Morphometric changes in the dog trochlear nerve with growth.

The objective of this work was to analyse changes in morphometric characteristics related to growth in the trochlear nerve in dogs. Twenty beagles, split into four dog age groups (A, 7 days; B, 21 days; C, 35 days; D, 49 days and E, 4 years), were used. The right intracranial portion of the nerve was analysed by light and electron microscopy. The nerve cross-sectional area was calculated. Number, diameter and cross-sectional area of unmyelinated and myelinated fibres were also calculated. In myelinated fibres, the corresponding axon area and diameter and myelin sheath thickness were also calculated. The number of myelinated and unmyelinated fibres was 1070.25±112.07 and 592.25±467.53 in group A, 1367±57.98 and 143.67±54.37 in group B, 1574.20±299.50 and 151.67±51.73 in group C, 1340.33±151 and 127±48.75 in group D and 1476±260.71 and 284±101.82 in group E. The mean diameter for myelinated and unmyelinated fibres was 4.37±0.17 µm and 0.41±0.08 µm for group A; 6.21±0.12 µm and 0.30±0.03 µm for B; 6.90±0.91 µm and 0.32±0.03 µm for C; 7.86±1.19 µm and 0.32±0.02 µm for D; 10.63±0.50 µm and 0.30±0.01 µm for E, respectively. This nerve possesses similar structural and ultrastructural features to the same nerve in other species and modifies its morphometry with growth. Results could enhance the understanding of pathological disorders.

Morfometría del esófago abdominal y del estómago del conejo (Orycotolagus cuniculus): aplicaciones a la cirugía laparoscópica / Morphometry of the abdominal esophagus and stomach of the rabbit: laparoscopyc surgery applications

Actualmente existen pocos estudios sobre la anatomía y fisiología del tracto digestivo del conejo (Orycotolagus cuniculus), estos estudios están encaminados a la nutrición y biología del conejo, pero pocos abordan la anatomía con la visión de un cirujano. Por otro lado existen algunos estudios que proponen al conejo como modelo animal para cirugías laparoscópicas del esófago distal y el estómago. En la mayoría de los casos se utiliza como modelo sin tener en cuenta las características anatómicas específicas de esta especie, por lo que es fundamental realizar un estudio anatómico de la zona del esófago abdominal, cardias y estómago del conejo, que exprese las características y diferencias anatómicas para que los cirujanos estén más familiarizados antes de realizar prácticas laparoscópicas en esta especie. Una diferencia importante es la presencia de una porción grande de esófago abdominal. Está descrito que animales con porciones grandes de esófago abdominal, no tienen la posibilidad de regurgitar o vomitar. Esta diferencia anatómica es muy importante cuando se pretende usar a estos animales como modelo para la enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico (ERG).El presente trabajo se realiza con los objetivos de proporcionar a los cirujanos un estudio anatómico que permita conocer la zona del esófago abdominal, cardias y estómago del conejo, para que tengan conocimiento de las características propias en esta especie y las diferencias con el humano, en su uso como modelo animal para la cirugía del cardias y el estómago. Se realizaron medidas anatómicas al esófago y estómago de 18 conejos Nueva Zelanda Blancos de 2.5 a 3.5 Kg de peso de ambos sexos. Donde encontramos que el conejo presenta un una porción grande de esófago abdominal así como un estómago grande con una gran proporción de fundus gástrico.

Actuality, there are few studies about rabbits (Orycotolagus cuniculus) digestive tract anatomy and physiology. These studies are designed at nutrition and biology of the rabbit. But few deal with the anatomy of a surgeon's vision.There are also some researches that propose rabbits as laparoscopic surgery animal model for of the distal oesophagus and stomach. In most cases is used as a model without considering the specific anatomical characteristics of this species. So it is essential to make an anatomical study of the abdominal oesophagus, cardia, and stomach of the rabbit. This should express the characteristics and anatomical differences between species. On the way to that surgeon are more familiar before performing laparoscopic practices in this species. An important difference is the presence of a large portion of abdominal oesophagus. There is reported that animals with large portions of abdominal oesophagus, can not vomit or regurgitate. This anatomical difference is very important when trying to use these animals as a model for gastroesophageal reflux disease. This work is done with the objectives of providing surgeons an anatomical study of the abdominal esophagus, cardia and stomach of the rabbit, to have knowledge of the characteristics in this species and the differences with humans, when used as surgical animal model. Anatomical measures were made to the oesophagus and stomach of 18 males and females New Zealand White rabbits. Between 2,5 to 3,5 Kg. We find that the rabbit has a large portion of an abdominal oesophagus and a large stomach with a large proportion of gastric fundus.

Purkinje cell apoptosis in arabian horses with cerebellar abiotrophy.

Purkinje cerebellar cells were studied in three Arabian horses aged between 6 and 8 months with clinical disorders in their movements, tremors and ataxia; the occurrence of apoptosis in this cell population was investigated by the (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase biotin-dUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL) method. Both optical and electron microscopical images showed a scant number of Purkinje cells, most of them with morphological features of apoptosis such as condensation of the nucleus and cytoplasm as well as segregation and fragmentation of the nucleus into apoptotic bodies. The TUNEL technique revealed a substantial number (65%) of positive immunoreactive Purkinje cells.

Structural and ultrastructural study of the intracranial portion of the oculomotor, trochlear and abducent nerves in dog.

The right intracranial portion of the oculomotor, trochlear and abducent nerves were removed from six adult German shepherd dogs and analysed by light and electron microscopy. In all cases the nerve sectional area was calculated. Unmyelinated and myelinated fibres were analysed and number, diameter and cross-sectional area were calculated. In myelinated fibres, also calculated were the corresponding axon area and diameter, and myelin sheath thickness. The mean number of myelinated fibres was 8543.50 +/- 1231.85 being the unmyelinated 1402 +/- 241.58 in the oculomotor nerve; 1509 +/- 223.17 and 287.67 +/- 72.28 in the trochlear nerve and 2473.00 +/- 211.41 and 231.25 +/- 92.67 respectively in the abducent. The mean diameter was 10.23 +/- 0.68 microm in myelinated and 0.43 +/- 0.21 for unmyelinated in oculomotor nerve, 10.53 +/- 0.55 microm and 0.33 +/- 0.04 for the trochlear, and 10.45 +/- 1.27 microm and 0.47 +/- 0.09 in the abducent nerve respectively. This study reveals that oculomotor, trochlear and abducent nerves of the dog show structural and ultra-structural features similar to the same nerves in other species.

Inter-breed differences in equine forelimb kinematics at the walk.

Linear, temporal and angular biokinematic characteristics of the forelimb at the walk in different breeds were determined, highlighting inter-breed differences. Twenty-three healthy stallions were used: ten Andalusians (AN), seven Arabs (AR) and six Anglo-Arabs (AA). Height at the withers was significantly different between groups (P < 0.001). Six trials per horse were recorded using a levelled video camera (sampling frame rate 25 frames/s), digitized and analysed using a semi-automatic movement analysis system. No statistically significant differences in speeds were recorded between breeds (P > 0.05). The only temporal parameter which was similar in the three breeds was the moment at which the hoof reached the highest point in its trajectory. The variables presenting the most significant differences were the percentages of deceleration and propulsion within the stance phase. ANOVA for angular variables showed that the greatest difference was in the range of angular movement of the carpal joint, being higher in AN, due to a lower minimum value. In the fetlock joint, the greatest difference was observed in minimum values, which differed in all three breeds. Significant inter-breed differences were also observed for maximum limb retraction, being lowest in the AN group, followed by the AA and AR groups. This finding was reflected in the angular range of motion, despite smaller differences in the degree of limb protraction; very similar values were reported in all three breeds. As regards the elbow joint, no inter-breed differences were observed in terms of minimum values, whereas differences were recorded for maximum and angular range of motion, higher values being displayed by the AR and AN groups than by AA animals. In conclusion, inter-breed differences may be determined in equine forelimb biokinematics at the walk. This study distinguished between AN, AR and AA horses.

Kinematic characteristics of Andalusian, Arabian and Anglo-Arabian horses: a comparative study.

The aim of this study was to compare the kinematic trot characteristics of three different breeds of horse: Andalusian (AN, n = 15), Arabian (AR, n = 7) and Anglo-Arabian (AA, n = 5) using standard computer-assisted videography (25 Hz). Linear, temporal and angular parameters in fore- and hind limbs were analysed in six randomly selected strides per horse. Normalised angle-time diagrams along the complete stride were obtained for all joints angles in each breed and specific kinematic characteristics were detected graphically. AA horses displayed longer swing durations in both limbs ans a shorter angular range of motion (ARM) in scapula and pelvis inclination and in shoulder, hip and forelimb retraction-protraction angles. At lift off, stifle and tarsal joint angles were more flexed. In general, only small differences were observed in AR horse kinematics when compared with the other 2 breeds. AN horses presented negative overtracking length, which was positive in AR and AA. In AN horses the elbow and carpal joints were more flexed at the moment of maximal elevation, elbow and fore-fetlock joints also exhibited a larger ARM due to a smaller angle at maximal flexion. In the hind limbs, tarsal, hind fetlock and retraction-protraction angles presented a larger ARM in AN horses due to greater maximal flexion in the tarsal and hind fetlock joints. Fore- and hind fetlocks were also more flexed in horses from this breed. In conclusion, differences between kinematic variables at the trot were observed in the three breeds studied here, mainly in forelimb joints. The most outstanding feature was the greater forelimb flexion recorded in AN horses than in the other breeds which is consistent with the elevated movements in this breed. In AA horses, the ARM of proximal joints involved in retraction protraction in both fore- and hind limbs was smaller. All the differences observed highlighted the idiosyncratic nature of the trot in each breed; this may influence the functional capacity of each breed.

[Treatment compliance in arterial hypertension. A 2-year intervention trial through health education]. / El cumplimiento terapéutico en la hipertensión arterial. Ensayo sobre la intervención durante 2 años mediante educación sanitaria.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the efficacy of health education (HE) through a group session with two years of intervention by postal back-up on compliance with therapy for light-to-moderate essential hypertension. DESIGN: Controlled, randomised clinical trial. SETTING: La Orden Health Centre. PARTICIPANTS: 110 hypertense patients diagnosed with de novo or unmonitored hypertension. INTERVENTION: 1. Control group (CG): 55 patients who received HE from their doctor. 2. Intervention group (IG): 55 patients who also received a controlled intervention. a) Group HE session, b) Postal back-up to the home every three months for two years. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: After two years, on two surprise home visits made at a month's interval, blood pressure was measured and pressure-lowering pills counted. The person whose consumption was at 80-110% of the amount prescribed was defined as compliant. The percentages of compliant patients and mean compliance were compared for the two visits. The reduction of absolute risk (RAR), of relative risk (RRR) and the number of patients needed to avoid non-compliance (NNT) were calculated. 92 people finished the trial. The two groups (n: CG = 45, IG = 47) did not differ for age, sex, time of evolution, number of illnesses or dosages of medicines prescribed. 78.26% were compliant (CI: 61.5-94.9), CG = 55.6% and IG = 95.7% (p < 0.0001). Mean overall compliance was 90.9 +/- 14, CG = 88.1 +/- 12 and IG = 93.86 +/- 11 (p = 0.01). RAR was 40.1%, RRR 90.3 and NNT 2.49% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: HE intervention is an effective measure to improve therapeutic compliance in essential hypertension and lasts for up to two years.

Comparative biokinematic study of young and adult Andalusian horses at the trot.

The purpose of this study was to determine basic kinematic parameters (linear, temporal and angular) in young and adult Andalusian horses (P.R.E.) at the trot, using a normal computer-aided videography system. The trotting gaits of 16 horses were analysed: seven young horses (3.7 +/- 0.2 years old, height at withers 167.1 +/- 4.1 cm) and nine adult stallions (12.3 +/- 2.9 years old, height at withers 162.9 +/- 3.6 cm) were recorded at least 6 times at the trot using a 25-Hz video-camera filming from the side. Video images were processed with a real-time digital system (SMVD). Speeds averaged 3.84 and 3.75 m/s for young and adult horses, respectively. Differences between age groups for speed and linear and temporal parameters of the stride were not significant. However, variations in angular parameters were detected: adults showed a greater ARM than younger horses for most forelimb joints. In the hind limb, hip, stifle, and, to a lesser degree, the tarsal joint, a smaller degree of extension during the stance phase was observed in adult horses.

Development of meat and carcass quality characteristics in Iberian pigs reared outdoors.

A study of age-related changes in carcass traits and meat quality characteristics of Longissimus dorsi (LD) and Biceps femoris (BF) of free-ranged Iberian pigs was carried out to check whether the slaughter age used in the traditional management system of Iberian pigs is adequate. There was a great increase in live and carcass weight during fattening, principally due to an increase in fat deposition, as could be deduced from the percentage of dissectible fat and the backfat thickness. However, intramuscular fat in LD and BF showed only slight changes during the fattening. Myoglobin content tended to increase throughout lifetime in both muscles, whereas water-holding capacity decreased in intermediate ages and showed the highest values in the oldest animals. Total collagen content did not vary during lifetime; on the other hand, insoluble collagen increased from 7 to 77% of total collagen. It can be concluded that the traditional management system of Iberian pigs can be improved by fattening the pigs at a younger age, without negative consequences on the meat quality.

Angular kinematic patterns of limbs in elite and riding horses at trot.

Normal speed videography was used to determine the angular parameters of 28 Spanish Thoroughbreds at trot. Horses were divided into 3 groups: Group UT, comprising 9 animals (provided by the VII National Stud, Cordoba, Spain) which had undergone no specific training programme and which were hand led at the trot; Group T, formed by 19 horses considered to be highly bred and trained, and which were also hand led; and Group RT, comprising the same horses as the latter group but this time trotted by a rider. Each animal was filmed 6 times from the right-hand side, using a Hi8 (25 Hz) video camera. Angular parameters for fore- and hindlimb joints were measured in each stride from computer-grabbed frames and entered into a spreadsheet for calculation; parameters included maximum and minimum angles, range of motion, and angles at landing, lift off and maximum hoof height; the times at which maximum angle, minimum angle, lift off and maximum hoof height occurred were calculated as percentages of total stride duration. Stride velocity (mean [s.d.]) was 4.01 (0.62), 3.60 (0.34) and 3.07 (0.36) m/s for Groups UT, T and RT, respectively. Data were then compared between Groups UT-T and Groups T-RT. Compared with Group UT, horses from Group T featured a shorter stance percentage (P<0.001) in both fore- and hindlimbs. The range of motion in forelimbs was smaller (P<0.05), due to lower retraction (P<0.001); moreover, maximum retraction appeared earlier (P<0.05). Greater scapular inclination was in evidence (P<0.05) and the shoulder joint extended further (P<0.05). Fore- and hind fetlock joints revealed a relatively shorter hyperextension period during the stance phase (P<0.01). Compared with Group T, horses from Group RT had a longer stance percentage, with belated maximum retraction of the fore- and hindlimbs. The range of movement in scapular inclination was greater (P<0.05), due to a smaller minimum angle (P<0.01), and the shoulder joint flexed more (P<0.05). The elbow joint extended more and for longer during the stance phase. Initial extension of the hip joint (P<0.05) and tarsus (P<0.001) lasted longer. The carpal and fore and hind fetlock joints recorded relatively longer hyperextension times, in addition to greater hyperextension during the stance phase. The results from the present study suggest that rider-effect must be taken in consideration when well gaited horses are selected for dressage purposes.

The influence of speed and height at the withers on the kinematics of sound horses at the hand-led trot.

The influence of speed and height at the withers on some biokinematic stride parameters (linear, temporal and angular) was measured in 15 Spanish Thoroughbreds (Andalusian Purebred) trotted hand-led along a track; analysis was made of the correlation between speed and height at the withers and of some biokinematic parameters of equine locomotion. Both height at the withers and speed were positively and significantly correlated to the linear parameters examined. Temporal parameters did not reveal a significant correlation with the height at the withers. The correlations with the angular parameters were variable, often being significant for both height at withers and speed, although in most cases the coefficient was relatively low, probably owing to the narrow ranges of speed and height at the withers and their low variability. It was concluded that horses at the hand-led trot tend to have low variability in speed during successive trials, although the speed at which they move does have a significant influence on both linear and temporal stride parameters, and also on several angular parameters, while height at the withers has a major effect on linear parameters but less on angular parameters, and does not affect the temporal parameters.

[Trial of the efficacy of health education programs on therapeutic compliance in arterial hypertension]. / Ensayo sobre la eficacia de los programas de educación para la salud en el cumplimiento terapéutico de la hipertensión arterial.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse by means of a group session and postal support the efficacy of health education (HE) on compliance with therapy for light-to-moderate essential Hypertension. DESIGN: Controlled clinical trial with randomised distribution. SETTING: Primary Care. PATIENTS: 110 hypertense patients with new or uncontrolled Hypertension, for whom treatment with Trandolapril as a start or change of medication was indicated. INTERVENTIONS: The patients were split into two groups at random, with observation for six months after inclusion in the study and monthly attendance: 1) Control group (CG) of 55 patients who received HE from their family doctor; 2) Intervention group (IG) of 55 patients controlled. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Patients were defined as compliant if their consumption was 80-110% of what was prescribed. The counting of pills was recorded. Percentages of compliant patients and mean compliance were analysed with the Chi squared and Student's t tests. 109 people completed, 77 of them women. Neither group differed as to age, sex, length of evolution, number of diseases or doses of drugs consumed. CONCLUSIONS: Intervening in HE with a group session and postal follow-up is an efficacious measure to improve therapeutic compliance in Hypertension cases.

Kinematics in horses at the trot before and after an induced forelimb supporting lameness.

The aim of this study was to analyse the biokinematic alterations caused by an induced lameness in the right forelimb of Dutch Warmblood (DWB) horses using a system of computer-aided normal videography. Five mature DWB were recorded with a videocamera (frame rate 1/25) from a lateral view before and after an induced lameness. Before videotaping, passive markers were placed on the skin, over easily identifiable anatomical references to determine the joint angles in the forelimb (always on the flexor side). Lameness was induced using special horseshoes. The lameness was evident at the trot and mild at walk. The images were analysed using a real time digitalising system combined with a previously designed spreadsheet. Linear, temporal and angular parameters (maximum, minimum and angular range of motion) along the stride were calculated as well as the moments of highest extension (Pmax) and flexion (Pmin), expressed as a percentage of the whole stride. Results before and after the induced lameness were compared by a paired Student's t test at a significance level of P<0.05. No differences in speeds before and after the induced lameness were found. Stride length was significantly shorter in the lameness condition. Stride duration was slightly shorter in lameness. The diagonal stance phase increased, while the swing phase decreased. Angular parameters changed mainly in elbow, carpus, fetlock and retraction-protraction angles. This indicated that the angular range of motion in the elbow and carpal joints decreased, and the elbow Pmin occurred later in the stride. The results are useful in the development of video-based equine lameness diagnostics.

Pulmonary cryptococcosis in a kidney transplant recipient

A case of nodular cavitary pulmonary cryptococcosis, similar to intracavitary aspergilloma is presented, in a 27-year old male patient after renal transplant. After negative diagnostic work-up, thoractomy for diagnosis and treatment was carried out. Diagnosis was made through direct examination, culture and histology of the surgical specimen. Treatment was surgical resection of the lesion associated with fluconazole for six months. Immunosuppression remained stable. At 24 months, the clinical condition of the patient was excellent.

[Demographic classification of the family in the basic health area of La Orden, Huelva]. / Clasificación demográfica de la familia en la Zona Básica de Salud La Orden de Huelva.

OBJECTIVE: To find the prevalence of different family structures in our health district. DESIGN: An epidemiological study of a cross-sectional [correction of crossover] type. SETTING: Primary Care. La Orden Health Centre in Huelva. PARTICIPANTS: 878 individuals, who represented a family unit, selected by random sampling stratified by age and gender, obtained from the 1991 Municipal Census. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A questionnaire was administered to all those participating in the study. This included demographic data, the number of people living in their homes, the composition of their family and the presence of close relatives in the neighbourhood. The final sample covered 787 families. Using de La Revilla et al.'s proposal, partially modified by us, the family was classified as: nuclear, extended, single-parent, without family and family equivalents. All of these were in turn sub-classified for the presence of close relatives. The nuclear family was classified as simple, numerous, amplified or binuclear. The predominant family model was nuclear (89.7%), followed by single-parent (4.4%), extended (2.9%), without family (2.4%) and family equivalents (0.6%). The main model of the nuclear family was the simple one (76.5%), followed by amplified (15.4%), leaving the numerous family in 8.1% and the binuclear at 0%. 83.5% of our families had close relatives in the same neighbourhood. CONCLUSIONS: Our family is nuclear, with relatives nearby, a model which has definitively displaced the extended family. The structure proposed makes classification of the nuclear family easier. We believe it is essential to integrate family structure classification into Primary Care family clinical records.

Histomorphometric analysis of the omasum of sheep during development.

Histomorphometric and scanning electron microscopic analyses were performed on 74 embryos and fetuses and 20 sheep (early postnatal to adult age). Histologic differentiation of the omasum took place at 33 days of fetal life, with the appearance of first-order laminae. Second-, third-, and fourth-order laminae appeared at 39, 50, and 59 days, respectively. Neutral mucopolysaccharides first appeared in epithelial cells at 46 days of fetal life, decreasing quantitatively until birth, before subsequently stabilizing in postnatal life. Acid mucopolysaccharides, mucins, and mucoid compounds were not detected. Growth curves and formulas were constructed for each tissue layer. Initial tests involved multiplicative (y = axb), exponential (y = EXP [a + bx]), linear (y = a + bx), and polynomial models (y = a + bx + cx2 + dx3).

Craniofacial angle in dolicho-, meso- and brachycephalic dogs: radiological determination and application.

Observations on craniofacial axes and angles were made on fifty dogs belonging to five breeds, by means of radiological techniques (lateral radiographs) and biostatistical methods. The craniofacial angles were found to be 25-26 degrees (greyhound), 19-20 degrees (pointer), 20-21 degrees (German shepherd), 13-14 degrees (boxer) and 9-10 degrees (Pekinese). Shortening of the head in brachycephalic dogs implies a more perpendicular development of the cranium relative to the facial axis. The possible application of these data in the determination of morphological types in many fields is discussed.

Histomorphometric analysis of the reticulum of the sheep during development.

Histomorphometric and scanning electron microscopic analysis were performed on 74 embryos and foetuses and on 20 sheep (early post-natal to adult age). Histodifferentiation of the reticulum took place at 33 days of foetal life. Reticular ribs were observed as evaginations of the epithelial stratum germinativum at 64 days. Neutral mucopolysaccharides first appeared in epithelial cells at 46 foetal days, thereafter to decrease gradually in number, subsequently stabilising in postnatal life. Acid mucopolysaccharides, mucins and mucoid compounds were not detected. Growth curves and formulae were constructed for each tissue layer. Initial test involved multiplicative (y = axb), linear (y = a+bx) and polynomial model (y = a+b+cx2+dx3).