Water Treatment by Magnetic Field Increases Bone Mineral Density of Rats.

Water treatment using a magnetic field is an attractive but controversial issue with regard to its effects on human health. This study aimed to investigate the effects of water treatment using a magnetic field on the bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), bone area (BA), bone resistance (BR), blood gas analysis, blood viscosity, and blood biochemical profile of rats. Forty-eight Wistar rats were divided into 2 groups: control (n = 24) and magnetic water-treated (n = 24). Each of these groups was subdivided into 3 groups to evaluate 3 consumption periods (15, 30, and 45 d). The animals were kept in metabolic cages throughout the experiment. A completely randomized design distributed to a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement was used. No significant difference was found in the water intake, dry matter intake, BA, or femoral head resistance between the groups. However, higher anion gap and lower CHCO3 were found in the arterial blood of the magnetic water-treated group. There was significant interaction between the water consumption period and the BR, BMD, and BMC. With 15 d of consumption, there was no difference in the BMC and BR. With 30 d of consumption, the BR (midshaft), BMD, and BMC showed increases; the increases were greater with 45 d of consumption. In adulthood, every month of the animal is approximately equivalent to 2.5 human years. The consumption of water treated by magnetic field for 45 d provided an effective way to improve BMD, BMC and BR in rats.

Cellular response in the tick feeding site in crossbred cattle artificially infested by Rhipicephalus microplus.

Ticks and tick-borne diseases are of global importance and can cause serious economic losses to cattle-raising businesses. However, only few attempts have been made to describe the relationships between various cellular immune components and tick counts of, and therefore resistance to, Rhipicephalus microplus. The present study evaluated the late inflammatory cellular response and dermal dendritic cells at the attachment site in naturally presensitized bovines, artificially infested by R. microplus ticks. Twenty-two crossbred (Holstein × Gir) male experimental cattle were artificially infested with approximately 10,000 larvae of R. microplus. Parasitic infestation was determined by counting the engorged female ticks (4.5-8.0 mm in diameter) at the 21st day after artificial infestation. Biopsies (6 mm) were taken prior to the infestation and along with the tick count from the right pinna of each animal, and examined with histological techniques and immunohistochemistry using S100 protein. Inflammatory cell counts were conducted in the sections stained with the May-Grünwald Giemsa technique, and immunostained dermal dendritic cells were evaluated and classified in scores ranging from 0 to 4. An average of 39.2 ticks per animal was found. Eosinophils (47.8%) constituted the major portion of the cellular infiltrate, followed by mononuclear cells (28.3%), neutrophils (14.4%), and basophils (0% to approximately 2%). The dendritic cell count shows a considerable population in the dermis, with pre- and post-infestation mean scores of 1.54 and 1.89, respectively; these scores were not significantly different. Our results pointed out the importance of the cellular response in the cattle resistance to ticks.

Effects of High-Biotin Sample Interference on Antibody Concentrations in Sandwich Immunoassays.

The use of antimicrobial growth promoters (AGPs) is banned because of problems associated with drug residues in animal products and increased bacterial resistance. The immunization of chickens with specific antigens is a promising strategy for generating specific antibodies that can target a wide range of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and can be used as an alternative to antibiotics. Immunoglobulin Y (IgY) antibodies in a polyclonal antibody (pAb) format, when administered orally, modulate the ruminal microbiome and maintain animal health and performance; however, there are concerns pertaining to protein impurities and biotin concentrations in the samples. Signal amplification strategies involving the noncovalent interaction of biotin with streptavidin is extensively used in diagnosis and scientific research, particularly in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). However, the high concentrations of biotin in samples, especially in those derived from rich sources such as egg yolk, can pose challenges and potentially harm the accuracy of diagnostic tests and protein concentration measurements. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of biotin on the measurement of IgY in freeze-dried egg yolk samples obtained from immunized laying hens using immunoassays with biotin-avidin/streptavidin. The detection of IgY in yolk samples using ELISA with streptavidin-biotin binding could lead to misdiagnosis due to biotin interference; the level of interference varies with the specific assay conditions and the concentration of biotin in the yolk samples. An ELISA without streptavidin-biotin binding is advisable to avoid interactions between biotin and target proteins, prevent biotin interference with the results, and achieve more reliable and accurate results.

Inborn Errors of Metabolism in Dogs: Historical, Metabolic, Genetic, and Clinical Aspects.

Inborn errors of metabolism are genetic disorders caused by a block in a metabolic pathway, affecting both humans and animals. Individually, they are rare diseases, but as a group they are relatively common. As most of them have recessive inheritance, a new case may seem like just a sporadic case. The high degree of inbreeding in dog breeds increases the frequency of heterozygotes in populations, maintaining mutations (variants) in healthy individuals and, consequently, increasing the risk of disease recurrence (homozygotes). General practitioners' familiarization with this subject is a significant factor in identifying new cases, contributing to increased knowledge about inborn errors of metabolism and their control. To help general practitioners, we use a clinical genetics approach covering key genetic, metabolic, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects, offering an overview that integrates knowledge about these diseases in dogs and humans.

Angiofibroma of the Nasal Cavity in a Dog: Case Report.

Nasopharyngeal angiofibroma is a histologic benign but locally aggressive vascular tumor described in humans. The description of this disease in dogs is limited. A mixed-breed female dog was presented with a history of epistaxis and nasal discharge. Rhinoscopy and computed tomography revealed a soft-tissue mass obstructing the entire nasal cavity, choana, maxillary recess, and right frontal sinus, but there was no bone or lymph node involvement. Histopathologic evaluation revealed irregular groups of blood vessels within a stroma of connective tissue, with secondary inflammation. Immunohistochemistry showed strong vimentin staining, mild factor VIII-related antigen staining, and negative staining for S100. The patient underwent tumor resection with fenestration surgery through the right maxillary bone, and there was tumor recurrence one year after surgery. This case report describes new findings regarding the immunohistochemical evaluation of nasopharyngeal angiofibroma in a dog. The laboratory and imaging findings, associated with a long-term follow-up, reinforce similar features between human and canine angiofibroma and may serve as a basis for immunohistochemical evaluation of this tumor in dogs.

Polypropylene mesh inhibits post-laminectomy compressive scar formation in rabbits: Histopathological and computational morphometric evaluation.

We evaluated the effect of polypropylene mesh placement on post-laminectomy compressive scar formation in rabbits. Twenty-two white male New Zealand rabbits were distributed into two groups (n = 11). In the control group, the animals underwent lumbosacral laminectomy, whereas in the mesh group, the rabbits were submitted to lumbosacral laminectomy followed by the attachment of a polypropylene mesh to the vertebrae by the application of N-butyl cyanoacrylate. After eight weeks, the rabbits were euthanized, and the laminectomy area was collected for macro- and microscopic analyses. Macroscopically, we evaluated the (1) vertebral canal height; (2) laminectomy width and (3) length; and (4) fibrosis width, (5) height, and (6) length. Microscopically, we evaluated (7) fibroblasts; (8) the thickness of the dura-mater; and (9) the distance between the dura-mater and the laminectomy area. Macroscopically, there were no differences between the groups regarding vertebral canal height; width and length of the laminectomy; and fibrosis width. However, the height, and length of fibrosis were smaller in the mesh group. Microscopically, there were no differences in dura mater thickness and the distance between the dura mater and laminectomy area, but fewer fibroblasts were observed in the mesh group. This indicated that the polypropylene mesh improved tissue repair, with greater tissue organization. The results demonstrate that the use of a polypropylene mesh in the treatment of post-laminectomy wounds in rabbits reduces the severity of compressive fibrous scar formation. Polypropylene mesh is presented as a good alternative to reduce complications associated with laminectomy surgeries.

A Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia Arising From a New Mutation in a Yorkshire Terrier Dog.

Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasias (HED) constitute a group of genetic disorders that affect ectodermal derivatives such as sweat glands, sebaceous glands, hair, and teeth. The vast majority of cases of HED are caused by a recessive mutation of the EDA gene located in the X chromosome. In these cases, affected individuals are usually male and have alopecia and hypotrichosis with characteristic distribution, in addition to malformed teeth and fewer than normal. From a canine HED isolated case (proband) andc in order to verify if this emerged from a new mutation, it was possible to construct a pedigree with 5 generations and 93 individuals representing an extended and informative family. The proband's mother crossed with 2 different males and generated 33 descendants in 9 gestations: 1 affected male (proband), 15 normal males, and 17 normal females, which together can be considered as 1 sibship. Through Bayesian inference, it was possible to establish that this case originated from a new mutation, with a 99.99% probability of the mother of the proband not being a carrier.

Inflammatory Mammary Carcinoma in a Male Dog-Case Report.

Inflammatory mammary carcinoma (IMC) is a rare and aggressive variant of a malignant mammary tumor. The present report describes the case of a male dog with clinical and histopathologic signs suggestive of IMC. The patient was presented to our clinic with painful and erythematous skin over the ventral abdomen, as well as preputial and left hind limb edema apparently associated with ill-defined nodules in the caudal mammary region. Cytologic examination of the nodules suggested the presence of a malignant epithelial tumor. Histopathology revealed anaplastic carcinoma with embolization in the dermal lymphatics. Immunohistochemistry showed cyclooxygenase-2 and E-cadherin expression in the neoplastic cells. The patient died 35 days after initial evaluation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first published case describing IMC in a male dog.

Comparison of the Efficacy of Surgical Decompression Alone and Combined With Canine Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cell Transplantation in Dogs With Acute Thoracolumbar Disk Disease and Spinal Cord Injury.

Paraparesis and paraplegia are common conditions in dogs, most often caused by a disc herniation in the thoracolumbar spinal segments (T3-L3), which is a neurological emergency. Surgical decompression should be performed as soon as possible when spinal compression is revealed by myelography, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging. Mesenchymal stem-cell therapy is a promising adjunct treatment for spinal cord injury. This study sought to compare the effects of surgical decompression alone and combined with an allogeneic transplantation of canine adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (cAd-MSCs) in the treatment of dogs with acute paraplegia. Twenty-two adult dogs of different breeds with acute paraplegia resulting from a Hansen type I disc herniation in the thoracolumbar region (T3-L3) were evaluated using computed tomography. All dogs had grade IV or V lesions and underwent surgery within 7 days after symptom onset. They were randomly assigned into two groups, 11 dogs in each. The dogs in Group I underwent hemilaminectomy, and those in Group II underwent hemilaminectomy and cAd-MSC epidural transplantation. In both groups, all dogs with grade IV lesions recovered locomotion. The median locomotion recovery period was 7 days for Group II and 21 days for Group I, and this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Moreover, the median length of hospitalization after the surgery was statistically different between the two groups (Group I, 4 days; Group II, 3 days; p < 0.05). There were no statistically significant between-group differences regarding the number of animals with grade IV or V lesions that recovered locomotion and nociception. In conclusion, compared with surgical decompression alone, the use of epidural cAd-MSC transplantation with surgical decompression may contribute to faster locomotor recovery in dogs with acute paraplegia and reduce the length of post-surgery hospitalization.

Effects of dietary vitamin E on the wound healing induced in Oreochromis niloticus / Efeitos da suplementação com vitamina E na cicatrização de feridas induzidas em Oreochromis niloticus

In the present study, the effect of vitamin E supplementation 450 mg/kg diet was appraised in the process of induced wound healing in Nile tilapias Oreochromis niloticus. Fish were distributed into 18 tanks (10 fish each). Nine tanks were fed the non-supplemented diet and the other 9 tanks were fed 450 mg vitamin E for 60 days. Subsequently, the fish were anesthetized and the epidermis and dermis were surgically removed. The rate of cicatricial retraction and appearance of the wounds, and the histomorphometry of mucous cells, chromatophores, revascularization, inflammatory cells, presence of fibroblasts, collagen fibers, and scales were checked after 3-, 7-, 14-, 21-, and 28-days post-wounding. The retraction rate of the wound was significantly higher in the supplemented fish. The higher concentrations of inflammatory cells, mucous cells, and chromatophores, as well as the production and organization of collagen fibers, resulted in a higher retraction rate. We concluded that a dietary supplementation diet improves specific aspects of the cutaneous healing process in Nile tilapia fish.(AU)

No presente estudo, o efeito da suplementação com vitamina E de 450 mg / kg de dieta foi avaliado no processo de cicatrização induzida de feridas em tilápias do Nilo, Oreochromis niloticus. Os peixes foram distribuídos em 18 tanques (N=10), sendo 9 tanques com dieta não suplementada e os outros 9 tanques suplementados com 450 mg de vitamina E por 60 dias. Posteriormente, os peixes foram anestesiados e a epiderme e derme foram removidas cirurgicamente. Nos tempos pré-determinado de 3, 7, 14, 21 e 28 dias após a ferida foi analisado a taxa de retração cicatricial, a aparência das feridas e a histomorfometria das células mucosas, dos cromatóforos, das células inflamatórias, a revascularização, a presença de fibroblastos, de fibras de colágeno e escamas. A taxa de retração da ferida foi significativamente maior nos peixes suplementados. As maiores concentrações de células inflamatórias, mucosas e cromatóforos, bem como a produção e organização das fibras de colágeno, resultaram em uma maior taxa de retração. Concluímos que a dieta de suplementação melhora aspectos específicos do processo de cicatrização cutânea em peixes de tilápia do Nilo.(AU)

Tomographic imaging of fragmented cortical bone heteroimplant and methylmethacrylate in segmental bone defect of rabbit tibia.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the performance of composites consisting of fragmented cortical bone heteroimplant in association with methylmethacrylate preserved in 98% glycerin, in segmental bone defect of rabbit tibia medial metaphysis. METHODS: In this study were used twelve adult New Zealand rabbits, divided into three groups of four animals each: G30 (30 days), G60 (60 days) and G90 (90 days). The bone defects previously created in the tibia were filled with composites and both were evaluated by cone-beam computed tomography, immediately after surgery and after 30, 60, and 90 days. RESULTS: The composites fulfilled and remained in the sites of bone defects in all cases and were not registered signals of infection, migration or rejection. CONCLUSIONS: The implanted composites promoted the bone defects repair without signals of infection and/or rejection. The composites are one more option for bone defects repair.

First record of Tuxophorus caligodes (Siphonostomatoida, Tuxophoridae) in sea-farmed cobia, Rachycentron canadum, in Brazil.

The cobia is the only representative of the Rachycentridae family and, because of its zootechnical qualities, production of this fish has been implemented in several countries, such as the United States, Mexico and Brazil. Tuxophorus caligodes is a widespread parasite of marine fish worldwide. For the present report, 15 juvenile cobias were collected from net cages on a fish farm in Ilhabela, state of São Paulo, Brazil, in the winter of 2011. The fish were sacrificed by means of cerebral concussion, and then weighed (280 ± 70.5 g) and measured (27 ± 1.97 cm). After external examination under a stereomicroscope, ectoparasites present on the body surface were collected, fixed and processed for identification. Out of the 15 fish examined, two were parasitized with Tuxophorus caligodes, thus indicating a prevalence of 13.3%. This is the first report of Tuxophorus caligodes in cobias in Brazil.

Relevant aspects of golden retriever muscular dystrophy for the study of Duchenne muscular dystrophy in humans / Aspectos relevantes da distrofia muscular do Golden Retriever para o estudo da distrofia muscular de Duchenne em humanos

ABSTRACT: Golden Retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD) is the most representative model for studying Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in humans, owing its phenotypic expression. DMD is a recessive disorder linked to the X chromosome in which the loss of dystrophin induces progressive weakness and degeneration of the skeletal and cardiac muscles, which lead to replacement by connective and adipose tissues. Onset of clinical signs occurs between 2 and 5 years of age, and many patients die from heart or respiratory failure. The main studies concerning dystrophic Golden Retrievers (DGR) sought to elucidate the pathophysiology of the disease and its clinical implications to develop therapies and alternative treatments to improve the quality of life and increase longevity of DMD patients. This review presents an overview of relevant contributions of the DGR model for elucidating DMD in humans.

RESUMO: A distrofia muscular do Golden Retriever (DMGR) é o modelo mais representativo para o estudo da distrofia muscular de Duchenne (DMD) em humanos devido a sua expressão fenotípica. A DMD é uma desordem genética recessiva ligada ao cromossomo X onde a perda da distrofina induz fraqueza progressiva e degeneração do músculo esquelético e cardíaco conduzindo a substituição do músculo por tecido conjuntivo e adiposo. O início da doença ocorre entre 2 e 5 anos de idade e muitos pacientes morrem por insuficiência cardíaca ou respiratória. Os principais estudos realizados no Golden Retriever distrófico (GRD) buscam elucidar a fisiopatogenia da doença e suas implicações clínicas na tentativa de testar terapias e tratamentos alternativos para melhoria da qualidade de vida do paciente distrófico e aumentar sua longevidade. Esta revisão apresenta uma visão geral sobre relevante contribuição do modelo GRD para elucidar a DMD em humanos.

Melanocitoma dérmico fibroso em bovino: relato de caso / Fibrous skin melanocitome in cattle: a case report / Melanocitoma dérmico fibroso en bovino: relato de caso

Melanomas e melanocitomas são neoplasias de melanoblastos e melanócitos. Neoplasias melanocíticas raramente são observadas em bovinos sendo frequentemente confundidas com outros aumentos de volume ou neoplasias, apresentando comportamento predominantemente benigno. É relatado um caso de melanocitoma em uma novilha da raça Jersey de oito meses de idade, descrevendo-se seu aspecto macro e microscópico. A neoplasia foi integralmente retirada por meio cirúrgico sem complicações ou recidivas até o momento. Ressalta-se a importância para este distúrbio, principalmente para o seu diagnóstico diferencial e a resolução relativamente descomplicada para o médico veterinário.(AU)

Melanoma and meloanocitome are melanoblast and melanocyte tumors. Melanocytic neoplasms are rarely observed in cattle and can be confused with other volume increases or neoplasms. Bovine melanoma is predominantly benign. One case of melanocitome in an 8-month old Jersey heifer is reported, describing their macro- and microscopic appearance. The tumor was completely removed by surgical means without complications. The importance of this disorder must be emphasized, especially for the differential diagnosis and the relatively uncomplicated resolution to the veterinarian.(AU)

Melanomas y melanocitomas son neoplasias de melanoblastos y melanocitos. Neoplasias melanocíticas son raramente observadas en bovino, a menudo se confunde con otros aumentos de volumen o neoplasias, presentando comportamiento predominantemente benigno. Es relatado un caso de malenocitoma en una novilla de la raza Jersey con ocho meses de edad, describiéndose su aspecto macro y microscópico. La neoplasia fue extirpada completamente por medio quirúrgico sin complicaciones o recidivas hasta el momento. Se resalta la importancia para este disturbio, especialmente para su diagnóstico diferencial y la resolución relativamente poco complicada para el médico veterinario.(AU)

Tomographic imaging of fragmented cortical bone heteroimplant and methylmethacrylate in segmental bone defect of rabbit tibia

PURPOSE: To evaluate the performance of composites consisting of fragmented cortical bone heteroimplant in association with methylmethacrylate preserved in 98% glycerin, in segmental bone defect of rabbit tibia medial metaphysis. METHODS: In this study were used twelve adult New Zealand rabbits, divided into three groups of four animals each: G30 (30 days), G60 (60 days) and G90 (90 days). The bone defects previously created in the tibia were filled with composites and both were evaluated by cone-beam computed tomography, immediately after surgery and after 30, 60, and 90 days. RESULTS: The composites fulfilled and remained in the sites of bone defects in all cases and were not registered signals of infection, migration or rejection. CONCLUSIONS: The implanted composites promoted the bone defects repair without signals of infection and/or rejection. The composites are one more option for bone defects repair. .

Tomographic imaging of fragmented cortical bone heteroimplant and methylmethacrylate in segmental bone defect of rabbit tibia

PURPOSE: To evaluate the performance of composites consisting of fragmented cortical bone heteroimplant in association with methylmethacrylate preserved in 98% glycerin, in segmental bone defect of rabbit tibia medial metaphysis. METHODS: In this study were used twelve adult New Zealand rabbits, divided into three groups of four animals each: G30 (30 days), G60 (60 days) and G90 (90 days). The bone defects previously created in the tibia were filled with composites and both were evaluated by cone-beam computed tomography, immediately after surgery and after 30, 60, and 90 days. RESULTS: The composites fulfilled and remained in the sites of bone defects in all cases and were not registered signals of infection, migration or rejection. CONCLUSIONS: The implanted composites promoted the bone defects repair without signals of infection and/or rejection. The composites are one more option for bone defects repair.

First record of Tuxophorus caligodes (Siphonostomatoida, Tuxophoridae) in sea-farmed cobia, Rachycentron canadum, in Brazil / Primeiro relato de Tuxophorus caligodes (Siphonostomatoida, Tuxophoridae) em cultivo de cobias, Rachycentron canadum, no Brasil

The cobia is the only representative of the Rachycentridae family and, because of its zootechnical qualities, production of this fish has been implemented in several countries, such as the United States, Mexico and Brazil. Tuxophorus caligodes is a widespread parasite of marine fish worldwide. For the present report, 15 juvenile cobias were collected from net cages on a fish farm in Ilhabela, state of São Paulo, Brazil, in the winter of 2011. The fish were sacrificed by means of cerebral concussion, and then weighed (280 ± 70.5 g) and measured (27 ± 1.97 cm). After external examination under a stereomicroscope, ectoparasites present on the body surface were collected, fixed and processed for identification. Out of the 15 fish examined, two were parasitized with Tuxophorus caligodes, thus indicating a prevalence of 13.3%. This is the first report of Tuxophorus caligodes in cobias in Brazil.(AU)

O cobia é o único representante da família Rachycentridae e, devido às suas qualidades zootécnicas, a produção desse peixe tem sido implementada em vários países, tais como os Estados Unidos, México e Brasil. Tuxophorus caligodes é um parasito de peixes marinhos amplamente distribuído no mundo. Para o presente relato, 15 juvenis de cobias foram coletados de tanques-rede, em uma fazenda marinha em Ilhabela, Estado de São Paulo, Brasil, no inverno de 2011. Os peixes foram sujeitos à eutanásia por meio de concussão cerebral, pesados (280 ± 70,5 g) e medidos (27 ± 1,97 cm). Após exame externo sob um estereomicroscópio, os ectoparasitos presentes na superfície do corpo foram coletados, fixados e processados para identificação. Dos 15 peixes examinados, dois apresentavam-se parasitados indicando a prevalência de 13,3%. Esse é o primeiro relato de Tuxophorus caligodes em cobias no Brasil.(AU)

Lipossarcoma esplênico em um cão / Splenic liposarcoma in a dog

O presente trabalho visa relatar um caso de lipossarcoma canino, por se tratar de uma rara neoplasia em cães. Um cão, fêmea, Fila Brasileiro, 9 anos de idade com 47kg apresentou anorexia, vômito e apatia. A palpação abdominal revelou massa na região mesogástrica, e o paciente morreu antes da celiotomia exploratória. A necrópsia, constatou-se massa medindo 10 x 10 x 13cm aderida ao baço. O diagnóstico histológico foi lipossarcoma.