Molecular detection of Sarcocystis sp. in a kept under human care black capuchin monkey (Sapajus nigritus., Goldfuss 1809) with necrotizing encephalitis.

A senile male black capuchin monkey (Sapajus nigritus) kept under human care in a Zoo was found dead after 2 weeks presenting signals of weight loss and hyporexia. Histopathological revealed a necrotizing encephalitis. Although it was not observed microscopically, Sarcocystis sp infection was detected in brain tissue from molecular assays. These infections have been rarely described in neotropical primates, particularly associated with tissue lesions.

Enteric associated T-cell lymphoma in a mule.

A 25-year-old female mule weighing 336 kg was referred with a history of lethargy, abdominal discomfort, anorexia, and constipation in the previous 24 hours. On admission, decreased intestinal borborygmi and distended small intestinal loops were detected by auscultation and rectal palpation, respectively. On rectal examination a firm, irregular surface, and pedunculated mass were detected in the middle-caudal region of the abdomen. Transrectal ultrasonography revealed the mass was highly vascularized with heterogeneous tissue density. On exploratory celiotomy two neoplastic masses were observed, one in the jejunoileal junction obstructing the intestinal flow and the second in the dorsal part of the jejunal mesentery, unable to be exposed and resected. An enterectomy was conducted, and the intestinal mass was removed. The mass was pale with hemorrhagic areas and 12 cm in diameter. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry confirmed a diagnosis of enteric associated T cell lymphoma subtype 2. The mule died suddenly 43 days later.

Background and common lesions in the female reproductive organs of giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla).

The giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) is a vulnerable species in South America and is considered endangered or near extinction in Central America. Therefore, studies describing the reproductive characteristics of this species are pivotal for its conservation. Thus, this study aimed to provide a morphological description of the female reproductive tissues of this species. We collected tissue samples from six female giant anteaters and performed gross, morphological, and histochemical analyses. Five adult subjects and one juvenile were included in the study. In the ovary, classifications were made according to the follicle and oocyte sizes: primordial, primary, secondary, early antral, or antral. Typical follicles with a single oocyte surrounded by a simple or stratified layer of cubic epithelium, atretic follicles, corpora lutea, corpora albicans, and ovarian cysts were also observed. No ovarian lesions were observed. By contrast, endometritis, metritis, mucometra, and endometrial cysts were identified in the uterus. Uterine alterations in these subjects were frequent and could affect reproduction.

Pleural Empyema in Six Horses: A Retrospective Case Series.

The clinical findings of pleural empyema in six horses were retrospectively studied using epidemiological, clinical pathology, microbiological, ultrasound, and post-mortem data. The clinical findings included tachycardia (n = 3/6), tachypnea (n = 6/6), cyanotic mucosa (n = 2/6), hyperthermia (n = 4/6), inspiratory or mixed dyspnea (n = 6/6), presence of fluid and/or pleural rubbing (n = 2/6) and coarse crackling on auscultation (n = 4/6). Horses demonstrated leukocytosis (16.22 × 103/µL) with neutrophilia (12.32 × 103/µL) and hyperfibrinogenemia (633.33 mg/dL) and an increase in urea (69.80 mg/kg) and globulins (5.22 g/dL). The pleural fluid exhibited exudate (n = 5/6). The pathogens isolated from transtracheal wash (TTW) and/or pleural effusion included Aspergillus fumigatus, Enterobacter cloacae, alpha and beta hemolytic Streptococcus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella sp., Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus, and beta hemolytic Staphylococcus. The in vitro tests of microbial sensitivity of the isolates revealed that ceftiofur (5/6) and penicillin (3/6) were the most effective drugs. The fatality rate was 83% (5/6). The main post-mortem finding was the presence of fibrin in the pleural cavity with adhesion between the parietal and visceral pleura. These results show that pleural empyema is a complex disease pathophysiology that is refractory to conventional treatment.

Fibrosis in canine transmissible venereal tumor after chemotherapy with vincristine.

The canine transmissible venereal tumor is type of transmissible cancer that occurs naturally through allogenic cellular transplants. Commonly diagnosed in the genital area of sexually active dogs, the tumor typically responds well to vincristine sulfate chemotherapy, although there are cases of resistance to the drug correlated with the tumoral phenotype. We describe herein a case of fibrosis in an area affected by the tumor in a dog after vincristine chemotherapeutic treatment that was associated with an idiosyncratic reaction to the drug.

O tumor venéreo transmissível canino é um tipo de câncer transmissível que ocorre naturalmente através do transplante celular alogênico. Comumente diagnosticado na área genital de cães sexualmente ativos, o tumor normalmente responde bem à quimioterapia com sulfato de vincristina, embora existam casos de resistência à droga correlacionados com o fenótipo tumoral. Descrevemos neste relato de caso um cão com fibrose na área acometida pelo tumor após o tratamento quimioterápico com vincristina associado a uma reação idiossincrática à droga.

Immunophenotypic and molecular profile of cancer stem-cell markers in ex vivo canine transmissible venereal tumour (CTVT).

BACKGROUND: Several studies have attempted to characterise the origin of canine transmissible venereal tumour (CTVT). However, the participation of cancer stem cells (CSC) has not been reported OBJECTIVES: Herein we describe the expression patterns of CSC markers CD44, CD34, CD90 and CD133 in CTVT METHODS: Thirty-eight samples were selected and assessed through flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Twenty-two tumours were classified as plasmacytoid and 16 as mixed. Almost all tumours showed high CD44 and low CD34 levels. CD133 and CD90 expression varied among tumours. Cytological groups did not differ in the proportion of CSC markers. Our results suggest that CSC subpopulations might participate in CTVT.

Pathology in Practice.

In collaboration with the American College of Veterinary Pathologists.

Cell-mediated immunity and expression of MHC class I and class II molecules in dogs naturally infected by canine transmissible venereal tumor: Is there complete spontaneous regression outside the experimental CTVT?

The canine transmissible venereal tumor (CTVT) is a transplantable cancer with the ability evade the immune system, despite strict immune surveillance of the host; in this context, the relationship between inflammatory infiltrate and CTVT prognosis is not entirely understood. Natural canine transmissible venereal tumors of 22 dogs were evaluated for tumor/host interaction through clinical and epidemiological data, cyto-histopathological and cytogenetic findings and, mainly, cell-mediated immune response. We performed analysis on dogs with naturally acquired disease to provide information from the study of CTVT biology in its natural course, as the clinical evolution of the natural tumor in the host is not yet as well known as in the laboratory. Populations for T cell labeling (CD3+ CD4+ CD8+), B cells, NK cells, and macrophages were analyzed by flow cytometry in blood and tumor samples and expressions of MHC class I and class II molecules were quantified by immunohistochemistry and compared mainly between the phases of progression and regression in the natural CTVT. Dogs were also treated with vincristine sulfate and evaluated for chemotherapeutic response. Chemotherapy was effective in 88% of cases and there was no recurrence of the disease 12 months after the cure. Tumor cells displayed a numerical chromosomal variation between 54 and 72, not correlating with the host genotype. Although a greater expression of MHC molecules [18.6 ± 5.8% class I (P < 0.004) and 38.5 ± 6.5% class II (P < 0.003)] was observed in the regression phase, no significant effect was observed between the clinical phase of the tumor and cellular immune response in the analysis by flow cytometry (P > 0.05). We also found no correlation between cytological subtype of the tumor (plasmacytoid, lymphocytoid and mixed) and cellular immune response, suggesting that there is no difference in tumor immunogenicity. Here, we found no immunological evidence to support the theory of the immune-induced complete spontaneous regression in CTVT.

Effects of photobiomodulation on wound contraction in rats undergoing doxorubicin extravasation: a histomorphometric analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze wound contraction and histomorphometric pattern of lesions in Wistar rats undergoing doxorubicin extravasation. METHOD: Sixty adult female rats were used, divided into four groups of fifteen animals: Group 1 (Control, without antidote); Group 2 (Hyaluronidase); Group 3 (Photobiomodulation), and Group 4 (Hyaluronidase + Photobiomodulation). Doxorubicin 1mg (0.5 ml) was applied subcutaneously on the animals' back, inducing the wound. Macroscopic and morphometric evaluation of the lesions was performed every two days for 28 days. On the 30th day, euthanasia was performed and the material was collected for histological evaluation. RESULTS: The animals in the photobiomodulation and photobiomodulation + Hyaluronidase groups presented regeneration tissue with neovascularization and acute inflammation, with improvement in wound healing, which did not occur in the other groups. The contraction rates were better in those treated with photobiomodulation and photobiomodulation + Hyaluronidase, with healing percentages of 76.6% and 72.1%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The combination of photobiomodulation (660 nm-1 J) with topical hyaluronidase (65 UTR) proved to be effective in the process of wound healing due to extravasation of doxorubicin, and can be incorporated into the practice of clinical oncology.

Potential effect of hyaluronic acid and triamcinolone acetate, alone or combined, on chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells / Efecto potencial del ácido hialurónico y del acetato de triamcinolona solos o combinados sobre la diferenciación condrogénica de células-tronco mesenquimales / Efeito potencial do ácido hialurônico e triancinolona acetonida, isolados e combinados, na diferenciação condrogênica de células-tronco mensenquimais

Abstract Background: Osteoarthritis is a complex degenerative disease with several factors contributing to joint damage. Objective: To compare the potential effect of hyaluronic acid (HA) and triamcinolone acetonide (TA), alone or combined, on the in vitro chondrogenic differentiation process of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Methods: MSCs were divided into four groups: Control, HA, TA, and HA/TA combined. Each treatment group was cultured for 14 days in chondrogenic differentiation medium. The chondrogenic differentiation potential was assessed by histology and immunohistochemistry. Results: The HA and HA/TA-treated MSCs presented histological characteristics similar to native chondrocytes. The extracellular matrix (ECM) of TA-treated MSCs was compact and organized. Glycosaminoglycan staining was intense in Control, moderate in TA, slight in HA/TA, and undetectable in HA. Type II collagen immunoreactivity was high in the TA-treated ECM and MSCs. Conclusions: Histological analysis shows that HA influences morphological development similar to chondrocytes of the MSCs, but with low expression of specific cartilage molecules. The TA promotes formation of a compact and organized ECM.

Resumen Antecedentes: La osteoartritis es una enfermedad degenerativa compleja en la cual varios factores contribuyen al daño articular. Objetivo: Comparar el efecto del ácido hialurónico (HA) y acetónido de triamcinolona (TA), solos o en combinación, en el proceso de diferenciación condrogénica in vitro de células madre mesenquimales (MSCs). Métodos: Las MSCs fueron divididas en cuatro grupos: Control, HA, TA y HA/TA, y cultivadas por 14 días en medio de diferenciación condrogénica para cada tratamiento. El potencial de diferenciación condrogénica fue analizado por medio de histología e inmunohistoquímica. Resultados: Las MSCs tratadas con HA y HA/TA, presentaron características histológicas similares a los condrocitos nativos, y la matriz extracelular (ECM) de MSCs tratadas con TA fue más compacta y organizada. La tinción de glicosaminoglicanos fue intensa en el Control, moderada en TA, ligera en HA/TA, y sin tinción en HA. La inmunoreactividad para colágeno tipo II fue más alta en las MSCs y ECM tratadas con TA. Conclusión: El análisis histológico muestra que el HA influencia un desarrollo morfológico similar a los condrocitos de las MSCs, pero con baja expresión de moléculas específicas de cartílago. La TA promueve la formación de una ECM compacta y organizada.

Resumo Antecedentes: A osteoartrite é uma doença degenerativa complexa, na qual vários fatores contribuem ao dano articular. Objetivo: Comparar o efeito do ácido hialurônico (HA) e Triancinolona acetonida (TA), só ou combinado no processo de diferenciação condrogênica in vitro de células tronco mesenquimais (MSCs). Métodos: MSCs foram divididas em 4 grupos: Controle, HA, TA y HA/TA e cultivadas por 14 dias com meio de diferenciação condrogênica e seus respectivos tratamentos. O potencial de diferenciação condrogênica foi acessado por meio de histologia e imunohistoquímica. Resultados: Histologicamente, MSCs tratadas com HA e HA/TA apresentaram características semelhantes de condrócitos nativos, e a matriz extracelular de MSCs tratadas com TA foi mais compacta e organizada. A coloração para glicosaminoglicanos foi intensa no Controle, moderada no TA, leve no HA/TA e sem coloração com HA. Para os grupos tratamento, a imunoreatividade para colágeno tipo II foi maior nas células e matriz extracelular tratadas com TA. Conclusão: Mediante análise histológica, o HA influenciou o desenvolvimento morfológico semelhante a condrócitos das MSCs, mas com baixa expressão de moléculas específicas de cartilagem. A TA promoveu a formação de uma matriz extracelular compacta e organizada.

Mutagenicity of a novel 2-phenylbenzotriazole (non-chlorinated 2-phenylbenzotriazole-9) in mice.

Dinitrophenylazo dyes can form 2-phenylbenzotriazoles (PBTAs) in the textile dyeing process upon the addition of chemical reducing agents. Some dinitrophenylazo dyes, as well as their respective reduced (non-chlorinated) and chlorinated PBTAs, are now found in rivers owing to wastewater from textile plants. This study aimed to investigate the genotoxicity of a new PBTA derived from C.I. Disperse Violet 93 azo dye, namely non-Cl PBTA-9. Primary DNA damage in the blood, liver, and colon cells, micronucleated cells in the bone marrow, and gene expression (NAT2, CYP1A1, TRP53, and CDKN1A) in liver cells were observed in mice, at acute oral exposure (gavage) doses of 5, 50, and 500 µg/kg body weight (b.w.). The non-chlorinated PBTA-9 caused DNA damage in the blood and liver (at 500 µg/kg b.w.) and in colon cells (at 5, 50, and 500 µg/kg), and increased the frequency of micronucleated cells in the bone marrow (at 5 and 50 µg/kg). No histological alterations or gene expression changes were observed. In conclusion, in vivo exposure to non-chlorinated PBTA-9 induced genetic damage in various rodent tissues, corroborating results previously obtained from the Ames test. Because this compound has been detected in rivers, exposure to humans and biota is a major concern.

Effects of photobiomodulation on wound contraction in rats undergoing doxorubicin extravasation: a histomorphometric analysis / Efectos de la fotobiomodulación en la contracción de heridas en ratones sometidos a la extravasación de doxorrubicina: análisis histomorfométrico / Efeitos da fotobiomodulação na contração de feridas em ratos submetidos ao extravasamento de doxorrubicina: análise histomorfométrica

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze wound contraction and histomorphometric pattern of lesions in Wistar rats undergoing doxorubicin extravasation. Method: Sixty adult female rats were used, divided into four groups of fifteen animals: Group 1 (Control, without antidote); Group 2 (Hyaluronidase); Group 3 (Photobiomodulation), and Group 4 (Hyaluronidase + Photobiomodulation). Doxorubicin 1mg (0.5 ml) was applied subcutaneously on the animals' back, inducing the wound. Macroscopic and morphometric evaluation of the lesions was performed every two days for 28 days. On the 30th day, euthanasia was performed and the material was collected for histological evaluation. Results: The animals in the photobiomodulation and photobiomodulation + Hyaluronidase groups presented regeneration tissue with neovascularization and acute inflammation, with improvement in wound healing, which did not occur in the other groups. The contraction rates were better in those treated with photobiomodulation and photobiomodulation + Hyaluronidase, with healing percentages of 76.6% and 72.1%, respectively. Conclusion: The combination of photobiomodulation (660 nm-1 J) with topical hyaluronidase (65 UTR) proved to be effective in the process of wound healing due to extravasation of doxorubicin, and can be incorporated into the practice of clinical oncology.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar la contracción de heridas y patrón histomorfométrico de las lesiones en ratones Wistar sometidos a la extravasación de doxorrubicina. Método: Fueron utilizadas 60 ratas adultas, divididas en cuatro grupos de quince animales: Grupo 1 (Control sin antídoto); Grupo 2 (Hialuronidasa); Grupo 3 (Fotobiomodulación) y Grupo 4 (Hialuronidasa + Fotobiomodulación). Se aplicó 1 mg (0,5 ml) de doxorrubicina en el subcutáneo del dorso de los animales, induciendo la herida. Realizada evaluación macroscópica y morfométrica de las lesiones cada dos días por 28 días. En el 30° día se realizó la eutanasia y recolección del material para evaluación histológica. Resultados: Los animales de los grupos fotobiomodulación y fotobiomodulación+ Hialuronidasa presentaron tejido de regeneración con neovascularización e inflamación aguda, con mejoría de la cicatrización de las heridas, lo que no ocurrió en otros grupos. Las tasas de contracción fueron mejores en los tratados con fotobiomodulación y fotobiomodulación + Hialuronidasa, con porcentaje de cicatrización de 76,6% y 72,1%, respectivamente. Conclusión: la combinación de la fotobiomodulación (660nm-1J) con hialuronidasa tópica (65 UTR) demostró ser más eficaz en el proceso de cicatrización de heridas por extravasación de doxorrubicina, lo que posibilitó adoptarla en la práctica de la oncología clínica.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a contração de feridas e padrão histomorfométrico das lesões em ratos Wistar submetidos ao extravasamento de doxorrubicina. Método: Utilizados 60 ratos fêmeas adultos, divididos em quatro grupos de quinze animais: Grupo 1 (Controle, sem antídoto); Grupo 2 (Hialuronidase); Grupo 3 (Fotobiomodulação) e Grupo 4 (Hialuronidase + Fotobiomodulação). Aplicado 1 mg (0,5 ml) de doxorrubicina no subcutâneo do dorso dos animais, induzindo a ferida. Realizada avaliação macroscópica e morfométrica das lesões a cada dois dias por 28 dias. No 30º dia foi realizada a eutanásia e coleta do material para avaliação histológica. Resultados: Os animais dos grupos fotobiomodulação e fotobiomodulação+Hialuronidase apresentaram tecido de regeneração com neovascularização e inflamação aguda, com melhora na cicatrização das feridas, o que não ocorreu nos outros grupos. As taxas de contração foram melhores nos tratados com fotobiomodulação e fotobiomodulação + Hialuronidase, com percentual de cicatrização de 76,6% e 72,1%, respectivamente. Conclusão: A combinação da fotobiomodulação (660 nm-1 J) com hialuronidase tópica (65 UTR) mostrou-se eficaz no processo de cicatrização de feridas por extravasamento de doxorrubicina, podendo ser incorporada à pratica da oncologia clínica.

Post-mortem CT vs necropsy in feline medicine.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare post-mortem CT findings with necropsy findings in domestic cats. METHODS: Post-mortem CT and necropsies were performed in 20 cadavers of domestic cats. The sensitivity, specificity and agreement between the post-mortem CT and necropsy findings were determined. RESULTS: There were a total of 315 post-mortem findings; 183 were identified by post-mortem CT and 132 were identified by necropsy. Post-mortem CT demonstrated a higher sensitivity to identify the findings mainly in bones. The higher indices of agreement between post-mortem CT and necropsy were related to abnormalities of pleural space, bones and joints. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This study demonstrated that post-mortem CT and necropsy provided different information. Thus, their use in conjunction with each other might improve the understanding of the cause of death and the identification of post-mortem lesions.

Osteopontin expression and its relationship with prognostic biomarkers in canine mammary carcinomas / Expressão de osteopontina e sua relação com biomarcadores prognóstico nos carcinomas mamários caninos

Osteopontin is a glycophosphoprotein implicated in different physiologic and pathologic processes and is known to be involved in progression and metastasis of various cancers in humans, but this relation is still little explored in the veterinary. The aim was to evaluate the expression of osteopontin in canine mammary carcinomas and its relation with well-established canine mammary tumor biomarkers. For that, expression of OPN, EGFR, HER2, and c-Kit were evaluated along with Ki67 rate in 43 mammary carcinomas. Osteopontin was demonstrated to be expressed by neoplastic epithelial cells in all carcinomas as well as in stromal cells from the tumor microenvironment. Relation between high osteopontin expression and EGFR positivity (P<0.001) and HER2 overexpression (P=0.012) was demonstrated. In conclusion, high OPN expression seems to be related to poor prognosis and MAPK pathway activation, given the association with EGFR and HER2, members of the MAPK signaling pathway.(AU)

A osteopontina é uma glicofosfoproteina implicada em diferentes processos fisiológicos e patológicos, sendo conhecida por estar envolvida na progressão e metástase de vários cânceres nos humanos, no entanto, essa relação é ainda pouco explorada na veterinária. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a expressão da osteopontina nos carcinomas mamários caninos e sua relação com biomarcadores bem estabelecidos para esta neoplasia. Para isto, foi avaliada a expressão de OPN, EGRH, HER2 e c-Kit juntamente com a taxa de Ki67 em 43 carcinomas mamários. A osteopontina foi expressa pelas células epiteliais neoplásicas em todos os carcinomas, assim como, nas células estromais do microambiente tumoral. Foi demonstrada uma relação entre uma alta expressão de osteopontina e positividade para EGFR (P<0.001) e superexpressão de HER2 (P=0.012). Em conclusão, alta expressão de OPN parece estar relacionada com mau prognóstico e ativação da via MAPK, devido a sua associação com EGRF e HER2, os quais são membros desta via de sinalização.(AU)

The role of the multi-drug resistance 1, p53, b cell lymphoma 2, and bcl 2-associated X genes in the biologic behavior and chemotherapeutic resistance of canine transmissible venereal tumors.

BACKGROUND: Canine transmissible venereal tumors (CTVTs) generally have different cytomorphologic subtypes and phases of progression. Some tumors have variable biologic behavior including a progressive increase in tumor aggressiveness and variable responses to chemotherapy. This behavior is partially due to high p-glycoprotein expression by tumor cells, which leads to the expulsion of chemotherapeutic drugs. Other possible causes include changes in pro- and anti-apoptotic genes from the BCL-2 family and DNA repair systems, which are associated with the p53 gene family. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to determine the relative expression of the multi-drug resistance 1 (MDR1), p53, b-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2), and bcl 2-associated X (BAX) genes in CTVT before and after therapy and establish a relationship with treatment responses, cytomorphologic patterns, and tumor progression identified with histopathology. METHODS: RT-qPCR was performed on 21 CTVT tumor samples before and after initiating chemotherapy to determine specific gene expression. Normal canine testicular tissue was used as a negative control for all experiments. RESULTS: MDR1 expression was decreased before and after initiating vincristine therapy in CTVT tumor tissues compared with normal canine testicular tissue; p53 and BAX were overexpressed at both time points compared with normal tissue, and no statistical differences were seen between the different morphologic types. However, BAX expression was decreased in the group with quick therapeutic responses but was still overexpressed compared with normal testicular tissue. In the group with the slowest chemotherapeutic responses, BCL2 was overexpressed. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study showed a relative increase in MDR1 gene expression in response to chemotherapy and higher expression in plasmacytoid CTVTs compared with the other cytomorphologic patterns. BCL2 overexpression was related to a favorable prognosis, and p53, BAX, and BCL2 were expressed independent of the cytomorphologic CTVT type. All of the genes were expressed independent of tumor progression, as noted on histopathology.

Incidence of congenital malformations and impact on the mortality of neonatal canines.

Canine congenital malformations are structural or functional abnormalities of organs present at birth that possibly interfere with the viability of newborns, thus contributing to neonatal mortality. This study evaluated and described the incidence of congenital malformations in neonatal dogs and determined the mortality rates among those affected. Of the 178 litters and 803 newborns included in the study, 24.7% (44/178) of the litters presented neonates with congenital malformations. The total rate of neonates that presented malformations was 6.7% (64/803). The total mortality rate in newborns with congenital defects was 5.4% (44/803), representing 68.7% (44/64) of the deaths observed among those affected. The early (0-2 days old) and late (3-30 days old) mortality rates among the affected neonates were 61.4% (27/44) and 38.6% (17/44), respectively. In total, 27 malformations were recorded, and the most common congenital defects were cleft palate 2.8% (23/803) and hydrocephaly 1.5% (12/803), either alone or associated with other malformations. The malformations were recorded in 15 breeds: Pug, Miniature Pinscher, Rottweiler, Pitbull, French Bulldog, English Bulldog, Dachshund, Labrador Retriever, Lhasa Apso, Poodle, German Spitz, Yorkshire Terrier, Shih-tzu, Brazilian Terrier and mixed breed. One case of exposure to a teratogenic agent was reported, but no maternal exposure to teratogens during gestation was reported with the other litters. The occurrence of congenital defects may be related to genetic factors since the highest incidence of malformations (84.4%) was observed in purebred dogs.

Temporal analysis of distribution pattern of islet cells and antioxidant enzymes for diabetes onset in postnatal critical development window in rats.

AIM: At performing a temporal analysis of the distribution pattern of islet endocrine cells and antioxidant enzymes in diabetic rats during the post-natal critical development window. MAIN METHODS: The newborns received streptozotocin (STZ) at birth for diabetes induction, and control females received the vehicle. The animals were euthanized at different lifetimes: D5, D10, D15, and D30. Morphological analysis of pancreas and biochemical assays was performed. KEY FINDINGS: The STZ-induced rats presented irregular shape of islet on D5 and there was an attempt to restore of this shape in other life moment studied. There was an increase progressive in islet area, however they maintained smaller than those of control rats, with lower labeling intensity for insulin, higher for glucagon and somatostatin, lower for SOD-1 was lower in the islets of the STZ-induced animals at all times studied and for GSH-Px in D10 and D30. SIGNIFICANCE: Although STZ-induced diabetic rats presented compensatory mechanisms to restore the mass of endocrine cells, this was not sufficient since these rats developed the diabetic state. This was confirmed by the oral glucose tolerance test from D30. In addition, the delta (δ)-cells presented ectopic location in islets, indicating a possible relationship for beta (ß)-cell mass restoration. There was a response of the pancreas to reduce the hyperglycemia in the first month of life. Furthermore, the cells from the endocrine pancreas of diabetic animals show a decline of antioxidant enzymatic, contributing to the increased susceptibility of cells to hyperglycemia-induced ROS in this postnatal critical development window.

Sonography and sonoelastography in the detection of malignancy in superficial lymph nodes of dogs.

BACKGROUND: The clinical applicability of sonography and sonoelastography (SOE) in the detection of lymph node malignancy in dogs has not been established. OBJECTIVES: To compare sonographic and sonoelastographic findings between malignant and benign superficial lymph nodes and to evaluate the diagnostic performance of those methods. ANIMALS: One-hundred sixteen lymph nodes of 54 dogs. METHODS: A prospective observational study was used to investigate sonographic features and elasticity scores of malignant and benign superficial lymph nodes. Lymph nodes were categorized as malignant or benign according to cytology or histopathology. Quantitative variables were compared using Student's unpaired t test. Prevalence of categorical variables was compared using nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test. Diagnostic performance was calculated by receiver-operating characteristic analysis. RESULTS: Forty-nine malignant and 67 benign lymph nodes were included. Malignant nodes had larger long axis (LA; P = .0002), short axis (SA; P < .0001) and short-to-long axis ratio (P < .0001) in comparison with benign nodes. Malignant nodes had a higher prevalence of mixed vascular distribution on Doppler color flow mapping (P < .005) and on power Doppler (P < .0001) and higher resistivity index (RI; P < .0001), pulsatility index (P < .0001), and elasticity score (P < .0001) in comparison with benign nodes. Short axis, elasticity score, and RI offered the best accuracies, 80.2%, 78.1%, and 77.7% (P < .05), respectively, for malignancy detection. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Results support the use of Doppler sonography and SOE as auxiliary methods to brightness mode sonography to detect nodal malignancy.

Spontaneous poisoning by Palicourea marcgravii (Rubiaceae) in a sheep herd in southeastern Brazil.

Palicourea marcgravii (Rubiaceae) is considered the most important toxic plant affecting livestock farming in Brazil. This study describes an outbreak of spontaneous poisoning by P. marcgravii in sheep. Forty-nine sheep died while showing clinical signs of sudden death after having access to the plant. During the necropsy, P. marcgravii leaves were observed in the rumens of the animals. Histopathological analysis demonstrated hydropic degeneration of the kidneys. Monofluoracetate concentration obtained in Palicourea samples was 0.53% (5.3 µg/mg). These findings collectively indicate that the affected animals died from poisoning due to P. marcgravii.