Correlation between Cross-Sectional Anatomy and Computed Tomography of the Normal Six-Banded Armadillo (Euphractus sexcintus) Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinuses.

This research aimed to study the rostral part of the head of the six-banded armadillo, applying advanced imaging techniques such as CT. Furthermore, by combining the images obtained through this technique with anatomical cross-sections, an adequate description of the structures that constitute the rostral part of the head of this species is presented. This anatomical information could provide a valuable diagnostic tool for the clinical evaluation of different disorders in the six-banded armadillo's nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses.

Cranial Investigations of Crested Porcupine (Hystrix cristata) by Anatomical Cross-Sections and Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

This paper aimed to describe an atlas of the crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata) head by applying advanced imaging techniques such as MRI. Furthermore, by combining the images acquired through these techniques with anatomical sections, we obtained an adequate description of the structures that form the CNS and associated structures of this species. This anatomical information could serve as a valuable diagnostic tool for the clinical evaluation of different pathological processes in porcupines, such as abscesses, skull malformations, fractures, and neoplasia.

Anatomical Description of Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta) and Green Iguana (Iguana iguana) Skull by Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography Reconstruction and Maximum Intensity Projection Images.

The growing interest in reptiles has posed a challenge to veterinary clinicians due to the lack of a standardized system to perform anatomical studies similar to those used for dogs and cats. In this paper, we have attempted to describe, employing computed tomography and subsequent three-dimensional reconstructions, the normal anatomical features that comprise the skulls of two species of reptiles: the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) and the green iguana (Iguana iguana). Computed tomography (CT) and subsequent image processing allowed the identification of the bony structures that comprise the head of these species. As a result, and based on previous articles, we propose the most significant anatomical differences and similarities between these species.

Microarray meta-analysis reveals IL6 and p38ß/MAPK11 as potential targets of hsa-miR-124 in endothelial progenitor cells: Implications for stent re-endothelization in diabetic patients.

Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play an important role in the repair processes of damaged vessels, favoring re-endothelization of stented vessels to minimize restenosis. EPCs number and function is diminished in patients with type 2 diabetes, a known risk factor for restenosis. Considering the impact of EPCs in vascular injury repair, we conducted a meta-analysis of microarray to assess the transcriptomic profile and determine target genes during the differentiation process of EPCs into mature ECs. Five microarray datasets, including 13 EPC and 12 EC samples were analyzed, using the online tool ExpressAnalyst. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) analysis was done by Limma method, with an | log2FC| > 1 and FDR < 0.05. Combined p-value by Fisher exact method was computed for the intersection of datasets. There were 3,267 DEGs, 1,539 up-regulated and 1,728 down-regulated in EPCs, with 407 common DEGs in at least four datasets. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis showed enrichment for terms related to "AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications." Intersection of common DEGs, KEGG pathways genes and genes in protein-protein interaction network (PPI) identified four key genes, two up-regulated (IL1B and STAT5A) and two down-regulated (IL6 and MAPK11). MicroRNA enrichment analysis of common DEGs depicted five hub microRNA targeting 175 DEGs, including STAT5A, IL6 and MAPK11, with hsa-miR-124 as common regulator. This group of genes and microRNAs could serve as biomarkers of EPCs differentiation during coronary stenting as well as potential therapeutic targets to improve stent re-endothelization, especially in diabetic patients.

Long Non-Coding RNAs Might Regulate Phenotypic Switch of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Acting as ceRNA: Implications for In-Stent Restenosis.

Coronary in-stent restenosis is a late complication of angioplasty. It is a multifactorial process that involves vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), endothelial cells, and inflammatory and genetic factors. In this study, the transcriptomic landscape of VSMCs' phenotypic switch process was assessed under stimuli resembling stent injury. Co-cultured contractile VSMCs and endothelial cells were exposed to a bare metal stent and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-BB) 20 ng/mL. Migratory capacity (wound healing assay), proliferative capacity, and cell cycle analysis of the VSMCs were performed. RNAseq analysis of contractile vs. proliferative VSMCs was performed. Gene differential expression (DE), identification of new long non-coding RNA candidates (lncRNAs), gene ontology (GO), and pathway enrichment (KEGG) were analyzed. A competing endogenous RNA network was constructed, and significant lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA axes were selected. VSMCs exposed to "stent injury" conditions showed morphologic changes, with proliferative and migratory capacities progressing from G0-G1 cell cycle phase to S and G2-M. RNAseq analysis showed DE of 1099, 509 and 64 differentially expressed mRNAs, lncRNAs, and miRNAs, respectively. GO analysis of DE genes showed significant enrichment in collagen and extracellular matrix organization, regulation of smooth muscle cell proliferation, and collagen biosynthetic process. The main upregulated nodes in the lncRNA-mediated ceRNA network were PVT1 and HIF1-AS2, with downregulation of ACTA2-AS1 and MIR663AHG. The PVT1 ceRNA axis appears to be an attractive target for in-stent restenosis diagnosis and treatment.

Cranial Structure of Varanus komodoensis as Revealed by Computed-Tomographic Imaging.

This study aimed to describe the anatomic features of the normal head of the Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) identified by computed tomography. CT images were obtained in two dragons using a helical CT scanner. All sections were displayed with a bone and soft tissue windows setting. Head reconstructed, and maximum intensity projection images were obtained to enhance bony structures. After CT imaging, the images were compared with other studies and reptile anatomy textbooks to facilitate the interpretation of the CT images. Anatomic details of the head of the Komodo dragon were identified according to the CT density characteristics of the different organic tissues. This information is intended to be a useful initial anatomic reference in interpreting clinical CT imaging studies of the head and associated structures in live Komodo dragons.

Anatomic Interactive Atlas of the Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta) Head.

The head of the sea turtle is susceptible to congenital, developmental, traumatic, and infectious disorders. An accurate interpretation and thorough understanding of the anatomy of this region could be useful for veterinary practice on sea turtles. The purpose of this study was to develop an interactive two-dimensional (2D) atlas viewing software of the head of the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) using images obtained via osteology, gross dissections, and computed tomography (CT). The atlas is composed of 10 osteology, 13 gross dissection, 10 sagittal multiplanar reconstructed CT (bone and soft tissue kernels), and 22 transverse CT (bone and soft tissue windows) images. All images were segmented and colored using ITK-SNAP software. The visualization and image assessment were performed using the Unity 3D platform to facilitate the development of interactive content in 2D. This atlas can be useful as an interactive anatomic resource for assessment of the head of loggerhead sea turtles.

Anatomical Assessment of the Thorax in the Neonatal Foal Using Computed Tomography Angiography, Sectional Anatomy, and Gross Dissections.

The purpose of this study was to correlate the anatomic features of the normal thorax of neonatal foals identified by CTA, with anatomical sections and gross dissections. Contrast-enhanced transverse CTA images were obtained in three neonatal foals using a helical CT scanner. All sections were imaged with a bone, mediastinal, and lung windows setting. Moreover, cardiac volume-rendered reconstructed images were obtained. After CT imaging, the cadaver foals were sectioned and dissected to facilitate the interpretation of the intrathoracic cardiovascular structures to the corresponding CTA images. Anatomic details of the thorax of neonatal foals were identified according to the characteristics of CT density of the different organic tissues and compared with the corresponding anatomical sections and gross dissections. The information obtained provided a valid anatomic pattern of the thorax of foals, and useful information for CTA studies of this region.

Anatomic Study of the Elbow Joint in a Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Gross Dissections.

The objective of our research was to describe the normal appearance of the bony and soft tissue structures of the elbow joint in a cadaver of a male mature Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) scanned via MRI. Using a 0.2 Tesla magnet, Spin-echo (SE) T1-weighting, and Gradient-echo short tau inversion recovery (GE-STIR), T2-weighting pulse sequences were selected to generate sagittal, transverse, and dorsal planes. In addition, gross dissections of the forelimb and its elbow joint were made. On anatomic dissections, all bony, articular, and muscular structures could be identified. The MRI images allowed us to observe the bony and many soft tissues of the tiger elbow joint. The SE T1-weighted MR images provided good anatomic detail of this joint, whereas the GE-STIR T2-weighted MR pulse sequence was best for synovial cavities. Detailed information is provided that may be used as initial anatomic reference for interpretation of MR images of the Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) elbow joint and in the diagnosis of disorders of this region.

Utilidad de la calprotectina sérica como biomarcador de actividad inflamatoria en la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal / The use of serum calprotectin as a biomarker for inflammatory activity in inflammatory bowel disease

Introducción: para el correcto manejo de la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal (EII) precisamos de marcadores no invasivos, fiables y sencillos que permitan detectar la actividad inflamatoria de forma precoz. Uno de estos marcadores biológicos podría ser la calprotectina sérica (CS). Material y métodos: inclusión prospectiva de pacientes con EII que iban a realizarse una colonoscopia por práctica clínica habitual. Se determinaron: CS, calprotectina fecal (CF) y parámetros analíticos convencionales. Se realizaron los índices clínicos (Harvey y Walmsley) así como los endoscópicos correspondientes en cada escenario (Simple Endoscopic Score Crohn Disease [SES-CD] y Mayo). Resultados: se incluyeron 53 pacientes; el 51% (27 pacientes) con colitis ulcerosa (CU) y el 49% (26 pacientes) con enfermedad de Crohn (EC). En CU los valores de CS fueron significativamente superiores con actividad endoscópica Mayo 2/3 (mediana 10,39 mg/ml [IQR: 7,4-12,2]) frente aquellos con Mayo 0/1 (mediana 4,07mg/ml [IQR: 2,9-7,2]) (p = 0,01). El área bajo la curva ROC (AUCROC) fue 0,85, obteniendo para un punto de corte de CS de 4,4 mg/dl una sensibilidad y especificidad del 83,3% y 81,25%, respectivamente. Además, al comparar con otros marcadores serológicos de actividad (proteína C reactiva [PCR], velocidad de sedimentación globular [VSG], hemoglobina [Hb] y plaquetas) se obtuvo un AUCROC superior. Cuando comparamos la CS con los hallazgos endoscópicos en EC, no hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas (SES CD > 3: 20,1 [IQR: 16,8-23,4] vs. SESC ≤ 3:6,25 [IQR: 5,4-7,1]) (p = 0,8). Conclusiones: la CS es un buen marcador indirecto de la actividad inflamatoria y existe correlación con los hallazgos endoscópicos en CU, aunque sin diferencias estadísticamente significativas en EC

Introduction: simple, reliable and non-invasive biomarkers are needed to enable the early detection of inflammatory activity for the correct management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). One of these biomarkers may be serum calprotectin (SC). Material and methods: a prospective study was performed of patients with IBD due to undergo a colonoscopy as part of the common clinical practice. The study parameters included SC, fecal calprotectin (FC) and conventional blood test parameters. Clinical indices (Harvey and Walmsley) and relevant endoscopic scores were completed for each scenario (Simple Endoscopic Score Crohn Disease [SES-CD] and Mayo). Results: fifty-three patients were included in the study, 51% (27 patients) with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 49% (26 patients) with Crohn's disease (CD). The CS values in UC were significantly higher with an endoscopic Mayo score 2/3 (median score 10.39 mg/ml [IQR: 7.4-12.2]) compared to those with a Mayo score of 0/1 (median 4.07 mg/ml [IQR: 2.9-7.2]) (p = 0.01). The area under the ROC curve (AUCROC) was 0.85 and the sensitivity and specificity were 83.3% and 81.25%, respectively, for a SC cut-off point of 4.4 mg/dl. Furthermore, a higher AUCROC was obtained in comparison with other serological markers for activity (C-reactive protein [CRP], erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR], hemoglobin [Hb] and platelets). There were no statistically significant differences in the comparison between SC and endoscopic findings in CD (SES CD > 3: 20.1 [IQR: 16.8-23.4] vs SESC ≤ 3:6.25 [IQR: 5.4-7.1]) (p = 0.8). Conclusions: SC is a good indirect marker of inflammatory activity and there was a correlation with endoscopic findings in UC. However, there were no statistically significant differences in the case of CD

The use of serum calprotectin as a biomarker for inflammatory activity in inflammatory bowel disease.

INTRODUCTION: simple, reliable and non-invasive biomarkers are needed to enable the early detection of inflammatory activity for the correct management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). One of these biomarkers may be serum calprotectin (SC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: a prospective study was performed of patients with IBD due to undergo a colonoscopy as part of the common clinical practice. The study parameters included SC, fecal calprotectin (FC) and conventional blood test parameters. Clinical indices (Harvey and Walmsley) and relevant endoscopic scores were completed for each scenario (Simple Endoscopic Score Crohn Disease [SES-CD] and Mayo). RESULTS: fifty-three patients were included in the study, 51% (27 patients) with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 49% (26 patients) with Crohn's disease (CD). The CS values in UC were significantly higher with an endoscopic Mayo score 2/3 (median score 10.39 mg/ml [IQR: 7.4-12.2]) compared to those with a Mayo score of 0/1 (median 4.07 mg/ml [IQR: 2.9-7.2]) (p = 0.01). The area under the ROC curve (AUCROC) was 0.85 and the sensitivity and specificity were 83.3% and 81.25%, respectively, for a SC cut-off point of 4.4 mg/dl. Furthermore, a higher AUCROC was obtained in comparison with other serological markers for activity (C-reactive protein [CRP], erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR], hemoglobin [Hb] and platelets). There were no statistically significant differences in the comparison between SC and endoscopic findings in CD (SES CD > 3: 20.1 [IQR: 16.8-23.4] vs SESC ≤ 3:6.25 [IQR: 5.4-7.1]) (p = 0.8). CONCLUSIONS: SC is a good indirect marker of inflammatory activity and there was a correlation with endoscopic findings in UC. However, there were no statistically significant differences in the case of CD.

Mortality associated with ingestion of sea urchins in loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta): A case series.

AIMS: The aims of this study were: a) to describe the pathological and laboratory findings in a case series of stranding and mortality associated with ingestion of large amounts of sea urchins in loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta), and b) to alert veterinarians and biologists involved in sea turtle conservation of this cause of stranding and/or death. METHODS: The six loggerheads studied were stranded on the coasts of Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain, between 2008 and 2015. Post mortem studies included pathological, microbiological, and sea urchin species identification procedures. RESULTS: All turtles showed severe intestinal impaction caused by large amounts of sea urchins, mainly affecting the colon and the caudal half of the small intestine. Histologically, severe focal fibrinonecrotic enteritis was diagnosed in two turtles. In the remaining turtles, lesions ranged from mild desquamation of the intestinal epithelium to severe congestion of the blood vessels of lamina propria, submucosa, muscular and serosa, and edema. Vibrio sp. was isolated from the spleen and intestinal mucosa of a loggerhead in which focal fibrinonecrotic enteritis had been diagnosed. In five turtles, all the remains were fragments from long-spined sea urchins (Diadema africanum); the last turtle contained a mixture of long-spined sea urchin (90%) and purple sea urchin (Sphaerechinus granularis) (10%) remains. CONCLUSIONS: Although the prevalence of this cause of stranding was low (< 1.6%) compared to other mortality causes, continued overfishing and anthropogenic climate change could increase its incidence. Intestinal impaction with large amounts of sea urchins should be included in the differential diagnosis of gastrointestinal diseases in sea turtles, and the possible toxic effect of some sea urchin species on sea turtles should also be investigated.

Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging study of a normal tarsal joint in a Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris).

BACKGROUND: In this research, using computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we provide a thorough description of the standard appearance of a right tarsal joint in a Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris). CT scans were performed using a bone and soft tissue window setting, and three-dimensional surface reconstructed CT images were obtained. The MRI protocol was based on the use of Spin-echo (SE) T1-weighted and Gradient-echo (GE) STIR T2-weighted pulse sequences. Magnetic resonance (MR) images were taken in the transverse, sagittal and dorsal planes. We also performed anatomical dissections to facilitate the interpretation of the different structures of the tarsus joint and allow comparisons with CT and MRI images. RESULTS: The CT images allowed us to observe differences between the bones and soft tissues of the tarsal joint. When applying the bone window setting, the obtained footage showed the anatomy between the medulla and cortex. Additionally, the trabecular bone was delineated. By contrast, the soft tissue window allowed the main soft tissue structures of the tarsal joint, including ligaments, muscles and tendons, to be differentiated. Footage of the main anatomical structures of the standard tiger tarsus was obtained through MRI. The SE T1-weighted images showed the best evaluation of the cortical, subchondral and trabecular bone of the tibia, fibula, tarsus and metatarsus bones. Nonetheless, the GE STIR T2-weighted images allowed us to better visualize the articular cartilage and synovial fluid. In both MRI pulse sequences, the ligaments and tendons appeared with low signal intensity compared with muscles that were visible with intermediate signal intensity. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this CT and MRI study of the Bengal tiger tarsal joint provide some valuable anatomical information and may be useful for diagnosing disorders in this large non-domestic cat.

Anatomic and magnetic resonance imaging features of the salivary glands in the dog.

The aim of the study was to describe the anatomical location and the topographic relationship of the major salivary glands to associated tissues in six dog cadavers by high-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and gross anatomical dissections and sections. Spin-echo T1-weighted and T2-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images were obtained in transverse, sagittal, and dorsal planes with a 1.5 T magnet. The digastric muscle, the external auditory canal, the eyeball, and the medial pterygoid muscle were the most consistent topographic landmarks for the identification of the mandibular, parotid, and zygomatic salivary glands, respectively. The best differentiation and contrast of the glands was observed in the T2-weighted images. In contrast with the osseous and muscular tissues, the salivary glands appeared hyperintense in greater or lesser measure except for the parotid gland, which displayed a hypointense signal. The rostral part of the monostomatic sublingual gland was precisely located between the tongue and the mylohyoid muscle. The best delineation between the caudal part of the monostomatic sublingual gland and the cranial aspect of the mandibular gland was observed in dorsal MRI at the level of the palate and the branches of the superior dental arcade. Good evaluation of the mandibular, parotid, caudal part of the monostomatic sublingual, zygomatic and buccal ventral glands was possible in sagittal MRI in close relation with the external auditory canal and the temporomandibular joint. The ventral buccal glands were also observed near the buccal vestibule as was the palatine glands within the soft palate.

Hospitalización en enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal: perspectiva actual / Hospitalization in inflammatory bowel disease: Current perspective

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Gender-Specific Association Between ABCC2 -24C>T SNP and Reduction in Triglycerides in Chilean Patients Treated With Atorvastatin.

Statins are the first-line therapy prescribed to lower plasma cholesterol levels. Although being safe and showing several beneficial cholesterol-independent pleiotropic effects, a significant variability regarding statin's therapeutic goals has been abundantly documented, but less understood. We aimed to investigate the influence of the ABCC2 -24C>T single nucleotide polymorphism on Chilean hypercholesterolaemic individuals treated for 4 weeks with 10 mg/day atorvastatin. A total of 127 individuals medicated with atorvastatin 10 mg/day/4 weeks were included. Lipid profiles were determined before and after drug administration by conventional assays. Genotyping of the ABCC2 rs717620 SNP (-24C>T) was performed with TaqMan® Drug Metabolism Genotyping Assays. As expected, atorvastatin reduced TC, LDL-C and TG concentrations (p < 0.05). Also, HDL-C levels were increased (p < 0.05). Minor allele frequency for the rs717620 was 0.232. Overall, atorvastatin response was not associated with the ABCC2 rs717620 SNP (p > 0.05). Nonetheless, in male individuals carrying the -24T allele, we observed an attenuated reduction in both TG values and the TG/HDL-C ratio after 10 mg/day atorvastatin. This study indicates that TG levels and the TG/HDL-C ratio are affected by the rs717620 SNP in Chilean males but not female individuals after atorvastatin treatment.

A Case of Congenital Supernumerary Teeth in an Ovine Dental Pad.

A rare case of congenital supernumerary teeth, also known as hyperdontia, observed in a healthy 8-month-old female ewe is presented. The congenital defect consisted of the presence of 2 incisor teeth embedded in the lateral areas of the dental pad. The anomaly was found during a routine physical examination and no other congenital abnormalities were found in the patient. No prior congenital abnormalities had been seen in the herd and the study of possible associated teratogenic factors was inconclusive. To the authors' knowledge, this ovine odontogenic abnormality has not been described in the literature and appears to be an extraordinarily rare condition.

Anatomic study of the normal Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) brain and associated structures using low field magnetic resonance imaging

The aim of this paper was to study the brain and associated structures of the Bengal tiger’s (Panthera tigris tigris) head by low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A cadaver of a mature female was used to perform spin-echo T1 and T2-weighting pulse sequences in sagittal, transverse and dorsal planes, using a magnet of 0.2 Tesla. Relevant anatomic structures were identified and labelled on the MRI according to the location and the characteristic signal intensity of different organic tissues. Spin-echo T1 and T2-weighted MR images were useful to demonstrate the anatomy of the brain and associated structures of the Bengal tiger’s head. This study could enhance our understanding of normal brain anatomy in Bengal tiger

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Causes of Stranding and Mortality, and Final Disposition of Loggerhead Sea Turtles (Caretta caretta) Admitted to a Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Gran Canaria Island, Spain (1998-2014): A Long-Term Retrospective Study.

AIMS: The aims of this study were to analyze the causes of stranding of 1,860 loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) admitted at the Tafira Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Gran Canaria Island, Spain, from 1998 to 2014, and to analyze the outcomes of the rehabilitation process to allow meaningful auditing of its quality. METHODS: Primary causes of morbidity were classified into seven categories: entanglement in fishing gear and/or plastics, ingestion of hooks and monofilament lines, trauma, infectious disease, crude oil, other causes, and unknown/undetermined. Final dispositions were calculated as euthanasia (Er), unassisted mortality (Mr), and release (Rr) rates. Time to death (Td) for euthanized and dead turtles, and length of stay for released (Tr) turtles were evaluated. RESULTS: The most frequent causes of morbidity were entanglement in fishing gear and/or plastics (50.81%), unknown/undetermined (20.37%), and ingestion of hooks (11.88%). The final disposition of the 1,634 loggerhead turtles admitted alive were: Er = 3.37%, Mr = 10.34%, and Rr = 86.29%. Er was significantly higher in the trauma category (18.67%) compared to the other causes of admission. The highest Mr was observed for turtles admitted due to trauma (30.67%). The highest Rr was observed in the crude oil (93.87%) and entanglement (92.38%) categories. The median Tr ranged from 12 days (unknown) to 70 days (trauma). CONCLUSIONS: This survey is the first large-scale epidemiological study on causes of stranding and mortality of Eastern Atlantic loggerheads and demonstrates that at least 71.72% of turtles stranded due to anthropogenic causes. The high Rr (86.29%) emphasizes the importance of marine rehabilitation centers for conservation purposes. The stratified analysis by causes of admission of the three final disposition rates, and the parameters Td and Tr should be included in the outcome research of the rehabilitation process of sea turtles in order to allow comparative studies between marine rehabilitation centers around the world.