Aorto-left atrial fistula secondary to aortic infective endocarditis in a dog with a bicuspid aortic valve.

An 11-year-old male neutered English Bulldog was presented for evaluation of thrombocytopenia, acute onset of ataxia, and vomiting. A new murmur was auscultated on physical examination. Transthoracic echocardiographic examination revealed a bicuspid aortic valve, vegetative lesions on the aortic valve, and continuous shunting from the aortic root to the left atrium through an aorta to left atrial fistula. The dog was euthanized due to guarded prognosis and critical condition. Pathological examination confirmed presence of bicuspid aortic valve, aorto-left atrial fistula, and aortic infective endocarditis. Antemortem blood culture revealed two unusual organisms: Achromobacter xylosoxidans and Fusobacterium mortiferum.

Management of open wounds in dogs using a bioresorbable polymeric wound matrix: 14 Cases (2019-2021).

The objective of this retrospective case series is to evaluate clinical outcomes associated with the use of a bioresorbable polymeric wound matrix (MicroLyte Vet; Imbed Biosciences) for the management of soft tissue wounds of various etiologies in dogs. Medical records were reviewed between August 2019 and November 2021 for signalment, wound etiology, location, size, initial wound management, antibiotic therapy, time to initial application, number of applications, time between applications, secondary dressing used, time to wound closure, complications, and clinical outcomes. Time to initial application ranged from 1 to 61 days (median, 7.5). The number of applications ranged from 1 to 15 (median, 4.5). Time between applications ranged from 1 to 8 days (median, 3.7). Additional surgical interventions were implemented in 3 dogs. Wound closure by second intention healing (n=14) ranged from 2 to 12 weeks (median, 5). There were no adverse events attributed to the use of bioresorbable polymeric wound matrix. Complete wound healing occurred with use of the bioresorbable polymeric wound matrix in all dogs.

[Ultrasound-guided infiltration results in chronic brachial biceps tendinitis]. / Resultados de infiltración guiada ecográficamente en tendinitis crónica del bíceps braquial.

INTRODUCTION: Anterior shoulder pain is one of the most common symptoms in the orthopedic consultation, much of it is associated with the pathology of the long head biceps tendon; in general, its management is conservative, including injections which are performed blindly as a common clinical practice. With the advent of imaging support in the performance of these procedures such as ultrasound can improve the accuracy of biceps tendon sheath injections to obtain a better clinical result. OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical results of patients with chronic biceps tendinitis who were injected by ultrasound guidance. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational single-cohort study with prospective follow-up which included patients with chronic tendonitis of the long biceps brachii who were candidates for ultrasound-guided infiltration. The presence of pain (Visual Analogue Scale) and functionality (Constant-Murley Test) was evaluated after two weeks. Quantitative variables are reported as averages and standard deviation. RESULTS: The study comprised 18 patients with an average age of 59.6 years, the EVA score decreased from 7.2 (SD 1.6) before-injection to 3.7 (2.7) post-injection. The Constant-Murley score improved from 51.1 (SD 9.5) before injection to 65.9 (15.7) at follow-up. No complications were reported. DISCUSSION: Ultrasound-guided infiltration is a safe procedure that results in improvement of pain and functionality of patients with tendonitis of the biceps brachial.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El dolor anterior de hombro es uno de los síntomas más comunes en la consulta ortopédica, gran parte está asociada con la patología del tendón de la porción larga del bíceps; por lo general su manejo es conservador e incluye infiltraciones, las cuales se efectúan a «ciegas¼ como una práctica clínica común. Con el surgimiento del apoyo imagenológico en la realización de estos procedimientos, como la ecografía, se puede mejorar la precisión de las infiltraciones para obtener un mejor resultado clínico. OBJETIVO: Describir los resultados clínicos de los pacientes con tendinitis crónica del bíceps que fueron infiltrados mediante guía ecográfica en la Clínica Universitaria Colombia. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional de cohorte única y con seguimiento prospectivo en el que se incluyeron pacientes con tendinitis crónica de la porción larga del bíceps braquial que eran candidatos a infiltración guiada ecográficamente. Se evaluó la presencia de dolor (escala visual análoga) y funcionalidad (test de Constant-Murley) a las dos semanas. Las variables cuantitativas se reportan como promedios y desviación estándar. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 18 pacientes con un promedio de edad de 59.6 años. La intensidad del dolor disminuyó de 7.2 (DE 1.6) preinfiltración a 3.7 (DE 2.7) postinfiltración. La puntuación de Constant-Murley mejoró de 51.1 (DE 9.5) antes de la infiltración a 65.9 (15.7) en el seguimiento. No se registraron complicaciones. DISCUSIÓN: La infiltración guiada por ecografía es un procedimiento seguro que se traduce en mejoría de dolor y funcionalidad de pacientes con tendinitis del bíceps braquial.

Revisiting the BaO2/BaO redox cycle for solar thermochemical energy storage.

The barium peroxide-based redox cycle was proposed in the late 1970s as a thermochemical energy storage system. Since then, very little attention has been paid to such redox couples. In this paper, we have revisited the use of reduction-oxidation reactions of the BaO2/BaO system for thermochemical heat storage at high temperatures. Using thermogravimetric analysis, reduction and oxidation reactions were studied in order to find the main limitations associated with each process. Furthermore, the system was evaluated through several charge-discharge stages in order to analyse its possible degradation after repeated cycling. Through differential scanning calorimetry the heat stored and released were also determined. Oxidation reaction, which was found to be slower than reduction, was studied in more detail using isothermal tests. It was observed that the rate-controlling step of BaO oxidation follows zero-order kinetics, although at high temperatures a deviation from Arrhenius behaviour was observed probably due to hindrances to anionic oxygen diffusion caused by the formation of an external layer of BaO2. This redox couple was able to withstand several redox cycles without deactivation, showing reaction conversions close to 100% provided that impurities are previously eliminated through thermal pre-treatment, demonstrating the feasibility of this system for solar thermochemical heat storage.

Comparison of Albicans ID2 agar plate with the germ tube for presumptive identification of Candida albicans.

Albicans ID2 (bioMérieux, France) is a commercially available chromogenic medium that allows rapid and specific macroscopic identification of Candida albicans and facilitates the differentiation of species in mixed cultures. We compared it with the standard method for the identification of yeast species, the germ tube test (GT). This study involved 423 clinical isolates, including 163 C. albicans and 260 non-albicans yeasts. Sensitivity of Albicans ID2 agar plates regarding the identification of C. albicans were 98.2% after 48 h of incubation and specificity of 96.6%. This method using rapid enzymatic method shows the same similar sensitivity than the GT test The false negative rate (1.8%) for the GT test is consistent with that previously reported. None tests discriminated between C. albicans and C. dubliniensis isolates.

Live birth after sperm retrieval from a moribund man.

OBJECTIVE: To report a live birth with IVF-ET and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) using sperm retrieved from a moribund man being maintained on life support systems. DESIGN: Case report. SETTING: Nonprofit private teaching hospitals. PATIENT(S): A 27-year-old man who was decorticate after an accident. INTERVENTION(S): Epididymal sperm retrieval and sperm cryopreservation, pastoral psychologic counseling, and subsequent IVF-ET with ICSI. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Pregnancy and delivery. RESULT(S): Birth of a healthy child after IVF-ET with ICSI and single blastocyst transfer. CONCLUSION(S): First report in peer-reviewed medical literature of a live birth after sperm retrieval from a moribund man.

In vitro activities of 10 antifungal drugs against 508 dermatophyte strains.

We have tested 508 strains belonging to 24 species of dermatophytes against 10 antifungal drugs following mainly the NCCLS (M38-P) standard for filamentous fungi. However, several important factors, such as the temperature (28 versus 35 degrees C) and time of incubation (4 to 10 days versus 21 to 74 h), have been modified. The antifungals used were itraconazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, clotrimazole, voriconazole, terbinafine, amphotericin B, fluconazole, UR-9825, and G-1. In general, with the exception of fluconazole and G-1, all antifungals were shown to be highly effective.

In vitro activities of four novel triazoles against Scedosporium spp.

In order to develop new approaches to the treatment of the severe and usually fatal infections caused by Scedosporium spp., the in vitro antifungal activities of four novel triazoles (posaconazole, ravuconazole, voriconazole, and UR-9825) and some current antifungals (amphotericin B, ketoconazole, itraconazole, and nystatin) were determined. The latter group was clearly ineffective against the two species tested. The four new antifungals showed activity against Scedosporium apiospermum, and UR-9825 and voriconazole were active against S. prolificans.

Oolemma rupture inside the intracytoplasmic sperm injection needle significantly improves the fertilization rate and reduces oocyte damage.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect on fertilization, oocyte damage, embryo freezing, and pregnancy rates of two different techniques for rupturing the oolemma during intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Fertility Center, Alliant Health System Hospital. PATIENT(S): Seventy-nine consecutive IVF-ICSI cases. INTERVENTION(S): Patients in group I had ICSI performed by pushing the needle into the oocyte until the oolemma was observed to break outside the needle. In group II the oolemma was aspirated into the needle until it ruptured inside the needle. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): In group II ICSI resulted in significantly higher fertilization and lower oocyte damage rates (66% and 13%) than in group 1 (39% and 29%). There were no statistically significant differences in embryo cleavage rates or pregnancy rates per retrieval between the two groups. A greater number of cases had embryos cryopreserved in group II than in group I. RESULT(S): Rupturing the oolemma by aspirating it into the ICSI needle (group II) improved laboratory outcomes compared with the more traditional technique of breaking this membrane by the stabbing action of the needle (group I). This modification of the ICSI technique also increased the number of patients with cryopreserved embryos and therefore could increase the pregnancy rate per patient. CONCLUSION(S): The site and technique used to rupture the oolemma during ICSI has a significant effect on the fertilization and damage rates.

Improved clinical outcomes for in vitro fertilization with delay of embryo transfer from 48 to 72 hours after oocyte retrieval: use of glucose- and phosphate-free media.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical outcomes of day 2 versus day 3 ET using a culture media with no glucose or phosphate. DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. SETTING: Hospital-based fertility clinic. PATIENT(S): One hundred seventy-six IVF-ET patients undergoing controlled ovarian supraovulation. INTERVENTION(S): IVF and delaying the ET by 1 day. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Number of blastomeres per embryo, implantation and pregnancy rates. RESULT(S): Delaying the ET from day 2 to day 3 after oocyte retrieval significantly increased implantation rates (13% versus 24%) and ongoing/delivered pregnancy rates per retrieval (26% versus 44%). Day 3 embryos with > or = 8 blastomeres resulted in a significantly higher pregnancy rate (53%) than day 3 embryos with < 8 cells (23%) and day 2 embryos with > or = 4 cells (31%) or < 4 cells (11%). CONCLUSION(S): Day 3 ET was associated with a significant increase in implantation and pregnancy rates. Delaying the ET until day 3 may permit the selection of more viable embryos than on day 2. The absence of glucose and phosphate from the culture media is compatible with good IVF outcomes.

Expression of multiple thyroid hormone receptor mRNAs in human oocytes, cumulus cells, and granulosa cells.

Thyroid hormones have diverse effects on ovarian function. We examined the expression of thyroid hormone receptor (TR) mRNAs (including TRalpha-1, TRbeta-1, TRbeta-2, and c-erbAalpha-2 isoforms) in three types of cells from human follicles, and determined the concentration of free tri-iodothyronine (T3) present in human follicular fluid. Human failed-fertilized oocytes, granulosa (GC) and cumulus (CC) cells from patients of the in-vitro fertilization (IVF) programme at Alliant Hospital Fertility Center were used to detect TR mRNA expression using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) followed by Southern blot analysis. Human spermatozoa were also analysed to determine whether results obtained with CC would be affected by the presence of spermatozoa. beta-Actin mRNA was amplified in each cell type as a positive control for the RT-PCR. Our results show that human oocytes express TRalpha-1, TRbeta-1, TRbeta-2, and c-erbAalpha-2 mRNAs and that these same isoforms are expressed in both human granulosa cells and cumulus cells. No differences were detected in the apparent amounts of RT-PCR products when comparing GC with CC, suggesting a similar pattern of expression of these RNAs. beta-actin mRNA was detected in spermatozoa, but TRalpha-1 expression was not detectable. The concentrations of free T3 measured in follicular fluid were similar to, or slightly below, those in serum of euthyroid patients. These data demonstrated that several isoforms of TR mRNA are expressed in the human oocyte, and hence thyroid hormone may have direct affects on the oocyte, as well as on GC and CC. In addition thyroid hormone may have indirect effects on the oocytes via the CC.

Drainage efficiency of double-lumen sump catheters and single-lumen catheters: an in vitro comparison.

PURPOSE: To compare the drainage efficiency of double-lumen sump catheters and single-lumen catheters in an in vitro model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four 12-F, 27.5-cm catheters were used in the study. Three of these had a double lumen with a 7-F internal diameter drainage lumen and one had a single lumen with an 8-F internal diameter drainage lumen. The sump hole opened internally to the drainage lumen in one catheter, opened externally in one catheter, and was occluded in one catheter. Catheters were connected to continuous low-wall suction and were immersed in water, viscous fluid, and viscous fluid with particles. The volume of fluid drained by each catheter was measured and compared. RESULTS: The single-lumen catheter with an 8-F internal diameter drainage lumen drained a volume equal to or larger than that for double-lumen catheters with a 7-F internal diameter drainage lumen for each type of fluid. The open sump of the double-lumen catheters may have decreased the catheter's drainage efficiency by allowing air to be suctioned into the catheter. CONCLUSION: Single-lumen catheters performed as well as or more efficiently than double-lumen catheters of the same outer diameter in this in vitro model.

Serotonergic involvement in the regulation of prolactin and vasoactive intestinal peptide mRNA expression in the rat anterior pituitary.

These studies examined the contribution of serotonin (5-HT) to the control of prolactin (PRL) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) messenger RNA expression in rat anterior pituitary. Daily injection of rats with the biosynthetic precursor to serotonin, 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP; 25 mg/kg, q.i.d.), resulted on day 5 in a 50% increase in the expression of PRL mRNA in the pituitary while at the same time reducing the levels of both the 1.0 and 1.7 kb VIP mRNA transcripts. Co-treatment of rats with 5-HTP plus the catecholamine biosynthesis inhibitor, alpha-methyl-tyrosine (alpha-MT; 150 mg/kg, q.d. x 2 days), or the dopamine receptor antagonist haloperidol (1.25 mg/kg, b.i.d. x 5 days), resulted in increases in pituitary PRL message levels that were greater than those observed with either anti-dopaminergic agent alone. In contrast, 5-HTP was unable to reverse the inhibition of PRL mRNA expression caused by treatment with the dopamine receptor agonist bromocriptine (2.5 mg/kg, b.i.d. x 5 days). Neither alpha-MT, haloperidol nor bromocriptine had a significant effect on pituitary VIP mRNA expression. Administration of the direct-acting 5-HT receptor agonist quipazine (5 mg/kg, b.i.d.) for 14 consecutive days caused a significant increase in pituitary PRL mRNA levels on day 1 and reached a plateau of 90% above control levels on days 7 and 14. VIP mRNA levels rose significantly on day 1 of quipazine treatment but thereafter fell to a minimum of 22% (1.0 kb) and 52% (1.7 kb) of control by day 14.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Ablation of the hypothalamic arcuate-median eminence region reduces the concentration of vasoactive intestinal peptide in the anterior pituitary gland of male rats.

This study was designed to determine the influence of the hypothalamus on the content of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in the anterior pituitary. Disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary connection was performed by ablating the arcuate-median eminence (ARC-ME) region in adult male rats. Fifteen days later, there was a significant reduction in pituitary mass, adrenal and testicular weight and an increase in water consumption and serum prolactin levels indicating the elimination of hypothalamic influence on the pituitary gland in the ARC-ME group when compared to controls. Anterior pituitary VIP content was also significantly reduced in the lesion group. These data suggest that the hypothalamus is involved in the regulation of pituitary VIP.

Para-chlorophenylalanine treatment inhibits the expression of vasoactive intestinal peptide messenger RNA in rat anterior pituitary.

Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with para-chlorophenylalanine (pCPA) or alpha-methyl tyrosine (alpha-MT) to study the effect of serotonin or catecholamine depletion on the expression of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) messenger RNA in the anterior pituitary. Single injections of pCPA (300 mg/kg) for two consecutive days resulted on the third day in a dramatic depletion of serotonin in the medial basal hypothalamus, and a significant reduction in the pituitary content of VIP mRNA (1.0 and 1.7 kb). The effect of pCPA on VIP mRNA appeared to be relatively specific for the anterior pituitary since VIP message levels in the cerebral cortex did not decrease. alpha-MT treatment, (150 mg/kg) for 2 consecutive days, reduced dopamine concentrations in the MBH but had no significant effect on pituitary VIP levels. In a time-course study, hypothalamic serotonin and pituitary VIP mRNA levels were significantly depressed 1-3 days after initiation of pCPA treatment; however, 12 days after pCPA treatment, serotonin concentrations in the hypothalamus approached control values and pituitary VIP mRNA content increased an average of 2-fold over control levels in an apparent rebound effect. pCPA-treated rats injected i.p. twice a day with 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP; 50 mg/kg) experienced a partial reversal in the decline in the 1.7 kb VIP mRNA seen 24 h after the first pCPA injection. However, at 72 h, supplementation with 5-HTP did not prevent the pCPA-induced decrease of pituitary VIP mRNA. These data indicate that serotonergic pathways have a major role in the control of VIP mRNA expression in the rat anterior pituitary.

Quantification of vasoactive intestinal peptide immunoreactivity in the anterior pituitary glands of intact male and female, ovariectomized, and estradiol benzoate-treated rats.

There are considerable data suggesting that vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is involved in the regulation of PRL secretion; however, the role and cell of origin of anterior pituitary VIP remain to be determined. Immunocytochemical (ICC) studies have generally failed to detect VIP-immunoreactive (IR) cells in the pituitary of the untreated rat, although VIP-IR cells have been observed in the pituitaries of hypothyroid or estrogen-treated rats. This study was designed to examine the cellular distribution and tissue content of VIP in the anterior pituitary gland of rats under selected endocrine conditions known to alter the rates of PRL and VIP synthesis and secretion. To this end, anterior pituitary VIP and PRL content (ICC and RIA) and serum PRL levels were determined in ovariectomized (OVX) and OVX rats 3 days after treatment with 7 or 70 micrograms estradiol benzoate (EB). For comparison, pituitary VIP and PRL content (ICC and RIA) and serum PRL levels in untreated male and diestrous female rats were determined. Immunostaining for VIP was accomplished using a newly developed primary antiserum. Significant numbers of VIP-IR cells per 5-microns section were found in the anterior pituitary glands of all animals examined (275 +/- 33 in diestrous to 481 +/- 103 cells in male rats). VIP was not colocalized with PRL in any of the pituitaries regardless of steroid treatment or sex. Furthermore, the number of VIP-IR cells per pituitary gland was not significantly correlated with sex or EB treatment. Treatment with 70 micrograms, but not 7 micrograms, EB significantly increased the pituitary content of VIP and serum PRL levels compared to those after ovariectomy. However, both EB treatments resulted in a significant increase in pituitary PRL content compared to that in untreated OVX rats. Pituitaries from male rats had several-fold more VIP and less PRL content than pituitaries from diestrous rats. These data show that 1) in contrast to previous ICC studies, VIP-IR cells are readily detected in the anterior pituitary of intact male and female and OVX as well as EB-treated rats; 2) VIP is localized to cells other than lactotrophs, regardless of the steroid background; and 3) marked changes in anterior pituitary VIP content are not accompanied by changes in VIP-IR cell number.

Preferential increase in pituitary prolactin versus vasoactive intestinal peptide as a function of estradiol benzoate dose in the ovariectomized rat.

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is synthesized in various tissues, including the anterior pituitary gland, where it may stimulate the release of PRL. Because estrogen plays a central role in the regulation of PRL, it becomes important to determine the effects of this steroid on both pituitary VIP and PRL. To study this, pituitary VIP and PRL and plasma PRL were assayed in ovariectomized rats after treatment with estradiol benzoate (EB; 0.007, 0.07, 0.7, 7 or 70 microgram/rat). Pituitary and plasma TSH were also determined as well as VIP content in the medial basal hypothalamus, suprachiasmatic region, cerebral cortex, and jejunum. Oil-treated rats served as controls. Injection of 0.7 or 7 microgram EB resulted in a significant increase in pituitary PRL without changing plasma PRL levels or pituitary VIP content compared to values in the control group. Only treatment with 70 microgram EB produced a significant increase in both pituitary VIP and PRL as well as in plasma PRL compared to control values. EB treatment at any of the doses used had no significant effect on pituitary and plasma TSH or VIP content in any of the other tissues examined. These data show that pituitary PRL and VIP are differentially regulated in response to estrogen. The increases in pituitary VIP and basal plasma PRL after treatment with the highest dose of EB suggest that pituitary VIP may be involved in the development of estrogen-induced hyperprolactinemia. These data also show that the regulations of pituitary VIP and TSH are independent of each other in the estrogen-treated rat.

Developmental changes in levels of growth hormone mRNA in Zucker rats.

Levels of pituitary growth hormone (GH) messenger RNA (mRNA) were compared in groups of genetically obese (fa/fa) and lean (Fa/-) littermate male Zucker rats at four different ages, 3, 5, 9, and 11 weeks, in order to determine the earliest age at which a difference between the two groups could be detected. No difference was seen in three-week-old animals. Five weeks of age was the earliest time at which the level of GH mRNA was significantly decreased in the obese rats; this decrease was present at all subsequent ages. Mean serum growth hormone levels were lower in obese animals at all ages, but the differences were not statistically significant because of the large individual variation associated with the pulsatile nature of GH release. The earliest occurrence of differences in GH mRNA level is later than some of the obesity associated abnormalities present in adipose tissue. The earliest time of the GH mRNA differences can be associated with the time when decreased protein deposition is initially seen in the obese rats. Because of this association, decreased GH mRNA may enhance the development of obesity.

Obesity- and sex-related alterations in growth hormone messenger RNA levels.

The secretion of growth hormone (GH) is abnormal in genetically obese Zucker rats. Measurements of pulsatile GH release and circulating GH levels in lean (Fa/?) and obese (fa/fa) rats have shown that both are reduced in the latter. We have studied pituitary GH gene expression in order to understand the role of GH synthesis in this abnormality. Obese animals have lower pituitary GH mRNA levels than lean controls. Within each genotype a sex difference was observed with the female animals having lower GH mRNA levels than the males. It is unlikely that the GH abnormality is due to a generalized pituitary defect because prolactin mRNA levels were the same in all four groups of rats.