Long-lasting otic solution containing mometasone furoate can influence intradermal testing in dogs with healthy ears and otitis externa.

BACKGROUND: Topical therapy is preferred for otitis externa (OE) in dogs. Otic products commonly contain glucocorticoids that can be systemically absorbed and possibly interfere with diagnostic tests such as intradermal testing (IDT). HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of a long-lasting otic solution containing mometasone furoate (MF) on IDT immediate reactions and to determine withdrawal time before IDT. ANIMALS: Seventeen dogs with healthy ears (Group 1) and 12 with OE (Group 2). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Intradermal injections of histamine, anticanine-immunoglobulin (Ig)E and saline were subjectively and objectively evaluated before treatment and weekly for 6 weeks, after a single application of a long-lasting otic solution containing MF. RESULTS: Statistically significant reductions in the mean subjective histamine scores after application of MF were observed at Weeks 1 (p = 0.012) and 2 (p = 0.028) in Group 1, and Weeks 1 (p = 0.00066), 2 (p = 0.02) and 4 (p = 0.034) in Group 2. Mean histamine objective scores were significantly reduced in Weeks 1 (p = 0.042), 2 (p = 0.0009), 3 (p = 0.001) and 5 (p = 0.018) in Group 1 only. The mean subjective anticanine-IgE scores were significantly reduced in Week 1 in both groups (p = 0.003, p = 0.0066), respectively. There were no significant changes in the mean anticanine-IgE objective score in either group. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Application of a long-lasting otic solution containing MF can interfere with IDT immediate reactions in healthy and OE dogs. Based on the subjective evaluation, IDT can be performed ≥2 weeks after application of the otic solution in healthy dogs, and ≥4 weeks in dogs with OE.

Assessing Illinois companion animal veterinarians' antimicrobial prescription practices and the factors that influence their decisions when treating bacterial infections in dogs and cats.

AIMS: Judicious antimicrobial use in companion animal practice is critical for maintaining the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents against bacterial infections and reducing the selection of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. This study aimed to provide insights into companion animal veterinarians' antimicrobial treatment recommendations for common bacterial infections in dogs and cats and describe the factors influencing their prescription choices. METHODS AND RESULTS: An online survey using QualtricsXM® software was administered between September and November 2022 to companion animal veterinarians who were Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association members. Descriptive and text analyses were conducted to assess the participants' responses. A total of 78 surveys were included in the analysis. Skin infections were ranked as the most common bacterial infections for which veterinarians prescribed antimicrobial agents, followed by ear, urinary tract, respiratory, and enteric infections. The severity of clinical symptoms and the results of bacterial culture and susceptibility tests were the most influential factors for veterinarians when making antimicrobial prescription choices. Veterinarians were aware of the current antimicrobial prescription guideline recommendations when prescribing antimicrobials empirically to nine hypothetical scenarios of bacterial infections. According to the results of the text analysis that assessed veterinarians' responses to an open-ended question, regarding their challenges when prescribing antimicrobial agents, the pairwise correlation of word frequencies within each response showed the highest correlations between the words 'owner' and 'compliance', 'administration' and 'route', 'cost' and 'culture', and 'patients' and 'acceptance'. CONCLUSIONS: The study results can support animal health stakeholders in the development of antimicrobial stewardship programmes to promote appropriate antimicrobial use and limit the emergence of antimicrobial resistance.

Dermatophytosis is uncommon in asymptomatic wild eastern cottontail rabbits in Illinois, Midwestern United States.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the presence of dermatophytes on the haircoat of wild eastern cottontail rabbits (ECR) (Sylvilagus floridanus) with and without skin lesions. ANIMALS: 2-week-old or older ECR admitted to a Wildlife Medical Clinic (WMC) in central Illinois, Midwest United States, from September 2021 to August 2022. METHODS: ECR were surveyed over a 1-year period to assess the prevalence and seasonality of dermatophytosis. A Wood's lamp exam was performed over the haircoat. Hairs were sampled with a sterile toothbrush and plated on Sabouraud dextrose agar. The plates were photographed twice weekly for 3 weeks, and colonies were identified as contaminants or dermatophytes. RESULTS: 523 ECR were admitted to WMC, 141 ECR met the age inclusion criteria, and 121 samples were plated. ECR presented as a litter were sampled together. None of the sampled ECR presented skin lesions other than acute traumatic wounds. No fluorescence was observed on any ECR during the Wood's lamp examination. Based on culture colony morphology, 115/121 of the samples were identified as contaminants and no growth was observed in 6/121 of plates. Dermatophytes' colonies were not identified on any of the culture plates. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Dermatophytes are zoonotic fungi and can potentially be carried by wild animals. The fungal infection poses a health concern to humans and domestic pets through direct interaction. Our current results suggest that dermatophytosis may not be prevalent in asymptomatic wild rabbits in the studied areas of the Midwestern United States.

Tolerability of Otic Solutions Containing Different Enrofloxacin Concentrations in Dogs with Healthy Ears.

Otitis externa (OE) is a common disease in dogs, and topical medications are the preferred treatment. Compounded solutions of enrofloxacin are commonly used in practice to treat bacterial OE; however, the tolerability of different concentrations of this antibiotic in the ear canals of dogs has not been evaluated. The objective of this study is to determine if a higher concentration of enrofloxacin applied to the external ear canal is clinically tolerated in dogs with healthy ears. Sixteen client-owned dogs with bilateral healthy ears and no previous history of OE were enrolled. Injectable enrofloxacin 2.27% diluted with sterile sodium chloride in 1:1 (11.35 mg/mL) and 2:1 (15 mg/mL) ratios were applied into the dogs' right and left ears, respectively, q 12 hr for 14 days. Based on video otoscopic examination, clinical score for canine OE (OTIS3) results before application were ≤1 for all dogs. During the study and at the conclusion, all scores remained ≤2, which is considered normal. No cytologic inflammatory cells were seen in any of the dogs' ears throughout the study. Different concentrations of enrofloxacin solution applied topically were well tolerated by dogs with healthy ears and can be considered for the treatment of dogs with bacterial OE.

Evaluation of 2D and 3D Erythroid Differentiation Protocols Using Sickle Cell Disease and Healthy Donor Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells.

BACKGROUND: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a highly prevalent genetic disease caused by a point mutation in the HBB gene, which can lead to chronic hemolytic anemia and vaso-occlusive events. Patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) hold promise for the development of novel predictive methods for screening drugs with anti-sickling activity. In this study, we evaluated and compared the efficiency of 2D and 3D erythroid differentiation protocols using a healthy control and SCD-iPSCs. METHODS: iPSCs were subjected to hematopoietic progenitor cell (HSPC) induction, erythroid progenitor cell induction, and terminal erythroid maturation. Differentiation efficiency was confirmed by flow cytometry analysis, colony-forming unit (CFU) assay, morphological analyses, and qPCR-based gene expression analyses of HBB and HBG2. RESULTS: Both 2D and 3D differentiation protocols led to the induction of CD34+/CD43+ HSPCs. The 3D protocol showed good efficiency (>50%) and high productivity (45-fold) for HSPC induction and increased the frequency of BFU-E, CFU-E, CFU-GM, and CFU-GEMM colonies. We also produced CD71+/CD235a+ cells (>65%) with a 630-fold cell expansion relative to that at the beginning of the 3D protocol. After erythroid maturation, we observed 95% CD235a+/DRAQ5- enucleated cells, orthochromatic erythroblasts, and increased expression of fetal HBG2 compared to adult HBB. CONCLUSION: A robust 3D protocol for erythroid differentiation was identified using SCD-iPSCs and comparative analyses; however, the maturation step remains challenging and requires further development.

Effects of 5α-dihydrotestosterone on the modulation of monocyte/macrophage response to Staphylococcus aureus: an in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a pathogen responsible for a wide range of clinical manifestations and potentially fatal conditions. There is a paucity of information on the influence of androgens in the immune response to S. aureus infection. In this study, we evaluated the influence of the hormone 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on mouse peritoneal macrophages (MPMs) and human peripheral blood monocytes (HPBMs) induced by S. aureus. METHODS: An in vitro model of MPMs from BALB/c sham males, orchiectomised (OQX) males, and females was used. Cells were inoculated with 10 µL of S. aureus, phage-type 80 or sterile saline (control) for 6 h. The MPMs of OQX males and females were pre-treated with 100 µL of 10-2 M DHT for 24 h before inoculation with S. aureus. The concentration of the cytokines TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10; total nitrites (NO-2); and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) were measured in the supernatant of MPM cultures. In addition, the toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) genes that are involved in immune responses were analysed. For the in vitro model of HPBMs, nine men and nine women of childbearing age were selected and HPBMs were isolated from samples of the volunteers' peripheral blood. In women, blood was collected during the periovulatory period. The HPBMs were inoculated with S. aureus for 6 h and the supernatant was collected for the analysis of cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, IL-12; and GM-CSF, NO-2, and H2O2. The HPBMs were then removed for the analysis of 84 genes involved in the host's response to bacterial infections by RT-PCR array. GraphPad was used for statistical analysis with a p value < 0.05. RESULTS: Our data demonstrated that MPMs from sham males inoculated with S. aureus displayed higher concentrations of inflammatory cytokines and lower concentrations of IL-10, NO-2, and H2O2 when compared with MPMs from OQX males and females. A similar result was observed in the HPBMs of men when compared with those of women. Previous treatment with DHT in women HPBMs increased the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and decreased the levels of IL-10, NO-2, and H2O2. The analysis of gene expression showed that DHT increased the activity of the TLR2 and NF-kB pathways in both MPMs and HPBMs. CONCLUSIONS: We found that DHT acts as an inflammatory modulator in the monocyte/macrophage response induced by S. aureus and females exhibit a better immune defence response against this pathogen.

Otitis media with effusion in two Boston terrier dogs.

Otitis media (OM) in dogs can occur as a primary condition instead of as an extension of an otitis externa (OE), characterized by the presence of fluid in the middle ear (ME) referred to as OM with effusion (OME). OME has been reported in a brachycephalic breed (boxer), and the same condition is described as primary secretory OM in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. These dogs can be asymptomatic or present with pain, facial nerve paralysis and reduced hearing. This report describes two cases of OME with associated neurologic signs in Boston terriers with no previous history of OE, normal external ear canals and tympanic membranes. Neurologic evaluation revealed right head tilt along with vestibular ataxia and frequent walking tight circles to the right in case 1, and a dull mentation with a right-sided head tilt and torticollis, vestibular tetra-ataxia, ambulatory tetraparesis and circling to the right in case 2. MRI imaging of the brain was performed. Results showed bilateral OM with right-sided otitis interna and equivocal associated otogenic meningitis in case 1 and right-sided OM in case 2. Myringotomy was performed, and both dogs' ME sampled for cytology that only revealed inflammatory cells; and bacterial cultures which revealed a light growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in case 1. ME were flushed with sterile saline. Oral glucocorticoids and antibiotics based on the susceptibility results, and a compound antibiotic and glucocorticoid ear solution were prescribed to case 1. Neurologic improvement was observed a few days after the appointment, but a mild right-sided head tilt remained evident. Owner of case two elected humane euthanasia due to patient respiratory difficulties upon anaesthetic recovery and other concurrent healthy concerns. Current findings reinforce that brachycephalic dogs may be prone to develop OME, and advanced imaging tests are key to the diagnosis.

Subacute thyroiditis and thyroid inflammatory nodule secondary to COVID-19: a primary care case report.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of subacute thyroiditis (SAT) secondary to COVID-19 in the primary health care (PHC). CASE DESCRIPTION: A 51-year-old woman was treated in a PHC facility for flu-like symptoms for 5 days and pain in the lower neck. Symptomatic drugs were prescribed, and the patient was tested for COVID-19. On reassessment, the patient presented a painful oedema on the thyroid gland, dysphagia, and improvement in flu-like symptoms. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories were prescribed, and thyroid function analysis and inflammatory markers were collected. Reassessment after 1 week showed positive polymerase chain reaction-rapid test for COVID-19, partial improvement of neck pain, alterations in thyroid hormone tests (suppressed thyroid stimulating hormone and slightly elevated T4), and elevated C-reactive protein. Thyroid gland ultrasonography (USG), anti-thyroglobulin, and anti-thyroid peroxidise (anti-TPO) antibodies were requested and prednisone was prescribed. Anti-thyroglobulin and anti-TPO antibodies were negative; thyroid USG showed a solid nodule in the left lobe (approximately 4 cm), classified as TIRADS-4. The patient was sent to the Endocrinology Service, and a thyroid fine needle aspiration was requested. USG prior to the examination evidenced a complete regression of the nodule, which was diagnosed as an inflammatory pseudo nodule. CONCLUSION: We presented the case of a patient who was treated in a PHC facility for rare findings of SAT secondary to mild COVID-19, concomitant with a thyroid nodule that had complete remission after approximately 3 months and was interpreted as an inflammatory pseudo nodule secondary to SAT. PHC professionals should be aware of this condition and conduct adequate follow-up of these patients.

Efficacy and Safety of Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor Therapy in Chagas Cardiomyopathy: A Phase II Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

Aim: Previous studies showed that granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) improved heart function in a mice model of Chronic Chagas Cardiomyopathy (CCC). Herein, we report the interim results of the safety and efficacy of G-CSF therapy vs. placebo in adults with Chagas cardiomyopathy. Methods: Patients with CCC, New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class II to IV and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 50% or below were included. A randomization list using blocks of 2 and 4 and an allocation rate of 1:1 was generated by R software which was stratified by functional class. Double blinding was done to both arms and assessors were masked to allocations. All patients received standard heart failure treatment for 2 months before 1:1 randomization to either the G-CSF (10 mcg/kg/day subcutaneously) or placebo group (1 mL of 0.9% saline subcutaneously). The primary endpoint was either maintenance or improvement of NYHA class from baseline to 6-12 months after treatment, and intention-to-treat analysis was used. Results: We screened 535 patients with CCC in Salvador, Brazil, of whom 37 were randomized. Overall, baseline characteristics were well-balanced between groups. Most patients had NYHA class II heart failure (86.4%); low mean LVEF was 32 ± 7% in the G-CSF group and 33 ± 10% in the placebo group. Frequency of primary endpoint was 78% (95% CI 0.60-0.97) vs. 66% (95% CI 0.40-0.86), p = 0.47, at 6 months and 68% (95% CI 0.43-0.87) vs. 72% (95% CI 0.46-0.90), p = 0.80, at 12 months in placebo and G-CSF groups, respectively. G-CSF treatment was safe, without any related serious adverse events. There was no difference in mortality between both arms, with five deaths (18.5%) in treatment vs. four (12.5%) in the placebo arm. Exploratory analysis demonstrated that the maximum rate of oxygen consumption during exercise (VO2 max) showed an improving trend in the G-CSF group. Conclusion: G-CSF therapy was safe and well-tolerated in 12 months of follow-up. Although prevention of symptom progression could not be demonstrated in the present study, our results support further investigation of G-CSF therapy in Chagas cardiomyopathy patients. Clinical Trial Registration: [www.ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [NCT02154269].

Hostage to history - questioning the duration of systemic antimicrobial therapy for the treatment of canine superficial bacterial folliculitis.

Current guidelines for the use of systemic antimicrobials for the treatment of superficial bacterial folliculitis in dogs include the recommendation that the disease be treated for a minimum of 3 weeks and for at least 1 week beyond clinical resolution. With increasing antimicrobial resistance being noted for bacteria involved in this condition, as well as the increased use of evidence-based medicine, this dogma needs to be reevaluated.

Effects of 17ß-Estradiol on Monocyte/Macrophage Response to Staphylococcus aureus: An In Vitro Study.

To describe how 17ß-estradiol (E2) influence in the monocyte/macrophage response induced by S. aureus in in vitro models of murine peritoneal macrophages (MPMs) and human peripheral blood monocytes (HPBM). MPMs (2 x 105/ml) were isolated from sham (n=3) and ovariectomized (OVX) females (n = 3) and males (n = 3) after induction by thioglycolate. The MPMs obtained from OVX females and males were treated for 24 hours with 17ß-estradiol (E2) (10-7 M), and after that, inoculation with S. aureus was carried out for 6 hours. The macrophages were collected and destined to evaluate the relative gene expression of TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8 and TLR2. For the in vitro model of HPBMs, six men and six women of childbearing age were selected and HPBMs were isolated from samples of the volunteers' peripheral blood. In women, blood was collected both during menstruation and in the periovulatory period. HPBMs were inoculated with S. aureus for 6 hours and the supernatant was collected for analysis of cytokines by Luminex and the HPBMs were removed for analysis of 84 genes involved in the host's response to bacterial infections by RT-PCR array. Previous treatment with E2 decreased the gene expression and production of proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-6 and decreased the expression of TLR2 tanto em MPMs quanto em HPBMs. The analysis of gene expression shows that E2 inhibited the NFκB pathway. It is suggested that 17ß-estradiol acts as an immunoprotective in the monocyte/macrophage response induced by S. aureus.

Effectiveness of sarolaner in the clinical management of furuncular myiasis in dogs naturally infested with Dermatobia hominis (Diptera: Cuterebridae).

BACKGROUND: The human botfly, Dermatobia hominis, is a common cause of furuncular myiasis in dogs in Latin America. Lesions can be single or multiple, each harboring an individual larva, presented as an erythematous nodule that causes pruritus and pain. Typical treatment consists of sedation for removal of larvae by surgical incision or manual pressure. Medications to kill the larva before its extraction can reduce inflammation and discomfort and provide a less traumatic larval removal. Isoxazolines are broad-spectrum ectoparasiticides with larvicidal activity previously reported in the treatment of screwworm myiasis in companion animals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of sarolaner as part of the clinical management of furuncular myiasis in dogs caused by D. hominis larvae. METHODS: Ten short-haired mixed breed dogs naturally infested with D. hominis were enrolled. Clinical diagnosis was achieved by observation of skin nodules and visualization of larval motility through the lesion orifice. Sarolaner was administered at manufacturer recommended dose for fleas and ticks. Lesions were reexamined 24 h post-treatment and assessed for viability of larvae. Larvae were removed by digital compression and identified as D. hominis. RESULTS: Seventy-five D. hominis larvae were retrieved from ten dogs. No live larvae were observed, demonstrating 100% larvicidal efficacy of sarolaner. Skin lesions were healed 30 days post-treatment and new lesions were not observed. CONCLUSIONS: Sarolaner seems to be effective as larvicidal treatment for dogs with furuncular myiasis, reducing discomfort caused by the presence of the larva in the skin and facilitating its safe removal.

ENDOSCOPIC EVALUATION OF POST-FUNDOPLICATION ANATOMY AND CORRELATION WITH SYMPTOMATOLOGY.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic aspect of fundoplication anatomy: Normal aspect of Nissen fundoplication. Upper digestive endoscopy is important for the evaluation of patients submitted to fundoplication, especially to elucidate postoperative symptoms. However, endoscopic assessment of fundoplication anatomy and its complications is poorly standardized among endoscopists, which leads to inadequate agreement. AIM: To assess the frequency of postoperative abnormalities of fundoplication anatomy using a modified endoscopic classification and to correlate endoscopic findings with clinical symptoms. METHOD: This is a prospective observational study, conducted at a single center. Patients were submitted to a questionnaire for data collection. Endoscopic assessment of fundoplication was performed according to the classification in study, which considered four anatomical parameters including the gastroesophageal junction position in frontal view (above or at the level of the pressure zone); valve position at retroflex view (intra-abdominal or migrated); valve conformation (total, partial, disrupted or twisted) and paraesophageal hernia (present or absent). RESULTS: One hundred patients submitted to fundoplication were evaluated, 51% male (mean age: 55.6 years). Forty-three percent reported postoperative symptoms. Endoscopic abnormalities of fundoplication anatomy were reported in 46% of patients. Gastroesophageal junction above the pressure zone (slipped fundoplication), and migrated fundoplication, were significantly correlated with the occurrence of postoperative symptoms. There was no correlation between symptoms and conformation of the fundoplication (total, partial or twisted). CONCLUSION: This modified endoscopic classification proposal of fundoplication anatomy is reproducible and seems to correlate with symptomatology. The most frequent abnormalities observed were slipped and migrated fundoplication, and both correlated with the presence of symptoms.

Ovarian hormones influence immune response to Staphylococcus aureus infection

ABSTRACT Objective: Staphylococcus aureus infections remain associated with considerable morbidity and mortality in both hospitals and the community. There is little information regarding the role of ovarian hormones in infections caused by S. aureus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ovariectomy in the immune response induced by S. aureus. Methods: Female mice BALB/c were ovariectomized (OVX) to significantly reduce the level of ovarian hormones. We also used sham-operated animals. The mice were inoculated intraperitoneally with S. aureus. Blood samples were collected for leukocyte count and bacterial quantification. The uterus and spleen were removed and weighed to calculate the uterine and splenic indexes. Lungs were removed and fractionated for immunohistochemical analysis for macrophage detection (anti-CD68) and relative gene expression of IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α by RT-PCR. Results: Ovariectomy enlarged spleen size and generally increased circulating lymphocytes. OVX females experienced a continuation of the initial reduction of lymphocytes and a monocyte and neutrophil late response compared to shams (p ≥ 0.05). Moreover, OVX females showed neutropenia after 168 h of infection (p ≥ 0.05). Macrophage response in the lungs were less pronounced in OVX females in the initial hours of infection (p ≥ 0.01). OVX females showed a higher relative gene expression of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in the lung at the beginning of the infection compared to sham females (p ≥ 0.01). Among the uninfected females, the OVX control females showed a higher expression of IL-6 in the lung compared to the sham control females (p ≥ 0.05). In this model, the lack of ovarian hormones caused a minor increase in circulating leukocytes during the initial stage of infection by S. aureus and increased pulmonary gene expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Ovariectomy alone enlarged the spleen and increased circulating lymphocytes. Ovarian hormones acted as immunoprotectors against S. aureus infection.

Ovarian hormones influence immune response to Staphylococcus aureus infection.

OBJECTIVE: Staphylococcus aureus infections remain associated with considerable morbidity and mortality in both hospitals and the community. There is little information regarding the role of ovarian hormones in infections caused by S. aureus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ovariectomy in the immune response induced by S. aureus. METHODS: Female mice BALB/c were ovariectomized (OVX) to significantly reduce the level of ovarian hormones. We also used sham-operated animals. The mice were inoculated intraperitoneally with S. aureus. Blood samples were collected for leukocyte count and bacterial quantification. The uterus and spleen were removed and weighed to calculate the uterine and splenic indexes. Lungs were removed and fractionated for immunohistochemical analysis for macrophage detection (anti-CD68) and relative gene expression of IL-6, IL-1ß and TNF-α by RT-PCR. RESULTS: Ovariectomy enlarged spleen size and generally increased circulating lymphocytes. OVX females experienced a continuation of the initial reduction of lymphocytes and a monocyte and neutrophil late response compared to shams (p≥0.05). Moreover, OVX females showed neutropenia after 168h of infection (p≥0.05). Macrophage response in the lungs were less pronounced in OVX females in the initial hours of infection (p≥0.01). OVX females showed a higher relative gene expression of IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α in the lung at the beginning of the infection compared to sham females (p≥0.01). Among the uninfected females, the OVX control females showed a higher expression of IL-6 in the lung compared to the sham control females (p≥0.05). In this model, the lack of ovarian hormones caused a minor increase in circulating leukocytes during the initial stage of infection by S. aureus and increased pulmonary gene expression of IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α. Ovariectomy alone enlarged the spleen and increased circulating lymphocytes. Ovarian hormones acted as immunoprotectors against S. aureus infection.

Endoscopic evaluation of post-fundoplication anatomy and correlation with symptomatology / Avaliação endoscópica da anatomia após fundoplicatura e correlação com sintomatologia

ABSTRACT Background: Upper digestive endoscopy is important for the evaluation of patients submitted to fundoplication, especially to elucidate postoperative symptoms. However, endoscopic assessment of fundoplication anatomy and its complications is poorly standardized among endoscopists, which leads to inadequate agreement. Aim: To assess the frequency of postoperative abnormalities of fundoplication anatomy using a modified endoscopic classification and to correlate endoscopic findings with clinical symptoms. Method: This is a prospective observational study, conducted at a single center. Patients were submitted to a questionnaire for data collection. Endoscopic assessment of fundoplication was performed according to the classification in study, which considered four anatomical parameters including the gastroesophageal junction position in frontal view (above or at the level of the pressure zone); valve position at retroflex view (intra-abdominal or migrated); valve conformation (total, partial, disrupted or twisted) and paraesophageal hernia (present or absent). Results: One hundred patients submitted to fundoplication were evaluated, 51% male (mean age: 55.6 years). Forty-three percent reported postoperative symptoms. Endoscopic abnormalities of fundoplication anatomy were reported in 46% of patients. Gastroesophageal junction above the pressure zone (slipped fundoplication), and migrated fundoplication, were significantly correlated with the occurrence of postoperative symptoms. There was no correlation between symptoms and conformation of the fundoplication (total, partial or twisted). Conclusion: This modified endoscopic classification proposal of fundoplication anatomy is reproducible and seems to correlate with symptomatology. The most frequent abnormalities observed were slipped and migrated fundoplication, and both correlated with the presence of symptoms.

RESUMO Racional: A endoscopia digestiva alta é importante ferramenta para a avaliação de pacientes submetidos à fundoplicatura, principalmente para elucidar os sintomas pós-operatórios. Entretanto, a avaliação endoscópica da sua anatomia e complicações é atualmente pouco padronizada entre os endoscopistas, o que leva à disparidade de laudos e condutas. Objetivo: Avaliar a frequência de anormalidades pós-operatórias da fundoplicatura através de uma classificação endoscópica e correlacionar os achados endoscópicos com os sintomas clínicos. Método: Este é estudo observacional prospectivo, realizado em um único centro. Os pacientes foram submetidos a um questionário para coleta de dados. A avaliação endoscópica da fundoplicatura foi realizada de acordo com a classificação em estudo, que considerou quatro parâmetros anatômicos, incluindo a posição da junção gastroesofágica em vista frontal (acima ou no nível da zona de pressão); posição da válvula na visão retroflexa (intra-abdominal ou migrada); conformação valvar (total, parcial, desgarrada ou torcida) e hérnia paraesofágica (presente ou ausente). Resultados: Foram avaliados 100 pacientes submetidos à fundoplicatura, 51% homens (idade média: 55,6 anos). Quarenta e três por cento relataram sintomas pós-operatórios. Anormalidades endoscópicas da anatomia da fundoplicatura foram relatadas em 46% dos pacientes. Junção gastroesofágica acima da zona de pressão (fundoplicatura deslizada) e fundoplicatura migrada foram significativamente correlacionadas com a ocorrência de sintomas pós-operatórios. Não houve correlação entre sintomas e conformação da fundoplicatura (total, parcial ou torcida). Conclusão: Essa classificação endoscópica modificada proposta para avaliar a anatomia da fundoplicatura é reprodutível e parece correlacionar-se com a sintomatologia. As anormalidades mais frequentes observadas foram fundoplicaturas migradas e deslizadas, e ambas se correlacionaram com a presença de sintomas.

Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan as a Novel, Adjunctive Therapy for Pemphigus Foliaceus in Three Dogs.

Three dogs who were presented with cutaneous lesions and had histopathologic findings consistent with pemphigus foliaceus were treated with injectable polysulfated glycosaminoglycan as an adjunctive to systemic immune-modulatory therapy. These patients were not adequately controlled with oral glucocorticoids in conjunction with cyclosporine, azathioprine, and/or mycophenolate. Polysulfated glycosaminoglycan contributed to induction of remission and reduced glucocorticoid doses in all dogs.

Dermal arteritis of the nasal philtrum: a retrospective study of 23 dogs.

BACKGROUND: Dermal arteritis of the nasal philtrum (DANP) is a cutaneous vascular condition that selectively targets large vessels of the nasal philtrum of dogs; little information is published about this disease. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to report the signalment, clinical signs, treatment options and outcome of dogs with DANP, and to propose a rationale for the clinical diagnosis. ANIMALS: Twenty-three dogs from four referral veterinary clinics from January 2002 to July 2018. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Retrospective analysis of medical records of dogs with diagnosis of DANP. RESULTS: The mean age at disease onset was 5.3 years. Nineteen dogs were pure-bred (11 different breeds) and four were mixed breed. Twenty-three dogs had a clinical diagnosis of DANP and three of these had histopathological confirmation. Eight dogs had episodes of profuse arterial bleeding from the lesion, nine had minor bleeding and six no bleeding. Twenty dogs were managed medically with monotherapy or combined therapy of topical tacrolimus, prednisolone, doxycycline and niacinamide, and/or pentoxifylline. Long-term tacrolimus was prescribed for 15 cases, eight of those cases as sole therapy. Treatment was declined for three dogs and four dogs were lost to follow-up. The lesion was satisfactorily controlled in 12 dogs and well-controlled in four dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The distinctive presentation of DANP substantiates the clinical diagnosis. Medical treatment seems to be effective in controlling DANP and tacrolimus used as sole or adjunctive therapy appears to manage the disease satisfactorily.

Anti-inflammatory activity of ß-caryophyllene combined with docosahexaenoic acid in a model of sepsis induced by Staphylococcus aureus in mice.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is a set of serious organic manifestations caused by an infection, whose progression culminates in exacerbated inflammation and oxidative stress, poor prognosis, and high hospital costs. Antioxidants used against sepsis have been evaluated, including essential oils such as ß-caryophyllene (BCP), and polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of the association of these two compounds. RESULTS: Treatment with BCP-DHA, at a dose of 200 µL/animal, significantly inhibited the migration of neutrophils in a Cg-induced peritonitis model. After Staphylococcus aureus infection, in the groups treated with BCP-DHA there was a significant decrease in the total and differential count of leukocytes, increased expression of cytokines TNF-α and IFN-γ in treated groups, an increase of IL-4 and IL-5 in B/D and B/D + SA groups, and an augmentation of IL-6 and IL-12 groups in B/D + SA groups. Histological and bacterial analysis revealed lower neutrophil migration and lower bacterial load in the infected and treated groups. CONCLUSION: In general, the BCP-DHA association presented anti-inflammatory activity against two different models of acute inflammation and infection, showing promising potential as a therapeutic adjuvant in sepsis. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

A retrospective analysis of the use of lokivetmab in the management of allergic pruritus in a referral population of 135 dogs in the western USA.

BACKGROUND: Lokivetmab neutralizes IL-31, a cytokine that plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD) in dogs. OBJECTIVE: To review experience of one year of treatment with lokivetmab for the control of pruritus in dogs with allergic dermatitis. ANIMALS: Eighty dogs diagnosed with AD, ten with concurrent adverse food reaction and AD and 45 with allergic dermatitis of undetermined cause. Three dogs were lost to follow- up. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Retrospective analysis of medical records of dogs with allergic dermatitis treated with lokivetmab from November 2015 to October 2016. Treatment success for owner-assessed pruritus was empirically defined as ≥2 cm reduction in Visual Analog Scale (pVAS) from baseline. A ≥50% reduction in pVAS also was recorded. RESULTS: Pruritus improvement was achieved in 116 of 132 dogs (87.8%) following initial lokivetmab administration at 1.8 to 3.7 mg/kg (P < 0.001). A pVAS reduction of ≥50% was recorded in 104 dogs (77.0%). Dogs with severe/very severe pruritus prior to treatment and large/giant sized dogs, had 2.7 and 2.8 times higher odds of treatment success, respectively. There were no significant associations between treatment success and age of onset of clinical signs, disease chronicity, lokivetmab dosage or age at initial lokivetmab administration. Dogs that did not previously respond to oclacitinib were less likely to respond to lokivetmab. Adverse effects including lethargy, vomiting, hyperexcitability, pain at injection site and urinary incontinence were reported in 11 of 132 dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Lokivetmab at labelled dosages was a fast, safe and efficacious therapy for the control of pruritus in dogs with allergic dermatitis.