Short communication: Differences in distribution of serotonin receptor subtypes in the mammary gland of sheep, goats, and cows during lactation and involution.

Serotonin receptors (5-HTR) are present in the mammary tissue of mouse, humans, cows, and rats. In these species, serotonin is important for the mammary gland function and lactation performance. The mammary gland expression of 5-HTR in small dairy ruminants has yet to be described. In the present study, primer sequences were developed to amplify 5-HTR (1A, 1D, 1E,1B, 1F, 2A, 2B, 2C, 3a, 4, 5a, 6, and 7) using real-time quantitative PCR for the detection of mRNA expression in mammary tissue of dairy sheep, goats, and cows. The distribution of commonly expressed 5-HTR between the 3 species (1B, 1E, 2A, 2B, 4, and 7) was analyzed in the mammary tissue of late-lactation and dried-off sheep, goats, and cows using immunohistochemical staining. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis showed that the 3 studied species expressed receptors 5-HTR1B, 1E, 2A, 2B, 4, and 7. Goats and sheep expressed 5-HTR1D and 5a; 5-HTR1A and 1F were expressed only in sheep. The mammary epithelial cells were positively stained for all the studied receptors by immunohistochemistry (5-HTR1B, 1E, 2A, 2B, 4, and 7). The endothelial cells of blood vessels were positively stained for 5-HTR1B, 2A, 2B, and 7 in all the species. Additionally, 5-HTR1E was present in cow endothelium. The myoepithelial cells stained positively for 5-HTR1E in all the species, and 5-HTR4 myoepithelial staining was present only in cows and sheep. Between the lactating and dried-off mammary glands, the location of 5-HTR in the epithelial cells changed from a cytoplasmic reaction in lactating udders to a reaction in the apical region in dry udders. These results showed that the distribution of 5-HTR subtypes in the mammary gland of dairy ruminants vary among species, tissue type, and stage of gland development. These findings warrant future studies aimed at understanding whether the differences in 5-HTR subtype expression and location accounts for the differences in milk secretion and lactocyte activity among cows, goats, and sheep.

Seasonal variation of HUS occurrence and VTEC infection in children with acute diarrhoea from Argentina.

In order to study the seasonality of haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) and verotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) infection in children, 437 patients under 6 years of age with acute diarrhoea were studied, 8% of whom progressed to HUS. VTEC was found in 10% of all of the stool samples analysed and seasonal occurrence of HUS (p < 0.01) was confirmed. VTEC infection was more prevalent in warm months, although the differences were not statistically significant. Moreover, a significant difference in the detection of O157:H7 serotype and in the vt profile between cold and warm months (autumn and winter; spring and summer, respectively) was established. The O157:H7 serotype was isolated more frequently during warm months. Moreover, a predominance of vt (2) was noted, which was partially replaced by the combination of vt (1) with vt (2) in the cold season. The results of this study indicate the seasonal variation of the disease and the presence of serotype O157:H7 and the vt types. They also reinforce the need to develop prevention programmes considering the seasonal pattern of the disease, which would generate an impact on public health. Control strategies of the pathogen in cattle in the most risky season of the year would also be of benefit.

[Utility of bispectral vs auditory evoked potential monitoring during anesthetic maintenance in combined sevoflurane-regional anesthesia in pediatric patients: comparison with standard practice]. / Utilidad del BIS y AEP monitor/2 para el mantenimiento de la anestesia combinada sevoflurano-regional, comparada con la práctica estándar en población pediátrica.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the indices computed by a bispectral (BIS) monitor and an auditory evoked potential (AEP) monitor during maintenance of anesthesia in pediatric patients. A secondary objective was to compare anesthetic consumption and recovery times. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients aged 6 months to 12 years under inhaled anesthesia with sevoflurane were administered a penile or caudal nerve block. BIS and AEP monitoring was then started. The patients were randomized to 3 groups in which the sevoflurane dosage was guided by the BIS index, the A-line ARX index (AAI), or standard procedures (control group). The BIS index, the AAI, the fraction of expired sevoflurane, hemodynamic parameters, and recovery time were the variables recorded for all patients. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients were enrolled. Significant differences between the 2 monitor groups were observed. The mean (SD) AAI was lower in patients whose dosage was controlled by the BIS index (19 [2]) than in those whose dosage was based on the AEP monitor's reading (22 [4]) (P=.04). According to a Bland and Altman plot, there was good agreement between the BIS index and the AAI except for the highest and, in particular, the lowest values. The volumes of sevoflurane used and the recovery times were similar between groups. There was a positive correlation between the 2 indices (Pearson correlation coefficient, 0.207; P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: BIS monitoring provided a more stable index than did AEP monitoring and BIS-index guidance achieved a deeper level of hypnosis. There was good correlation between the 2 indices during maintenance of anesthesia. Neither monitor offered advantages over standard procedures with regard to movement, volume of anesthetic consumed, or recovery time.

Trends in the management of urolithiasis in Latin America, Spain and Portugal: results of a survey in the Confederación Americana de Urología (CAU). / Tendencias en el manejo de la litiasis urinaria en América Latina, España y Portugal: resultados de una encuesta en la Confederación Americana de Urología (CAU).

OBJECTIVE: To describe the trends in the current management of urolithiasis in the Confederación Americana de Urología (CAU) setting to recognise patterns of clinical practice and identify educational needs. MATERIAL AND METHOD: An online survey was created with 31 multiple-choice questions (Spanish and Portuguese) through www.caunet.org, which revealed demographic data, patterns of clinical practice and approaches for specific clinical conditions. RESULTS: A total of 463 practitioners from Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Spain, Colombia, Chile and other countries (3.96% of the members of CAU) completed the survey. All participants performed some type of urolithiasis treatment: 98.5% performed semirigid ureteroscopy (URS), 83.8% performed percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), 78.2% performed flexible URS, and 67.2% performed extracorporeal lithotripsy. The youngest physicians tended to perform PCNL (P<.001), and the proportion of users of flexible URS was greater in the Portuguese countries (P=.037). The main energy source was laser (60.7%). Small-calibre PCNL was performed by 15.3% of the respondents, more often in university hospitals (P<.01) and by older practitioners (P<.01). Only 3.2% of the respondents used percutaneous access to the kidney guided exclusively by ultrasound, especially the older practitioners (P<.001). The supine position was used by 40.4% of the respondents, more often in Spain (P<.001) and in the university setting (P=.017). PCNL without nephrostomy was practiced by 3.9% of the respondents. For flexible URS, 19.2% of the respondents did not use ureteral access sheaths, and the older practitioners preferred thinner calibre sheaths (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: The management of lithiasis in the CAU setting follows a profile similar to that recognised in the European and American clinical guidelines, although there are interesting variations based on the practitioner's age and preferences. We identified potential areas for improvement in small-calibre PCNL and ultrasound-guided puncture.

Retrospective study of foreign body-associated pathology in stranded cetaceans, Canary Islands (2000-2015).

Marine pollution, overrepresented by plastic, is a growing concern worldwide. However, there is little knowledge on occurrence and detrimental impacts of marine debris in cetaceans. To partially fill in this gap of knowledge, we aimed to investigate the occurrence and pathologies associated with foreign bodies (FBs) in a large cohort of cetaceans (n = 465) stranded in the Canary Islands. The Canary Islands shelter the greatest cetacean biodiversity in Europe, with up to 30 different species, of which nine are regularly present year around. We found at least one ingested FB in 36 out of 465 (7.74%) studied cetaceans, involving 15 different species, including eight out of the nine (80%) cetacean species present year-round in the Canary Islands. Risso's dolphin was the species most affected, followed by sperm whale, beaked whale and mysticetes. Plastic FB were the most common item found (80.56%). FB was directly associated with death in 13/36 (36.11%) animals. Poor body condition and deep diving behavior were found to be risk factors for FB ingestion, whereas the adult age was a protective factor. To the authors knowledge this is the first study that use statistical analysis to investigate risk and protective factors for FB ingestion. This study also provides insights of the potential impact caused by ingested FBs on the animal's health and mortality. This knowledge is critical to better understand and assess the impact of FB in cetaceans setting the scientific basis for prospective impact monitoring and future conservation policies.

Computed tomographic anatomy of the head of the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta).

The heads of three loggerhead sea turtles were disarticulated and imaged immediately to minimize postmortem changes and then frozen and sectioned. For computed tomography (CT) imaging, the heads were positioned in ventral recumbency. Transverse CT images with soft-tissue window were obtained from the olfactory sac region to the temporomandibular joint region. After CT imaging, the heads were sectioned and the gross sections were compared to CT images, to assist in the accurate identification of the anatomic structures. Different clinically relevant anatomic structures were identified and labelled in two series of photographs (CT images and anatomic cross-sections). CT images provided good differentiation between the bones and the soft tissues of the head. The information presented in this paper should serve as an initial reference to evaluate CT images of the head of the loggerhead sea turtle and to assist in the interpretation of lesions of this region.

Sectional anatomic and computed tomography features of the nasal and oral cavities of the one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius).

The purpose of the study was to provide a description of normal cross-sectional anatomy of the camel nasal and oral cavities using computed tomography (CT) and macroscopic cross-sections. Transverse images of two isolated camel cadaver heads were obtained by an axial CT equipment. Computed tomography scans were processed with a detailed algorithm using nasal and soft tissue windows settings and compared with the corresponding frozen cross-sections of the heads, to assist in the accurate identification of nasal and oral structures. In our study, nasal window provided excellent anatomic details of nasal conchae, bones and teeth; however, other soft tissue components of the nasal and oral cavities are better differentiated using a soft tissue window. These CT images are intended to be a useful anatomic reference in the interpretation for clinical CT imaging studies of the nasal and oral cavities in dromedary camels.

Fusiform dilatations of the esophagus secondary to protracted distention and emetogenic injury.

We report the case of a 74-year-old woman who presented with a 2-year history of dysphagia, weight loss, nausea, and vomiting. She was diagnosed as having secondary achalasia due to external compression probably by a tumor of the lower part of the esophagus. At autopsy, however, no tumor was found at that site, whereas a pancreatic microcystic serous adenoma and multiple gastric leiomyomata--one of which occupied the pyloric sphincter area leading to gastric outlet obstruction--were noted. The esophagus displayed two fusiform dilatations located at the lower and midportions, the latter being associated with rupture and necrosis of the muscularis and adventitial wall layers. The lower dilatation showed only attenuation of the muscularis, without necrosis. The epithelium was intact in both dilatations. This was an unusual series of pathogenetic events, leading from gastric outlet obstruction to secondary achalasia and protracted vomiting, followed by spontaneous partial esophageal wall rupture (a variant of intramural hematoma) or atrophy of the muscularis, morphologically evident as fusiform dilatations.

Pathology of pulmonary hypertension and schistosomiasis mansoni.

We report a case of a 33-year-old woman with grade IV pulmonary hypertension and end stage cor pulmonale secondary to chronic schistosomiasis (bilharziasis). The pathophysiology and morphologic features are discussed. Schistosomiasis is an important etiology to consider in the differential diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension.

[Partial ventriculectomy in a child--the Batista technique]. / Ventriculectomia parcial em criança--técnica de Batista.

We present the case of a two and a half year old child with idiopatic dilated cardiomyopathy and end-stage congestive heart failure (NYHA III-IV) who underwent "partial ventriculectomy". The operation was performed under normothermic cardiopulmorary bypass and normothermic oxygenated blood cardioplegia and consisted of removal of a large wedge of muscle from the lateral wall of the left ventricle beginning at the apex and extending between the papillary muscles, ending proximal to the mitral annulus. Pre-operative the left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) was 13% by echocardiography and 20% by radionuclide ventriculography. Postoperative avaliation showed improvement of EF to 50% and 30%, respectively. The child was in functional class I (NYHA) on discharge from hospital (16th postoperative day).

[Ultrasonic diagnosis of cleft lip and palate. Differential diagnosis. Case presentations]. / Diagnóstico por ultrasonografía de labio y paladar hendido. Diagnóstico diferencial. Presentación de casos.

The ultrasound belongs to the paraclinics group of diagnostical image. This procedure was incorporated in a total form in the modern medicine. In obstetrics it occupies an important place, since it permits us the study and evaluation of the gestations, from the first to the last weeks. The alterations of the fetus are detected in a high percent, in which we can found cleft palate. This work shows us a review of theme and presents two cases diagnosed and the technics used to detect the pathology. In both cases the ultrasonography was of great utility to detect this kind of alterations that affect the product's face and mouth. In the future the ultrasonography will be a fundamental procedure in the fetal surgery.

[Genitourinary rhabdomyosarcoma in childhood]. / Rabdomiosarcomas genitourinarios en la infancia.

We present the result obtained by GICOP in the treatment of 12 genitourinary rhabdomyosarcoma, located in vagina-uterus (5), bladder-prostate (4) and paratesticular (3). The age of the patients ranging from 1 to 15 years. Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma was the most common histologic type (58 for 100) being the major number of cases in stadium II. The treatment was based in the combination of chemotherapy protocolised with vincristine, d-actinomycin, cyclophosphamide (VAC), vincristine, adriamycin (VAC-VAD) and/or iphosphamide, vincristine, d-actinomycin (IVA), use of radiotherapy, marrow auto-transplantation and radical surgery avoidance. Complete remission was achieved in 11 out of 12 cases (92 for 100), relapsing in 5 cases (38 for 100) of which 4 (80 for 100) achieved a second remission. An 82 for 100 disease free survival was achieved in a 5 year period.

Biliary tract disease due to Fasciola hepatica: report of a case.

We report a case of a 23 year old woman who presented with symptoms of biliary tract disease to our University Hospital in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. A diagnosis of chronic cholelithiasis was made and the patient was taken to surgery. An adult Fasciola hepatica was recovered from the common bile duct. We review the pathobiology of this uncommon zoonosis.

Distribution pattern of muscle fibre types in soft palate of the dog (Canis familiaris, L.).

Distribution pattern of fibre types was studied in the muscles of the soft palate (palatinus, levator veli palatini and tensor veli palatini muscles) in the dog. The fibrillar classification was based on using histochemistry and immunohistochemistry methods: myofibrillar adenosine thriphosphatase (mATPase) to different pH of pre-incubation; nicotine adenine dinucleotide (reduced) tetrazolium reductase (NADH-TR) and finally, application of specific monoclonal antibodies against myosin heavy chain isoforms I, IIa and IIx. In the palatinus and levator veli palatini muscles, pure type I fibres and the hybrid type IIax and IIc were shown, with a checkerboard distribution in the first and a clear predominance of hybrid fibre types (about 98% of the total population) in levator veli palatini muscle. On the other hand, in the tensor veli palatini muscle, type IIx and IIm fibres were identified (fast-twitch fibres related to fast-moving muscles and the powerful jaw muscles of carnivores). The tensor veli palatini muscle had a different distribution and fibrillar composition with predominantly type IIm fibres in its central zone, whilst the peripheral zone was primarily type I and IIx fibres.

Three-dimensional MRA study of the normal canine thorax: MIP sections and volume rendering.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of three-dimensional contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (3D-CE-MRA) for the non-invasive anatomical evaluation of the thoracic vasculature in five normal Beagles. After intravenous gadolinium administration and a cardio-respiratory gating protocol, fast 3D gradient echo pulse sequence MRA was performed employing a 1.5 Tesla magnet and a human thorax coil. Three-dimensional vascular software was applied. Sagittal, transverse and dorsal maximum intensity projection (MIP) sections and volume rendering (VR) images were obtained and labelled. Anatomical literature, dissections and gross sections were employed to assist the identification of the vascular structures. With improvements in scanner technology, MIP sections and VR images are a promising, non-invasive and accurate method of evaluating the canine thoracic vasculature. Images provide a reference material for clinical studies of the canine thorax for radiologist-surgeon teamwork assessment and also encourage the development of this technique in veterinary medicine.

Frecuencia de úlceras digitales en esclerodermia / Digital ulcers frequency in scleroderma

Nuestro objetivo fue describir la frecuencia de úlceras digitales en una población de pacientes con Esclerosis Sistémica y comparar las características clínicas de los que desarrollaron úlceras de los que no lo hicieron. Se incluyeron en forma retrospectiva pacientes que cumplían criterios ACR para Esclerosis Sistémica. Se recolectaron datos demográficos, clínicos y serológicos de las historias clínicas. Se clasificó a los pacientes en dos grupos: un Grupo A con úlceras digitales y Grupo B aquellos pacientes sin antecedentes de úlceras digitales. Se compararon ambos grupos. Se estudiaron 60 pacientes con diagnóstico de Esclerosis Sistémica, 33% subtipo difuso, edad promedio al diagnóstico de 50,75 ± 14,75 años, el 15% (9 pacientes) eran de sexo masculino. La frecuencia de úlceras digitales fue de 33,33% (n=20). Los pacientes del grupo A eran más jóvenes al momento del diagnóstico (p=0,03) y tenían más tiempo de evolución de la enfermedad (pNS). En este grupo, fue más frecuente la forma difusa (p=0,002) y el fenómeno de Raynaud se inició a edades más precoces (p=0,006). Los pacientes del grupo A presentaron menor capacidad funcional, medida por HAQ score, y mayor frecuencia de patente tardía en la capilaroscopia, aunque no fue estadísticamente significativo. La totalidad de los pacientes de género masculino (n=9) tuvieron úlceras digitales (p <0,0001).Conclusión: El desarrollo de úlceras digitales en nuestro estudio se asoció a inicio más precoz de la enfermedad, a sexo masculino, a la forma difusa y a inicio más temprano de fenómeno de Raynaud.

The aim of this study was to describe digital ulcer frequency ina patient population with Systemic Sclerosis and to compare theclinical features of those who developed ulcers with those who didnot. Retrospectively, patients meeting ACR criteria for SystemicSclerosis were included. Demographic, clinical, and serologicalinformation was obtained from medical records. Patients wereclassified into two groups: Group A comprised patients with digitalulcers, while Group B included patients with no digital ulcers ontheir records. Findings for both groups were compared. We studied60 patients diagnosed with Systemic Sclerosis, 33% with diffusecutaneous subset, the mean age at the time of diagnosis was 50.75± 14.75 years, 15% (9 patients) were males. The frequency of digitalulcers was 33.33% (n=20). Group A patients were younger at thetime of diagnosis (p=0.03) and had longer time of evolution (pNS).The diffuse variant was more frequent in this group (p=0.002) andRaynaud’s phenomenon onset occurred at earlier ages (p=0.006).All male patients (n=9) entered into the study had digital ulcers (p<0.0001).Conclusions: In our study, development of digital ulcers wasassociated with an earlier onset of disease, males, diffuse subsetand an earlier onset of Raynaud’s phenomenon.

CT-soft tissue window of the cranial abdomen in clinically normal dogs: an anatomical description using macroscopic cross-sections with vascular injection.

The aim of this study was to provide a detailed anatomic atlas of the cranial abdomen by means of computed tomography (CT). Three mature dogs, all mixed breed males, were used. The dogs were sedated, anaesthetized and positioned in sternal recumbency. CT scans from the eighth thoracic vertebra to the fourth lumbar vertebra were performed using a third-generation equipment (TOSHIBA 600HQ scanner) with 1 cm slice thickness. CT-images of the cranial abdomen were taken with soft-tissue window (WL: -14, WW: 658) settings. Dogs were killed and vascular-injection technique was performed: red and blue latex filled the vascular system. Injected dogs were frozen in the same position as used for CT examination and sectioned with an electric bandsaw at 1-cm-thick intervals. The cuts matched as closely as possible to the CT-images. The anatomic sections were compared and studied with the corresponding CT-images, and clinically relevant abdominal anatomic structures were identified and labelled on the corresponding CT-images. The results of our study could be used as a reference for evaluating CT-images of the canine cranial abdomen with abdominal diseases.