The Impact of Pediatric Neutering in Dogs and Cats-A Retrospective Study.

Surgical sterilization is a common procedure in veterinary practice; yet, the age at which to perform said procedure is still a controversial topic since the common practice of performing this surgery at the "conventional" age of 6 months is not supported by concrete scientific data. Therefore, it leaves space for veterinary professionals to opt for pediatric neutering, especially in the context of shelter medicine, since it allows the adoption of younger animals and is an important tool used to combat the overpopulation of stray animals by preventing their reproduction, even though some of the studies regarding the long-term effects of this approach seem to have contradictory results. Consequently, the present study aims to evaluate the impact of pediatric neutering on the occurrence of obesity, behavioral changes and urinary and joint diseases by posing an inquiry by means of telephone questionnaire to 105 owners of cats and dogs neutered and adopted from Coimbra Municipal Animal Shelter. The analysis of the gathered data did not show any statistically significant relationship between age of neutering and the presence of any of the aforementioned conditions in the animals under study.

An immersive simulation strategy to teach canine vaginal cytology: A multi-centre study.

Vaginal cytology (VC) is an essential technique for monitoring the bitch's estrus cycle. Currently, animal-free teaching methodologies have not been investigated for VC. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate an immersive simulation with a VC model and augmented reality tools. Students (n = 219) from four universities were enrolled, having learning stations with models for practising VC that provided immediate feedback on the technique. Augmented reality tools comprised QR codes that endorsed students to short videos of owners' avatars reporting the clinical reproductive story of the simulated animals and slides with QR codes leading to microscopy slide navigation videos. Proestrus, estrus, diestrus, anestrus and vaginitis were identified in the learning stations. The students' perceptions were evaluated through questionnaires assessing satisfaction, motivation, confidence, impact on learning and diagnostic accuracy. Before the immersive simulation, students had no experience with VC, being afraid of doing a VC with a live dog. Almost all the students considered practicing VC as essential and 94% reported that repeating the procedure (>2 times) was the most important parameter for learning. The simulation activity lasted ≈3 h and significantly improved the confidence of students, being less afraid of doing a VC in a live animal. Slide navigation videos improved the diagnostic accuracy of the estrus cycle stage, and students diagnosed the estrus and vaginitis cases more accurately. The immersive simulation strategy allowed repeated practice in a safe, motivated and standardized environment, being appraised by students as an essential strategy for learning VC.

The Contribution of the Sheep and the Goat Model to the Study of Ovarian Ageing.

Ovarian ageing stands as the major contributor towards fertility loss. As such, there is an urge for studies addressing the mechanisms that promote ovarian ageing and new strategies aiming to delay it. Recently, the presence of a unique population of multinucleated giant cells has been identified in the ovaries of reproductively aged mice. These cells have been considered hallmarks of ovarian ageing. However, up to date multinucleated giant cells have only been described in the ovaries of the mice. Therefore, the aim of the present work was to evaluate and characterize the presence of such hallmarks of ovarian ageing in the sheep and the goat. In this study, ovaries from juvenile (6 months) and mature animals (18-24 months) were used. The hematoxylin and eosin technique was performed to describe the ovarian morphology and evaluate the ovarian follicle reserve pool. Sudan black B staining and the detection of autofluorescence emission were used to identify and characterize the presence of multinucleated giant cells. Statistical analyses were performed with GraphPad Prism 9.0.0. A decrease in the follicle reserve pool and the presence of multinucleated giant cells, with lipofuscin accumulation and the emission of autofluorescence, were observed in the ovaries of the mature animals of both species. Our results support the interest in the use of the ovine and the caprine model, that share physiological and pathophysiological characteristics with humans, in future studies addressing ovarian ageing.

From Illness to Resilience: Mediating Factors of Quality of Life in Patients with Congenital Heart Disease.

Background: Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a leading cause of childhood morbidity, with an estimated prevalence of 0.8-1%. However, advances in diagnosis and treatment now allow 90% of childhood CHD patients to survive to adulthood, leading to increased interest in their quality of life (QoL). In this study, we examine the impact of clinical and psychosocial variables, including the number of surgical interventions (NSI), age at surgery, school achievement, and social support, as mediating factors of QoL in CHD patients. Methods: The study included 233 CHD patients (132 males) with an average age of 15.2 ± 2.07 years, including 80 with cyanotic CHD and 153 with acyanotic CHD. The severity of illness ranged from mild to severe, with 30 patients having a severe illness, 119 having a moderate illness, and 84 having a mild illness. One-hundred-sixty-three patients underwent surgery. Clinical data on diagnosis, the severity of CHD, the type of CHD, and surgical interventions were collected from patient records, and a semi-structured interview was conducted to explore the relationship between CHD diagnosis and various aspects of life. QoL was assessed using the Abbreviated World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire (WHOQOL-Bref) questionnaire. Results: Ten mediation models were analyzed, each with three hypotheses (paths). In all models the first hypothesis was supported. Analyses of the second and third hypotheses revealed three feasible models of mediation through the effect of NSI on QoL in CHD patients. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that patients with more severe and cyanotic CHD generally require more surgical interventions, which may increase the risk of negative outcomes and affect patients' perception of QoL. These results have important implications for healthcare providers and psychologists who work with childhood CHD patients.

A Case of XX Disorder of Sexual Development in a Female-Phenotype Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus L.) Associated with Antlers Growth with Retained Velvet.

A 3-to-4-year-old roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.) was admitted to the Veterinary Hospital. Although it showed well-developed antlers with retained velvet, an external female appearance and genitalia were evident. External biometrical measurements were taken for the antlers, and a computed tomography was performed. Molecular studies targeting the SRY gene were performed, and a PIS (polled intersex syndrome) mutation diagnosis was implemented. The gonads consisted of a right testicle paired with a left ovotestis. Histologically, the ovary-like structures in the ovotestis were functional, but the testis, as the testis-like structure in the ovotestis, did not show active spermatogenesis. No evidence of SRY gene was detected by PCR, suggesting an XX-chromosome constitution. Additionally, polled intersex syndrome (PIS) deletion was not detected in the case under study. The clinical and histopathological findings confirmed the DSD with the presence of a testicle and a contralateral ovotestis.

Structural analysis of the microglia-interneuron interactions in the CA1 hippocampal area of the APP/PS1 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.

Microglia can interact with glutamatergic neurons and, through control of synaptic elements, regulate their physiological function. Much less is known about the partnership between microglia and GABAergic inhibitory interneurons. Here, we compared the interactions between microglia and parvalbumin (PV+) and somatostatin (SOM+) expressing interneurons in the CA1 hippocampal area of APP/PS1 transgenic mice that mimic certain aspects of the Alzheimer's disease (AD). We first uncovered a high level of interactions between microglia and two types of interneurons, with 98% of SOM+ and 90% of PV+ cells receiving different types of putative microglial contacts. The latter included the microglia soma to the interneuron soma (SomaMG -to-SomaIN ), the microglia process to the interneuron soma (ProcessMG -to-SomaIN ) and the microglia process to the interneuron dendrite (ProcessMG -to-DendIN ) interactions. Moreover, we found significantly larger areas of interaction for the SomaMG -to-SomaIN and the ProcessMG -to-DendIN type of contacts between microglia and SOM+ cells. In contrast, PV+ cells exhibited larger areas for the ProcessMG -to-SomaIN interactions. Second, in APP/PS1 mice, although the overall microglia interactions with interneurons remained preserved, the fraction of interneurons receiving putative microglia contacts on their dendrites was reduced, and larger areas of interactions were observed for somatic contacts, suggesting a stronger modulation of the interneuron output by microglia in AD. In summary, these results reveal microglia as important partners of hippocampal PV+ and SOM+ GABAergic cells, with interneuron type-specific pattern of interactions. Thus, microglia may play an essential role in the operation of interneurons under normal conditions and their dysfunction in disease.

Toilet training methods in children with normal neuropsychomotor development: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Toilet training (TT) is an important milestone in child development. The purpose of this review is to summarize the different TT methods found in the literature and determine their effectiveness for the TT process. DATA SOURCES: Articles about toilet training were collected from databases, including PubMed and Scopus. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) statement was used to guide the systematic review. RESULTS: Two main classifications were used: a child-oriented approach and a structured behavioral approach. Most children were trained by the structured behavioral approach, with early onset, but at the age of completion of TT, similar to those who used a child-oriented approach. Success rates, in the few studies that reported, were better with the child-oriented approach. The lowest reported success rate was the daytime humidity alarm approach. There is no consensus on the best method to be used, as it involves a wide variety of parents' preferences and expectations and cultural differences, with studies showing great heterogeneity and methodological flaws that make meta-analysis unfeasible. CONCLUSIONS: The approaches have not been directly compared, so it isn't possible to make definitive claims about one method's superiority over the other.

Sperm DNA damage and seminal antioxidant activity in subfertile men.

Supraphysiological ROS levels can lead to apoptosis, lipid peroxidation, and DNA and protein damage. This pilot study aimed to investigate the sperm oxidative damage in subfertile men, to describe the relationship between the antioxidant system and ROS. Sixty-four semen samples were categorised according to the evaluated routine parameters (WHO, WHO laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen, 2010). Results were cross-referenced with the DNA damage [Comet (n = 53) and TUNEL (n = 49) assays], antioxidant enzyme activity [SOD (n = 51), CAT (n = 48) and GST (n = 48)], and content of total thiols (n = 36), lipid hydroperoxides (n = 35) and MDA (n = 31). Compared to pathospermic samples, normozoospermic presented 40%-45% fewer spermatozoa with fragmented DNA, 19% fewer hydroperoxides, and slightly higher total thiols and MDA levels. Asthenozoospermic/asthenoteratozoospermic samples had the lowest GST activity. SOD and CAT showed a similar trend. Our results evidenced significant positive correlations between DNA damage and immotile spermatozoa; SOD and CAT, GST and total thiols; CAT and GST; total thiols and sperm concentration; and MDA levels and head/midpiece abnormalities and hydroperoxides. This work contributes to the existing body of knowledge by showing that the oxidative status correlates with the classic sperm analysis parameters. Oxidative stress and DNA damage evaluation might be a valuable diagnostic and prognostic tool in cases of idiopathic male subfertility.

Bayesian Linear Regression Modelling for Sperm Quality Parameters Using Age, Body Weight, Testicular Morphometry, and Combined Biometric Indices in Donkeys.

The aim of the present study is to define and compare the predictive power of two different Bayesian models for donkey sperm quality after the evaluation of linear and combined testicular biometry indices and their relationship with age and body weight (BW). Testicular morphometry was ultrasonographically obtained from 23 donkeys (six juveniles and 17 adults), while 40 ejaculates from eight mature donkeys were analyzed for sperm output and quality assessment. Bayesian linear regression analyses were considered to build two statistical models using gel-free volume, concentration, total sperm number, motility, total motile sperm, and morphology as dependent variables. Predictive model 1 comprised the covariate of age and the independent factors testicular measurements (length, height and width), while model 2 included the covariate of age and the factors of BW, testicular volume, and gonadosomatic ratio. Although goodness-of-fit was similar, the combination of predictors in model 1 evidenced higher likelihood to predict gel-free volume (mL), concentration (×106/mL), and motility (%). Alternatively, the combination of predictors in model 2 evidenced higher predictive power for total sperm number (×109), morphologically normal spermatozoa (%), and total motile sperm count (×109). The application of the present models may be useful to gather relevant information that could be used hereafter for assisted reproductive technologies.

Monitoramento COVID-19: Avaliação De Um Município Localizado no Estado do Paraná / COVID-19 Monitoring: Evaluation of a Municipality Located in the State of Paraná / Monitoreo COVID-19: Evaluación De Un Municipio Ubicado En el Estado de Paraná

Objetivo: descrever as ações de monitoramento e avaliar o impacto desta atividade durante a situação da pandemia. Método: trata-se de uma pesquisa epidemiológica observacional do tipo descritiva, buscando compreender o impacto, das estratégias de monitoramento no acompanhamento dos casos suspeitos e/ou confirmados pela Vigilância Epidemiológica. Resultados: houve o monitoramento de usuários com suspeita ou confirmação de síndrome gripal. Evidenciou-se a importância do monitoramento para o munícipio, pois após a busca ativa e identificação dos sintomas, possibilitou o cuidado centrado nas diretrizes assistências do SUS. Conclusão: o monitoramento se mostrou eficaz, uma vez que a maior parte dos usuários se recuperaram da infecção e tiveram seus casos acompanhados.

Objective: to describe the monitoring actions and assess the impact of this activity during the pandemic situation. Method: this is an observational epidemiological research of the descriptive type, seeking to understand the impact of the monitoring strategies in the monitoring of suspected cases and / or confirmed by the Epidemiological Surveillance. Results: there was a monitoring of users with suspected or confirmed flu syndrome. We highlighted the importance of monitoring for the municipality, because after the active search and identification of symptoms, it enabled care centered on SUS assistance guidelines. Conclusion: the monitoring proved to be effective, since most users recovered from the infection and had their cases followed up.

Objetivo: describir las acciones de monitoreo y evaluar el impacto de esta actividad durante la situación de pandemia. Metodo: se trata de una investigación epidemiológica observacional descriptiva, que busca comprender el impacto de las estrategias de monitoreo en el seguimiento de casos sospechosos y/ o confirmados por Vigilancia Epidemiológica. Resultados: se monitoreó a los usuarios con sospecha o confirmación de enfermedad similar a la gripe. Resaltamos la importancia del seguimiento para el municipio, porque luego de la búsqueda activa e identificación de síntomas, permitió una atención centrada en las pautas asistenciales del SUS. Conclusión: el seguimiento demostró ser eficaz, ya que la mayoría de los usuarios se recuperaron de la infección y se les dio seguimiento a sus casos.

Hastening Time to Ejaculation in Donkey Jacks Treated with the PGF2α Analog, Cloprostenol Sodium.

Due to the long courtship needed to attain excitation and erection, donkey semen collection can take up to 90 min. ProstaglandinF2α (PGF2α) has been reported to hasten the onset of erection and ejaculation in domesticated mammals, presumably by inducing smooth muscle contractions in the internal genitalia. However, while it has been anecdotally used in donkeys, it has yet to be critically evaluated. This study aimed to compare behavioral and semen parameters in Catalan, Balearic, Amiata, and Miranda jacks treated with the PGF2α analogue cloprostenol sodium immediately prior to exposure to an estrus jenny. Nineteen donkeys were assigned in a crossover design to receive cloprostenol sodium (125µg, i.m.; n = 53 collections) or saline (1 mL, i.m.; n = 53 collections). There were no differences for erection (52/53 vs. 52/53) or ejaculation (52/53 vs. 48/53) for collection attempts assigned to saline or cloprostenol sodium, respectively. Cloprostenol sodium significantly hastened treatment-to-erection and treatment-to-ejaculation times from 12.0 ± 1.6 to 6.0 ± 1.6 min and from 14.0 ± 1.4 to 9.6 ± 1.4 min, respectively. Significant effects of breed and age were observed in behavioral and parameters, but there were no effects of cloprostenol sodium administration on semen parameters. In conclusion, cloprostenol sodium administration immediately prior to semen collection hastened time to collect semen in donkeys with no detrimental effects on semen quality and can be used by practitioners to circumvent long delays in donkey semen collection.

Assessment of Dog Testis Perfusion by Colour and Pulsed-Doppler Ultrasonography and Correlation With Sperm Oxidative DNA Damage.

The assessment of testicular artery blood flow by colour and pulsed-Doppler ultrasonography is an important diagnostic technique to assess vascular perfusion. Recently, it has been suggested as a good predictor of sperm quality. On the other hand, through the alkaline Comet Assay, it is possible to quantify sperm oxidative DNA damage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between routine sperm parameters, testicular artery blood flow and oxidative DNA damage in canine sperm. Testicular ultrasonography and sperm collection were performed on 12 male dogs, with the animals being allocated into 2 groups, according to the classification of the ejaculates' quality, as normozoospermic (N; n = 7) or non-normozoospermic (OAT; n = 5). Seven dogs aged between 1.5 and 8.0 years old were included in group N and 5 dogs, aged between 2.0 and 11.0 years old, were included in group OAT. The sperm-rich fraction of the ejaculates was evaluated for sperm routine parameters and DNA damage by comet assay. Colour and pulsed-Doppler ultrasonography were used to evaluate the blood flow of the supratesticular and marginal arteries of right and left testis. Group OAT presented higher levels of sperm oxidative DNA damage (A.U.) in comparison to group N (N:11.7 ± 9.9; OAT:34.2 ± 6.1; P< .001). The peak of systolic velocity was positively correlated with sperm concentration (r = 0.685; P= .005). The resistive and pulsatility indexes (RI and PI) of the supratesticular artery were negatively correlated with sperm membrane integrity (HOST+) (r = -0.594; P = .042; r = -0.612; P = .035, respectively). The end diastolic velocity (EDV) of the supratesticular artery was positively correlated with sperm concentration (r = 0.748; P = .005) and negatively correlated with sperm oxidative DNA damage (r = -0.766; P = .004). Our results suggest that the assessment of the testicular artery blood flow by colour and pulsed-Doppler ultrasonography could be a good predictor of sperm quality in dogs in terms of sperm concentration, membrane integrity and sperm oxidative DNA damage.

Green Graphene-Chitosan Sorbent Materials for Mercury Water Remediation.

The development of new graphene-based nanocomposites able to provide synergistic effects for the adsorption of toxic heavy metals in realistic conditions (environment) is of higher demand for future applications. This work explores the preparation of a green nanocomposite based on the self-assembly of graphene oxide (GO) with chitosan (CH) for the remediation of Hg(II) in different water matrices, including ultrapure and natural waters (tap water, river water, and seawater). Starting at a concentration of 50 µg L-1, the results showed that GO-CH nanocomposite has an excellent adsorption capacity of Hg (II) using very small doses (10 mg L-1) in ultrapure water with a removal percentage (% R) of 97 % R after only two hours of contact time. In the case of tap water, the % R was 81.4% after four hours of contact time. In the case of river and seawater, the GO-CH nanocomposite showed a limited performance due the high complexity of the water matrices, leading to a residual removal of Hg(II). The obtained removal of Hg(II) at equilibrium in river and seawater for GO-CH was 13% R and 7% R, respectively. Our studies conducted with different mimicked sea waters revealed that the removal of mercury is not affected by the presence of NO3- and Na+ (>90% R of Hg(II)); however, in the presence of Cl-, the mercury removal was virtually nonexistent (1% R of Hg(II)), most likely because of the formation of very stable chloro-complexes of Hg(II) with less affinity towards GO-CH.

Evaluation of platelet-rich plasma gel as an angiogenesis-inducing agent in canine advancement skin flaps / Avaliação do gel de plasma rico em plaquetas como agente indutor da angiogênese em flapes cutâneos de avanço em cães

This work aimed to evaluate the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on advancement skin flaps in dogs regarding improvement of vascularization, with focus on increasing its viable area, since there are reports that it is a potential angiogenesis stimulator. The experimental group was composed of eight adult bitches, in which two advancement skin flaps were made in the ventral abdominal region. No product was applied in the control flap (CF), while PRP was used in the contralateral flap, called treated flap (TF). The areas were clinically evaluated every two days until the 7th postoperative day regarding skin color and presence of necrosis. At 10 days, both flaps were removed and submitted to histological examination and blood vessel morphometry. The vessels counted in each group were statistically analyzed by the F-test at 1% probability. Results showed no significant difference in macroscopic changes in the wound, or CF and TF vascularization, thus suggesting that PRP gel did not improve advancement skin flap angiogenesis in bitches under the experimental conditions in which this research was developed.(AU)

Objetivou-se com o presente artigo avaliar a ação angiogênica do gel de plasma rico em plaquetas (PRP) em flapes cutâneos de avanço em animais da espécie canina, visando aumentar a viabilidade da pele após o procedimento, uma vez que existem relatos de que o produto é um potente estimulador da angiogênese. O grupo experimental foi composto por oito cadelas adultas, onde foram confeccionados dois flapes de avanço (de padrão subdérmico) na região abdominal ventral. Em um dos flapes, considerado controle (FC) não foi aplicado nenhum produto, enquanto que no flape contralateral, denominado tratado (FT), foi usado o gel de PRP. As áreas foram macroscopicamente avaliadas a cada dois dias até o 7º dia de pós-operatório em relação à coloração da pele e presença de área de necrose, e com 10 dias ambos os flapes foram coletados por biópsia e submetidos ao exame histológico e morfometria dos vasos sanguíneos. Os vasos contados em cada grupo foram estatisticamente analisados pelo teste de F ao nível de 1% de probabilidades. Os resultados demonstraram que não houve diferença significativa nas alterações macroscópicas das feridas e na morfometria vascular dos FC e FT, sugerindo dessa maneira que dentro das condições experimentais nas quais a pesquisa foi executada, que o gel de PRP não incrementou a angiogênese de flapes de avanço em cadelas.(AU)

Oxidative stress, metabolic and histopathological alterations in mussels exposed to remediated seawater by GO-PEI after contamination with mercury.

The modern technology brought new engineering materials (e.g. nanostructured materials) with advantageous characteristics such as a high capacity to decontaminate water from pollutants (for example metal(loid)s). Among those innovative materials the synthesis of nanostructured materials (NSMs) based on graphene as graphene oxide (GO) functionalized with polyethyleneimine (GO-PEI) had a great success due to their metal removal capacity from water. However, research dedicated to environmental risks related to the application of these materials is still non-existent. To evaluate the impacts of such potential stressors, benthic species can be a good model as they are affected by several environmental constraints. Particularly, the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis has been identified by several authors as a bioindicator that responds quickly to environmental disturbances, with a wide spatial distribution and economic relevance. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the impacts caused in M. galloprovincialis by seawater previously contaminated by Hg and decontaminated using GO-PEI. For this, histopathological and biochemical alterations were examined. This study demonstrated that mussels exposed to the contaminant (Hg), the decontaminant (GO-PEI) and the combination of both (Hg + GO-PEI) presented an increment of histopathological, oxidative stress and metabolic alterations if compared to organisms under remediated seawater and control conditions The present findings highlight the possibility to remediate seawater with nanoparticles for environmental safety purposes.

Prevalência de parasitas em pacientes atendidos em laboratório de um centro universitário da cidade de Montes Claros, MG / Prevalence of parasites in patients attended in a university center laboratory of Montes Claros city, MG

Objetivo: Analisar a prevalência de parasitas nos pacientes atendidos no laboratório de análises clínicas de uma clínica escola da cidade de Montes Claros-MG, no período de junho de 2016 a agosto de 2018 e determinar os principais parasitas encontrados, correlacionando-os com a faixa etária e sexo. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo e corte transversal, realizado por meio de uma pesquisa do histórico documental baseada nos laudos do laboratório, sendo utilizados cinco métodos de análises copro­lógicas. Resultados: Dentre os 909 exames parasitológicos analisados, 134 (14,7%) foram positivos, com prevalência no sexo feminino. O parasita mais encontrado foi o comensal Entamoeba coli (32,8%). Quanto aos casos de poliparasitismo, a associação mais encontrada foi de Entamoeba coli e Entamoeba histolytica. Conclusão: A prevalência de parasitas nos pacientes atendidos pelo laboratório escola no período estudado foi considerada elevada, a faixa etária mais acometida foi de 0 a 10 anos, o principal parasita comensal foi Entamoeba coli e o principal parasita patogênico foi Entamoeba histolytica.

Objective: To analyze the prevalence of parasites in the patients attended in the laboratory of clinical analyzes of a school clinic in the city of Montes Claros, MG, from June 2016 to August 2018 and determine the main parasites found, correlating them with the age group and sex. Methods: This is a cross-sectional retrospective study, carried out through a documentary historical research based on laboratory reports, using five methods of coprological analysis. Results: Among the 909 parasitological tests analyzed, 134 (14.7%) were positive, with prevalence in the female sex. The most common parasite was Entamoeba coli (32.8%). As for cases of polyparasitism, the most commonly found association was Entamoeba coli and Entamoeba histolytica. Conclusion: The prevalence of parasites in patients attended by the school laboratory in the period studied was considered high, the most affected age group was 0 to 10 years, the main parasite was Entamoeba coli and the main pathogenic parasite was Entamoeba histolytica.

Evaluation of biomarker canine-prostate specific arginine esterase (CPSE) for the diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

BACKGROUND: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common canine prostatic disorder. Although most or even all intact male dogs may develop BPH by 5-8 years of age, many show no clinical signs. Taking into account the non-specific character of clinical and ultrasonographic findings, a new diagnostic approach has recently been proposed based on the augmentation of blood canine prostate-specific arginine esterase (CPSE) in hyperplasic dogs. The aim of the present study was to verify CPSE levels in negative controls and hyperplasic dogs, considering cytological findings as the reference method and taking into account the fact that controls were middle-aged intact dogs (median of 5.0 years), contrarily to previous studies carried out with very young control dogs. RESULTS: Significant differences of median CPSE levels were found between controls and hyperplasic dogs (29.1 versus 160.7 ng/mL, respectively); and significant positive correlations were found between median CPSE levels and age or prostatic volume (r = 0.549 and 0.448, respectively; p < 0.001). Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios put into evidence the good performance of the test. The agreement between methods was found to be very high, notably between CPSE levels and cytological results (Cohen's kappa coefficients above 0.8). CONCLUSIONS: Considering the results all together, measurement of CPSE is confirmed as a useful and accurate method and should be considered as an alternative or complementary tool to conventional methods for the diagnosis of BPH in middle-aged dogs.

Lesão de Morel-Lavallée: relato de caso / Morel LavalléeLesion: case report

A lesão de Morel-Lavallée, descrita inicialmente no século XIX pelo cirurgião francês Victor Auguste François Morel-Lavallée, constitui lesão de partes moles, sobretudo nas áreas que revestem as protuberâncias ósseas. Sua fisiopatologia consiste no deslocamento da pele e do tecido celular subcutâneo sobre a fáscia muscular, provocado por forças tangenciais súbitas e intensas, secundárias a traumatismos. No espaço criado pela avulsão dos tecidos, acumulam-se sangue, linfa e debris gordurosos. O diagnóstico é baseado na história clínica, no exame físico e nos exames de imagem. O tratamento geralmente é conservador e o prognóstico é bom, nas lesões menores. Em casos de lesões extensas podem ocorrer graves complicações. O diagnóstico diferencial inclui bursite, hematoma, abscesso, tumores benignos e neoplasias malignas. O presente relato visa alertar o pediatra sobre a possibilidade diagnóstica de lesão de Morel-Lavallée, garantindo-se sua abordagem precoce e adequada, especialmente quando se considera a prática de esportes cada vez mais comum entre crianças e adolescentes, além do risco da sua ocorrência por traumas associados às atividades lúdicas próprias da faixa etária pediátrica.(AU)

The injury of Morel-Lavallée, first described in the nineteenth century by the French surgeon Victor Auguste François Morel-Lavallée, is a soft tissue injury, particularly in the linimg areas of the bony prominences. The patophysiology consists in the displacement of the skin and the fascia subcutaneous tissue caused by sudden and intense shear forces, secondary to trauma. In the space created by tissue avulsions acumulates blood, lymph and fatty debris. Diagnosis is based on clinical history, physical examination and imaging studies. Treatment is usually conservative and the prognosis is good, in the minor injuries. In cases of extensive lesions the result can be serious complications. The differential diagnosis includes bursitis, hematoma, abscess, benign and malignant neoplasms. This report aims to alert the pediatrician about the diagnostic possibility of Morel-Lavallée lesion nsuring their early and appropriate approach, especially when we consider the practice of sports, increasingly common among children and adolescents, and the risk of their occurrence of traumas associated with own play activities of pediatric patients.(AU)