and Cinhal in June 2023 and included studies in English, Spanish, Portuguese and Italian. The research equation combined keywords and Medical Subject Heading terms (MeSH) related to person-centred care (PCC), for all types of nuclear medicine diagnostic examinations performed. Three independent review authors screened all abstracts and titles, and all eligible full-text publications were included in this scoping review. RESULTS: Fifty-three articles, published between 1993 and 2022, met the inclusion criteria for this scoping review. Seven articles were published in 2015 while 56.6 % of all included studies were performed in Europe. Most studies (n = 39/53) focused on the patients only, with the identified patient benefits being: improve patient experience (67.9 %), increase patient comfort (13.2 %), increase patient knowledge (5.7 %), reduction of patient anxiety (9.4 %) and reduction of waiting/scan time (3.8 %). CONCLUSION: The scoping review identified a lack of research investigating the use of person-centred care strategies in NM. Future research will focus on using an international survey to explore this topic in nuclear medicine departments overseas. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: By applying PCC principles, the NM professional can improve the patient care pathway and increase patient satisfaction, leading to enhanced clinical outcomes.

The effects of TiO2 nanotubes on bond strength and radiopacity of a self-adhesive resin cement in self-curing mode / Os efeitos de nanotubos de TiO2 na resistência de união e radiopacidade de um cimento resinoso auto-adesivo no modo auto-polimerizável

Objective: The aim of this in vitro study w as t o analyze the influence of the titanium dioxide nanotubes i n a self-cure mode polymerization of a dual resin luting agent through push out bond strength and radiopacity tests. Material and Methods: After mixed with a commercial du al self-adhesive resin cement, three concentrations o f tit anium dioxide nanotubes (0.3, 0.6, and 0.9% by weight) we re analyzed in self-curing mode. T he bond strength to bovine root dentin and fi berglass posts was assessed with the push out bond str ength t est and was evaluated in three thirds (cervical, middle and apical) (n=10), followed by failure mode analysis (SEM), and the ISO standard 9917-2 was followed for radiopacity test (n=10). Data were statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA test, followed by Tukey's test (α=0.05). Results: Reinforced self-adhesive resin cement with 0.6% titanium dioxide nanotubes showed significant difference compared to the control gr oup for push out test (p=0.00158). The modified groups did not s how significant difference among thirds (p=0.782). Radiopacity sh owed higher value for group w ith 0.9% titanium dioxide nanotubes in comparison w ith control group (p<0.001). Conclusion: The addition of titanium dioxide nanotubes to a self-adhesive resin cement increased the bond strength to dentin and radiopacity values in the self-cure polymerization mode (AU)

Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo in vitro foi analisar a influência de nanotubos de dióxido de titânio na polimerização química de um agente cimentante resinoso dual através de testes de resistência à união e radiopacidade. Material e Métodos: Após misturado com um cimento resinoso auto-adesivo comercial, três concentrações de nanotubos de dióxido de titânio (0,3, 0,6 e 0,9% em peso) foram analisadas. A resistência da união para a dentina da raiz bovina e os pinos de fibra de vidro foi avaliada pelo teste de push-out e avaliada em três terços (cervical, médio e apical) (n = 10), seguido pelo análise de modo de falha (MEV) e a norma ISO 9917-2 foi seguido para teste de radiopacidade (n = 10). Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente pelo teste ANOVA um fator seguido do teste de Tukey (α = 0,05). Resultados: O cimento resinoso auto-adesivo reforçado com nanotubos de dióxido de titânio a 0,6% mostrou diferença significativa em comparação com o grupo controle para teste de push-out (p=0,00158). Os grupos modificados não mostraram diferença significativa entre os terços (p=0,782). A radiopacidade mostrou maior valor para o grupo com nanotubos de dióxido de titânio 0,9% em comparação com o grupo controle (p<0,001). Conclusão: A adição de nanotubos de dióxido de titânio a um cimento resinoso auto-adesivo aumentou a os valores de resistência de união à dentina e radiopacidade no modo de polimerização química do agente cimentante (AU)

Influence of different periods of pre-slaughter fasting on microbiological quality of bullfrog carcasses (Lithobates catesbeianus) / [Influência de diferentes períodos de jejum pré-abate na qualidade microbiológica de carcaças de rã-touro (Lithobates catesbeianus)]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different periods of pre-slaughter fasting (F1: 2 to 24 hours and F2: 48 to 72 hours) on the counts of hygiene indicator microorganisms and the presence of Salmonella spp. in carcasses of bullfrogs. Two different stages of the slaughter process were analyzed: after bleeding (A) and after the final carcasses cleaning (B). Samples from each fasting period were analyzed to count hygiene indicator microorganisms (n=30) and Salmonella spp. (n=140). For aerobic mesophilic microorganisms, the variation in fasting periods caused a reduction of 0.69 log10 CFU / g (P<0.05) in F2 when compared to F1 at point B of the slaughter. Coliforms at 35º C and Escherichia coli showed no differences (P >0.05) between the fasting analyzed periods. Considering the presence of E. coli, it was observed that F2 resulted in a reduction of 30% (P<0.05) positivity on point B. For Salmonella spp., the results showed that F2 contributed to an 11.5% reduction in the presence of this bacteria at point B. (P<0.05). Therefore, it is concluded that 48 to 72 hours of pre-slaughter fasting resulted in a positive impact on the microbiological quality of bullfrog carcasses.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a influência de diferentes períodos de jejum pré-abate (F1: duas a 24 horas e F2: 48 a 72 horas) nas contagens de micro-organismos indicadores de higiene e na presença de Salmonella spp. em carcaças de rãs-touro. Foram analisadas duas etapas do processo de abate: após a sangria (A) e após a toalete final da carcaça (B). As amostras de cada período de jejum foram utilizadas para contagem de indicadores de higiene (n = 30) e Salmonella spp. (n = 140). Para aeróbios mesófilos, a variação no tempo de jejum causou uma redução de 0,69 log10 UFC/g (P<0,05) em F2 quando comparado a F1 na etapa B do abate. Os coliformes a 35ºC e Escherichia coli não apresentaram diferenças (P>0,05) entre os dois períodos de jejum analisados. Considerando a presença de E. coli, F2 resultou em uma redução de 30% (P<0,05) de positividade na etapa B. Para Salmonella spp., os resultados mostraram que F2 contribuiu para uma redução de 11,5% na presença desse micro-organismo na etapa B. Portanto, conclui-se que 48 a 72 horas de jejum pré-abate tiveram um impacto positivo na qualidade microbiológica das carcaças de rã-touro.(AU)

Associations of plasma lipids, lipoproteins, and cardiovascular outcomes with climatic variations in a large Brazilian population of Campinas, São Paulo state: an eight-year study

In this eight-year retrospective study, we evaluated the associations between climatic variations and the biological rhythms in plasma lipids and lipoproteins in a large population of Campinas, São Paulo state, Brazil, as well as temporal changes of outcomes of cardiovascular hospitalizations. Climatic variables were obtained at the Center for Meteorological and Climatic Research Applied to Agriculture (University of Campinas - Unicamp, Brazil). The plasma lipid databases surveyed were from 27,543 individuals who had their lipid profiles assessed at the state university referral hospital in Campinas (Unicamp). The frequency of hospitalizations was obtained from the Brazilian Public Health database (DATASUS). Temporal statistical analyses were performed using the methods Cosinor or Friedman (ARIMA) and the temporal series were compared by cross-correlation functions. In normolipidemic cases (n=11,892), significantly different rhythmicity was observed in low-density lipoprotein (LDL)- and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol (C) both higher in winter and lower in summer. Dyslipidemia (n=15,651) increased the number and amplitude of lipid rhythms: LDL-C and HDL-C were higher in winter and lower in summer, and the opposite occurred with triglycerides. The number of hospitalizations showed maximum and minimum frequencies in winter and in summer, respectively. A coincident rhythmicity was observed of lower temperature and humidity rates with higher plasma LDL-C, and their temporal series were inversely cross-correlated. This study shows for the first time that variations of temperature, humidity, and daylight length were strongly associated with LDL-C and HDL-C seasonality, but moderately to lowly associated with rhythmicity of atherosclerotic outcomes. It also indicates unfavorable cardiovascular-related changes during wintertime.

Virginiamycin and sodium monensin supplementation for beef cattle on pasture / Suplementação com virginiamicina e monensina sódica para bovinos de corte a pasto

The aim of this paper was to evaluate the effects of including virginiamycin (VM), sodium monensin (MON) or the association (VM+MON) in the energetic mineral supplement, on the intake and performance of beef cattle on pasture. Forty Nellore heifers with 24 months of age and initial body weight (BW) of 251.5±16.6kg, were distributed in four treatments in a randomized block design. Treatments consisted of adding VM, MON or VM+MON to the supplement (CONT). Additive concentrations were defined to reach a dose of 40 to 45mg/100kg BW. The herbage allowance was not a limiting factor for the animals' intake. Supplement intake was lower than expected, with 33.0, 18.8 and 26.3mg per 100kg BW for VM, MON and VM+MON, respectively. Dry matter intake (DMI, mean=2.65% BW) and animal performance were not affected by the inclusion of additives. The average daily gain (ADG) was 0.561kg/animal day-1. The inclusion of additives in energetic mineral supplement does not affect the DMI and the ADG of grazing animals. The variability in supplement intake and daily dose intake of additives may have influenced the performance of the animals. Monensin inclusion presented the less expensive supplementation cost, due to reduction in supplement intake without changing weight gain.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da inclusão dos aditivos virginiamicina (VM), monensina sódica (MON) e associação (VM+MON) no suplemento energético-mineral sobre o consumo e desempenho de bovinos manejados em pastagem de Urochloa Brizantha cv. Marandu. Foram utilizadas 40 novilhas Nelore com 24 meses de idade e peso corporal (PC) inicial médio de 251,5+16,6kg distribuídas em delineamento em blocos ao acaso com quatro tratamentos. Os tratamentos consistiam de suplemento energético-mineral (CONT) acrescido de VM, MON ou VM+MON. A oferta de forragem não limitou o consumo dos animais. O consumo dos aditivos foi de 0; 33,0; 18,8 e 26,3mg por 100kg de PC para CONT, VM, MON e VM+MON, respectivamente. O consumo de matéria seca e o desempenho dos animais não foram afetados pela inclusão dos aditivos. O ganho médio diário dos animais foi de 0,561kg dia -1 , sem diferença entre os tratamentos. A inclusão de aditivos no suplemento energético-mineral não alterou o CMS e o desempenho dos animais em pastejo. A variabilidade no consumo de suplemento e na dose ingerida dos aditivos pode ter influenciado o desempenho dos animais.(AU)

Anti-ophidian activity of Bredemeyera floribunda Willd. (Polygalaceae) root extract on the local effects induced by Bothrops jararacussu venom

Bredemeyera floribunda roots are popularly used to treat snakebites in the semiarid region of Northeast Brazil, and previous studies indicate the anti-ophidian actions of triterpenoid saponins found in its roots. To assess B. floribunda root extract (BFRE) activity against the effects of Bothrops jararacussu venom (BjuV), antiphospholipasic, antiproteolytic, antihemorrhagic, antinecrotic, and anti-edematogenic activities were investigated in mice. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, and sugars, with rutin and saccharose being the major constituents of BFRE. Acute toxicity was determined and BFRE was nontoxic to mice. Phospholipase A2 and proteolytic activities induced by BjuV were inhibited in vitro by BFRE at all concentrations tested herein. BFRE (150 mg/kg) inhibited paw edema induced by BjuV (50 µg/animal), reducing total edema calculated by area under the curve, but carrageenan-induced paw edema was unchanged. Hemorrhagic and necrotizing actions of BjuV (50 µg/animal) were considerably decreased by BFRE treatment. Thus, BFRE blocked the toxic actions of B. jararacussu venom despite having no anti-inflammatory activity, which points to a direct inhibition of venom's toxins, as demonstrated in the in vitro assays. The larger amounts of rutin found in BFRE may play a role in this inhibition, since 3′,4′-OH flavonoids are known inhibitors of phospholipases A2.

Ovarian follicular dynamic and plasma progesterone concentration in Alpine goats on the breeding season / Dinâmica folicular ovariana e concentração plasmática de progesterona em cabras Alpinas durante a estação reprodutiva

Os objetivos deste estudo foram relatar a dinâmica folicular ovariana e a concentração plasmática de progesterona durante ciclos estrais de duração irregular em cabras da raça Alpina. Vinte e nove cabras tiveram sua atividade ovariana monitorada diariamente por ultrassonografia transretal durante um, dois ou três períodos interovulatórios consecutivos. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas para análise da concentração plasmática de progesterona. Dos 47 ciclos avaliados, 28 (59,57%) foram de duração normal (17 a 25 dias), sete (14,89%) de curta duração (<17 dias) e 12 (25,53%) de longa duração (>25 dias). Os ciclos estrais de curta duração tiveram 6,14±0,69 dias e uma onda folicular que emergiu no dia 0,43±1,13. Os ciclos estrais de longa duração tiveram entre 26 e 79 dias, com duas a nove ondas foliculares. Os ciclos estrais de curta duração ocorreram durante a estação reprodutiva e foram associados à regressão prematura do corpo lúteo (CL). Os ciclos estrais de longa duração ocorreram na transição entre o anestro e a estação reprodutiva e foram associados principalmente à persistência do CL ou à fase folicular prolongada.(AU)

Chronic renal failure in equine due to ascending pyelonephritis predisposed by cauda equina syndrome: case report / Insuficiência renal crônica em equino devido à pielonefrite ascendente predisposta por síndrome da cauda equina: relato de caso

Descreve-se o caso de uma égua, da raça Campeiro, utilizada como doadora de embriões, que apresentava quadros de cistite recorrente e incontinência urinária. Os sinais clínicos evoluíram para emagrecimento progressivo, anorexia, apatia e isolamento do plantel. Ao exame físico, foi identificada hipotonia da cauda, hipoalgesia da região perineal, flacidez retal e vesical, compatíveis com sinais relacionados à síndrome da cauda equina. Exames complementares laboratoriais, exame ultrassonográfico e necropsia confirmaram o diagnóstico de insuficiência renal crônica (IRC), a qual foi atribuida à pielonefrite ascendente. O exame de urocultura demonstrou crescimento de bactérias do gêneroStreptococcus sp. Este é um caso raro em equinos em que a disfunção de neurônio motor inferior propiciou o desenvolvimento de processo infeccioso no trato urinário, progredindo para um quadro crônico renal incompatível com a vida.(AU)

Descreve-se o caso de uma égua, da raça Campeiro, utilizada como doadora de embriões, que apresentava quadros de cistite recorrente e incontinência urinária. Os sinais clínicos evoluíram para emagrecimento progressivo, anorexia, apatia e isolamento do plantel. Ao exame físico, foi identificada hipotonia da cauda, hipoalgesia da região perineal, flacidez retal e vesical, compatíveis com sinais relacionados à síndrome da cauda equina. Exames complementares laboratoriais, exame ultrassonográfico e necropsia confirmaram o diagnóstico de insuficiência renal crônica (IRC), a qual foi atribuida à pielonefrite ascendente. O exame de urocultura demonstrou crescimento de bactérias do gênero Streptococcus sp. Este é um caso raro em equinos em que a disfunção de neurônio motor inferior propiciou o desenvolvimento de processo infeccioso no trato urinário, progredindo para um quadro crônico renal incompatível com a vida.(AU)

Síndrome de Eisenmenger em um gato / Eisenmenger syndrome in cat

A 6-month-old female, 1.0kg, uncastrated female Persian cat was brought to the Veterinary Hospital at State University of Ceara, with a history of dyspnea, prostration, hyporexia and progressive weight loss for a month. On physical examination, systolic cardiac murmur, cyanosis and dyspnea were detected. Unfortunately, the cat died during oxygen therapy. Necropsy examination revealed an increase in cardiac silhouette and ventricular septal defect of 2cm in diameter. Macroscopically the lungs were collapsed, with absent and diffusely reddish blackish crepitus, and the liver with blackish red coalescent multifocal areas, interspersed with lighter areas and lobular pattern with irregular brownish multifocal areas intercepted by brownish areas. Thus, the necropsy results together with the history and physical examination of the animal confirmed the diagnosis of Eisenmenger Syndrome, becoming the report of the first case, in a cat, in Brazil.(AU)

Babesia spp. no líquido peritoneal em cão com ascite - relato de caso / Babesia spp. in the peritoneal fluid in dog with ascites - case report

Babesia canis é um protozoário cosmopolita que parasita eritrócitos de cães domésticos e selvagens. O diagnóstico é realizado mediante a observação direta do microrganismo em hemácias no esfregaço de sangue periférico, métodos sorológicos e técnicas moleculares. O objetivo deste trabalho é relatar pela primeira vez a presença de merozoítos de Babesia spp. no líquido peritoneal de um cão com ascite. No Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Viçosa, foi atendido um cão, macho, sem raça definida, de sete meses de idade, com histórico de emaciação, apatia e abaulamento abdominal. No exame físico, foram evidenciadas mucosas hipocoradas, ascite, sopro sistólico grau IV/V e taquipneia. Nos exames laboratoriais, evidenciou-se anemia normocítica/normocrômica, trombocitopenia e hipoproteinemia. No esfregaço sanguíneo, foram observadas estruturas intraeritrocitárias compatíveis com Babesia spp. A avaliação do líquido ascítico foi compatível com transudato modificado e observaram-se inúmeras estruturas intra e extracelulares compatíveis com merozoítas de Babesia spp. A presença de microrganismos intra e extracelular poderia estar relacionada a uma lesão no baço com extravasamento do conteúdo para a cavidade abdominal. A coleta do líquido peritoneal pode ser uma alternativa para o diagnóstico de babesiose quando o animal com suspeita da infecção apresentar ascite.(AU)

Babesia canis is a cosmopolitan protozoan that parasites erythrocytes of domestic and wild dogs. The diagnosis is performed by direct observation of the microorganism in red blood cells in the peripheral blood smear, serological methods and molecular techniques. The aim of this work is to report for the first time the presence of merozoites of Babesia spp. in the peritoneal fluid of a dog with ascites. At the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Viçosa was attended a Mixed-breed seven month old dog, male, with history of emaciation, apathy and abdominal bulging. Pale mucous membranes, ascites, grade IV/V systolic murmur and tachypnea were evidenced in the physical examination. Laboratory tests revealed normocytic/normochromic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and hypoproteinemia. Intra-erythrocyte structures compatible with Babesia spp. were observed in the blood smear. The evaluation of the ascites fluid was compatible with modified transudate where numerous intra and extracellular structures compatible with Babesia spp. merozoites were observed. The presence of intra and extracellular microorganisms could be related to an injury of the spleen with extravasation of the contents into the abdominal cavity. Collection of the peritoneal fluid may be an alternative for the diagnosis of babesiosis when the animal with suspected infection has ascites.(AU)

Intraventricular pneumocephalus associated with nasocephalic necrosis in a puppy: a case report / Pneumoencéfalo intraventricular associado à área de necrose nasoencefálica em filhote canino: relato de caso

Pneumocephalus is defined as the presence of air in any of the intracranial compartments. Its most frequent causes are trauma and cranial surgery. Clinical signs occur as a result of increased intracranial pressure and vary with the location and extent of the lesion. A case involving a seven-month-old female Saint Bernard, who suffered cranial trauma caused by a bite to the face at ten days of age and had presented with seizures and localized pain four months previously is reported. A computed tomography scan of the skull revealed a nasocephalic mass with low contrast enhancement, bone lysis, and hypodensity (-940 Hounsfield units) of the lateral and third ventricles, indicating intraventricular pneumocephalus. During surgery, a fragment of the mass was collected for histopathological examination, which demonstrated the presence of multifocal areas of necrosis. The computed tomography (CT) is a reliable method for the characterization of intracranial lesions and diagnosis of pneumocephalus, whose occurrence must be considered in pathological processes in which there is increased intracranial pressure and in patients undergoing certain surgical procedures and anesthetic specific, and CT is indicated as a monitoring tool for these patients.(AU)

Pneumoencéfalo é definido como a presença de gás em quaisquer dos compartimentos intracranianos e possui como causas mais frequentes o traumatismo e cirurgias cranianas. Os sinais clínicos ocorrem como consequência do aumento de pressão intracraniana e variam conforme o local e a extensão da lesão. Relata-se o caso de uma cadela de sete meses de idade, da raça São Bernardo, que sofreu trauma por mordedura em face, quatro meses antes, apresentando crises convulsivas e sensibilidade dolorosa local desde então. O exame tomográfico do crânio revelou massa nasoencefálica com baixa captação de contraste, lise óssea e hipodensidade (-940HU) dos ventrículos laterais e terceiro ventrículo encefálico, caracterizando pneumoencéfalo intraventricular. Foi realizada intervenção cirúrgica e coleta de fragmento da massa para exame histopatológico, que demonstrou existência de necrose multifocal. O exame de tomografia computadorizada (TC) é um método confiável para a caracterização de lesões intracranianas e diagnóstico de pneumoencéfalo, cuja ocorrência deve ser considerada em processos patológicos nos quais há aumento da pressão intracraniana e em pacientes submetidos a alguns procedimentos cirúrgicos e anestésicos específicos, sendo a TC indicada como ferramenta de monitoramento desses pacientes.(AU)

Intraventricular pneumocephalus associated with nasocephalic necrosis in a puppy: a case report / Pneumoencéfalo intraventricular associado à área de necrose nasoencefálica em filhote canino: relato de caso

Pneumocephalus is defined as the presence of air in any of the intracranial compartments. Its most frequent causes are trauma and cranial surgery. Clinical signs occur as a result of increased intracranial pressure and vary with the location and extent of the lesion. A case involving a seven-month-old female Saint Bernard, who suffered cranial trauma caused by a bite to the face at ten days of age and had presented with seizures and localized pain four months previously is reported. A computed tomography scan of the skull revealed a nasocephalic mass with low contrast enhancement, bone lysis, and hypodensity (-940 Hounsfield units) of the lateral and third ventricles, indicating intraventricular pneumocephalus. During surgery, a fragment of the mass was collected for histopathological examination, which demonstrated the presence of multifocal areas of necrosis. The computed tomography (CT) is a reliable method for the characterization of intracranial lesions and diagnosis of pneumocephalus, whose occurrence must be considered in pathological processes in which there is increased intracranial pressure and in patients undergoing certain surgical procedures and anesthetic specific, and CT is indicated as a monitoring tool for these patients.

Pneumoencéfalo é definido como a presença de gás em quaisquer dos compartimentos intracranianos e possui como causas mais frequentes o traumatismo e cirurgias cranianas. Os sinais clínicos ocorrem como consequência do aumento de pressão intracraniana e variam conforme o local e a extensão da lesão. Relata-se o caso de uma cadela de sete meses de idade, da raça São Bernardo, que sofreu trauma por mordedura em face, quatro meses antes, apresentando crises convulsivas e sensibilidade dolorosa local desde então. O exame tomográfico do crânio revelou massa nasoencefálica com baixa captação de contraste, lise óssea e hipodensidade (-940HU) dos ventrículos laterais e terceiro ventrículo encefálico, caracterizando pneumoencéfalo intraventricular. Foi realizada intervenção cirúrgica e coleta de fragmento da massa para exame histopatológico, que demonstrou existência de necrose multifocal. O exame de tomografia computadorizada (TC) é um método confiável para a caracterização de lesões intracranianas e diagnóstico de pneumoencéfalo, cuja ocorrência deve ser considerada em processos patológicos nos quais há aumento da pressão intracraniana e em pacientes submetidos a alguns procedimentos cirúrgicos e anestésicos específicos, sendo a TC indicada como ferramenta de monitoramento desses pacientes.

Brain neuroimaging of domestic cats: correlation between computed tomography and cross-sectional anatomy / Neuroimagem cerebral de gatos domésticos: correlação entre a tomografia computadorizada e a anatomia seccional

Computed tomography of the brain is necessary as part of the diagnosis of lesions of the central nervous system. In this study we used six domestic cats, male or female, aged between one and five years, evaluated by Computed Tomography (CT) examination without clinical signs of central nervous system disorders. Two euthanized animals stating a condition unrelated to the nervous system were incorporated into this study. The proposal consisted in establishing detailed anatomical description of tomographic images of normal brain of cats, using as reference anatomical images of cross sections of the stained brain and cranial part, with thicknesses similar to the planes of the CT images. CT examinations were performed with and without intravenous iodinated contrast media for live animals. With one euthanized animal, the brain was removed and immediately preserved in 10% formalin for later achievement in cross-sectional thickness of approximately 4mm and staining technique of Barnard, and Robert Brown. The head of another animal was disarticulated in the Atlanto-occipital region and frozen at -20ºC then sliced to a thickness of about 5mm. The description of visualized anatomical structures using tomography is useful as a guide and allows transcribing with relative accuracy the brain region affected by an injury, and thus correlating it with the clinical symptoms of the patient, providing additional information and consequent improvement to veterinarians during the course of surgical clinic in this species.(AU)

A tomografia computadorizada do cérebro é de suma importância como parte do diagnóstico de lesões do sistema nervoso central. Neste estudo, foram utilizados seis felinos domésticos, machos ou fêmeas, com idade entre um e cinco anos, avaliados pela tomografia computadorizada (TC), sem sinais clínicos de distúrbios do sistema nervoso central. Dois cadáveres indicando a condição relacionada com o sistema nervoso foram incorporados ao presente estudo. A proposta consistiu na criação da descrição anatômica detalhada das imagens tomográficas de cérebro normal de gatos, usando como referência a imagens anatômicas de secções transversais do cérebro coradas, realizadas com espessuras similares aos planos das imagens tomográficas. Exames de TC foram realizados com e sem contraste iodado intravenoso para os animais vivos. Em um dos cadáveres, o cérebro foi removido e imediatamente preservado em formalina a 10% para a realização posterior da técnica de coloração de Barnard e Robert Brown, além de cortes transversais com espessura de, aproximadamente, 4mm. O crânio do outro cadáver foi desarticulado na região atlanto-occipital e congelado a -20ºC. Em seguida, foi realizado corte com espessura de cerca de 5mm. A descrição das estruturas anatômicas visualizadas foi útil e serve como guia, permitindo descrever com relativa precisão a estrutura cerebral normal ou lesionada, e, portanto, correlacionando-a com os sintomas clínicos de um paciente, o que fornece informações adicionais e consequente aprimoramento de veterinários no curso de clínica cirúrgica para essa espécie.(AU)