Mercury in the Southwestern Atlantic reef-building coral Montastraea cavernosa (Cnidaria, Scleractinia).

Coastal ecosystems, such as coral reefs, are particularly vulnerable to mercury contamination due to direct contact with terrestrial sources. Here, we evaluated, for the first time, the concentration of mercury in coral reefs in the Southwestern Atlantic using the amphi-atlantic scleractinian coral Montastraea cavernosa. Sampling was realized over an extension of 200 km along different coral reefs. Our data show mercury values ranging from 0.01 to 0.27 mg kg-1 in the tissue and 0.001-0.06 mg kg-1 in the skeleton and higher values when compared to coral worldwide. The concentration of mercury in the tissue from Todos os Santos Bay was higher than in open sea regions but also higher compared to other coral reefs of the world, while the skeleton concentration did not indicate any differences when compared to the open sea regions. The data presented is of concern as we consider the importance of coral reefs and should be used in future environmental management planning.

Anatomopathological changes in laying quails.

The objective of the current study was to carry out a survey of the main anatomopathological alterations in raising quails and evaluate possible interference of these in the bone tissue. To obtain the data, 23 quails were collected from farm in the central Serrana region of Espírito Santo. Necropsies with macroscopic descriptions, microbiological, coproparasitological, radiographic and histomorphometric tests were carried out. It was done data descriptive analysis and average comparision using Student T test. It was found that they presented lesions predominantly in the digestive system, followed by urinary and reproductive, and muscular system, were the altered color of the liver (47%) was the most frequent lesion. In the parasitological exams, it was found oocysts of Eimeira sp. (39.13%). In the microbiological exams, it was detected predominantly Escherichia coli (83%). Moderate osteopenia in quails, but the percentage of trabecular bone on bones was similar between healthy and diseased quails, without bone changes in histology. Microscopically, it was observed lung congestion as predominant lesion. It is concluded that there was predominance of alterations in the digestive system and mild parasitic infection; and although there was moderate level of osteopenia, there wasn't bone change as a result of the observed infections.

Comparison of the distraction index and Norberg angle with radiographic grading of canine hip dysplasia.

The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) radiographic grading system stands as a well-established benchmark for categorizing hip dysplasia in canines. Although more objective techniques to quantify early hip laxity in young dogs, such as the Norberg angle (NA) and distraction index (DI), have been documented, there is a scarcity of published studies that directly compare these radiographic measures. The primary objectives of this prospective, analytical study were to assess and compare the NA and DI measures with OFA grades within a cohort of dogs. Thirty dogs (57 hip joints) were evaluated, with a mean age of 5.4 ± 2.9 years and a mean body weight of 34.3 ± 7.1 kg. The discriminative power of hip dysplasia for DI and NA used OFA as a reference were compared by multivariate discriminant analysis test. Using the DI (≤0.3) 12 joints were classified as normal, using NA (≥105°) 24 joints and using OFA (≤3) 29. When comparing the discriminant power of NA with OFA resulting similar (P = .8324) with correct classifications of 81% using cross validation, however, the discriminant power of dysplasia of the DI resulted significantly greater (P = .0034) than OFA with correct classifications of only 59% using cross-validation, consequently it was possible determined that of 29 patients with OFA ≤ 3, 20 had DI > 0.3. These findings demonstrated that phenotypic healthy dogs according to OFA grading can present passive hip joint laxity, as demonstrated by radiographic evaluation with distraction. Furthermore, DI can contribute to the screening of CHD when evaluated in conjunction with OFA grading.

B-mode ultrasonography and ARFI elastography of articular and peri-articular structures of the hip joint in non-dysplastic and dysplastic dogs as confirmed by radiographic examination.

BACKGROUND: Canine hip dysplasia is a common orthopedic disease in veterinary practice. The diagnosis is made by radiographic examinations that evaluate bone alterations associated with hip dysplasia. Although radiographic examination is the gold standard for diagnosis, it does not allow a detailed evaluation of soft tissues such as the joint capsule and periarticular muscles. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of B-mode ultrasonography and acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography in assessing the joint capsule and periarticular muscles of dogs using the Orthopedic Foundation of Animals (OFA) classification and the distraction index (DI) in the early and late diagnosis of hip dysplasia. This study sought to propose a protocol for the ultrasonographic evaluation of the structures involved in canine hip dysplasia. METHODS: Radiographic and ultrasonographic evaluations were performed on 108 hip joints of 54 dogs. Thirty dogs were older than 2 years and 24 were aged between 4 and 10 months. RESULTS: It was verified that an increase in pectineus muscle stiffness (cutoff value > 2.77 m/s) by elastography in some dysplastic dogs and an increase in the thickness of the joint capsule (cutoff value > 0.9 mm) in B-mode ultrasonography, were associated with a distraction index > 0.5, with both having a positive correlation. In B-mode ultrasonographic evaluation, the presence of signs of degenerative joint disease, such as irregularities of the cranial edge of the acetabulum and femoral head, were associated with a distraction index > 0.5 in canines, with a specificity of 94%. In adult dogs, the findings of degenerative joint disease on ultrasound were associated with a diseased OFA classification (P < 0.05). Measurement of the joint capsule > 1.10 mm was diagnostic for dysplasia in unhealthy dogs by OFA. CONCLUSIONS: ARFI elastography has shown that the pectineus muscle may experience changes in stiffness in dysplastic animals. Additionally, changes in joint capsule thickness can be identified in B-mode in young and adult dogs with dysplastic joints, which contributes to the diagnosis of hip dysplasia.

Assessing the influence of sewage outfalls on seagrass meadows using nitrogen isotopes.

Untreated sewage discharged increases the nutrient loads and changes ecosystem functions. It increases the values of the nitrogen isotopic signature (δ15N) of primary producers such as seagrasses. Itaparica Island (Bahia, Brazil) has undergone extensive urbanization over 50 years. Most of the island has no sewage treatment, and a bridge's construction could increase its population ten times. We evaluated the effects of sewage inputs on the δ15N of seagrass (Halodule wrightii) across Itaparica Island in 14 areas of the island with different degrees of urbanization. Average values of δ15N ranged from -3.95 ‰ (±1.04 SD) to 2.73 ‰ (±1.61). The highest human occupation site also has the highest mean value of δ15N, and seagrass shoot density. The significant correlation (p < 0.05) between δ15N values and shoot density may indicate a possible anthropogenic pressure impacting meadow abundance. Despite a positive correlation, increased anthropogenic nutrient supply can support algae growth and harm seagrass ecosystems.

Abdominal perfusion in canine patients with pyometra and sepsis evaluated by Doppler and contrast-enhanced ultrasound.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is a condition characterized by organic dysfunction, leading to hemodynamic instability and high morbidity and mortality rates in humans and animals. Early identification of perfusion changes and appropriate management of sepsis are crucial for improving patient prognosis. Currently, the Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores are widely studied for sepsis identification and evaluation of organ dysfunction. However, these scores do not assess gastrointestinal involvement, which is common in this condition. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and Doppler have been considered promising diagnostic techniques for detecting changes in vascularization and microcirculation in a non-invasive and safe manner, particularly in the gastrointestinal system. This study aimed to evaluate duodenal perfusion using CEUS, as well as abdominal aortic and cranial mesenteric artery blood flow using Doppler ultrasound, and systolic arterial pressure (SAP) in 17 bitches with pyometra and in 10 healthy animals. RESULTS: The variables were compared between the pyometra and control groups, as well between patients with and without sepsis determined by the SOFA or SIRS scores. Pyometra was found to cause a reduction in abdominal aortic blood flow volume, aortic peak systolic velocity, and resistivity index as evaluated by Doppler ultrasound. Patients with sepsis according to the SOFA criteria only presented lower SAP. In contrast, sepsis animals identified by the SIRS score exhibited lower SAP, aortic peak systolic velocity, aortic blood flow volume, and aortic resistivity index and additionally, higher peak intensity of contrast in the duodenal wall. CONCLUSIONS: Pyometra causes a reduction in abdominal aortic blood flow, which is more pronounced in animals with sepsis identified by the SIRS criteria. These animals also exhibited a decrease in systolic blood pressure and an increase in duodenal perfusion, as evident by CEUS. However, these changes were not observed in patients with sepsis identified by the SOFA criteria. The alterations in intestinal perfusion observed in animals with sepsis indicate the presence of inflammation or dysfunction. In this regard, CEUS proves to be a valuable technique for detecting subtle changes in tissue hemodynamics that may not be apparent in conventional exams.

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy and viral suppression: Analysis of three periods between 2011 and 2017 at an HIV-AIDS center, Brazil.

The increased effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the last 30 years is a scientific landmark, and viral suppression is directly associated with treatment adherence. The aim of this study was to compare the results of ART adherence and viral load suppression with the evolution of the protocols and other associated factors, in people living with HIV. A panel analysis of three descriptive longitudinal studies investigating ART adherence and viral load suppression was conducted in people with HIV treated at a drug dispensing unit in the Federal District. The studies were carried out during periods of 2011, 2013, and 2017, coinciding with the three different recommended treatment schemes for the country. Adherence was assessed using drug dispensing records. Viral load data were obtained from the Ministry of Health's Laboratory Examination Information System. Analysis of the data of 522 individuals in the three periods showed sociodemographic differences such as a decline in the percentage of women (from 33% in period 1 to 4% in period 3) and an increase in the percentage of young people. ART adherence was higher in period 2 (tenofovir/lamivudine/efavirenz scheme). Viral load suppression was greater in period 3 (tenofovir/lamivudine/dolutegravir scheme). The relative detectable viral load risk was nearly two-fold higher (RR 1.83) in people living with HIV with less than 80% adherence when compared to those above 80%. With respect to the different schemes recommended in Brazil during the periods studied, ART containing dolutegravir was the most effective in achieving viral load suppression. By contrast, there was better ART adherence in the daily combined fixed dose consisting of tenofovir/lamivudine/efavirenz in tablet form. Adherence to ART above 80% seemed to be enough to promote an effective treatment in therapeutic schemes including efavirenz or dolutegravir.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in coral reefs with a focus on Scleractinian corals: A systematic overview.

The impact of petroleum exploitation and oil spills in marine ecosystems has increased over time. Among the concerns regarding these events, the impact on coral reefs stand out because this ecosystem has ecological and economic importance and is globally threatened. We performed a systematic review and bibliometric analysis of studies that determine polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in coral reefs, attempting to answer how the studies were distributed around the globe, the main environmental matrices and species of coral studied, the main PAHs found and their mean concentrations, and the methodology used. A bibliographic search resulted in 42 studies with worldwide distribution. The bibliometric results presented more explored terms, such as sediments and toxicology, and newly investigated terms, which should encourage a new area of study, such as those related to zooxanthellae and mucus. The main matrices studied in coral reefs are sediments, corals, and water, whereas air and other invertebrates have rarely been studied. Approximately 45 species of corals with several morphotypes have been reported. PAHs recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) were analyzed in all studies, while additional compounds were analyzed in only five. The methods used to determine hydrocarbons are predominantly the most traditional; however, for corals, studies have tended to separate tissue, zooxanthellae, skeleton, and mucus. In the future, we recommend investment in improving the capacity to detect non-conventional PAHs, more studies in regions that are rarely explored in developing countries, and the creation of databases to facilitate management planning on marine coasts.

Heatwave hit phase shifted coral reefs: Zoantharian mass mortality record.

Phase shift is characterized by an abrupt change in the structure of a community in response to a disturbance that can break its resistance, displacing it from its natural variation. This phenomenon has been recognized in several ecosystems and often points to human activities as the main cause. However, reactions of shifted communities to anthropogenic impacts have been less studied. In recent decades, heatwaves resulting from climate change have strongly affected coral reefs. Mass coral bleaching events are recognized as the main cause of coral reef phase shifts on a global scale. In 2019, an unprecedented heatwave hit the southwest Atlantic Ocean causing mass coral bleaching in non-degraded and phase-shifted reefs of Todos os Santos Bay, at an intensity never recorded in a 34-year historical series. We analyzed the effects of this event on the resistance of phase-shifted reefs, dominated by the zoantharian Palythoa cf. variabilis. Using benthic coverage data from 2003, 2007, 2011, 2017, and 2019, we analyzed three non-degraded reefs and three phase-shifted reefs. We estimated the coverage and bleaching of corals and P. cf. variabilis on each reef. There was a reduction in coral coverage in non-degraded reefs before the 2019 mass bleaching event (i.e., heatwave). However, there was no significant coral coverage variation after the event and the structure of non-degraded reef communities did not change. In phase-shifted reefs the coverage of zoantharians did not change significantly before the 2019 event, however, after the mass bleaching, there was a significant reduction in the coverage of these organisms. Here we revealed that the resistance of the shifted community was broken, and its structure was altered, indicating that reefs in this condition were more susceptible to bleaching disturbance than non-degraded reefs.

Mangrove microbial community recovery and their role in early stages of forest recolonization within shrimp ponds.

Shrimp farming is blooming worldwide, posing a severe threat to mangroves and its multiple goods and ecosystem services. Several studies reported the impacts of aquaculture on mangrove biotic communities, including microbiomes. However, little is known about how mangrove soil microbiomes would change in response to mangrove forest recolonization. Using genome-resolved metagenomics, we compared the soil microbiome of mangrove forests (both with and without the direct influence of shrimp farming effluents) with active shrimp farms and mangroves under a recolonization process. We found that the structure and composition of active shrimp farms microbial communities differ from the control mangrove forests, mangroves under the impact of the shrimp farming effluents, and mangroves under recolonization. Shrimp farming ponds microbiomes have lower microbial diversity and are dominated by halophilic microorganisms, presenting high abundance of multiple antibiotic resistance genes. On the other hand, control mangrove forests, impacted mangroves (exposed to the shrimp farming effluents), and recolonization ponds were more diverse, with a higher abundance of genes related to carbon mobilization. Our data also indicated that the microbiome is recovering in the mangrove recolonization ponds, performing vital metabolic functions and functionally resembling microbiomes found in those soils of neighboring control mangrove forests. Despite highlighting the damage caused by the habitat changes in mangrove soil microbiome community and functioning, our study sheds light on these systems incredible recovery capacity. Our study shows the importance of natural mangrove forest recovery, enhancing ecosystem services by the soil microbial communities even in a very early development stage of mangrove forest, thus encouraging mangrove conservation and restoration efforts worldwide.

Long-term monitoring projects of Brazilian marine and coastal ecosystems.

Biodiversity assessment is a mandatory task for sustainable and adaptive management for the next decade, and long-term ecological monitoring programs are a cornerstone for understanding changes in ecosystems. The Brazilian Long-Term Ecological Research Program (PELD) is an integrated effort model supported by public funds that finance ecological studies at 34 locations. By interviewing and compiling data from project coordinators, we assessed monitoring efforts, targeting biological groups and scientific production from nine PELD projects encompassing coastal lagoons to mesophotic reefs and oceanic islands. Reef environments and fish groups were the most often studied within the long-term projects. PELD projects covered priority areas for conservation but missed sensitive areas close to large cities, as well as underrepresenting ecosystems on the North and Northeast Brazilian coast. Long-term monitoring projects in marine and coastal environments in Brazil are recent (<5 years), not yet integrated as a network, but scientifically productive with considerable relevance for academic and human resources training. Scientific production increased exponentially with project age, despite interruption and shortage of funding during their history. From our diagnosis, we recommend some actions to fill in observed gaps, such as: enhancing projects' collaboration and integration; focusing on priority regions for new projects; broadening the scope of monitored variables; and, maintenance of funding for existing projects.

Applicability of ARFI elastography in detecting elasticity changes of the equine superficial digital flexor tendon with induced injury.

The objectives of this prospective, experimental study were to describe changes in the stiffness of the equine superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) after induced injury, deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT), accessory ligament (AL-DDFT), and suspensory ligament (SL) during 90 days of healing using acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography. Eight healthy horses were selected. Preinjury B mode and ARFI evaluations were performed bilaterally in the palmar metacarpal region. Injury was induced only on the left forelimb (G2) by a single injection of collagenase in SDFT, 15 cm distal to the accessory carpal bone. The right forelimb was used as a control (G1). Evaluations were performed at eight timepoints: one before injury (T0) and seven (T1-T7) after injury (3, 15, 30, 40, 60, 75, and 90 days post-induction). Tendinopathies were visualized as hypoechoic areas with loss of parallel tendon fiber pattern. Injured SDFTs presented mainly cool colors (soft) from T1 to T3, and from T4, there was an increase in warm colors (hard), close to the appearance of tendons of G1. In the first four timepoints, there was a decrease in stiffness compared to G1 (P < 0.001). On T1 and T2, a cutoff value <6.21 m/s to determine tendinopathy of the SDFT was established (75.8% sensitivity and 92.03% specificity). Stiffness changes in the DDFT, AL-DDFT, and SL of injured limbs occurred at different timepoints. Tendinopathy significantly altered the stiffness of the injured tendon and the adjacent tissues. ARFI made it possible to detect these changes, helping to monitor the reparation of this injury.

Environmental settings of seagrass meadows control rare earth element distribution and transfer from soil to plant compartments.

The role of seagrass meadows in the cycling and accumulation of rare earth elements and yttrium (REEY) is unknown. Here, we measured the concentration of REEY in the different compartments of Halodule wrightii (shoots, rhizomes, and roots) and soils in seagrass meadows near sandy beaches, mangroves, and coral reefs in the Todos os Santos Bay, Brazil. We provide data on the accumulation dynamics of REEY in seagrass compartments and demonstrate that plant compartments and soil properties determine accumulation patterns. The ∑REEY in soils were ~1.7-fold higher near coral reefs (93.0 ±â€¯5.61 mg kg-1) than near mangrove sites (53.9 ±â€¯31.5 mg kg-1) and were slightly higher than in sandy beaches (81.7 ±â€¯49.1 mg kg-1). The ∑REEY in seagrasses varied between 35.4 ±â€¯28.1 mg kg-1 near coral reefs to 59.2 ±â€¯21.3 mg kg-1 near sandy beaches, respectively. The ∑REE bioaccumulation factor (BAF) was highest in seagrass roots near sandy beaches (BAF = 0.67 ±â€¯0.48). All values of ∑REE translocation are <1, indicating inefficient translocation of REE from roots to rhizome to shoot. PAAS normalized REE was enriched in light REE (LREE) over heavy REE (HREE). The REEY accumulation in Halodule wrightii revealed a low potential of the seagrass to act as a sink for these elements. However, their bioavailability and potential uptake may change with soil properties. Our results serve as a basis for a better understanding of REE biogeochemical cycling and its fate in the marine environment. REE have experienced increased use as they are central to new technologies revealing an urgent need for further investigations of potential impacts on coastal ecosystems.

Excretory urographic, ultrasonographic, and cystoscopic characteristics of urinary bladder abscesses in a dog.

A 7-year-old male neutered, 6.5 kg, Maltese breed dog was referred with a history of dysuria after undergoing two cystotomies to remove calcium oxalate uroliths. Survey radiographs were inconclusive. Excretory urography allowed visualization of two filling defects in the cranioventral urinary bladder region. Ultrasonography showed urinary bladder sediments, a diffusely thickened wall, and two circumscribed intramural/intraluminal structures with an anechoic interior and a smooth and regular surface. The cystoscopic diagnosis was urinary bladder abscesses and urine cultures were positive for Escherichia coli. Antimicrobial/anti-inflammatory therapy was started with good clinical outcomes and negative culture after 21 days.

Accuracy of B-mode ultrasound and ARFI elastography in predicting malignancy of canine splenic lesions.

The objective was to evaluate the accuracy of B-mode ultrasonography and ARFI elastography in detecting malignancy in canine splenic lesions. Thirty-seven spleens with abnormalities (16 benign and 21 malignant) from dogs of different breeds and ages were evaluated. Echogenicity, echotexture, organ length and height were evaluated using B-mode. By ARFI elastography, tissue stiffness was evaluated qualitatively (elastogram) and quantitatively (measuring the shear wave velocity-SWV). Lesions were classified as diffuse, focal or multifocal (cranial, medial or caudal portion) and comparisons of the SWV between the injured and non-injured areas were performed. In the B-mode, no features were associated to malignancy (P > 0.05). In the elastogram, 35 spleens were non-deformable and 2 deformable, having no association with malignancy. The greater SWV was observed in malignant lesions (3.4 ± 0.6 m/s), followed by areas free from alterations (2.1 ± 0.3 m/s) and benign lesions (1.7 ± 0.5 m/s), with difference between groups (P < 0.0001). It was found that a SWV > 2.6 m/s indicates malignancy of canine splenic lesions (sensitivity of 95%, specificity of 100%, PPV of 100%, NPV of 94% and accuracy of 97%), concluding that ARFI elastography is a promising technique for differentiating malignancy in these lesions.

Malignancy prediction of cutaneous and subcutaneous neoplasms in canines using B-mode ultrasonography, Doppler, and ARFI elastography.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous and subcutaneous neoplasms are highly prevalent in dogs, ranging from benign to highly aggressive and metastatic lesions. The diagnosis is obtained through histopathology, however it is an invasive technique that may take a long time to obtain the result, delaying the beginning of the adequate treatment. Thus, there is a need for non-invasive tests that can help in the early diagnosis of this type of cancer. The aim of this study was to verify the accuracy of B-mode ultrasonography, Doppler, and ARFI elastography to predict malignancy in cutaneous and subcutaneous canine neoplasms. In addition, we aim to propose an ultrasonography evaluation protocol and perform the neoplasms characterization using these three proposed techniques. RESULTS: Twenty-one types of specific neoplasm were diagnosed, and using B-mode, we verified the association between heterogeneous echotexture, invasiveness, presence of hyperechoic spots, and cavity areas with malignancy. An increased pulsatility was verified in malignant neoplasms using Doppler (cut-off value > 0.93). When using the elastography, malignancy was associated with non-deformable tissues and shear wave velocity > 3.52 m/s. Evaluation protocols were proposed associating 4, 5, 6, or 7 malignancy predictive characteristics, and characterization was done for all tumors with at least two cases. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that ultrasonography methods are promising and effective in predicting malignancy in these types of tumors, and the association of methods can increase the specificity of the results.

The flourishing and vulnerabilities of zoantharians on Southwestern Atlantic reefs.

In the Southwestern Atlantic reefs (SWA), some species of massive scleractinians and zoantharians are adapted to turbid waters, periodic desiccation, and sediment resuspension events. Moreover, phase shifts in this region have mostly been characterized by the emergence of algae and, less typically, zoantharians. However, nutrient excess and organic pollution are key drivers of the hard coral habitat degradation and may, thus, favor the emergence of novel zoantharian-dominated habitats. Many zoantharian species, particularly those from the genera Palythoa and Zoanthus, have traits that could help them thrive under conditions detrimental to reef-building corals, including rapid growth, several asexual reproduction strategies, high morphological plasticity, and generalist nutrient acquisition strategies. Thus, in a near future, stress-tolerant zoantharians may thrive in nutrient-enriched subtidal SWA locations under low heat stress, such as, upwelling. Overall, coral-zoantharian phase shifts in the SWA may decrease the species richness of reef communities, ultimately influencing ecosystem functioning and services, such as the provision of nursery habitats, fish biomass production, and coastline protection. However, zoantharians will also be threatened at intertidal zones, which are expected to experience higher heat stress, solar radiation, and sea-level rise. Although zoantharians appear to cope well with some local stressors (e.g., decreasing water quality), they are vulnerable to climate change (e.g., heatwaves), invasive species (Tubastraea spp.), microplastics, diseases, and mostly restricted to a narrow depth range (0-15 m depth) in SWA reefs. This shallow zone is particularly affected by climate change, compressing the three-dimensional habitat and limiting depth refugia in deeper SWA reefs. As mesophotic ecosystems have been hypothesized as short-term refuges to disturbances for some species, the narrow depth limit of zoantharians seems to be a potential factor that might increase their vulnerability to growing climate change pressures in SWA shallow-water reefs. Together, these could lead to both range expansions in some locations and loss of suitable reef habitats in other sites. Additional research is needed to better understand the systemic responses of these novel SWA reefs to the concert of increasing and interactive local and global stressors, and their implications for ecosystem functioning and service provisions.

Ultrasonography of the nuchal translucency of healthy and abnormal English Bulldog fetuses.

The aim of this study was to measure the nuchal translucency (NT) of canine fetuses to establish reference values ​​for healthy gestational processes and to verify its effectiveness in the diagnosis of congenital abnormalities. On day 34 of gestation, the NT of three fetuses from each of the 26 English bulldog female dogs was measured. The first fetus was the one located immediately cranial to the bladder, the second was selected from the left side of the abdomen, and the third from the right side. The reference values for healthy animals were offset using descriptive statistics. The diagnostic ability of the test to identify fetal malformations was studied using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Of the 26 litters, only 18 had healthy fetuses, 4 had fetuses with anasarca, 3 had fetuses with abdominal wall defects, and 1 had both types of abnormalities. The NT was higher in canine fetuses that presented anasarca in the litter than in normal litters (1.8 ± 0.77 mm vs. 1.4 ± 0.48 mm; P = 0.0249), with a cut-off value of NT > 1.45 mm (sensitivity = 61.54%, specificity = 70.18%). NT greater than 1.45 mm seems to be a diagnostic tool for the identification of anasarca during gestation of bulldogs. Considering the unprecedented use of this parameter in canine species and the limitations found during the study, further studies will be needed in order to use it on clinical practice.

Applicability of B-mode ultrasonography, ARFI elastography and contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the evaluation of chronic kidney disease in dogs / Aplicabilidade da ultrassonografia modo-B, elastografia ARFI e ultrassonografia contrastada na avaliação da doença renal crônica em cães

The objective of this study was to verify the applicability of B-mode ultrasonography, ARFI elastography and CEUS in the diagnosis of chronic kidney disease and its Stages in dogs. 24 healthy dogs and 28 with CKD were included. In B-mode, the echogenicity, echotexture and cortico-medullary ratio of the kidneys were verified. By elastography, the shear-wave velocity of the cortical (SWVcort) and medullary (SWVmed) regions were determined and tissue deformity was evaluated. Wash-in, wash-out and peak enhancement (TPic) of the contrast in the renal parenchyma were calculated and homogeneity, presence of filling gaps and distinction of filling phases were evaluated by CEUS. Changes in echogenicity, echotexture and cortico-medullary ratio were observed only in sick patients. There was an increase in SWVcort in CKD, with a cutoff point >2.91m/s. Healthy kidneys were non-deformable and 25% had changes in gray scales. There was an increase in wash-in and TPic, changes in filling characteristics, filling failures and difficulty in distinguishing between the Stages in CEUS in CKD. It was found that dogs with CKD 2, 3 and 4 had greater SWVcort and wash-in values than CKD 1. Elastographic and CEUS changes were observed in dogs with CKD, demonstrating the applicability of ultrasonographic techniques in their diagnosis.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a aplicabilidade da ultrassonografia modo-B, elastografia ARFI e CEUS no diagnóstico da doença renal crônica e seus estágios em cães. Foram incluídos 24 cães saudáveis e 28 com DRC. Pelo modo-B, verificou-se ecogenicidade, ecotextura e relação córtico-medular dos rins. Pela elastografia, foram determinadas as velocidades de cisalhamento das regiões cortical (SWVcort) e medular (SWVmed) e foi avaliada a deformidade tecidual. Calculou-se os temos de wash-in, wash-out e pico de intensidade (TPic) do parênquima renal e avaliou-se homogeneidade, presença de falhas e distinção das fases de preenchimento por contraste por meio de CEUS. Alterações em ecogenicidade, ecotextura e relação córtico-medular foram observadas somente em pacientes doentes. Houve aumento da SWVcort na DRC, com ponto de corte >2.91m/s. Rins saudáveis foram não-deformáveis e 25% apresentou alterações nas escalas de cinza. Houve aumento do wash-in e TPic, alterações nas características de preenchimento, falhas e dificuldade para distinguir as fases de preenchimento do contraste nos rins com DRC. Verificou-se que cães com DRC graus 2, 3 e 4 tiveram valores de SWVcort e wash-in maiores que cães com DRC grau 1. Foram obsrervadas alterações elastográfica e de CEUS em cães com DRC, demonstrando a aplicabilidade destas técnicas ultrassonográficas no seu diagnóstico.(AU)

Accuracy of B-mode ultrasonography for detecting malignancy in canine cutaneous neoplasms: preliminary results / Acurácia da ultrassonografia modo-B na detecção de malignidade em neoplasmas cutâneos de caninos: resultados preliminares

The aim of this study was to verify the applicability and accuracy of B-mode ultrasonography in detecting malignancy in dog cutaneous neoplasms. Forty-two neoplasms (12 benign and 30 malignant) of mesenchymal, round cells, epithelial and melanocytic origins from 24 dogs of different breeds and ages were included. The ultrasound evaluation was performed with a linear multi-frequency transducer (7.0 to 12MHz), with frequency dependent on the mass dimension. Ultrasonographic characteristics of echogenicity (hypo/hyperechogenic), echotexture (homogeneous/heterogeneous), regularity, invasiveness in adjacent tissues were classified. Dimensions were also measured to calculate the depth/width ratio. Neoplasms were classified as malignant or benign after cytological and/or histopathological analysis and the results were associated with ultrasound characteristics. There was a significant association (P<0.05) between malignancy and echogenicity, echotexture and invasiveness in adjacent tissues, so that 84.6% of hypoechogenic neoplasms, 76.9% of heterogeneous masses and 88.2% of invasive neoplasms were classified as malignant. However, for all these associations, moderate predictive values were obtained, which may be due to the small experimental number included in this study. Therefore, although it has been observed that hypoechogenic, heterogeneous and invasive neoplasms were more prone to malignancy, these findings should be used with caution until new studies are developed with a greater number and variety of cutaneous neoplasms in dogs.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a aplicabilidade e acurácia da ultrassonografia modo-B na detecção de malignidade em neoplasmas cutâneos de cães. Foram incluídos 42 neoplasmas (12 benignos e 30 malignos) de origens mesenquimal, células redondas, epitelial e melanocítica provenientes de 24 cães de diferentes raças e idades. O exame ultrassonográfico foi realizado com transdutor linear multifrequencial (7.0 a 12MHz), com frequência dependente da dimensão da massa. Foram classificadas características ultrassonográficas de ecogenicidade (hipo/hiperecogênicos), ecotextura (homogêneos/heterogêneos), regularidade, invasividade em tecidos adjacentes. As dimensões foram mensuradas para cálculo da razão profundidade/largura. Os neoplasmas foram classificados como malignos ou benignos após análise cito e/ou histopatológica e os resultados foram associados com as características ultrassonográficas. Verificou-se associação significativa (P<0.05) entre malignidade e ecogenicidade, ecotextura e invasividade em tecidos adjacentes, de forma que 84.6% dos neoplasmas hipoecogênicos, 76.9% das massas heterogêneas e 88.2% dos neoplasmas invasivos foram classificados como malignos. Entretanto, para todas essas associações, foram obtidos valores preditivos moderados, que podem ser decorrentes do baixo número experimental incluso neste estudo. Sendo assim, embora tenha sido observado que os neoplasmas hipoecogênicos, heterogêneos e invasivos tiveram maior propensão à malignidade, esses achados devem ser utilizados com cautela até novos trabalhos sejam desenvolvidos com maior número e variedade de neoplasmas cutâneos de cães.(AU)