Molecular detection, risk factors, and phylogenetic analysis of tick-borne pathogens in dogs from northern Vietnam

@#In tropical regions, numerous tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) play a crucial role as causative agents of infectious diseases in humans and animals. Recently, the population of companion and pet dogs has significantly increased in Vietnam; however, information on the occurrence of TBPs is still limited. The objectives of this investigation were to determine the occurrence rate, risk factors, and phylogenetic characteristics of TBPs in dogs from northern Vietnam. Of 341 blood samples tested by PCR, the total infection of TBPs was 73.9% (252/341). Babesia vogeli (18SrRNA gene – 30.5%) was detected most frequently in studied dogs followed by Rickettsia spp. (OmpA gene – 27%), Anaplasma platys (groEL gene – 22%), Bartonella spp. (16SrRNA – 18.8%), Mycoplasma haemocanis (16SrRNA – 9.4%) and Hepatozoon canis (18SrRNA gene – 1.2%), respectively. All samples were negative for Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma phagocytophylum. Co-infection was detected in 31.4% of the samples (107/341) of which, A. platys/Bartonella spp. (34/94,10%), Rickettsia spp./B. vogeli (19/94, 5.6%), and M. haemocanis/B. vogeli (19/94, 5.6%) were recorded as the three most frequent two species of co-infection types. Statistical analysis revealed a significant correlation between TBP infection and several host variables regarding age, breed, and living area in the current study. The recent findings reported herein, for the first time in Vietnam, are essential for local veterinarians when considering the appropriate approaches for diagnosing these diseases. Furthermore, this data can be used to establish control measures for future surveillance and prevention strategies against canine TBPs in Vietnam.

Evaluation of medical and lateral meniscus thicknesses in early osteoarthritis of the knee with magnetic resonance imaging

To evaluate early changes occurring in both medial and lateral meniscus thickness from the knees of patients with osteoarthritis [OA]. We conducted this study in the Department of Anatomy and Division of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey during the period 2004 to 2005. In this study, we measured the thickness of the medial and lateral meniscus in a group of 36 [50 knees] consecutive patients with chronic knee pain, and clinical findings of early OA, and 10 [20 knees] control subjects using MRI. The thickness of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus and anterior horn of the lateral meniscus were significantly higher in the OA patients compared with the control subjects. This study showed that meniscal degeneration in early stage OA is not evenly distributed in the knee. Thickening of the menisci in some areas may occur due to their own localization and biomechanics

Usefulness of histochemistry and immunohistochemistry in assessing the diagnosis and treatment strategies of mammary and extramammary Paget's disease

In this study, nine cases of mammary Paget's disease [MPD] without palpable breast lump and two cases of extramammary Paget's disease [EMPD] of axilla were selected and evaluated. Histochemical and immunohistochemical studies were performed to assess their value in diagnosis and in planning further treatment strategy. The study concluded that with using a panel of selected commercially available antibodies, the diagnosis of Paget's disease could be accurately performed. CK7 is an indispensable diagnostic tool, most applicable for surgical margin control and most sensitive in the detection of early pagetoid changes. Mucin stains, when positive, are beneficial and cost-effective. So, in cases of MPD without underlying palpable lump and -ve mammography, breast conserving therapy was recommended [excision of the nipple areola complex, followed by radiotherapy] but with a wide safety margin. Also, in cases of EMPD, a wide safety margin is needed. To delineate the safety margin accurately, multiple punch biopsies at different distances from the border of the involved area should be taken and stained with CK7 to detect single Paget's cells

[Radiological changes of rickets in children]

RICKETS: Rickets in children in the bone disorders caused by lack of vitamin D.Vitamin D deficiency may occur when there is inadequate intake of vitamin D and insufficient exposure to the ultraviolet rays. It is more likely to occur, however, during periods of rapid growth, and produce the most marked changes in the bones - abnormal bone growth. It is uncommon in tile first 3 months. Our study includes the following: 1 - Studying the clinical findings of rickets. 2 - Studying the laboratory findings. 3 - Studying the X - Ray findings. 4 - Studying the complications and prognosis of rickets. We found that the early diagnosis, sufficient and regular treatment and preventive procedures are of great importance to avoid the undesired complication such as deformities of the limbs.The incidence of rickets in our study was [3.9%] of all diseased children in University Aleppo Hospital