Changes to blood parameters after postparturient hemoglobinuria in 11 Holstein-Friesian cows.

This study reviewed a case series of 11 Holstein-Friesian (HF) cows with postpartum hemoglobinuria (PPH) from one dairy herd. The first clinical signs of PPH appeared in the animals during the second or third lactation, between 21 and 30 days after calving. The clinical signs, including depression, diminished appetite, a dark red to brown color in the urine, pale mucous membranes, and a decrease in milk yields were observed in these 11 animals. Three of the cows developed jaundice of the mucous membranes and five had dry, parched feces. PPH was confirmed on laboratory test results of blood and urine samples. Anemia, serum hypophosphatemia (Pi = 0.79 mmoL/L), and increased liver function analytes (total bilirubin, total protein, and urea concentrations) were observed in all animals. Animals were treated with intravenous phosphorus supplementations for the first 2 days after clinical signs were noted, and then oral supplementations were administered. After the clinical signs resolved and the treatments were discontinued, the animals still had mild anemia; however, the phosphorus concentration increased to 1.40 mmoL/L. Gamma-glutamyltransferase activity increased compared with activities measured before treatments and total bilirubin concentrations decreased slightly; however, the concentrations were still more than twice the upper limit of the normal RI. These animals were diagnosed with liver damage that had developed over the course of PPH, indicating the need for the further monitoring and treatment of cows during the postparturient period, even if clinical signs are no longer present.

Granular Cell Tumor in a Horse: Multifocal Pulmonary Distribution and Evidence of Autophagy in Tumorigenesis.

Granular cell tumor (GCT) is a soft tissue neoplasm characterized by abundant intracellular eosinophilic granules. The majority of GCTs are benign, although some display malignant behavior. Furthermore, GCTs may mimic other neoplasms. The clinical course and biology of GCTs are poorly understood. Regarding the histogenesis of GCT, a Schwann cell origin is currently favored in light of immunohistochemical and ultrastructural analyses. However, based on literature data, some of the primitive GCTs show non-neural origin; therefore, the histogenesis of this tumor has remained enigmatic. Granular cell tumors can arise in almost any location of the body and typically present as solitary lesions. This study illustrates equine primary GCT with multifocal pulmonary distribution. The presence of GCT in the respiratory tract becomes a diagnostic challenge on initial presentation. The morphologic details of this case are presented. Immunohistochemical evaluation confirmed the neuronal origin of equine GCT and the relation of intracytoplasmic granules formation to an autophagy phenomenon. Most of the discussion is related to GCT nature to help characterize molecular aspects associated with the biological behavior of this tumor and its heterogeneity.

Haemodynamics Imaging of Swine Segmental Kidney Artery Using Duplex Doppler Technique.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to assess the usefulness of duplex Doppler to objectify swine renal arterial flow in physiological conditions. The pig kidney was selected for its morphological similarities to the human and for the results therefore offering data to wider research. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Six White Large x Landrace sows, of 48.5-53 kg b.w. were used. Vascular flow parameters were acquired with a convex probe USG device with a duplex Doppler function using pulsed waves (frequency range of 5-7.5 MHz). Segmental kidney arterial flow was measured. RESULTS: The RI values were within the 0.57 (min) to 0.6 (max) range, x RI was 0.58 (±0.014), and the SD2value was 0.0002. The PI index values ranged from 1.21 (min) to 1.3 (max), and x PI was 1.24 (±0.035). The value of SD2was 0.00123. In the S/D index, the results fell between 2.2 (min) and 2.49 (max), with x S/D of 2.29 (±0.117). The value of variance SD2was 0.0139. A double analysis of correlation between indices showed this to be almost certain and highly positive as confirmed by high correlation coefficients: r RI & PI 0.857, rho RI & PI 0.739, r RI & S/D 0.930, rho RI & S/D 0.941, r PI & S/D 0.913, and rho PI & S/D 0.754. The segmental kidney arterial flow spectrum evinced falls in PSV and PSV/LDV ratio, also noticed in the filling of the spectral window, comparing the renal to an interlobar artery. CONCLUSION: Swine were selected because of renal anatomical and haemodynamic similarity to humans. The most relevant values and indices approximated those in humans. The study anaesthetic protocol had a minor influence on the average RI, PI, and S/D indices.

Pituitary-testicular Axis Dysfunction in Methimazole-induced Hypothyroidism in Rats.

INTRODUCTION: Thyroid hormones play a major role in the regulation of testicular maturation and growth and in the control of Sertoli and Leydig cell functions in adulthood. When naturally occurring, hypothyroidism causes male hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and Sertoli cell function disorders, but when iatrogenic and methimazole-induced its influence on the pituitary-testicular axis function with respect to Sertoli cells is poorly known. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Male adult Wistar rats (n = 14) were divided into two groups: E - taking methimazole orally for 60 days, and C - control animals. After 60 d, the concentrations in serum of testosterone, follicle-stimulating and luteinising hormones, and inhibins A and B were measured. Testicles were examined morphologically: the apoptotic Sertoli cell percentage (ASC%) and number of these cells functional per tubular mm2 (FSCN/Tmm2) were calculated. RESULTS: In group E, inhibin A was higher while inhibin B was lower than in group C. ASC% was higher and FSCN/Tmm2 lower in group E than in group C. CONCLUSION: A specific modulation of Sertoli cell function in the course of methimazole-induced hypothyroidism leads to a simultaneous concentration increase in inhibin A and decrease in B. Inhibin A might share responsibility for pituitary-testicular axis dysfunction and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in this model of hypothyroidism.

Effect of TNF-α Concentration on Selected Clinical Parameters of Swine After Burns.

INTRODUCTION: The study aimed to observe TNF-α serum concentration as well as changes in respiration rate, body temperature, and pulse rate in burn victims during 84 h post burn. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 30 healthy pigs were divided into two groups: A, the test group and N, the control group. The experimental group suffered burns to 30% of the body surface, and after infliction of the burns both groups were closely monitored. RESULTS: The biggest increase in TNF-α serum concentration in the test subjects occurred around the 6th h of the study, and the second biggest increase took place between 12th and 36th h. In the 36th h, TNF-α was 2.5 times more concentrated in serum in the test group than in the control group. In the test group, the biggest increase in respiration rate occurred up to the 6th h post burn, on average up to 29/min. In the 12th h post burn, the mean pulse rate in the test group was 133/min and dropped to the lowest value in the 72nd h of the experiment. A gradual increase in body temperature up to 41.72°C was observed up to the 30th h post burn and decreased to a significant value of 40.74°C by the 84th h of the study. CONCLUSION: In a period of a pronounced rise in TNF-α serum concentration, this parameter, pulse rate, and respiration rate are highly correlated and are also influenced by multiple inflammation forming factors.

Elastographic and Morphological Testicular Changes in Hypothyroidism - An Experimental Study.

INTRODUCTION: Methimazole-induced hypothyroidism is a clinical problem in the treatment of hyperthyroidism in people and animals and is an example of metabolic disease that can lead to fertility disorders and can give elastographic testicular changes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ultrasound elastography using the Esaote MyLab Twice ultrasound system and a morphological examination of testes were performed in seven methimazole-administered (group E) and seven healthy rats (group C). RESULTS: The elasticity ratio of strains in the scrotal wall of the near-field test area to testicular tissue (ELX-T-RAT) and hardness percentage of strained tissues in the defined area of a testicle (ELX-T%HRD) in group E were statistically significantly lower than in group C. The degree of spermatogenesis was statistically significantly higher in group E than in group C and similarly seminiferous tubule diameters in group E were statistically significantly higher than in group C. Body weight and testicular weight in group E were statistically significantly lower than in group C. CONCLUSION: Changes in the elastographical parameters of testes may result from disorders secondary to hypothyroidism. The usefulness of elastography is noteworthy in the case of evaluation of testis function in patients with some metabolic disorders.

Seasonal microbiological quality of air in veterinary practices in Poland.

Numerous studies focused on the bioaerosols in the areas of industry, agriculture and animal husbandry, concerning both residential and public buildings, have been conducted continuously for many years. The aim of the present work was to determine the concentration and composition of mesophilic bacterial flora in the air of selected medical and veterinary clinics located in the cities and in the countryside. Air sampling was carried out in 2011-2013 in 44 veterinary practices in autumn-winter and spring-summer seasons. The concentration of bacteria ranged from 39 - 5,034 cfu/m(3) , with higher values recorded in offices operating in the cities. In the examined medical and veterinary offices, Gram-positive bacteria comprised the largest group of microorganisms, among which Gram-positive cocci of the genus Staphylococcus prevailed, with the highest average of 1,074.40 cfu/m(3) in urban offices during the autumn season. The smallest group was represented by Gram-negative bacteria, with a concentration of 0.0 - 215 cfu/m(3). In total, 93 kinds/species of bacteria were identified. A 12-month series of studies showed the highest mean concentrations of microorganisms in autumn for offices located in the city, while the lowest in winter for rural centres. The environment of veterinary offices is a habitat of pathogenic and potentially pathogenic bacteria, which may pose health problems not only for residents, but also for the animals.

[Polycystic ovary syndrome and hair unit function disturbances in dermatological practice]. / Zespól policystycznych jajników a zaburzenia czynnosci jednostki wlosowo-lojowej w praktyce dermatologicznej.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the common endocrine disorder of reproductive age women which is characterized by hyperandrogenism, chronic anovulation, and increased risk for infertility, endometrial cancer, developing metabolic dysfunction (type II diabetes, dyslipidemia), hypertension and heart disease. The syndrome is also associated with some skin disorders: hirsutismus, alopecia androgenetica and acne. The successful dermatologic therapy requires the holistic diagnosis of the women with skin disorders described above and use the antiandrogenic treatment with conventional methods and laser depilation in hirsutismus. In this paper we present literature studies and our own experiences.

Photodynamic therapy--mechanism and employment.

Photodynamic terapy (PDT) is a new treatment for a wide variety of malignancies and premalignant dysplasias, as well as some non-cancer indications. Therapeutic response to PTD is achieved through the activation of non-toxic photosensitiser located within neoplastic tissue, using visible light tuned to the appropriate absorption band of the photosensitiser molecule. This produces cytotoxic free radical such as singlet oxigen, which result in local photo-oxidation, cell damage and destruction of the tumour cells. Systemic administration of photosensitisers has been used with endoscopic light exposure to treat a variety of internal malignances. A topical drug delivery is used in the skin deseases treatment. The selective distribution of photosensitiser in the target tissue is the fundamental to the process of PDT. This tissue specific photosensitation and normal tissue sparing results in good healing and often very good cosmetic results. Peterson PTD can be used for the treatment of cutaneous lesions (e.g., SCC, BCC, Bowen's disease, mycosis fungoides, erythroplasia of Queyrat, Gorlin's Syndrome, actinic keratoses), lower genital tract neoplasia (VIN and CIN), gastrointestinal tumours, etc., as well as nononcological indications (e.g., acne, condyloma acuminatum, lichen planus, psoriasis, vitiligo, vulval lichen sclerosus, warts and verrucae).