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Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common and highly aggressive dog tumor known for its local invasiveness and metastatic potential. Understanding the molecular mechanisms driving the development and progression of OSCC is crucial for improving diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Additionally, spontaneous oral squamous cell carcinomas in dogs are an excellent model for studying human counterparts. In this study, we aimed to investigate the significance of two key molecular components, Cox-2 and EGFR, in canine OSCC. We examined 34 tumor sections from various dog breeds to assess the immunoexpression of Cox-2 and EGFR. Our findings revealed that Cox-2 was highly expressed in 70.6% of cases, while EGFR overexpression was observed in 44.1%. Cox-2 overexpression showed association with histological grade of malignancy (HGM) (p = 0.006) and EGFR with vascular invasion (p = 0.006). COX-2 and EGFR concurrent expression was associated with HGM (p = 0.002), as well as with the presence of vascular invasion (p = 0.002). These data suggest that Cox-2 and EGFR could be promising biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets, opening avenues for developing novel treatment strategies for dogs affected by OSCC. Further studies are warranted to delve deeper into these findings and translate them into clinical practice.
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Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) stands as the second most prevalent skin cancer in dogs, primarily attributed to UV radiation exposure. Affected areas typically include regions with sparse hair and pale or depigmented skin. The significance of spontaneous canine cutaneous SCC as a model for its human counterpart is underscored by its resemblance. This study assesses the expression of key markers-Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), Cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2), and Ki-67-in canine cutaneous SCC. Our objective is to investigate the association between their expression levels and classical clinicopathological parameters, unraveling the intricate relationships among these molecular markers. In our retrospective analysis of 37 cases, EGFR overexpression manifested in 43.2% of cases, while Cox-2 exhibited overexpression in 97.3%. The EGFR, Cox-2 overexpression, and Ki-67 proliferation indices, estimated through immunohistochemistry, displayed a significant association with the histological grade, but only EGFR labeling is associated with the presence of lymphovascular emboli. The Ki-67 labeling index expression exhibited an association with EGFR and Cox-2. These findings propose that EGFR, Cox-2, and Ki-67 hold promise as valuable markers in canine SCC. EGFR, Cox-2, and Ki-67 may serve as indicators of disease progression, offering insights into the malignancy of a lesion. The implications extend to the potential therapeutic targeting of EGFR and Cox-2 in managing canine SCC. Further exploration of these insights is warranted due to their translational relevance and the development of targeted interventions in the context of canine SCC.
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Cancer is a complex and dynamic disease with an outcome that depends on a strict crosstalk between tumor cells and other components in tumor microenvironment, namely, tumor-infiltrating immune cells, fibroblasts, cancer stem cells, adipocytes, and endothelial cells. Within the tumor microenvironment, macrophages and T-lymphocytes appear to be key effectors during the several steps of tumor initiation and progression. Tumor cells, through the release of a plethora of signaling molecules, can induce immune tolerance, by avoiding immune surveillance, and inhibit immune cells cytotoxic functions. Furthermore, as the tumor grows, tumor microenvironment reveals a series of dysfunctional conditions that potentiate a polarization of harmful humoral Th2 and Th17, an upregulation of Treg cells, and a differentiation of macrophages into the M2 subtype, which contribute to the activation of several signaling pathways involving important tissue biomarkers (COX-2, EGFR, VEGF) implicated in cancer aggressiveness and poor clinical outcomes. In order to maintain the tumor growth, cancer cells acquire several adaptations such as neovascularization and metabolic reprogramming. An extensive intracellular production of lactate and protons is observed in tumor cells as a result of their high glycolytic metabolism. This contributes not only for the microenvironment pH alteration but also to shape the immune response that ultimately impairs immune cells capabilities and effector functions.In this chapter, the complexity of tumor microenvironment, with special focus on macrophages, T-lymphocytes, and the impact of lactate efflux, was reviewed, always trying to demonstrate the strong similarities between data from studies of humans and dogs, a widely proposed model for comparative oncology studies.
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Neoplasias , Microambiente Tumoral , Animales , Perros , Células Endoteliales , Glucólisis , MacrófagosRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of dalbavancin against MRSA biofilm-related infection in orthopaedic implants in vivo. METHODS: One MRSA strain isolated from human osteomyelitis was used to promote biofilm formation on the surface of screws. The implants were inserted in the proximal tibia under general anaesthesia. Thirty-nine Wistar rats were divided into three groups [control group (no treatment), Group 1 (7 days of treatment) and Group 2 (14 days of treatment)]; both treatment groups were administered dalbavancin intraperitoneally and euthanized after treatment. cfu of bacteria present in both the tibia and the implant were quantified. The infection severity was assessed by histopathology and scored from 0 (no infection) to 4 (severe infection). RESULTS: The high number of cfu/g and cfu/mL present in the control group indicated a well-established infection. There was a significant reduction in cfu in rats treated with dalbavancin both in the tibia (2.8â×â105 cfu/g) and the implant (1.1â×â106 cfu/mL) in Group 1 (1.8â×â103 cfu/g and 2.4â×â105 cfu/mL, respectively) and in Group 2 (8.2 cfu/g and 8.2â×â103 cfu/mL, respectively). Most animals from the control group presented an infection scored as 3 (severe). At the end of the experiment, most rats from Groups 1 and 2 presented an infection scored as 2 (moderate) and 0 (no infection), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Although there was a marked decrease in cfu number, signs of biofilm-induced infection prevailed after 14 days of treatment. Further studies should be carried out to evaluate the potential of dalbavancin in the treatment of bone and orthopaedic implant-associated MRSA infections.
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Staphylococcus aureus Resistente a Meticilina , Ortopedia , Infecciones Estafilocócicas , Animales , Antibacterianos/uso terapéutico , Biopelículas , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Ratas , Ratas Wistar , Infecciones Estafilocócicas/tratamiento farmacológico , Teicoplanina/análogos & derivadosRESUMEN
The currently used hemostatic agents are highly effective in stopping hemorrhages but have a limited role in the modulation of the wound-healing environment. Herein, we propose an intrinsically bioactive hemostatic cryogel based on platelet lysate (PL) and aldehyde-functionalized cellulose nanocrystals (a-CNCs). PL has attracted great attention as an inexpensive milieu of therapeutically relevant proteins; however, its application as a hemostatic agent exhibits serious constraints (e.g., structural integrity and short shelf-life). The incorporation of a-CNCs reinforced the low-strength PL matrix by covalent cross-linking its amine groups that exhibit an elastic interconnected porous network after full cryogelation. Upon blood immersion, the PL-CNC cryogels absorbed higher volumes of blood at a faster rate than commercial hemostatic porcine gelatin sponges. Simultaneously, the cryogels released biomolecules that increased stem cell proliferation, metabolic activity, and migration as well as downregulated the expression of markers of the fibrinolytic process. In an in vivo liver defect model, PL-CNC cryogels showed similar hemostatic performance in comparison with gelatin sponges and normal material-induced tissue response upon subcutaneous implantation. Overall, owing to their structure and bioactive composition, the proposed PL-CNC cryogels provide an alternative off-the-shelf hemostatic and antibacterial biomaterial with the potential to deliver therapeutically relevant proteins in situ.
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Criogeles , Nanocompuestos , Animales , Gelatina , Hemostasis , Porcinos , Cicatrización de HeridasRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Straelensia cynotis, a trombidioid larval mite, was identified as a cause of nodular dermatitis in dogs in Southern Europe. It has been suggested that red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is a natural host for S. cynotis. However, no case has been reported in this species. OBJECTIVE: To describe three suspected cases of straelensiosis in red foxes. ANIMALS: Three juvenile wild red foxes from Portugal. RESULTS: Erythematous papules and nodules were found in the head, neck and limbs of these foxes with no associated pruritus. In skin biopsies, well-preserved larval mites were found within dilated hair follicles. These follicular lesions were multifocal and consisted of a degenerative and necrotic area nearby the parasite's mouthparts with marked pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia and perifollicular mucinosis. These features are considered pathognomonic in S. cynotis infestations in dogs. Treatment and outcome are outlined. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: To the best of the authors' knowledge, the present case series documents the first known occurrence of nodular dermatitis by Straelensia spp. in red foxes. This new evidence may corroborate participation of the red fox in the life cycle of S. cynotis.
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Dermatitis , Enfermedades de los Perros , Zorros , Ácaros , Animales , Dermatitis/veterinaria , Perros , Europa (Continente) , Zorros/parasitología , PortugalRESUMEN
UNLABELLED: Fifty canine mammary gland tumours (CMGT) (18 benign and 32 malignant) were studied by immunohistochemical detection of active caspase-3 and Ki-67 antigens in order to determine their association with several clinicopathological parameters. The percentage of caspase-3 positive cells was significantly higher in benign tumours as compared to their malignant counterparts (P ≤ 0.001). In the group of malignant tumours there was no significant association between active caspase-3 and the clinicopathological variables considered. The percentage of Ki- 67 positive cells was significantly higher in malignant tumours compared to the benign ones (P ≤ 0.001). In the group of malignant tumours, Ki-67 expression showed a statistically significant association with tumour size (P = 0.025), histological type (P = 0.010), mitotic grade (P ≤ 0.001), nuclear grade (P = 0.025), differentiation grade (P = 0.004), histological grade of malignancy (P = 0.002), and presence of metastases in regional lymph nodes (P = 0.025). Furthermore, this study revealed a negative correlation between the percentages of active caspase-3 and Ki-67 (r = -0.39; P = 0.04). Thus, our results suggest a loss of balance between cell death and cell division in CMGT. KEY WORDS: Apoptosis, caspase-3, Ki.
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Caspasa 3/metabolismo , Enfermedades de los Perros/metabolismo , Antígeno Ki-67/metabolismo , Neoplasias Mamarias Animales/metabolismo , Animales , Apoptosis , Enfermedades de los Perros/diagnóstico , Perros , Femenino , Inmunohistoquímica/veterinaria , Neoplasias Mamarias Animales/diagnósticoRESUMEN
Equine melanocytic tumors are common and have an unusual benign behavior with low invasiveness and metastatic rates. However, tumoral mass growth is usually a concern that can have life-threatening consequences. COX-2 is related to oncogenesis, promoting neoplastic cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of COX-2 in equine melanocytic tumors. Through extension and intensity of labeling, 39 melanocytomas and 38 melanomas were evaluated. Of the malignant tumors, 13.2% were negative and 63.2% presented a low COX-2 expression. Only 6 malignant tumors presented >50% of labeled cells, 18 malignant and 8 benign had an expression between 21 and 50%, 8 malignant and 3 benign tumors had an expression between 6 and 20%, 1 malignant tumor had an expression between 1 and 5%, and 5 malignant and 28 benign tumors had no expression. Malignant tumors showed higher COX-2 expression than did benign tumors, with statistically significant differences. The low levels of COX-2 may be one of the molecular reasons for the presence of expansive mass growth instead of the invasive pattern of other species, which is related to high COX-2 levels.
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Background: Sarcoids and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) are the most concerning equine oncological diseases. Both tumors are challenging to manage due to their invasive behavior and high prevalence of recurrences. Furthermore, SCCs have a propensity to metastasize. Programed cell-death ligand 1 (PD-L1) has been one of the main therapeutic targets for immunotherapy in various human tumors. PD-L1 research in equine tumors is scarce and more efforts are necessary to understand the potential of this biomarker as a therapeutical target. Aim: Evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of PD-L1 in equine sarcoids and SCC. Methods: Thirteen equine tumors (seven sarcoids and 6 SCCs) were tested by immunohistochemistry and evaluated semi quantitatively to assess the percentage of positive cells. Results: None of the sarcoids presented PD-L1 expression. Regarding SCC, 2 tumors presented <10% of labeled cells; 2 tumors presented 10%-25% of labeled cells and 2 tumors presented 25%-50% of labeled cells. There were statistically significant differences between sarcoids and SCC regarding the expression of PD-L1. Conclusion: Our results point to the fact that PD-L1 could be a potential therapeutic target against SCC, and also encourage in-depth studies in this area, with larger sample sizes.
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Antígeno B7-H1 , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas , Enfermedades de los Caballos , Neoplasias Cutáneas , Animales , Caballos , Enfermedades de los Caballos/metabolismo , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas/veterinaria , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas/metabolismo , Antígeno B7-H1/metabolismo , Antígeno B7-H1/genética , Neoplasias Cutáneas/veterinaria , Neoplasias Cutáneas/metabolismo , Neoplasias Cutáneas/genética , Inmunohistoquímica/veterinaria , Femenino , Masculino , Biomarcadores de Tumor/metabolismo , Biomarcadores de Tumor/genéticaRESUMEN
Equine melanomas are a common neoplasm in gray horses. However, scientific knowledge about their progression over time is quite scarce. Some owners and veterinarians still believe that early intervention is not necessary, stating that tumors evolve very slowly and intervention could worsen the animal's condition. This work aims to identify clinical and histological differences that may exist between equine melanomas with different excision intervals (time between tumor detection and surgical excision). A total of 42 tumors (13 benign and 29 malignant) from 34 horses were included in this study. There was a statistically significant association between excision interval and tumor size (p = 0.038), with tumors excised later being significantly larger than the ones excised sooner. The excision interval was also statistically associated with the number of tumors (p = 0.011), since the horses that carried a tumor for longer seemed to be prone to have multiple tumors. Furthermore, there was an association between excision interval and malignancy (p = 0.035), with tumor excised later being fives times more likely to be malignant. This study provides evidence of delayed excision's effect on the progression of equine melanomas. Additionally, it reinforces the importance of the early excision of these tumors.
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BACKGROUND: Cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) and cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play an important role in the development and progression of tumor malignancy in humans and animals, showing that both can influence the tumor microenvironment. However, the impact of these two markers in feline mammary carcinogenesis has not yet been addressed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study, the clinicopathological significance of COX-2 immunoexpression and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)-positive cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) was determined and correlated with disease-free and overall survival of 50 felines with malignant mammary tumors. RESULTS: COX-2 overexpression was positively associated with mitotic index (p=0.031), degree of malignancy (p≤0.001), lymph node metastasis (p≤0.001), vascular invasion (p=0.002), disease recurrence (p=0.019) and distant metastasis (p=0.036). α-SMA-positive CAFs were associated with mitotic index (p=0.004), lymph node metastasis (p=0.027), vascular invasion (p=0.05), disease recurrence (p≤0.001) and distant metastasis (p≤0.001). Additionally, both markers were correlated with disease-free and overall survival, emerging as predictors of poor prognosis. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate for the first time that the presence of two markers, COX-2 and α-SMA, is associated with carcinogenesis and worse prognosis in feline mammary cancer and that α-SMA-positive CAFs have a role in feline mammary tumorigenesis, cancer development, and clinical outcome.
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Neoplasias de la Mama , Fibroblastos Asociados al Cáncer , Humanos , Animales , Gatos , Femenino , Fibroblastos Asociados al Cáncer/metabolismo , Pronóstico , Ciclooxigenasa 2/genética , Ciclooxigenasa 2/metabolismo , Actinas/genética , Actinas/metabolismo , Metástasis Linfática/patología , Recurrencia Local de Neoplasia/patología , Neoplasias de la Mama/patología , Carcinogénesis/metabolismo , Músculo Liso/metabolismo , Fibroblastos/metabolismo , Microambiente TumoralRESUMEN
Transforming growth factor-ß (TGFß) and FoxP3 regulatory T cells (Treg) are involved in human breast carcinogenesis. This topic is not well documented in canine mammary tumors (CMT). In this work, the tumoral TGFß expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry in 67 malignant CMT and its correlation to previously determined FoxP3, VEGF, and CD31 markers and other clinicopathologic parameters was evaluated. The high levels of TGFß were statistically significantly associated with skin ulceration, tumor necrosis, high histological grade of malignancy (HGM), presence of neoplastic intravascular emboli and presence of lymph node metastases. The observed levels of TGFß were positively correlated with intratumoral FoxP3 (strong correlation), VEGF (weak correlation) and CD31 (moderate correlation). Tumors that presented a concurrent high expression of TGFß/FoxP3, TGFß/VEGF, and TGFß/CD31 markers were statistically significantly associated with parameters of tumor malignancy (high HGM, presence of vascular emboli and nodal metastasis). Additionally, shorter overall survival (OS) time was statistically significantly associated with tumors with an abundant TGFß expression and with concurrent high expression of TGFß/FoxP3, TGFß/VEGF, and TGFß/CD31. The presence of lymph node metastasis increased 11 times the risk of disease-related death, arising as an independent predictor of poor prognosis in the multivariable analysis. In conclusion, TGFß and Treg cells seem involved in tumor progression emerging as potential therapeutic targets for future immunotherapy studies.
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Enfermedades de los Perros , Neoplasias Mamarias Animales , Neovascularización Patológica , Factor de Crecimiento Transformador beta , Perros , Animales , Enfermedades de los Perros/inmunología , Femenino , Neoplasias Mamarias Animales/inmunología , Neoplasias Mamarias Animales/metabolismo , Factor de Crecimiento Transformador beta/metabolismo , Pronóstico , Neovascularización Patológica/veterinaria , Factores de Transcripción Forkhead/metabolismo , Biomarcadores de Tumor , Linfocitos T Reguladores/inmunología , Inmunohistoquímica/veterinaria , Factor A de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/metabolismo , AngiogénesisRESUMEN
Transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder is a significant neoplasm in dogs, characterized by a poor prognosis and a high metastatic potential. These canine spontaneous tumors share many characteristics with human transitional cell carcinoma, making them an excellent comparative model. The role of inflammatory infiltration in tumor development and progression is frequently contradictory, especially concerning tumor-associated tissue eosinophils (TATE) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). This study aims to analyze TATE and TAMs in canine transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder. Congo Red staining was used to identify TATE, and immunohistochemistry was performed to detect TAMs in 34 cases of canine transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder carcinomas, categorized into low and high grades. Statistically significant differences were observed between the number of eosinophils and macrophages in the two groups of tumors. The number of TATE was higher in low-grade malignant tumors, but the number of TAMs was higher in high-grade tumors. Our findings suggest the importance of TATEs and TAMs in the aggressiveness of canine transitional cell carcinoma and propose their potential use as therapeutic targets.
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Adult grey horses have a high incidence of melanocytic tumors. This article narratively reviews the role of some genetic features related to melanoma formation in horses, such as STX17 mutation, ASIP or MITF alterations, and the link between the graying process and the development of these tumors. A clear system of clinical and pathological classification of melanocytic tumors in naevus, dermal melanoma, dermal melanomatosis and anaplastic malignant melanoma is provided. Clinical and laboratorial methods of diagnosing are listed, with fine needle aspiration and histopathology being the most relevant. Relevance is given to immunohistochemistry, describing potentially important diagnostic biomarkers such as RACK1 and PNL2. Different therapeutical options available for equine practitioners are mentioned, with surgery, chemotherapy and electroporation being the most common. This article also elucidatesnew fields of research, perspectives, and new therapeutic targets, such as CD47, PD-1 and COX-2 biomarkers.
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The oral cavity of the dog can be the site of several types of pathology including both benign and malignant lesions. The aim of this study was to analyze the frequency and clinical-pathological characteristics of oral lesions present in a cohort of Portuguese dogs. A retrospective observational cross-sectional study on 704 canine oral lesions submitted for histopathological diagnosis to a Veterinary Pathology Center in the north of Portugal from 2010 to 2017 was performed. Gender, age, location of the lesion and the histopathological diagnosis was analysed. From the 704 cases included, 307 (43.6%) were females and 397 (56.4%) males. The mean age was 9.53 ± 3.6 years-old (range 3 to 240 months). The site most frequently affected was the gingiva (n = 283; 40.2%). 342 (48.6%) cases were malignant neoplasms, most represented by oral melanoma (n = 129; 37.7%). 256 (36.4%) cases were benign neoplasms, most represented by fibromatous epulis of periodontal ligament origin/peripheral odontogenic fibroma (FEPLO/POF) (n = 208;81.3%). 106 (15%) were non-neoplastic lesions, most represented by gingival hyperplasia (n = 25, 23.6%). This study provides useful information about frequency and distribution of oral lesions in dogs over a period of eight years allowing valuable comparison with other countries and other species. The most common benign tumours were FEPLO/POF while oral melanoma was the most common malignant tumour.
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Enfermedades de los Perros , Neoplasias Gingivales , Melanoma , Neoplasias de la Boca , Tumores Odontogénicos , Animales , Perros , Femenino , Masculino , Biopsia/veterinaria , Estudios Transversales , Enfermedades de los Perros/diagnóstico , Neoplasias Gingivales/diagnóstico , Neoplasias Gingivales/veterinaria , Melanoma/veterinaria , Neoplasias de la Boca/veterinaria , Neoplasias de la Boca/patología , Tumores Odontogénicos/veterinaria , Patología Bucal , Portugal/epidemiología , Estudios RetrospectivosRESUMEN
Melanocytic tumors are an important neoplastic disease in human and veterinary medicine, presenting large differences regarding tumor behavior between species. In horses, these tumors present a prolonged benign behavior, with rare invasiveness and metastases. In humans and small animals, invasion and metastasis have been associated with an Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition, where the loss of E-cadherin expression plays a key role in tumor progression. This process and the role of E-cadherin have not yet been evaluated in equine melanocytic tumors. This study aimed to assess the immunolabeling of E-cadherin in equine melanocytic tumors and relate this with clinicopathological variables. A total of 72 equine melanocytic tumors were classified as benign and malignant and evaluated by immunohistochemistry for E-cadherin expression. A different pattern of immunostaining was found, contrasting with other species. A total of 69.4% of tumors presented raised immunolabeling of E-cadherin, with 70.7% of melanomas remaining with high expression. The typical loss of immunostaining was not seen in malignant melanomas and no differences were found between benign and malignant melanomas regarding E-cadherin immunostaining. The high immunolabeling of E-cadherin may contribute to the low invasiveness of these tumors, and it is in accordance with the benign behavior of equine melanoma and with the genetic factors associated with its development.
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Currently available treatments for equine melanocytic tumors have limitations, mainly due to mass localization and dimension, or the presence of metastases. Therefore, a search for new therapies is necessary. Programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is expressed by several tumors, blocking T cell-mediated elimination of the tumor cells by binding to programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1). A novel therapeutic approach using PD-1/PD-L1 blockade in human melanoma resulted in tumor regression and prolonged tumor-free survival. This study aimed to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of PD-L1 in equine melanocytic tumors. A total of 77 melanocytic tumors were classified as benign or malignant and evaluated by extension of labeling. A total of 59.7% of the tumors showed >50% of immunolabeled cells. Regarding malignant tumors, 24/38 tumors presented >50% of labeled cells, 13 tumors presented between 25-50% and one tumor presented <10%. Regarding benign tumors, 22/39 tumors presented >50% of labeled cells, nine tumors presented 25-50%, three tumors presented 10-25%, two tumors presented <10% and three tumors did not present expression. Our results suggest that PD-L1 blockade may be a potential target for immunotherapy in equine melanocytic tumors and that future clinical research trials into the clinical efficacy of the anti-PD-L1 antibody are necessary.
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C-terminal tensin-like (tensin-4/TNS4/CTEN) is the fourth member of the tensin family, frequently described as displaying oncological functions, including cellular migration, invasion, adhesion, growth, metastasis, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, and apoptosis, in several different types of cancer. To investigate, for the first time, the clinical significance of CTEN in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of dogs, we studied a total of 45 SCC sections from various dog breeds. The mean age of the affected dogs was 8.9 ± 3.6 years. Immunohistochemistry confirmed strong cytoplasmatic CTEN expression in the basal layer of the epidermis next to the tumor. We detected high CTEN expression associated with the highest grade of the tumor (grade III) and observed 100% of immunopositivity for this tumor grading (p < 0.0001). These data suggest that CTEN is an oncogene in SCC of dogs and a promising biomarker and a therapeutic target for dogs affected by SCC.
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Portugal is the habitat of three species of vultures. According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, Neophron percnopterus is an Endangered species, Aegypius monachus is nearly Threatened, and Gyps fulvus is of Least Concern. This study aims to investigate the admission causes, morbidity, and outcomes of vultures admitted to a wildlife rehabilitation centre and necropsy service in Northern Portugal. Over 17 years (2005-2022), 84 animals were admitted: 10 A. monachus, 69 G. fulvus, and 5 N. percnopterus. The main causes of admission to the centre were 80% (n = 63) unknown cause, 13% (n = 10) found debilitated, 6 % (n = 5) vehicle collision, 4% (n = 3) captivity, 1% (n = 1) gunshot, and 1% (n = 1) electrocution. Most animals were admitted during the summer (45.2%) and autumn (36.9%). Analysis of outcome data showed that 73% (n = 58) of the animals that arrived alive at the centre could be rehabilitated and released back into the wild. Thirteen animals died during treatment and five were found dead. This is the first time that such a lengthy study of results and mortality has been carried out for these species in Portugal. Although the data are limited, they can already provide some information about these populations, particularly for the endangered species that are so rare to observe.
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The Olfactory Bulb is a component of the Olfactory System, in which it plays an essential role as an interface between the peripheral components and the cerebral cortex responsible for olfactory interpretation and discrimination. It is in this element that the first selective integration of olfactory stimuli occurs through a complex cell interaction that forwards the received olfactory information to higher cortical centers. Considering its position in the organizational hierarchy of the olfactory system, it is now known that changes in the Olfactory Bulb can lead to olfactory abnormalities. Through imaging techniques, it was possible to establish relationships between the occurrence of changes secondary to brain aging and senility, neurodegenerative diseases, head trauma, and infectious diseases with a decrease in the size of the Olfactory Bulb and in olfactory acuity. In companion animals, this relationship has also been identified, with observations of relations between the cranial conformation, the disposition, size, and shape of the Olfactory Bulb, and the occurrence of structural alterations associated with diseases with different etiologies. However, greater difficulty in quantitatively assessing olfactory acuity in animals and a manifestly smaller number of studies dedicated to this topic maintain a lack of concrete and unequivocal results in this field of veterinary sciences. The aim of this work is to revisit the Olfactory Bulb in companion animals in all its dimensions, review its anatomy and histological characteristics, physiological integration in the olfactory system, importance as a potential early indicator of the establishment of specific pathologies, as well as techniques of imaging evaluation for its in vivo clinical exploration.